EP1195794A1 - Cold hollow-cathode mercury-free fluorescent lamp for coloured decorative lighting or illuminated signboards - Google Patents

Cold hollow-cathode mercury-free fluorescent lamp for coloured decorative lighting or illuminated signboards Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1195794A1
EP1195794A1 EP01402430A EP01402430A EP1195794A1 EP 1195794 A1 EP1195794 A1 EP 1195794A1 EP 01402430 A EP01402430 A EP 01402430A EP 01402430 A EP01402430 A EP 01402430A EP 1195794 A1 EP1195794 A1 EP 1195794A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mercury
mixture
oxide
lamp according
free lamp
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EP01402430A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean Marie Depond
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Aupem Sefli SAS
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Aupem Sefli SAS
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H01J61/04—Electrodes; Screens; Shields
    • H01J61/06—Main electrodes
    • H01J61/067—Main electrodes for low-pressure discharge lamps
    • H01J61/0675—Main electrodes for low-pressure discharge lamps characterised by the material of the electrode
    • H01J61/0677—Main electrodes for low-pressure discharge lamps characterised by the material of the electrode characterised by the electron emissive material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H01J61/04—Electrodes; Screens; Shields
    • H01J61/06—Main electrodes
    • H01J61/067—Main electrodes for low-pressure discharge lamps
    • H01J61/0675—Main electrodes for low-pressure discharge lamps characterised by the material of the electrode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H01J61/04—Electrodes; Screens; Shields
    • H01J61/06—Main electrodes
    • H01J61/09—Hollow cathodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H01J61/12—Selection of substances for gas fillings; Specified operating pressure or temperature
    • H01J61/16—Selection of substances for gas fillings; Specified operating pressure or temperature having helium, argon, neon, krypton, or xenon as the principle constituent
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/70—Lamps with low-pressure unconstricted discharge having a cold pressure < 400 Torr
    • H01J61/76—Lamps with low-pressure unconstricted discharge having a cold pressure < 400 Torr having a filling of permanent gas or gases only
    • H01J61/78—Lamps with low-pressure unconstricted discharge having a cold pressure < 400 Torr having a filling of permanent gas or gases only with cold cathode; with cathode heated only by discharge, e.g. high-tension lamp for advertising

