Plasma display panel having near cross discharge spaces

An AC Plasma display panel. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of ribs are disposed on a rear substrate forming non-equilateral hexagonal discharge spaces in a delta configuration. A front substrate is disposed opposite the rear substrate. A plurality of bus electrodes substantially extend in a first direction, and each contains a plurality of extending electrodes protruding into corresponding non-equilateral hexagonal discharge spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an AC plasma display panel and in particular to electrodes and ribs of an AC plasma display panel.

2. Description of the Related Art

A plasma display panel (PDP) is a thin type display, and typically has a large viewing area. The luminescent principle of the PDP is the same as that of fluorescent lamps. A vacuum glass trough is filled with inert gase. When a voltage is applied to the glass trough, plasma is generated and radiates ultraviolet (UV) rays. The fluorescent material coated on the wall of the glass trough adsorbs the UV rays, hence the fluorescent material radiates visible light including red, green and blue light. A plasma display can be described as a combination of hundreds of thousands of illuminating units, each illuminating unit has three subunits for radiating red, green and blue light, respectively. Images are displayed by mixing these three primary colors.

As shown inFIG. 1, a conventional PDP10has a pair of glass substrates12, and14arranged parallel and opposite to each other. A discharge space16is formed between the glass substrates12, and14and injected with inert gases, such as Ar, Xe or others. The upper glass substrate12has a plurality of transverse electrode groups positioned in parallel. Each group of transverse electrodes has a first and a second sustaining electrode18and20, each of which includes transparent electrodes181and201and bus electrodes182and202. A dielectric layer24is further formed covering transverse electrodes, and a protection layer26is formed on the dielectric layer24.

The lower glass substrate14has a plurality of barrier ribs28arranged in parallel and spaced apart by a predetermined distance dividing the discharge space16into a plurality of groups of sub-discharge spaces. Each group of sub-discharge spaces includes a red discharge space16R, a green discharge space16G, and a blue discharge space16B. Additionally, the lower glass substrate14has a plurality of lengthwise electrodes22disposed in parallel between two adjacent barrier ribs28serving as address electrodes. A red fluorescent layer29R, a green fluorescent layer29G, and a blue fluorescent layer29B are respectively coated on the lower glass substrate14and the sidewalls of the barrier ribs28within each red discharge space16R, each green discharge space16G, and each blue discharge space16B.

When a voltage is applied for driving electrodes, the inert gases in the discharge space16are discharged to produce UV rays. The UV rays further illuminate the fluorescent layers29R,29G,29B to radiate visible light including red, green and blue light. After the three primary colors are mixed at different ratios, various images are formed and transmitted through the upper glass substrate12.

FIG. 2is a local top view ofFIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 2, the ribs28are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other on the rear substrate. A discharge space16is disposed between the first sustain electrode18and the second sustain electrode20. In the discharge space16, the inert gas is ionized to strike the fluorescent layers on the rear substrate and the ribs28to generate light. However, only the fluorescent layers coated on adjacent ribs28can generate light, hence luminance of the PDP is not enough. Additionally, drawbacks of the open discharge space are that the adjacent discharge space162is prone to crosstalk, causing interference between cells and reducing the PDP10display quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a rib structure arranged in a delta configuration. The rib structure of the present invention forms close discharge spaces with a longer axis in one direction which provides space for longer plasma extension and better discharge efficiency.

To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a PDP structure comprising the following elements. A plurality of ribs are disposed on a rear substrate, forming non-equilateral hexagonal discharge spaces in a delta configuration. A front substrate is disposed opposite the rear substrate. A plurality of bus electrodes substantially extend in a first direction, and each bus electrode contains a plurality of extending electrodes protruding into a corresponding non-equilateral hexagonal discharge space.

The present invention provides additional PDP structure comprising the following elements. A plurality of ribs are disposed are on a rear substrate, forming diamond shaped discharge spaces in a delta configuration. A front substrate is disposed opposite the rear substrate. A plurality of bus electrodes substantially extend in a first direction and each bus electrode contains a plurality of extending electrodes protruding into corresponding diamond shaped discharge space.

