JP2004178854A - Light emitting tube array display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress luminance unevenness of a display device, by having an electrode structure preventing voltage drop, even if a display device with a large size screen is produced. <P>SOLUTION: The light emitting tube array display device comprises a light emitting tube array forming a display screen, a supporting body which supports the light emitting tube array from the display surface side and the back surface side and has a plurality of electrodes for applying voltage to the light emitting tube formed in a stripe type on the opposite side of the light emitting tube array, a terminal electrode lead out part provided on the supporting body outside the display area of the display screen, a relay electrode lead out part provided on the supporting body inside the display area of the display screen, a first driver for applying voltage to the terminal electrode lead out part, and a second driver for applying voltage to the relay electrode lead out part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an arc tube array type display device, and more particularly, to an arc tube in which a discharge gas is sealed in a transparent thin tube having a diameter of about 0.5 to 5 mm (also referred to as a “display tube” or a “gas discharge tube”). ) Are arranged in parallel, and an arc tube array type display device for displaying an arbitrary image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The display device as described above has a feature that the degree of freedom regarding the size of the display screen is large. For example, the screen size can be determined by the number of arc tubes arranged. Therefore, by utilizing this feature and changing the number of arc tubes arranged according to the application, display devices having various screen sizes can be manufactured (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-315460 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described arc tube array type display device, an arc tube array in which arc tubes are juxtaposed is usually sandwiched between a pair of substrates. At this time, electrodes are formed in a stripe shape on the surface of each substrate facing the arc tube array, and these electrodes are arranged so as to intersect each other when viewed in plan.
[0005]
The electrode formed on the substrate on the display surface side is a transparent electrode so as not to hinder the light emission of the arc tube, and a metal bus electrode is juxtaposed with the transparent electrode to improve conductivity. ing.
[0006]
The display is performed by applying a voltage to an electrode formed on the substrate to generate a discharge inside the arc tube.
[0007]
In this arc tube array type display device, it is easy to increase the screen size. On the other hand, when the screen size is increased, the length of the electrodes becomes longer, and the driving voltage applied from the driver (driving circuit) to the electrodes is reduced. A descent occurs. As a result, in the pixel located at the end of the long electrode, the brightness is reduced or a discharge error occurs, resulting in uneven brightness when viewed over the entire display screen.
[0008]
To prevent this voltage drop, the bus electrode may be made thicker. However, when the bus electrode is made thicker, light emission of the arc tube is hindered, and the display brightness is reduced.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when a display device having a large screen size is manufactured, it is possible to prevent uneven brightness of the display device by using an electrode structure that does not cause a voltage drop. It is intended to do so.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides an arc tube array forming a display screen by juxtaposing a plurality of arc tubes in which a discharge gas is sealed, and supporting the arc tube array from at least one of a display surface side and a back side. A support in which a large number of electrodes for applying a voltage to the arc tube are formed in a stripe shape on a surface facing the arc tube array, a terminal electrode lead portion provided on the support outside the display area of the display screen, and display. A light emission comprising a relay electrode lead portion provided on a support in a display area of a screen, a first driver for applying a voltage to the terminal electrode lead portion, and a second driver for applying a voltage to the relay electrode lead portion. It is a tube array type display device.
[0011]
According to the present invention, even when the size of the display screen is large, the voltage is applied from the second driver to the relay electrode lead portion provided on the support in the display area of the display screen. As compared with the case where a voltage is applied to the electrode of the support using the method described above, there is no voltage drop of the electrode, and the uneven brightness of the display device is prevented.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the present invention, the arc tube array may be any as long as a display screen is configured by juxtaposing a plurality of arc tubes in which a discharge gas is sealed. As the thin tube serving as the tube of the arc tube, any tube having any diameter may be used, but a glass tube having a diameter of about 0.5 to 5 mm is preferably used. The shape of the thin tube may have any shape such as a circular cross section, a flat elliptical cross section, and a rectangular cross section.
[0013]
The support supports the arc tube array from at least one of the display surface side and the back side, and has a large number of electrodes for applying a voltage to the arc tube formed in a stripe shape on the surface facing the arc tube array. Is good enough.
[0014]
As the support, for example, a flexible sheet made of resin or a substrate made of glass can be used. Examples of the resin-made flexible sheet include a light-transmitting film sheet. As a film used for the film sheet, a commercially available PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film or the like can be used. Examples of the glass substrate include a substrate made of soda lime glass.
