EP2193536A1

EP2193536A1 - Method for connecting a discharge vessel of a discharge lamp to a tube section, especially a pump tube

Info

Publication number: EP2193536A1
Application number: EP08804486A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Josef Schlecht
Original assignee: Osram GmbH
Current assignee: Osram GmbH
Priority date: 2007-09-27
Filing date: 2008-09-19
Publication date: 2010-06-09
Also published as: CN101809705B; RU2469431C2; RU2010116419A; DE102007046343A1; US20100261400A1; US8079889B2; WO2009043741A1; JP2010541143A; CN101809705A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting a discharge vessel (2) of a discharge lamp (1) to a tube section (6, 8), the discharge vessel (2) being warmed in the point (12) where it is connected to the pipe section (6, 8) and the material of the discharge vessel (2) softened in the point of connection (12) being ripped open in such a manner that it rests against the interior (17) of the tube section (6, 8) and that a through hole (18) is produced in the discharge vessel (2).

Description

description

Method for connecting a discharge vessel of a discharge lamp with a pipe section, in particular a pump tube

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for connecting a discharge vessel of a discharge lamp with a pipe section.

State of the art

From DE 10 2004 018 104 Al a discharge lamp is known, which has a discharge vessel, which is at least partially helically formed. At this discharge vessel pipe pieces can be attached as Pumprohre. On the one hand, such pump tubes serve to receive an Hg source. This can be, for example, an amalgam ball.

Another function of a pump tube is to be able to perform an evacuation of the discharge vessel and a filling with a corresponding filling gas via the pump tube during the manufacture of the lamp. Another function that can be perceived by a pump tube is to be seen in the fact that this offers the possibility of flushing the discharge vessel. Furthermore, the pipe section can provide good access to the discharge vessel, for example for introducing the Hg source, by means of a sufficiently large cross section. In addition, a discharge vessel for a discharge lamp is known from EP 1 282 153 A2. The inside of the discharge vessel is coated with a protective layer and a phosphor layer. The protective layer is mounted directly on the inside of the discharge vessel and may be, for example, an AlonC layer.

For attaching the pipe section or the pump tube to the discharge vessel, it is necessary that a clean free wiping takes place at the connection point on the inside of the discharge vessel, so that there the protective layer is no longer present. For just in the connection region between the pipe section and the discharge vessel, the material of the protective layer contributes to the fact that jumps can occur in the glazing between the pump tube and the discharge vessel.

Since, due to the geometries and configurations of the discharge vessels, the free wiping is possible only at accessible locations, the connection between the pipe section and the discharge vessel can also take place only at a few specific locations. In addition, the free wiping at the Ansetzstelle is time-consuming and associated with a further manufacturing step. This increases the production time and, moreover, increases the costs.

Presentation of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a method in which a discharge vessel of a discharge lamp with a tube piece can be easily and inexpensively poor in many places of the discharge vessel is possible. This is to be made possible in particular against the background that the occurrence of material jumps can also be prevented at the most varied connection points.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.

In the method according to the invention, a discharge vessel of a discharge lamp is connected to a separate pipe section. The discharge vessel is heated at the junction provided with the pipe section and the softened at the junction material of the discharge vessel is torn so that it rests against the inside of the pipe section and in the discharge vessel, a continuous hole is generated. The softened material of the discharge vessel at the connection point is thus applied with its outside to the inside of the pipe section and connected thereto. The connecting region between the discharge vessel and the pipe section can be produced at various points of the discharge vessel. In addition, the occurrence of material jumps in the connection area can be prevented.

In particular, if the inside of the discharge vessel is provided with a protective layer at the connection point, it is no longer necessary for this point to be wiped free of the material of the protective layer before the discharge vessel is connected to the pipe section. The method according to the invention now ensures that even if such a protective layer in the region of the connection point at the end Charge vessel is still present, this is not introduced into the explicit connection point with the pipe section and thus the occurrence of hitherto caused by the protective layer jumps in the connection area can be avoided.

The pipe section and the discharge vessel are preferably formed at least partially made of glass. In particular, at the connection points an embodiment of glass is provided.

Direct contact is thus produced only between the protective layer-free inside of the pipe section and the protective layer-free outside of the discharge vessel.

Preferably, the tube piece is first positioned at a distance from the discharge vessel before being connected to the discharge vessel and the end of the tube piece facing the discharge vessel is heated. The spacing is chosen such that there is not already an undesired contacting of the two components before the sufficient heating of the pipe section at the appropriate location. In addition, however, the spacing is also so close that, in this method step, preferably the outer side of the discharge vessel is also at least slightly heated at the intended connection point with the pipe section.