The present invention further provides a PDP structure comprising the following elements. A plurality of ribs are disposed on a rear substrate, forming cross discharge spaces in a delta configuration. A front substrate is disposed opposite the rear substrate. A plurality of bus electrodes substantially extend in a first direction and each bus electrode contains a plurality of extending electrodes protruding into a corresponding cross discharge space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a rib structure arranged in a delta configuration, wherein the ribs form close discharge spaces. Each discharge space has a first axis along a first direction and a second axis along a second direction. The first axis is longer than the second axis. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular. A longer plasma extending space and better discharge efficiency are provided, due to the close discharge space containing one longer axis. The non-equal hexagonal, diamond shape, cross, and near cross discharge spaces are respectively disclosed in the following first, second, third and fourth embodiments, wherein each has one longer axis, such that better discharge efficiency is achieved. Furthermore, structures of bus electrodes and extending electrodes are disclosed in detail in each embodiment.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

FIG. 3is a top view of the PDP of the first embodiment andFIG. 4is a cross section view along the line4–4′ ofFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, a plurality of ribs302are disposed on a rear substrate400and form non-equilateral hexagonal discharge spaces in a delta configuration304. Consequently, red non-equilateral hexagonal discharge space305, green non-equilateral hexagonal discharge space307and blue non-equilateral hexagonal discharge space309are formed in a delta configuration. In the prefered embodiment, each rib302has two layers with different color. The top layer of the rib is black to enhance contrast and the bottom layer is white to increase luminance. The preferable height of each rib308is 100 μm˜180 μm. Preferably, the non-equilateral hexagonal discharge space is symmetrical, and comprises four bevel sides310, and two parallel vertical sides308. Each vertical side308is preferably ½ the size of the bevel side310, and more preferably the vertical side308is ¼ time of the bevel side310.

Referring toFIG. 3andFIG. 4, a front substrate404is disposed over a rear substrate400. A plurality of bus electrodes312disposed on the front substrate404extend in direction X, passing the top region and the down region of the corresponding non-equilateral hexagonal discharge space. The bus electrodes312can be arranged in lines electrodes and parallel to each other. The bus electrodes312include a plurality of extending electrodes314extending in direction Y to stick out into corresponding non-equilateral hexagonal sub-pixels. The extending electrodes314can be rectangular. The bus electrodes312can be a multi-layer metal film, such as Cr/Cu/Cr, or Ag. The extending electrodes314are preferably formed of transparent conductive material, such as ITO. As shown inFIG. 4, a fluorescent layer416is formed on the rib302. A dielectric layer418covers the bus electrode312and the extending electrode314, and a protective layer420covers the dielectric layer418.

Consequently, the non-equilateral hexagonal discharge spaces provided by the invention have longer vertical axis length, and thus provide longer plasma extending distance and increasing better discharge efficiency. Moreover, the close discharge spaces of the invention can eliminate crosstalk.

Referring toFIG. 5, the bus electrodes502can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs506substantially in direction X. The bus electrode includes a plurality of extending electrodes510extending in direction Y. The extending electrodes510can be rectangular.

FIG. 6illustrates an electrode structure of the first embodiment. InFIG. 6, the bus electrodes602can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs606substantially in direction X. The bus electrode includes a plurality of rectanglular extending electrodes610extending in direction Y. The extending electrodes610are connected in parallel by corresponding connecting electrode612.

FIG. 7illustrates another electrode structure. InFIG. 7, the bus electrodes702can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs706substantially in direction X. The bus electrode702includes a plurality of near triangular extending electrodes710extending in direction Y. The near triangular extending electrode710is preferably spaced apart from the ribs702by a distance of between 30 μm to 50 μm to prevent effecting discharge efficiency.

FIG. 8illustrates yet another electrode structure. InFIG. 8, the bus electrodes802can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs substantially in direction X. The bus electrode802includes a plurality of near triangular extending electrodes808extending in direction Y. The bus electrodes802and the extending electrodes808form a bar shaped electrodes extending in direction X.