Definitions

  • the invention relates to cold hollow cathode lamps with luminescence / fluorescence, in particular for decorative colored lighting and illuminated signs.
  • These lamps are produced in a tubular hollow glass body whose interior is covered with a fluorescent powder.
  • the powdered tube is sealed at both ends by electrodes and filled with a pure noble gas or of a mixture of rare gases. Mercury is also added.
  • Electrodes function as emissive cathodes during a half-alternation on two of an 'alternative source and passively in anode during the other half-cycle.
  • These cold cathodes generally have a cylinder metallic activated.
  • mercury in the state of metallic vapor emits invisible UV radiation which is transformed into visible radiation by the fluorescent powder.
  • Mercury is however a toxic product, dangerous for man and the environment. In addition, it generates phenomena of light pollution condemned by amateur astronomers as well as protectors of volatile species and rare insects. In addition, it causes also shadow areas in the tube during cold periods.
  • the invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks.
  • a mercury-free lamp with activated cold hollow cathodes comprising a tubular hollow glass body the interior of which is covered with a fluorescent powder, which has at its two ends electrodes with activated cold hollow cathodes and which is filled with a mixture of rare gases, characterized in that the mixture of rare gases comprises from 90% to 99% of neon and up to 1% of a rare gas or a mixture of blocking rare gases or in addition, the remainder consisting of xenon, and the activated cold hollow cathodes have an active layer comprising barium fluoride (BaF 2 ) or a compound containing an element from group III B of the Periodic Table of Elements.
  • BaF 2 barium fluoride
  • a tubular lamp or tube is produced discharge allowing fluorescence to be obtained without UV radiation specific for mercury. Indeed, this is obtained thanks to radiation far ultraviolet and ultraviolet generated by the neon-xenon mixture.
  • the service life of such a tube is greater than that of a tube with mercury because no amalgam stains the fluorescent powder, following the absence of mercury.
  • This absence of mercury also authorizes a operation up to an ambient temperature of around -30 ° C and allows an operation with a very regular tension and lower than that of a tube classic mercury.
  • the voltage gain is greater than 10%.
  • the element of group III B of the Periodic Table of Elements is preferably taken from scandium, yttrium and lanthanum, ie a lanthanide, scandium and yttrium being attached to the family lanthanides.
  • the corresponding preferred compounds are chosen from the group comprising lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ), lanthanum hexaboride (LaB 6 ), scandium oxide (Sc 2 O 3 ), a mixture of lanthanum and titanium oxide (La 2 O 3. 2TiO 3 ), a mixture of mixed barium and titanium oxide and yttrium oxide (BaTiO 3. Y 2 O 3 ) and their associations.
  • the products which gave the best results are barium fluoride (BaF 2 ) and the mixture BaTiO 3 .Y 2 O 3 in proportions ranging from 70% to 30% for one and from 30% to 70% for other. In fact, they make it possible to obtain a minimum cathodic drop and, consequently, a gain in voltage.
  • the rare or blocking or complementary gas (s) are, as for them, chosen from the group comprising argon, krypton, and helium.
  • each cathode comprises a metal cylinder whose internal face is covered with the active layer, while a tubular ceramic sheath covers the external face of this cylinder.
  • the ceramic may be silica, alumina (oxide aluminum), or a mixture of these oxides with each other or with other oxides.
  • the invention also relates, in a second aspect, to the use a lamp as defined above for decorative colored lighting or in a luminous sign.
  • the lamp 1 mercury-free luminescence / fluorescence has a hollow tubular body 2 glass, straight or not.
  • This glass is chosen from among the glasses classically used for fluorescent tubes, i.e. hard glass based on borosilicate, soft lead or lead-free glasses or glasses soft soda-lime.
  • the internal diameter of this hollow body tubular 2 is between 4 and 36 mm, for a wall thickness included between 1 and 1.3 mm.
  • This tube is covered with a fluorescent powder conventional or a mixture of this kind of fluorescent powders, on a thickness in practice between 6 and 12 ⁇ m.
  • a central current input conductor 3 or two conductors sides pass through the glass at each end of the body 2. It is made from a nickel-based alloy and welded at one of its ends to a metallic cold hollow cathode electrode 4.
  • the tubular hollow body 2 of course has a second such electrode at its end opposite.
  • This electrode 4 comprises a metal support 5 in the form of cylinder closed at the end welded to the central conductor 3 and coaxial with the axis of the tubular body 2. In longitudinal section, this cylindrical support 5 has the form of a U.
  • this metal support 5 is made of ultra pure iron (99.99% purity) of the "Telar Low Carbon” type and is protected by nickel plating without brightening agent on a thickness of 4 to 8 ⁇ m or by oxidation controlled to ensure a deposit of blue / black magnetite oxide.
  • This metal support 5 is coated with an active layer 6, obtained by coating this face with a powder based on the compounds and / or mixtures defined above.
  • a powder based on the compounds and / or mixtures defined above Preferably, BaF 2 or a BaTiO 3 .Y 2 O 3 mixture is used in proportions ranging from 70 to 30% for one and 30 to 70% for the other.
  • a ceramic sheath 7 also surrounds the exterior of this metal support 5 in order to increase the longevity of these cathode electrodes 4 and their resistance to demetallization under the effect of repeated shocks ions and electrons present inside the tubular hollow body 2.
  • This ceramic may be silica, alumina or a mixture of these oxides between them or with other oxides.
  • a non-porous soapstone shield 8 and a mica washer 9 of cylinder support 5 complete the electrode 4.
  • This shield 8 is intended to avoid tearing of the metal from the front edge of the cylindrical metal support 5.
  • the tubular hollow body 2 is filled with the gas mixture rare 40 to 55 N purity, comprising at least 90% neon and up to 1% a gas or a mixture of blocking or complement gases chosen from the group consisting of argon, krypton and helium, the remainder being with xenon.
  • the gas mixture rare 40 to 55 N purity comprising at least 90% neon and up to 1% a gas or a mixture of blocking or complement gases chosen from the group consisting of argon, krypton and helium, the remainder being with xenon.
  • the pressures of filling varies, in practice, from 1 to 10 mbar.
  • the interior of the tubular body 2 can be powdered dry or wet to ethyl acetate or demineralized water with additives, before being subjected to annealing in the oven in order to obtain a perfectly homogeneous deposit of powder (s) fluorescent (s).
  • the cold hollow cathode electrodes 4 are then placed in place and the tube is sealed at both ends.
  • the enclosure thus formed is then bombarded by electric discharge inside the enclosure under partial vacuum (approximately 10 -3 mbar). Then the enclosure is degassed to descend to a pressure below 10 -3 mbar, typically up to 10 -6 mbar, before filling this enclosure with the mixture of neon, xenon and blocking or additional gas, under a very low filling pressure between 1 and 10 mbar.