The distance between the pipe section and the discharge vessel set during this process step depends, in particular, on the diameter of the pipe section and / or the power of the heat source, with which the heating of the pipe section and / or the discharge vessel takes place, and / or depending on the diameter of the discharge vessel at the attachment point or the connection point and / or depending on the wall thickness of the discharge vessel at the connection point.

In addition, a defined heating of the pipe piece end can take place by means of this method step, without the temperature of the discharge vessel being undesirably already correspondingly raised.

Preferably, the pipe section is heated before being contacted with the discharge vessel at its the outer sides of the discharge vessel end facing by a heat source introduced into the pipe section.

Precisely by this procedure, a very precise and defined heating of the front end of the pipe section can be made possible. In addition, by this procedure, the temperature of the pipe section end over a very precise and desired length.

Preferably, the heat source for heating the end of the pipe section is introduced into the pipe section only over a first partial length of the pipe section starting from the end facing away from the discharge vessel. It is thus set to heat the discharge vessel facing the end of the pipe section, a first insertion position of the heat source in the pipe section, which allows the defined and precise heating of the end portion of the pipe section.

Preferably, the outside of the discharge vessel at the connection point after the heating of the discharge vessel defined facing the end of the pipe section heated. In particular, in this context, a further heating, which may have occurred during the heating of the end of the pipe section, of the outside of the discharge vessel, which has possibly already occurred during the heating of the end of the pipe section, takes place. In particular, in this context, the outside of the discharge vessel is heated so that a reliable application and bonding of the materials between the pipe section and the discharge vessel at the connection point Ie can be ensured.

Preferably, after the heating of the end of the tube piece facing the discharge vessel and the further heating of the outside of the discharge vessel at the connection point, the tube piece is brought into contact.

In particular, the softened material of the discharge vessel is acted upon by contacting the pipe section with the discharge vessel at the connection point with a gas stream. This is done in such a way that the softened material ruptures at the connection point and rests against the inside of the pipe section. Precisely because of this can be achieved in a particularly accurate and reliable manner that the softened material tears straight in this direction and position, which allows a defined application of the material with its outside to the inside of the pipe section.

The loading of the softened material of the discharge vessel with the gas stream can preferably take place by blowing in a corresponding gas stream via the discharge vessel. However, it can also be provided that a sucking gas flow through the pump tube is generated, with which the rupture of the softened material of the discharge vessel is made possible in the direction of the interior of the pipe section.

By this procedure, a very fast expiration of the contacting and thus the attachment of the pipe section to the correspondingly heated outside of the discharge vessel and an immediate subsequent blowing through the softened material to create the hole on the one hand, and the application on the other hand, allows. This can in particular be done very quickly and coordinated to one another, since this can be done at the same point in the production process.

Preferably, the inside of the discharge vessel is coated with a protective layer and a phosphor layer prior to connection to the pipe section.

It proves to be particularly preferred if the softened material of the discharge vessel rests like a collar on the inside of the end of the pipe section. Precisely because of this, a particularly effective connection can be achieved over the largest possible surface area. Preferably, during the heating of the discharge vessel facing the front end of the pipe section an inwardly bulging bead is generated, on the inside of which then ruptures the rupturable material of the discharge vessel with its outside. In the connection area, a sort of entanglement is thus generated by the geometries. The collar-like structure at the junction of the discharge vessel after the application to the inside of the pipe section is defined in particular as a funnel-shaped. The bead formed at the front end on Pipe piece preferably has a quasi-round inside in cross-section, on which then forms the torn material of the discharge vessel. In a cross-sectional view, an interlocking, hooked structure is thus produced, as it were, between the pipe section and the discharge vessel.

In particular, the pipe section is designed as a pump tube. It can be used both as a pump tube via which an evacuation and filling with filling gas of the discharge vessel can take place. Likewise, however, it can also be provided that the pump tube remains permanently connected to the discharge vessel and is used to receive a Hg source.

Preferably, a single heat source is used for the total heating of the components and the corresponding locations. This is then set depending on the advanced manufacturing process in each case to the specifically mentioned and advantageous positions.

However, it can also be provided that at least two heat sources are provided, which are then provided for heating different locations. In this context, it can be provided that these heat sources perform the respective heating of the assigned locations simultaneously or successively. An at least temporarily simultaneous heating of different locations can be provided.