[0015]
The support is desirably formed of a pair of supports capable of supporting the arc tube array from both the display surface side and the back surface side. In this case, it is not necessary that both are made of the same material, and any configuration is possible, such as forming one with resin and the other with glass.
[0016]
The size of the support is desirably sheet-like or flat, so as to cover the entire arc tube array so as to support the entire arc tube array.
[0017]
The electrode is formed on one of the pair of supports or on both surfaces of the arc tube facing each other, and is capable of generating a discharge in a discharge gas space inside the arc tube by applying a voltage. Just fine. Any of these electrodes can be formed using materials and methods known in the art. For example, this electrode is formed by forming copper or the like on the surface facing the arc tube of the flexible sheet by a low-temperature sputtering method, an evaporation method, a plating method, or the like, and then performing patterning using a known photolithographic method. can do. The electrode can also be formed using nickel, aluminum, silver, or the like. The electrode may be formed by a printing method or the like in addition to the above.
[0018]
This electrode is desirably provided so as to form a plurality of discharge regions along the longitudinal direction inside the arc tube. From this viewpoint, a main electrode formed on the arc tube facing surface of the support located on the display surface side of the arc tube array in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the arc tube, and located on the back side of the arc tube array. It is desirable that the light emitting device be constituted by data electrodes formed along the longitudinal direction of the arc tube on the opposing surface of the support.
[0019]
The terminal electrode lead-out portion may be provided on the support outside the display area of the display screen. The terminal electrode lead-out portion includes one in which the terminal of the cable is directly connected to the electrode formed on the support, and one in which the terminal is connected to the cable via a connector.
[0020]
The relay electrode lead portion may be provided on the support in the display area of the display screen. The relay electrode lead-out portion also includes one in which the terminal of the cable is directly connected to the electrode formed on the support, and one in which the terminal is connected to the cable via a connector.
[0021]
The first driver only needs to be able to apply a voltage capable of generating a discharge inside the arc tube to the terminal electrode lead portion, and a driver known in the art can be applied.
[0022]
The second driver only needs to be able to apply a voltage capable of generating a discharge inside the arc tube to the relay electrode lead portion, and a driver known in the art may be used as the second driver. Can be.
[0023]
In the above configuration, the support is constituted by a pair of supports for supporting the arc tube array from the display surface side and the back side, and a large number of electrodes formed on the display surface side support are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the arc tube. They may be arranged in an intersecting direction. In that case, the relay electrode lead-out portion can be constituted by a relay electrode pattern formed on the outer peripheral surface of the arc tube and in contact with the electrode of the support on the display surface side, and a connection cable connected thereto.
[0024]
The support on the display surface side may be a single support, and the support on the back side may be a plurality of supports divided along the longitudinal direction of the arc tube. It is desirable to pull out the back of the arc tube array from the divided position of the support on the back side.
[0025]
Further, the support on the display surface side and the support on the back side may be divided into a plurality of supports along the longitudinal direction of the arc tube. In this case, the connection cable of the relay electrode pattern is also supported on the back side. It is desirable to pull out from the division position of the body behind the arc tube array.
[0026]
In the case of this configuration, the relay electrode pattern and its connection cable are divided into the first electrode pattern and its connection cable formed on the arc tube located at the end of the support on one of the divided display surfaces, and the other display electrode. It may be constituted by the second electrode pattern formed on the arc tube located at the end of the support on the surface side and the connection cable thereof.
[0027]
The support is composed of a pair of supports for supporting the arc tube array from the display surface side and the back side, and a number of electrodes formed on the display surface side support are arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the arc tube. In such a configuration, the relay electrode lead-out portion may be formed on a support on the display surface side, and may be configured as an intermediate electrode lead-out portion having the same shape as the terminal electrode lead-out portion of the display surface-side support.
[0028]
In this configuration, when the display surface-side support and the back-side support are composed of a plurality of supports divided along the longitudinal direction of the arc tube, the intermediate electrode lead-out portion is provided on the back-side support. It is desirable to pull out from the division position behind the arc tube array.
[0029]
The support on the display surface side may be further divided in parallel with the electrodes of the support.
[0030]
When a large number of electrodes formed on the back support are arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the arc tube, the back support is further divided in a direction intersecting the electrodes of the support. May be. In this case, a back-side terminal electrode lead portion may be provided at an end of each support on the back side.
[0031]
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible.