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  • Vessels And Coating Films For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Discharge Lamp (AREA)

Abstract

A mercury free fluorescent light comprising a hollow tubular glass body (2) with its interior coated with a fluorescent powder with activated hollow cold cathodes (4) at each end is filled with a rare gas mixture made up of 90 to 99 % neon and up to 1 % of a rare gas or rare gas mixture for blocking or complement, the rest being made up of xenon. The cathodes have an active coating (6) incorporating barium fluoride or a compound containing an element of group III B of the Periodic Classification of Elements. An Independent claim is included for the utilization of this light for decorative colored lighting or in a luminous sign.

Description

L'invention a trait aux lampes à cathodes creuses froides à luminescence/fluorescence, en particulier pour éclairage coloré décoratif et enseignes lumineuses.The invention relates to cold hollow cathode lamps with luminescence / fluorescence, in particular for decorative colored lighting and illuminated signs.

Ces lampes sont réalisées dans un corps creux tubulaire en verre dont l'intérieur est recouvert d'une poudre fluorescente. Le tube ainsi poudré est scellé à ses deux extrémités par des électrodes et rempli d'un gaz rare pur ou d'un mélange de gaz rares. Du mercure est également ajouté.These lamps are produced in a tubular hollow glass body whose interior is covered with a fluorescent powder. The powdered tube is sealed at both ends by electrodes and filled with a pure noble gas or of a mixture of rare gases. Mercury is also added.

Ces électrodes fonctionnent en cathodes émissives pendant une demi-alternance sur deux d'une' source alternative et passivement en anode pendant l'autre demi-alternance.These electrodes function as emissive cathodes during a half-alternation on two of an 'alternative source and passively in anode during the other half-cycle.

Elles sont appelées "cathodes creuses froides" ou "cathodes creuses émissives à froid" car l'émission d'électrons par la cathode est principalement obtenue par une émission secondaire sous les impacts ioniques alors que l'émission thermionique joue un rôle marginal.They are called "cold hollow cathodes" or "cathodes cold emissive hollow "because the emission of electrons by the cathode is mainly obtained by secondary emission under ionic impacts while thermionic emission plays a marginal role.

Ces cathodes froides comportent généralement un cylindre métallique activé.These cold cathodes generally have a cylinder metallic activated.

Ainsi, suite à une décharge électrique dans le milieu gazeux du tube, entre les deux électrodes, le mercure à l'état de vapeur métallique émet un rayonnement UV invisible qui est transformé en rayonnement visible par la poudre fluorescente.Thus, following an electrical discharge in the gaseous medium of the tube, between the two electrodes, mercury in the state of metallic vapor emits invisible UV radiation which is transformed into visible radiation by the fluorescent powder.

Le mercure est cependant un produit toxique, dangereux pour l'homme et pour l'environnement. Par ailleurs, il génère des phénomènes de pollution lumineuse condamnés par les astronomes amateurs ainsi que les protecteurs d'espèces volatiles et d'insectes rares. En outre, il provoque également des zones d'ombres dans le tube lors de périodes froides.Mercury is however a toxic product, dangerous for man and the environment. In addition, it generates phenomena of light pollution condemned by amateur astronomers as well as protectors of volatile species and rare insects. In addition, it causes also shadow areas in the tube during cold periods.