Preferably, a burner with an open flame, for example a gas burner, can be used as the heat source. However, a heat source can also be designed as an electrode or plasma nozzle. Even a laser can as Heat source can be provided. Here then heating by passing into the interior of the pipe section can be made possible. It is advantageous in this context that the emitted light of the laser is expanded by a corresponding optics and scattered to the front edge of the pipe section for uniform heating of the entire edge there.

However, it can also be provided that when using a laser as a heat source, the heating of the discharge vessel facing the front edge of the pipe section and / or the outside of the discharge vessel at the intended connection point from the outside.

Thus, the connection between the pipe section and the discharge vessel can be made particularly advantageously at any points of the discharge vessel, since it is no longer necessary to previously remove a protective layer of the discharge vessel attached to the inside. Not least, this can also reduce the production time and reduce production costs. In addition, the entire procedure can be achieved with a relatively inexpensive construction, as there is also a very simple procedure in this regard. Not least, this can also reduce the consumption of mercury, since the layer no longer needs to be removed.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it : 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a discharge lamp produced according to the method according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a discharge vessel for a discharge lamp, which is connected to a pipe section; FIG. and

3 is a schematic sectional view through a connection point between a pipe section and a discharge vessel.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a merely exemplary embodiment of a discharge lamp I shown, which is designed as a compact fluorescent lamp. The discharge lamp I comprises an enveloping bulb 1, which encloses a spiral-shaped or helically wound discharge vessel 2. The discharge vessel 2 is coated on its inside with a protective layer, in particular an AlonC layer. On this protective layer, a phosphor layer is applied.

The discharge vessel 2 extends with its gas-tight ends 2a and 2b in the interior of a housing. 3

In the housing 3, in a specific embodiment of the discharge lamp I, an electronic operating device (not shown) may be arranged for the discharge lamp I. Both the enveloping piston 1 and the discharge vessel 2 are fixedly connected to the housing 3, wherein in this regard, for example, a foaming adhesive or the like may be provided.

On the housing 3, a base 4 is fixed, which may be for example a screw base.

In particular, the discharge vessel 2 is composed of two helically wound sections, so that a quasi-double helix results, wherein the winding takes place about the axis A. The two sections of the discharge vessel 2 are connected together at the point 5.

In the exemplary embodiment of the discharge lamp I, a first exhaust tube 6 is attached as a piece of pipe at the end 2a of the discharge vessel 2. In the exhaust pipe 6, a Hg source 7 is introduced.

In addition, by way of example, a second pipe section is shown as the second pumping tube 8, which is connected at the point 5 with the discharge vessel 2 and extends quasi in the axial direction within the turns of the discharge vessel 2 in the vertical direction.

A Hg source can also be introduced into this second pump tube 8. However, it can also be provided that this second pump tube 8 is used for evacuation and filling with filling gas of the discharge vessel 2 and is separated again from the discharge vessel 2 after the evacuation and filling of the discharge vessel 2. Both the location of the attachment of the second pump tube 8 and the geometry of the discharge vessel 2 are shown in FIG. 1 by way of example only.

By means of the invention, it is possible for the pump tube 8 to be connected to the discharge vessel 2 at quasi arbitrary points even when the protective layer of the discharge vessel 2 has already been attached. This can be done without wiping or removing the protective layer at the intended joint.

In addition to the helical configuration of the discharge vessel 2 shown in FIG. 1, it can also be provided in this connection that the discharge vessel 2 has at least one partial area which is U-shaped. A shaping in accordance with a polygonal spiral can also be provided for the geometry of the discharge vessel 2.

Based on the exemplary illustration in Fig. 2, the connection between the formed of glass pump tube 8 and the discharge vessel 2 formed of glass will be explained in more detail. 2, a discharge vessel 2 is shown, which likewise has a shape according to a double helix, wherein in this embodiment, the ends 2a and 2b are not oriented in a vertical direction downwards, but run out obliquely to the outside. In addition, in the illustration according to FIG. 2, an electrode 9 extends over the end 2b into the interior of the discharge vessel 2, wherein a further electrode 10 via the end 2a of the discharge vessel 2 into the interior and thus into the discharge space of the discharge vessel 2 extends. Corresponding electrodes are also present in the embodiment in Fig. 1, but not shown there.