[0032]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the arc tube display device of the present invention. This display device has a phosphor layer disposed inside a glass thin tube having a diameter of about 0.5 to 5 mm, and a plurality of arc tubes in which discharge gas is sealed are arranged in parallel to display an arbitrary image. It is an array type display device.
[0033]
In this figure, 31 is a support (substrate) on the front side (display surface side), 32 is a support (substrate) on the back side, 1 is an arc tube, X and Y are display electrode pairs (main electrode pairs), A Is a data electrode (also called a signal electrode or an address electrode).
[0034]
The tube of the arc tube 1 is a thin tube made of glass. This thin tube has a circular cross section and is made of Pyrex (registered trademark: heat-resistant glass manufactured by Corning Incorporated, U.S.A.) with an outer diameter of 1.0 mm, a wall thickness of 0.1 mm, and a length of 400 mm. is there.
[0035]
First, a thin tube as a tube of the arc tube 1 is formed by forming a cylindrical tube by a Danner method, and heating and molding the cylindrical tube to produce a glass base material similar to the thin tube to be manufactured. Then, the glass base material is manufactured by redrawing (stretching) while heating and softening the glass base material.
[0036]
The front support 31 and the back support 32 are made of a flexible sheet such as a PET film. Either one or both of the front support 31 and the back support 32 may be made of a glass plate using soda lime glass or the like. The support 31 on the front side is desirably transparent so as not to hinder the light emission of the arc tube 1. The back support 32 is preferably opaque from the viewpoint of display contrast.
[0037]
Display electrode pairs X and Y are formed on the arc tube facing surface of the support 31 on the front side. The display electrode pairs X and Y are made of ITO or SnO, respectively. ₂ And a bus electrode 13 made of a metal such as copper, nickel, aluminum and chromium. These electrodes are formed by a sputtering method, an evaporation method, a plating method, or the like.
[0038]
The data electrode A is formed on the back surface side of the support 32 facing the arc tube. Since the data electrode A may be opaque, it may be made of ITO or SnO. ₂ Nickel, copper, aluminum, silver, and the like are formed by a sputtering method, a vapor deposition method, a plating method, a printing method, or the like without using such a method.
[0039]
Phosphor layers (not shown) of the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are provided for each color in a discharge space inside the arc tube 1, and a discharge gas containing neon and xenon is provided. Is introduced and both ends are sealed, so that a discharge gas space is formed inside the arc tube. A plurality of the arc tubes 1 are arranged in parallel to form an arc tube array. The data electrode A is formed on the support 32 on the back side as described above, and is provided so as to contact the arc tube 1 along the longitudinal direction of the arc tube 1. The display electrode pairs X and Y are formed on the support 31 on the front side, and are provided so as to contact the arc tube 1 in a direction crossing the data electrodes A. A non-discharge region (non-discharge gap) 21 is provided between the display electrode pair X, Y and the display electrode pair X, Y.
[0040]
The data electrode A and the pair of display electrodes X and Y are brought into close contact with the lower outer peripheral surface and the upper outer peripheral surface of the arc tube 1 at the time of assembly, respectively. It may be bonded with an adhesive between the arc tube surface.
[0041]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the display device is viewed in plan.
The arc tube 1 has three color arc tubes 1 each for an R (red) arc tube, a G (green) arc tube 1, and a B (blue) arc tube 1. They are arranged in the direction.
[0042]
When the display device is viewed in a plan view, an intersection between the data electrode A and the display electrode pair X and Y is a unit light emitting region (unit discharge region). In the display, one of the display electrode pairs X and Y is used as a scanning electrode, a selective discharge is generated at the intersection of the scanning electrode and the data electrode A, and a light emitting region is selected. This is performed by generating a display discharge between the display electrode pair X and Y by utilizing wall charges formed on the inner surface of the tube in the region. The selective discharge is a counter discharge generated in the arc tube 1 between the scanning electrode and the data electrode A which are vertically opposed, and the display discharge is composed of the display electrode X and the display electrode X arranged in parallel on a plane. This is a surface discharge generated in the arc tube 1 between Y.
With such an electrode arrangement, a plurality of light emitting regions are formed in the arc tube 1 in the longitudinal direction.
[0043]
The illustrated electrode structure has a configuration in which three electrodes are arranged in one light emitting region, and a display discharge is generated by the display electrode pair X and Y. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A structure in which a display discharge is generated between the data electrode A and the data electrode A may be employed.