L'invention vise notamment à pallier ces inconvénients.The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks.

A cet effet, elle propose une lampe sans mercure à cathodes creuses froides activées, comportant un corps creux tubulaire en verre dont l'intérieur est recouvert d'une poudre fluorescente, qui comporte à ses deux extrémités des électrodes à cathodes creuses froides activées et qui est rempli d'un mélange de gaz rares, caractérisée en ce que le mélange de gaz rares comporte de 90 % à 99 % de néon et jusqu'à 1 % d'un gaz rare ou d'un mélange de gaz rares de blocage ou de complément, le reste étant constitué par du xénon, et les cathodes creuses froides activées ont une couche active comportant du fluorure de baryum (BaF2) ou un composé contenant un élément du groupe III B de la Classification Périodique des Eléments.To this end, it offers a mercury-free lamp with activated cold hollow cathodes, comprising a tubular hollow glass body the interior of which is covered with a fluorescent powder, which has at its two ends electrodes with activated cold hollow cathodes and which is filled with a mixture of rare gases, characterized in that the mixture of rare gases comprises from 90% to 99% of neon and up to 1% of a rare gas or a mixture of blocking rare gases or in addition, the remainder consisting of xenon, and the activated cold hollow cathodes have an active layer comprising barium fluoride (BaF 2 ) or a compound containing an element from group III B of the Periodic Table of Elements.

Grâce à ces dispositions, il est réalisé une lampe tubulaire ou tube à décharge permettant d'obtenir la fluorescence sans le rayonnement U.V. spécifique du mercure. En effet, celle-ci est obtenue grâce à des rayonnements ultraviolets et ultraviolet lointains générés par le mélange néon-xénon.Thanks to these arrangements, a tubular lamp or tube is produced discharge allowing fluorescence to be obtained without UV radiation specific for mercury. Indeed, this is obtained thanks to radiation far ultraviolet and ultraviolet generated by the neon-xenon mixture.

La durée de vie d'un tel tube est supérieure à celle d'un tube à mercure car aucun amalgame ne vient tacher la poudre fluorescente, suite à l'absence de mercure. Cette absence de mercure autorise également un fonctionnement jusqu'à une température ambiante d'environ -30°C et permet un fonctionnement avec une tension très régulière et inférieure à celle d'un tube classique à mercure. En pratique, le gain en tension est supérieur à 10 %.The service life of such a tube is greater than that of a tube with mercury because no amalgam stains the fluorescent powder, following the absence of mercury. This absence of mercury also authorizes a operation up to an ambient temperature of around -30 ° C and allows an operation with a very regular tension and lower than that of a tube classic mercury. In practice, the voltage gain is greater than 10%.

Par ailleurs, les couleurs obtenues sont très saturées et fournissent un excellent contraste.In addition, the colors obtained are very saturated and provide excellent contrast.

L'élément du groupe III B de la Classification Périodique des Eléments est, de préférence, pris parmi le scandium, l'yttrium et le lanthane, c'est à dire un lanthanide, le scandium et l'yttrium étant rattachés à la famille des lanthanides.The element of group III B of the Periodic Table of Elements is preferably taken from scandium, yttrium and lanthanum, ie a lanthanide, scandium and yttrium being attached to the family lanthanides.

Les composés préférés correspondants sont choisis dans le groupe comprenant l'oxyde de lanthane (La2O3), l'hexaborure de lanthane (LaB6), l'oxyde de scandium (Sc2O3), un mélange d'oxyde de lanthane et d'oxyde de titane (La2O3. 2TiO3), un mélange d'oxyde mixte de baryum et de titane et d'oxyde d'yttrium (BaTiO3. Y2O3) et leurs associations.The corresponding preferred compounds are chosen from the group comprising lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ), lanthanum hexaboride (LaB 6 ), scandium oxide (Sc 2 O 3 ), a mixture of lanthanum and titanium oxide (La 2 O 3. 2TiO 3 ), a mixture of mixed barium and titanium oxide and yttrium oxide (BaTiO 3. Y 2 O 3 ) and their associations.