FIG. 9illustrates still another electrode structures. InFIG. 9, the bus electrodes902can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs906substantially in direction X. The bus electrode902includes a plurality of near triangular extending electrodes908extending in direction Y. The bus electrodes902and the extending electrodes908form a bar shaped electrodes with openings912near the intersection910of lines in different directions of the zigzag shape bus electrodes902. Thus, the bus electrodes with the openings912can prevent crosstalk. As well, the bus electrodes of the bar shaped electrodes do not contact adjacent extending electrodes at angled points.

Referring toFIG. 5, the PDP having a resolution 1365*768 is given as an example, the lateral pitch512size is about 540 μm and the vertical pitch514size is about 405 μm. The length of the bevel side516of the non-equilateral hexagon is about 344 μm, and length of the vertical side518of the non-equilateral hexagon is about 146 μm. The width of the rib is about 60 μm.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

FIG. 10is a top view of the PDP of the second embodiment. As shown inFIG. 10, a plurality of ribs are disposed on a rear substrate to form diamond shaped discharge spaces150in a delta configuration. Consequently, red non-equilateral hexagonal, green non-equilateral hexagonal and blue non-equilateral hexagonal discharge spaces are formed in a delta configuration. In the preferred embodiment, each rib has two layers with different color. The top layer of the ribs is black to enhance contrast and the bottom layer is white to increase luminance. The preferable height of each rib is 100 μm˜180 μm.

A front substrate is disposed over a rear substrate. A plurality of bus electrodes152are disposed on the front substrate extending in direction X, passing the top region and the down region of the corresponding diamond shaped discharge space150. The bus electrodes152can be arranged in lines and parallel to each other. Each bus electrode152includes a plurality of extending electrodes154extending in direction Y to protrude into a corresponding diamond shaped sub-pixel150. The extending electrodes154can be rectangular. The bus electrodes152can be a multi-layer metal film, such as Cr/Cu/Cr, or Ag. The extending electrodes154are preferably formed of transparent conductive material, such as ITO.

Consequently, the diamond shaped discharge space150provided by the invention has a longer vertical axis, such that it can provide longer plasma extending distance, thus increasing discharge efficiency. Moreover, the close discharge space of the invention prevents crosstalk.

FIG. 11illustrates another electrode structure of the second embodiment. Referring toFIG. 11, the bus electrodes252can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs substantially in direction X. The bus electrode252includes the first lines258along the ribs256and the second lines260along the direction X. The bus electrode252further includes a plurality of extending electrodes262extending in direction Y. The extending electrodes262can be rectanglular, protruding into the diamond shaped discharge space254.

FIG. 12illustrates yet another electrode structure of the second embodiment. Referring toFIG. 12, the bus electrodes352can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs substantially in direction X. The bus electrode includes the first lines356along the ribs and the second lines358along the direction X. The bus electrode further includes a plurality of extending electrodes360extending in direction Y. The extending electrodes360can be near triangle, protruding into the diamond shaped discharge space354. The near triangular extending electrode360is preferably separated from the ribs by a distance ranging from 30 μm to 50 μm to prevent effecting discharge efficiency.

FIG. 13illustrates yet another electrode structures. Referring toFIG. 13, the bus electrodes452can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs substantially in direction X. The bus electrode includes the first lines454along the ribs and the second lines456along the direction X. The bus electrode452further includes a plurality of extending electrodes458extending in direction Y. The extending electrodes458can be near triangular, protruding into the corresponding diamond shaped discharge space and back intersecting with the second lines. The near triangular extending electrode458is preferably spaced apart from the ribs by a distance of between 30 μm to 50 μm to prevent effecting discharge efficiency.

Referring toFIG. 10, the PDP having a resolution 1365*768 is given as an example of the embodiment, the lateral pitch162size is about 540 μm and the vertical pitch164size is about 164 μm. Length of the bevel side160of the diamond is about 337.5 μm. Width of the rib is about 60 μm.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

FIG. 14is a top view of the PDP of the third embodiment. As shown inFIG. 10, a plurality of ribs560are disposed on a rear substrate to form cross discharge spaces552in a delta configuration554. Consequently, red cross discharge space556, green cross discharge space558and blue cross discharge space560are formed in a delta configuration554. In the preferable embodiment, each rib560has two layers with different color. The top layer of the rib560is black to enhance contrast and the bottom layer is white to increase luminance. The preferable height of each rib560is 100 μm˜180 μm.