[0044]
That is, an electrode structure of a type in which one display electrode pair X and Y is used, and this single display electrode is used as a scanning electrode to generate a selective discharge and a display discharge (opposite discharge) between the data electrode A and the data electrode A. You may.
[0045]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the driver (drive circuit).
In this arc tube array type display device, drivers for applying a drive voltage to the display electrode pairs X and Y are provided on the left and right sides of the display device, and drivers for applying a drive voltage to the data electrodes A are provided above and below the display device.
[0046]
Specifically, an X-electrode driver 22 that applies a voltage to an X-side display electrode (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an “X-electrode”) is disposed on the right side of the display device, and the Y-side electrode on the left side of the display device. The Y electrode driver 23 that applies a voltage to the display electrodes (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “Y electrodes”) is disposed.
[0047]
The X electrode driver 22 is configured by an X electrode common driver that simultaneously applies a display voltage to all the X electrodes when a display discharge is generated between the display electrode pair X and Y.
The Y electrode driver 23 simultaneously applies a scanning voltage using the Y electrode as a scanning electrode, and simultaneously applies a display voltage to all the Y electrodes when a display discharge is generated between the display electrode pair X and Y. It is composed of a common driver for applying Y electrodes.
[0048]
In order to shorten the length of the electrode, the data electrode A is divided into upper and lower electrodes, and an upper data driver 24 for applying a selection drive voltage to the upper data electrode A is arranged above the display device. A lower data driver 25 for applying a drive voltage for selection to the lower data electrode A is disposed below the device.
[0049]
The above is the overall configuration of the arc tube display device. Next, the detailed configuration of the electrodes will be described.
[0050]
Embodiment 1
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the first embodiment. This figure shows the relationship between a display electrode pair formed on the front-side support member and a light-emitting tube formed of a single support member.
[0051]
In this figure, 41a is an X electrode driver connection portion, 41b is a Y electrode driver connection portion, XT is an X electrode terminal electrode lead portion, YT is a Y electrode terminal electrode lead portion, and 1a is a relay electrode lead portion. An arc tube.
[0052]
An X electrode driver connecting portion 41a for connecting the X electrode to the X electrode driver is provided at the right end of the support 31 on the front side. The X electrode driver connecting portion 41a has a terminal electrode lead portion XT of the X electrode. Has been pulled out.
[0053]
At the left end of the support 31 on the front side, a Y electrode driver connecting portion 41b for connecting the Y electrode to the Y electrode driver is provided. The Y electrode driver connecting portion 41b has a terminal electrode lead portion YT for the Y electrode. Has been pulled out.
[0054]
An arc tube (hereinafter, also referred to as an arc tube with a relay electrode) 1a provided with a relay electrode lead portion is disposed substantially at the center of the display area. The other arc tubes are the ordinary arc tubes 1 described above.
[0055]
The relay electrode lead portion of the arc tube 1a includes a relay electrode pattern formed on the outer peripheral surface of the arc tube 1a and a connection cable (described later) connected thereto.
[0056]
The same number of relay electrode patterns are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the arc tube 1a at the same pitch as the display electrode pairs X and Y, and come into contact with the X electrode and the Y electrode, respectively.
[0057]
A sub driver (second driver) for the display electrode is connected to the connection cable. This sub-driver is composed of an X-electrode sub-driver and a Y-electrode sub-driver, and these sub-drivers apply drive voltages to the X-electrode and the Y-electrode, respectively, via a relay electrode pattern. I have.
[0058]
In this example, only one arc tube 1a with a relay electrode is arranged substantially at the center of the display area. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of arc tubes 1a with a relay electrode may be arranged. That is, when the screen size is large and the display electrode pairs X and Y are extremely long, a plurality of arc tubes 1a with relay electrodes are arranged in consideration of the voltage drop, and the third driver and the fourth driver are used. Alternatively, a driving voltage may be applied to each of the X electrode and the Y electrode.
[0059]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the arc tube with a relay electrode, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional state of the arc tube with a relay electrode.
As shown in these figures, relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y for relaying n X electrodes and n Y electrodes (n: any integer) are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the arc tube 1a. I have. Although the relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y are formed in the circumferential direction of the arc tube 1a, they are arranged so as not to contact with the data electrodes or to cause unnecessary discharge. The relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y can be formed using the same material and the same method as when forming the display electrode pairs on the support on the front surface side.