Les produits ayant donné les meilleurs résultats sont le fluorure de baryum (BaF2) et le mélange BaTiO3.Y2O3 en des proportions allant de 70 % à 30 % pour l'un et de 30 % à 70 % pour l'autre. En effet, ils permettent d'obtenir une chute cathodique minimale et, partant, un gain en tension.The products which gave the best results are barium fluoride (BaF 2 ) and the mixture BaTiO 3 .Y 2 O 3 in proportions ranging from 70% to 30% for one and from 30% to 70% for other. In fact, they make it possible to obtain a minimum cathodic drop and, consequently, a gain in voltage.

De préférence également, la pression du mélange de gaz rares est comprise entre 1 et 10 mbars (1bar = 105 Pa).Preferably also, the pressure of the mixture of rare gases is between 1 and 10 mbar (1 bar = 10 5 Pa).

Le ou les gaz rare(s) de blocage ou de complément sont, quant à eux, choisis dans le groupe comprenant l'argon, le krypton, et l'hélium.The rare or blocking or complementary gas (s) are, as for them, chosen from the group comprising argon, krypton, and helium.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, chaque cathode comporte un cylindre métallique dont la face interne est recouverte de la couche active, tandis qu'une gaine tubulaire en céramique recouvre la face externe de ce cylindre.According to a preferred embodiment, each cathode comprises a metal cylinder whose internal face is covered with the active layer, while a tubular ceramic sheath covers the external face of this cylinder.

La céramique peut être de la silice, de l'alumine (oxyde d'aluminium), ou un mélange de ces oxydes entre eux ou avec d'autres oxydes.The ceramic may be silica, alumina (oxide aluminum), or a mixture of these oxides with each other or with other oxides.

L'invention vise également, sous un deuxième aspect, l'utilisation d'une lampe telle que définie ci-dessus pour un éclairage coloré décoratif ou dans une enseigne lumineuse.The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to the use a lamp as defined above for decorative colored lighting or in a luminous sign.

Des caractéristiques secondaires et des avantages de l'invention pourront ressortir d'ailleurs de la description qui va suivre à titre d'exemple, en référence à la figure unique annexée qui représente, en coupe longitudinale, une extrémité d'un tube à décharge, munie d'une électrode à cathode creuse.Secondary characteristics and advantages of the invention may emerge from the description which follows by way of example, in reference to the single appended figure which represents, in longitudinal section, one end of a discharge tube, provided with a hollow cathode electrode.

Selon la forme de réalisation choisie et représentée, la lampe 1 sans mercure à luminescence/fluorescence comporte un corps creux tubulaire 2 en verre, rectiligne ou non. Ce verre est choisi parmi les verres classiquement utilisés pour les tubes fluorescents, à savoir les verres durs à base de borosilicate, les verres tendres au plomb ou sans plomb ou encore les verres tendres sodocalciques. En pratique, le diamètre interne de ce corps creux tubulaire 2 est compris entre 4 et 36 mm, pour une épaisseur de paroi comprise entre 1 et 1,3 mm.According to the embodiment chosen and shown, the lamp 1 mercury-free luminescence / fluorescence has a hollow tubular body 2 glass, straight or not. This glass is chosen from among the glasses classically used for fluorescent tubes, i.e. hard glass based on borosilicate, soft lead or lead-free glasses or glasses soft soda-lime. In practice, the internal diameter of this hollow body tubular 2 is between 4 and 36 mm, for a wall thickness included between 1 and 1.3 mm.

L'intérieur de ce tube est recouvert d'une poudre fluorescente classique ou d'un mélange de ce genre de poudres fluorescentes, sur une épaisseur comprise, en pratique, entre 6 et 12 µm.The inside of this tube is covered with a fluorescent powder conventional or a mixture of this kind of fluorescent powders, on a thickness in practice between 6 and 12 µm.