A front substrate is disposed over a rear substrate. A plurality of bus electrodes562are disposed on the front substrate, extending in direction X and passing the top region and the down region of the corresponding cross discharge space558. Each bus electrode562can be arranged in a line shape and parallel to each other. The bus electrodes562include a plurality of extending electrodes568extending in direction Y to protrude into corresponding cross sub-pixel552. The extending electrodes568can be rectangular. The bus electrodes562can be a multi-layer metal film, such as Cr/Cu/Cr, or Ag. The extending electrodes568are preferably formed of transparent conductive material, such as ITO.

Consequently, the rib structure of the present invention forms close discharge spaces552with a longer axis in one direction which provides space for longer plasma extension and better discharge efficiency. The close discharge space of the invention can avoid crosstalk.

FIG. 15illustrates another electrode structure of the third embodiment. Referring toFIG. 15, the bus electrodes652can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs substantially in direction X. The bus electrode includes the first lines654along the ribs and the second lines656along the direction X. The bus electrode further includes a plurality of extending electrodes660extending in direction Y. The extending electrodes660can be rectangular, protruding into the cross discharge space.

Referring toFIG. 15, the PDP having a resolution 1365*768 is given as an example of the third embodiment, the lateral pitch662size is about 540 μm and the vertical pitch664size is about 405 μm. The lateral line666of the cross is about 160 μm and the vertical line668of the cross is about 206 μm. Width of the rib is about 60 μm.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

FIG. 16is a top view of the PDP of the fourth embodiment. As shown inFIG. 10, a plurality of ribs760are disposed on a rear substrate to form near cross discharge spaces752in a delta configuration754. The near cross discharge spaces include a square as a main portion and four rectangular sub portions extending from each side of the main portion. Red near cross discharge space752, green near cross discharge space756and blue near cross discharge space758are formed in a delta configuration. In the preferable embodiment, each rib760has two layers with different color. The top layer of the rib760is black to enhance contrast and the bottom layer is white to increase luminance. The preferable height of each rib760is 100 μm˜180 μm.

A front substrate is disposed over a rear substrate. A plurality of bus electrodes762are disposed on the front substrate, extending in direction X and passing the top and the down regions of the corresponding near cross discharge space752. Each bus electrode762can be arranged in parallel in a line shape. The bus electrodes762include a plurality of extending electrodes768extending in direction Y to protrude into a corresponding near cross sub-pixel. The extending electrodes768can be rectangular. The bus electrodes can be a multi-layer metal film, such as Cr/Cu/Cr, or Ag. The extending electrodes are preferably formed of transparent conductive material, such as ITO.

Consequently, The rib structure of the present invention forms close discharge spaces752with a longer axis in one direction which provides space for longer plasma extension and better discharge efficiency. Moreover, the close discharge space of the invention can eliminate crosstalk.

FIG. 17illustrates another electrode structure of the fourth embodiment. Referring toFIG. 17, the bus electrodes852can be arranged in a zigzag shape extending along the ribs substantially in direction X. In addition, each bus electrode852includes a plurality of extending electrodes856extending in direction Y. The extending electrodes856can be rectangular, protruding into the corresponding near cross discharge space.

Referring toFIG. 17, the PDP having a resolution 1365*768 is given as an example of the fourth embodiment, the lateral pitch858size is about 540 μm and the vertical pitch860size is about 860 μm. Length of the first lateral side862, second lateral side864and third lateral side866of the near cross are respectively 180 μm, 90 μm and 90 μm. In addition, length of the first vertical side868, second vertical side870and third vertical side872of the near cross are respectively 202.5 μm, 101.25 μm and 101.25 μm. Width of the rib is about 60 μm.

According to the four the embodiment described above, the close discharge space can be non-equal hexagonal, diamond shape, cross, near cross or any other shape in which includes a first axis and a second axis, with the first axis being longer than the second axis. In addition, the bus electrodes can be lines or zigzag shapes along corresponding rip, and the extending electrodes can be square or near triangle or any other shape. Each non-equal hexagonal, diamond shape, cross or near cross sub-pixel of the present invention has one longer axis. Thus, the structures with close discharge space provided by the present invention can achieve better discharge efficiency.