[0060]
When the drive voltage is applied to the X electrode from the X electrode driver, the drive voltage is applied to the X electrode relay electrode pattern 2x from the X electrode sub-driver in synchronization with the drive voltage. When a drive voltage is applied to the Y electrode from the Y electrode driver, the drive voltage is applied to the relay electrode pattern 2y for the Y electrode from the Y electrode sub-driver in synchronization with the drive voltage.
[0061]
In this example, the relay electrode pattern 2x for the X electrode and the relay electrode pattern 2y for the Y electrode are formed in one arc tube 1a. However, two arc tubes 1a are used, and a pattern for the X electrode is used. A relay electrode pattern that relays n patterns each for the Y electrode pattern may be used.
[0062]
That is, using two arc tubes 1a, n relay electrode patterns 2x for X electrodes are formed on the outer peripheral surface of one arc tube 1a, and relay electrode patterns for Y electrodes are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the other arc tube 1a. You may make it n form 2y.
[0063]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the relay electrode pattern and the display electrode pair are in contact, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the contact portion.
As described above, both the X electrode and the Y electrode are constituted by the transparent electrode 12 and the bus electrode 13, respectively. The relay electrode pattern 2x is in contact with the bus electrode 13 of the X electrode, and the relay electrode is formed on the bus electrode 13 of the Y electrode. The pattern 2y contacts.
[0064]
The discharge between the X electrode and the Y electrode at the time of display occurs in a discharge region (discharge gap) 20 between the adjacent transparent electrodes 12. The non-discharge gap 21 between the adjacent bus electrodes 13 is set to a distance such that no discharge occurs. Since the relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y are provided in accordance with the positions of the bus electrodes 13, the interval between the adjacent relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y and the relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y becomes the interval of the non-discharge gap 21, and accordingly, Unnecessary discharge does not occur between the relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y.
[0065]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional state of the display device.
The support 31 on the front side is a single support, while the support 32 on the back side is a support divided between the arc tube 1a with a relay electrode and the arc tube 1 adjacent thereto. ing.
[0066]
In the X electrode driver connection portion 41a, the terminal electrode lead portion of the X electrode is connected to the connection cable 3x for the X electrode. In the Y electrode driver connection portion 41b, the terminal electrode lead portion of the Y electrode is connected to the connection cable 3y for the Y electrode. Connected to. The connection cable 4 for the relay electrode is connected to the relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y of the arc tube 1a from the division position of the support 32 on the back side.
[0067]
The connection cable 3x for the X electrode, the connection cable 3y for the Y electrode, and the connection cable 4 for the relay electrode are all formed by forming an electrode pattern on a support made of a flexible insulating sheet.
[0068]
In this way, a gap is provided by dividing the support body 32 on the back side into two, and the connection cable 4 for the relay electrode is inserted through the gap to establish conduction with the relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y of the arc tube 1a.
[0069]
Although not shown, the connection cable 3x for the X electrode is connected to the X electrode driver, the connection cable 3y for the Y electrode is connected to the Y electrode driver, and the connection cable 4 for the relay electrode is connected to the sub-driver. .
[0070]
Since the data electrodes A are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the arc tubes 1 and 1a, even if the rear support 32 is divided in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the arc tubes 1 and 1a, the data electrodes A Does not affect placement.
[0071]
Thus, the drive voltage can be applied not only from both ends of the display electrode pair X and Y, but also from the center.
[0072]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection state between a display electrode and a driver.
A terminal electrode lead portion of the X electrode is drawn out from the X electrode driver connection portion 41a, and the terminal electrode lead portion of the X electrode is connected to the X electrode driver 22 via a connection cable for the X electrode. .
[0073]
A terminal electrode lead portion of the Y electrode is drawn out from the Y electrode driver connection portion 41b, and the terminal electrode lead portion of the Y electrode is connected to the Y electrode driver 23 via a connection cable for the Y electrode. .
[0074]
The relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y of the arc tube 1a are connected to the sub-driver 43 via connection cables for the relay electrodes. As described above, the sub-driver 43 includes the X-electrode sub-driver 43a and the Y-electrode sub-driver 43b. The sub-drivers 43a and 43b transmit the X-electrode through the relay electrode patterns 2x and 2y. A drive voltage is applied to each of the and Y electrodes.
[0075]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of drivers of the display device. This figure shows a state where the display device is viewed from the back side.