Un conducteur central d'entrée de courant 3 ou deux conducteurs latéraux passent à travers le verre à chacune des extrémités du corps 2. Il est réalisé à partir d'un alliage à base de nickel et soudé à l'une de ses extrémités à une électrode à cathode creuse froide métallique 4. Le corps creux tubulaire 2 possède bien entendu une deuxième électrode de ce genre à son extrémité opposée.A central current input conductor 3 or two conductors sides pass through the glass at each end of the body 2. It is made from a nickel-based alloy and welded at one of its ends to a metallic cold hollow cathode electrode 4. The tubular hollow body 2 of course has a second such electrode at its end opposite.

Cette électrode 4 comporte un support métallique 5 en forme de cylindre fermé à l'extrémité soudée au conducteur central 3 et coaxial à l'axe du corps tubulaire 2. En coupe longitudinale, ce support cylindrique 5 a la forme d'un U.This electrode 4 comprises a metal support 5 in the form of cylinder closed at the end welded to the central conductor 3 and coaxial with the axis of the tubular body 2. In longitudinal section, this cylindrical support 5 has the form of a U.

De préférence ce support métallique 5 est en fer ultra pur (99,99 % de pureté) du type "Telar Low Carbon" et est protégé par nickelage sans agent de brillantage sur une épaisseur de 4 à 8 µm ou par oxydation contrôlée afin d'assurer un dépôt d'oxyde bleu/noir magnétite.Preferably this metal support 5 is made of ultra pure iron (99.99% purity) of the "Telar Low Carbon" type and is protected by nickel plating without brightening agent on a thickness of 4 to 8 µm or by oxidation controlled to ensure a deposit of blue / black magnetite oxide.

La face interne de ce support métallique 5 est revêtue d'une couche active 6, obtenue par revêtement de cette face par une poudre à base des composés et/ou mélanges définis supra. De préférence, on utilise du BaF2 ou un mélange BaTiO3.Y2O3 en des proportions allant de 70 à 30 % pour l'un et 30 à 70 % pour l'autre.The internal face of this metal support 5 is coated with an active layer 6, obtained by coating this face with a powder based on the compounds and / or mixtures defined above. Preferably, BaF 2 or a BaTiO 3 .Y 2 O 3 mixture is used in proportions ranging from 70 to 30% for one and 30 to 70% for the other.

Typiquement, 4 à 12 mg d'une telle poudre sont appliqués sur la face interne du support métallique 5.Typically, 4 to 12 mg of such a powder is applied to the internal face of the metal support 5.

Une gaine en céramique 7 entoure par ailleurs l'extérieur de ce support métallique 5 afin d'augmenter la longévité de ces électrodes à cathodes creuses 4 et leur résistance à la démétallisation sous l'effet des chocs répétés des ions et des électrons présents à l'intérieur du corps creux tubulaire 2. Cette céramique peut être de la silice, de l'alumine ou un mélange de ces oxydes entre eux ou avec d'autres oxydes.A ceramic sheath 7 also surrounds the exterior of this metal support 5 in order to increase the longevity of these cathode electrodes 4 and their resistance to demetallization under the effect of repeated shocks ions and electrons present inside the tubular hollow body 2. This ceramic may be silica, alumina or a mixture of these oxides between them or with other oxides.

Un bouclier 8 en stéatite non poreuse et une rondelle en mica 9 de support du cylindre 5 complètent l'électrode 4. Ce bouclier 8 est destiné à éviter l'arrachement du métal de la tranche avant du support métallique cylindrique 5.A non-porous soapstone shield 8 and a mica washer 9 of cylinder support 5 complete the electrode 4. This shield 8 is intended to avoid tearing of the metal from the front edge of the cylindrical metal support 5.

Enfin, le corps creux tubulaire 2 est rempli du mélange de gaz rares de pureté 40 à 55 N, comportant au moins 90 % de néon et jusqu'à 1 % d'un gaz ou d'un mélange de gaz de blocage ou de complément choisis dans le groupe constitué de l'argon, du krypton et de l'hélium, le reste étant constitué par du xénon.Finally, the tubular hollow body 2 is filled with the gas mixture rare 40 to 55 N purity, comprising at least 90% neon and up to 1% a gas or a mixture of blocking or complement gases chosen from the group consisting of argon, krypton and helium, the remainder being with xenon.

Suivant le diamètre du corps creux tubulaire 2, les pressions de remplissage varient, en pratique, de 1 à 10 mbars.Depending on the diameter of the tubular hollow body 2, the pressures of filling varies, in practice, from 1 to 10 mbar.

En ce qui concerne la fabrication d'une telle lampe 1, on notera que l'intérieur du corps tubulaire 2 peut être poudré par voie sèche ou humide à l'acétate d'éthyle ou à l'eau déminéralisée avec additifs, avant d'être soumis à un recuit au four afin d'obtenir un dépôt parfaitement homogène de poudre(s) fluorescente(s).Regarding the manufacture of such a lamp 1, it will be noted that the interior of the tubular body 2 can be powdered dry or wet to ethyl acetate or demineralized water with additives, before being subjected to annealing in the oven in order to obtain a perfectly homogeneous deposit of powder (s) fluorescent (s).

Les électrodes à cathodes creuses froides 4 sont ensuite mises en place et le tube est scellé à ses deux extrémités.The cold hollow cathode electrodes 4 are then placed in place and the tube is sealed at both ends.

L'enceinte ainsi constituée est alors bombardée par décharge électrique à l'intérieur de l'enceinte sous vide partiel (environ 10-3 mbars). Puis on dégaze l'enceinte pour descendre à une pression inférieure à 10-3 mbars, typiquement jusqu'à 10-6 mbars, avant de remplir cette enceinte avec le mélange de néon, xénon et de gaz de blocage ou de complément, sous une pression très faible de remplissage comprise entre 1 et 10 mbars.The enclosure thus formed is then bombarded by electric discharge inside the enclosure under partial vacuum (approximately 10 -3 mbar). Then the enclosure is degassed to descend to a pressure below 10 -3 mbar, typically up to 10 -6 mbar, before filling this enclosure with the mixture of neon, xenon and blocking or additional gas, under a very low filling pressure between 1 and 10 mbar.

Typiquement, il a été constaté qu'avec une pression de remplissage de 3 mbars pour un mélange de gaz rares à 1 % de xénon, un optimum de luminance est obtenu avec une intensité de fonctionnement très faible, de l'ordre de 25 mA, au moyen d'une poudre fluorescente ayant son maximum d'émission à 525 nm. La chute cathodique et la tension du tube sont alors à leur minimum, le gain en tension obtenu par rapport à un tube à mercure étant de 10 %.Typically, it has been found that with a pressure of filling of 3 mbar for a mixture of rare gases containing 1% xenon, a optimum luminance is obtained with a very high operating intensity weak, of the order of 25 mA, by means of a fluorescent powder having its maximum emission at 525 nm. Cathodic drop and tube tension are then at their minimum, the voltage gain obtained compared to a mercury tube being 10%.

Bien entendu l'invention n'est pas limitée à l'exemple décrit ci-dessus, mais en embrasse toutes les variantes d'exécution à la portée de l'homme du métier.Of course, the invention is not limited to the example described above, but embraces all the variants of execution within the reach of the skilled person.

Claims (8)