The arrangement of the X-electrode driver 22 and the Y-electrode driver 23 is the same as the conventional one, except that the X-electrode sub-driver 43a and the Y-electrode sub-driver 43b are provided on the back side of the center of the display screen. It is different from the past. From the viewpoint of preventing noise and voltage drop, it is desirable that the X electrode sub-driver 43a and the Y electrode sub-driver 43b be disposed as close as possible to the arc tube 1a with the relay electrode.
[0076]
Since the back support 32 is divided into two, the data electrodes A are arranged separately for the first lower data driver 25a and the second lower data driver 25b. In FIG. 3, the data electrodes A are vertically divided, but as shown in FIG. 3, each data electrode A is a continuous one data electrode A, and a data driver is provided on one of the upper and lower sides. It may be.
[0077]
As described above, when the sub-driver is provided, the driving capability per driver may be small. In this example, since the X electrode driver and the Y electrode driver need only have half the driving ability of the conventional one, the size and cost per driver are about half that of the conventional one.
[0078]
Embodiment 2
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the second embodiment. This figure shows a state in which the support on the front side is formed by a plurality of supports, and shows the relationship between the display electrode pair and the arc tube in that state.
[0079]
In the first embodiment, one continuous support is used as the support 31 on the front side, but in the present embodiment, the support is divided into a plurality of supports 31a, 31b, and 31c, and the support 31a, An arc tube 1a with a relay electrode is arranged at a division position of 31b and 31c.
[0080]
A relay electrode pattern is formed on each of the four arc tubes with relay electrodes 1a arranged at the division positions. A connection cable is connected to the relay electrode pattern, and a different sub-driver is connected to the connection cable. It is connected. Other points are the same as the first embodiment.
[0081]
With this configuration, the size and resolution of the display device can be freely increased in units of the divided display electrodes, and a driver can be added according to the enlargement. As a result, even when the size and resolution of the display device are increased, a voltage drop of the driving voltage can be prevented, and a display device without luminance unevenness can be obtained.
[0082]
Embodiment 3
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the third embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the support 31 on the front side is divided in parallel with the arrangement direction of the display electrode pairs X and Y.
[0083]
At the right end of the support 31 on each front side, an X electrode driver connection portion 41a for connecting the X electrode to the X electrode driver is provided. The X electrode driver connection portion 41a has a terminal electrode lead portion of the X electrode. XT has been pulled out.
[0084]
At the left end of the support 31 on each front side, a Y electrode driver connection portion 41b for connecting the Y electrode to the Y electrode driver is provided. The Y electrode driver connection portion 41b has a terminal electrode lead portion for the Y electrode. YT has been pulled out.
[0085]
As a result, the size of one support on the front side is reduced, so that the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where one large support is prepared and electrodes are formed thereon. Further, the probability of occurrence of troubles such as bubble entrapment and foreign substance entrapment can be reduced as compared with the case where one large-sized support is attached to the arc tube array at one time.
[0086]
Embodiment 4
FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14A shows a planar state of the display device, and FIG. 14B shows a sectional state in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the arc tube.
[0087]
In the present embodiment, the support 31 on the front side is divided in parallel to the arrangement direction of the display electrode pairs X and Y, and further divided into two in the direction perpendicular to the display electrode pairs X and Y.
[0088]
At the approximate center of the display area, two end arc tubes 1b are arranged, and between the arc tube 1b and the arc tube 1b, two relay electrode lead-out portions are formed together with the support 31 on the front side. It is pulled out to the back side of the display device.
[0089]
These relay electrode lead portions are intermediate electrode lead portions having the same shape as the terminal electrode lead portions XT and YT. That is, an intermediate electrode lead portion YS of the Y electrode having the same shape as the terminal electrode lead portion YT of the Y electrode, and an intermediate electrode lead portion XS of the X electrode having the same shape as the terminal electrode lead portion XT of the X electrode.
[0090]
As described above, when the front support 31 is divided in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the display electrode pairs X and Y, the length of the display electrode pairs X and Y is shortened. In addition, it is possible to prevent luminance unevenness due to a voltage drop of the driving voltage.
[0091]
Embodiment 5
FIGS. 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15A shows a planar state of the display device, and FIG. 15B shows a sectional state in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the arc tube.
[0092]
In the present embodiment, the support 31 on the front side is divided in parallel to the arrangement direction of the display electrode pairs X and Y, and further divided into four in the direction perpendicular to the display electrode pairs X and Y. In this example, it is divided into four, but it may be divided into four or more.
[0093]
The intermediate electrode lead portion XS of the X electrode and the intermediate electrode lead portion YS of the Y electrode are drawn to the back side of the display device from between the light emitting tubes 1b and the light emitting tubes 1b together with the support 31 on the front side. .
[0094]
The intermediate electrode lead portion XS of the X electrode and the intermediate electrode lead portion YS of the Y electrode are connected to the sub-drivers 22 and 23 on the back side of the display device. Each of the sub drivers 22 and 23 includes an X electrode driver 22 and a Y electrode driver 23.
[0095]
Embodiment 6
FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 16A illustrates a planar state of the display device, and FIG. 16B illustrates a side surface state of the display device.
[0096]
In the present embodiment, the support 32 on the back side is divided in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the data electrode A. Each data electrode A is connected to the upper data driver 24 and the lower data driver 25. In this figure, both ends of each data electrode A are connected to the upper data driver 24 and the lower data driver 25, but at least one end is connected to one of the upper data driver 24 and the lower data driver 25. Just do it.
[0097]
As a result, the size of one support on the back side is reduced, so that the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where one large support is prepared and electrodes are formed thereon. . Further, the probability of occurrence of troubles such as bubble entrapment and foreign substance entrapment can be reduced as compared with the case where one large-sized support is attached to the arc tube array at one time.
[0098]
Embodiment 7
FIGS. 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 17A shows a plan view of the display device, and FIG. 17B shows a side view of the display device.
[0099]
In the present embodiment, the support 32 on the back side is divided in parallel with the arrangement direction of the data electrodes A, and further divided into two in the direction perpendicular to the data electrodes A.
[0100]
As described above, when the back support 32 is divided in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the data electrodes A are arranged, the length of the data electrodes A is shortened. Luminance unevenness due to a voltage drop of the driving voltage can be prevented.
[0101]
Embodiment 8
FIGS. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 18A shows a plan view of the display device, and FIG. 18B shows a side view of the display device.
[0102]
In the present embodiment, the support 32 on the back side is divided in parallel with the arrangement direction of the data electrodes A, and further divided into three in the direction perpendicular to the data electrodes A. In this example, it is divided into three, but it may be divided into three or more.
[0103]
The intermediate electrode lead portion of the data electrode A located in the middle is pulled out to the back side of the display device, and is connected to the upper sub-data driver 24c and the lower sub-data driver 25c for the data electrode, respectively.
[0104]
In this figure, both ends of each data electrode A located in the middle are connected to the upper sub-data driver 24c and the lower sub-data driver 25c, but at least one end is connected to the upper sub-data driver 24c and the lower sub-data driver 25c. It is only necessary to be connected to any one of.
[0105]
Embodiment 9
FIGS. 19A and 19B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 19A shows a plan view of the display device, and FIG. 19B shows a side view of the display device.
[0106]
In this embodiment, both the front support 31 and the back support 32 are divided. That is, the support 31 on the front side is divided into two in parallel with the arrangement direction of the display electrode pairs X and Y, and divided into four in the direction perpendicular to the display electrode pairs X and Y, for a total of eight divisions.
[0107]
The support 32 on the back side is divided into four parts in parallel with the arrangement direction of the data electrodes A, and three parts in a direction perpendicular to the data electrodes A, for a total of twelve parts.
[0108]
The front support 31 and the back support 32 may be divided into more than the above examples. However, since the intermediate electrode lead-out section must be drawn out to the back side of the display device from between the arc tubes together with the front-side support body 31, the front-side support body 31 is divided in a direction perpendicular to the electrode longitudinal direction. The number m and the number n of divisions of the back side support 32 in a direction parallel to the electrode longitudinal direction need to be a natural number multiple of m.
[0109]
As described above, by providing the relay electrode lead portion and the intermediate electrode lead portion in the display region, it is possible to prevent a voltage drop of the drive voltage applied to the display electrode or the drive voltage applied to the data electrode, A display device without luminance unevenness can be obtained.
[0110]
Further, since the size per support is reduced, the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where one large support is prepared and electrodes are formed thereon. Further, the probability of occurrence of troubles such as bubble entrapment and foreign substance entrapment can be reduced as compared with the case where one large-sized support is attached to the arc tube array at one time.