Lampe sans mercure à cathodes creuses froides (4) activées comportant un corps creux tubulaire (2) en verre dont l'intérieur est recouvert d'une poudre fluorescente, qui comporte à ses deux extrémités des électrodes à cathodes creuses froides (4) activées et qui est rempli d'un mélange de gaz rares, caractérisée en ce que le mélange de gaz rares comporte de 90 % à 99 % de néon et jusqu'à 1 % d'un gaz rare ou d'un mélange de gaz rares de blocage ou de complément, le reste étant constitué par du xénon, et les cathodes creuses froides (4) activées ont une couche active (6) comportant du fluorure de baryum (BaF2) ou un composé contenant un élément du groupe III B de la Classification Périodique des Eléments.Mercury-free lamp with activated cold hollow cathodes (4) comprising a tubular hollow body (2) made of glass, the interior of which is covered with a fluorescent powder, which has at its two ends electrodes with activated cold hollow cathodes (4) and which is filled with a mixture of rare gases, characterized in that the mixture of rare gases comprises from 90% to 99% of neon and up to 1% of a rare gas or a mixture of blocking rare gases or complement, the remainder consisting of xenon, and the activated cold hollow cathodes (4) have an active layer (6) comprising barium fluoride (BaF 2 ) or a compound containing an element of group III B of the Classification Periodical of the Elements. Lampe sans mercure selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que l'élément du groupe III B de la Classification Périodique des Eléments est pris parmi le scandium, l'yttrium et le lanthane.Mercury-free lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the element of group III B of the Periodic Table of the Elements is selected from scandium, yttrium and lanthanum. Lampe sans mercure selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que le composé est choisi dans le groupe comprenant l'oxyde de lanthane (La2O3), l'hexaborure de lanthane (LaB6), l'oxyde de scandium (Sc2O3), un mélange d'oxyde de lanthane et d'oxyde de titane (La2O3 . 2TiO3), un mélange d'oxyde mixte de baryum et de titane et d'oxyde d'yttrium (BaTiO3. Y2O3) et leurs associations.Mercury-free lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compound is chosen from the group comprising lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ), lanthanum hexaboride (LaB 6 ), scandium oxide ( Sc 2 O 3 ), a mixture of lanthanum oxide and titanium oxide (La 2 O 3. 2TiO 3 ), a mixture of mixed barium oxide and titanium and yttrium oxide (BaTiO 3 . Y 2 O 3 ) and their associations. Lampe sans mercure selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la couche active (6) comprend du fluorure de baryum (BaF2) ou un mélange d'oxyde mixte de baryum et de titane et d'oxyde d'yttrium (BaTiO3. Y2O3) en des proportions allant de 70 % à 30 % pour l'un et de 30 % à 70 % pour l'autre.Mercury-free lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the active layer (6) comprises barium fluoride (BaF 2 ) or a mixture of mixed barium oxide and titanium and yttrium oxide (BaTiO 3 . Y 2 O 3 ) in proportions ranging from 70% to 30% for one and from 30% to 70% for the other. Lampe sans mercure selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la pression du mélange de gaz rares est comprise entre 1 et 10 mbars.Mercury-free lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure of the mixture of rare gases is between 1 and 10 mbar. Lampe sans mercure selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le ou les gaz rare(s) de blocage ou de complément sont choisis dans le groupe comprenant l'argon, le krypton, et l'hélium.Mercury-free lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rare blocking or complement gas (s) are chosen from the group comprising argon, krypton, and helium. Lampe sans mercure selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que chaque cathode comporte un cylindre métallique (5) dont la face interne est recouverte de la couche active (6), tandis qu'une gaine (7) tubulaire en céramique recouvre la face externe de ce cylindre.Mercury-free lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each cathode comprises a metal cylinder (5) the internal face of which is covered with the active layer (6), while a tubular sheath (7) of ceramic covers the outer face of this cylinder. Utilisation d'une lampe telle que définie dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, pour un éclairage coloré décoratif ou dans une enseigne lumineuse.Use of a lamp as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, for decorative colored lighting or in a neon sign.
EP01402430A 2000-10-06 2001-09-21 Cold hollow-cathode mercury-free fluorescent lamp for coloured decorative lighting or illuminated signboards Withdrawn EP1195794A1 (en)

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FR0012843A FR2815172B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 MERCURY FREE LAMP WITH COLD HOLLOW CATHODES WITH FLUORESCENCE LUMINESCENCE FOR COLORED DECORATIVE LIGHTING OR LIGHT SIGNS

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US5962977A (en) * 1996-12-20 1999-10-05 Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha Low pressure discharge lamp having electrodes with a lithium-containing electrode emission material

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US3814971A (en) * 1973-03-01 1974-06-04 Gen Electric Fill gas mixture for glow lamps
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US5962977A (en) * 1996-12-20 1999-10-05 Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha Low pressure discharge lamp having electrodes with a lithium-containing electrode emission material

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