[0111]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, even in an arc tube array type display device having a large screen size, a driving voltage is applied from the second driver to the electrode via the relay electrode lead portion at an arbitrary position in the display area of the display screen. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a drive voltage from dropping and to provide a display device without display unevenness. Further, since it is not necessary to make the electrodes thick, the light emission of the arc tube is not hindered, and the luminance does not decrease.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of a light emitting tube array type display device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the display device of the present invention is viewed in plan.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of a driver of the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of an arc tube with a relay electrode according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional state of the arc tube with a relay electrode according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a relay electrode pattern and a display electrode pair according to the first embodiment are in contact with each other.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing details of a contact portion between a relay electrode pattern and a display electrode pair according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional state of the display device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a connection state between a display electrode and a driver according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an arrangement of drivers of the display device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an eighth embodiment.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to a ninth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 arc tube
1a Arc tube with relay electrode
1b Arc tube for end
Relay electrode pattern for 2x X electrode
2y Relay electrode pattern for Y electrode
12 Transparent electrode
13 bus electrode
20 Discharge area
21 Non-discharge area
22 X electrode driver
23 Y electrode driver
24 Upper Data Driver
24c Upper sub data driver
25 Lower data driver
25a First lower data driver
25b 2nd lower data driver
25c Lower sub data driver
31, 31a, 31b, 31c Front side support
32 Back side support
41a X electrode driver connection
41b Y electrode driver connection
43a X electrode sub driver
43b Y electrode sub driver
A Data electrode
XS X electrode intermediate electrode lead-out part
XTX terminal electrode lead-out part
YS Y electrode intermediate electrode lead-out part
YT Y electrode terminal electrode lead-out part
X, Y display electrode pair

Claims (10)

An arc tube array constituting a display screen by juxtaposing a plurality of arc tubes in which a discharge gas is sealed,
A support in which the arc tube array is supported from at least one of the display surface side and the back side, and a number of electrodes for applying a voltage to the arc tube are formed in a stripe shape on the arc tube array facing surface,
A terminal electrode lead-out portion provided on the support outside the display area of the display screen,
A relay electrode lead-out portion provided on the support in the display area of the display screen,
A first driver for applying a voltage to the terminal electrode lead portion;
An arc tube array type display device comprising: a second driver for applying a voltage to a relay electrode lead portion. The support comprises a pair of supports that support the arc tube array from the display surface side and the back side,
A large number of electrodes formed on the support on the display surface side are arranged in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the arc tube,
2. The arc tube array type display device according to claim 1, wherein the relay electrode lead portion comprises a relay electrode pattern formed on the outer peripheral surface of the arc tube and in contact with an electrode of the support on the display surface side, and a connection cable connected thereto. The support on the display surface side is made of a single support, and the support on the back side is made of a plurality of supports divided along the longitudinal direction of the arc tube,
3. The arc tube array type display device according to claim 2, wherein the connection cable of the relay electrode pattern is drawn out behind the arc tube array from the split position of the support on the back side. The display surface side support and the back side support are composed of a plurality of supports divided along the longitudinal direction of the arc tube,
3. The arc tube array type display device according to claim 2, wherein the connection cable of the relay electrode pattern is drawn out behind the arc tube array from the split position of the support on the back side. A relay electrode pattern and its connection cable are divided into a first electrode pattern and its connection cable formed on an arc tube located at the end of one of the divided display surface supports, and the other display surface support. 5. The arc tube array type display device according to claim 4, comprising a second electrode pattern formed on the arc tube located at an end of the arc tube and a connection cable therefor. The support comprises a pair of supports that support the arc tube array from the display surface side and the back side,
A large number of electrodes formed on the support on the display surface side are arranged in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the arc tube,
2. The arc tube array type display device according to claim 1, wherein the relay electrode lead-out portion is formed on the support on the display surface side and comprises an intermediate electrode lead-out portion having the same shape as the terminal electrode lead-out portion of the support on the display surface side. The display surface side support and the back side support are composed of a plurality of supports divided along the longitudinal direction of the arc tube,
7. The arc tube array type display device according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate electrode extension portion is extended behind the arc tube array from a division position of the support on the back side. 8. The arc tube array type display device according to claim 7, wherein the support on the display surface side is further divided in parallel with the electrodes of the support. 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of electrodes formed on the back support are arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the arc tube, and the back support is further divided in a direction intersecting the electrodes of the support. Arc tube type display device. 10. The arc tube array type display device according to claim 9, wherein a back side terminal electrode lead-out portion is provided at an end portion of each back side support.

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