For connecting the pump tube 8 to the discharge vessel 2, both components are first manufactured separately and provided. The pump tube 8 is then positioned at a distance a from the outside 11 of the discharge vessel 2 in the region of the desired connection point 12. In the exemplary embodiment, a heat source 16, for example a gas burner, is then introduced into the interior 15 of the pump tube 8. The introduction takes place via a discharge vessel 2 facing away from the end 14 of the pump tube 8 and beyond only a first part length. With the heat source 16, the end 13 of the pump tube 8 facing the discharge vessel 2 is then heated. Optionally, in this process step, the outer side 11 is also slightly heated at the connection point 12. If the edge of the facing end 13 is subjected to the desired temperature, the heat source 16 in the interior 15 of the pump tube 8 is moved further in the direction of the facing end 13. Subsequently, the outer side 11 at the connection point 12 is then further heated so that a reliable connection when attaching the pump tube 8 to the outside 11 can be ensured.

If both the outer side 11 and the end 13 are heated accordingly, the pump tube 8 is attached to the outer side 11 at the connection point 12.

Immediately after this contacting, a gas flow is generated in the embodiment in the interior of the discharge vessel 2, which generates the softened material of the discharge vessel. tion vessel 2 at the junction 12 in the direction of the interior 15 of the pump tube 8 ruptures. The gas flow generation can take place in this context, for example via one of the openings at the ends 2a or 2b. It should be noted that at this stage of production the electrodes 9 and 10 shown by way of example in FIG. 2 are not yet present, so that openings accessible via the ends 2a and 2b are present. As a result of the generation of the gas flow, the softened material of the wall of the discharge vessel 2 is torn open in the direction of the inside 17 of the pumping tube 8 such that the softened material with its outside 11 bears against the inside 17. By this procedure can thus be prevented that in the connection area between see the pump tube 8 and the discharge vessel 2 material of the protective layer is present. As a result, the cracks caused by this material of the protective layer in the prior art can also be prevented in the connection region.

It can also be provided that the blowing through and thus rupturing of the wall material of the discharge vessel 2 takes place only when the heat source 16 is deactivated. However, it can also be provided that the heat source 16 is also at least temporarily active, if the blowing with the gas flow to rupture of the softened material is to take place at the connection point 12.

The position of the connection point 12 shown in FIG. 2 is also merely exemplary and may also be provided at other locations of the discharge vessel 2. In Fig. 3, the pump tube 8 is shown connected to the discharge vessel 2 state in a schematic sectional view. By heating the front end 13 there forms an inwardly oriented bead 19. On the inside 17, the softened torn-up material 20 of the discharge vessel 2 forms a positive fit. Due to the tearing of the wall material of the discharge vessel 2, a continuous hole 18 is generated beyond. As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 3, a collar-like shape of the torn-open material of the discharge vessel 2 is thus formed at the connection point 12. In this context, the shaping can also be understood as a funnel-like manner, whereby, as a result of the application of the torn-open material 20 to the inner side 17 in the area of the bead 19, this bead 19 also virtually engages behind. As a result of this embodiment, an anchoring between the pumping tube 18 and the discharge vessel 2 is formed as it were. The direction of flow of the gas flow in the discharge vessel 2 is indicated by the arrow P, by means of which the force acting on the softened material of the wall of the discharge vessel 2 ruptures and thus allows the hole 18 to be formed.

In the entire connection area, therefore, only a direct contact between the inside 17 and the outside 11 is formed. The protective layer formed on the inner side 21 of the discharge vessel 2 is thus not present in this direct connection region.

Claims

claims

1. A method for connecting a discharge vessel (2) of a discharge lamp (1) with a pipe section (6, 8), characterized in that the discharge vessel (2) at the provided with the pipe section (6, 8) connection point (12) is heated and the softened at the junction (12) material of the discharge vessel (2) is torn so that it rests against the inside (17) of the pipe section (6, 8) and in the discharge vessel (2) produces a continuous hole (18) becomes.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe section (6, 8) before the connection to the discharge vessel (2) spaced from the discharge vessel (2) is positioned and the discharge vessel (2) facing the end (13) of the pipe section ( 6, 8) is heated.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pipe section (6, 8) before contacting with the discharge vessel (2) at its the outer side (11) of the discharge vessel (2) facing the end (13) by a in the Inner (15) of the pipe section (6, 8) introduced heat source (16) is heated.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the heat source (16) for heating the end (13) of the pipe section (6, 8) only over a first partial length of the pipe section (6, 8) starting from the discharge (2) facing away from the end (14) in the pipe section (6, 8) is inserted.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer side (11) of the discharge vessel (2) at the connection point (12) after the heating of the discharge vessel (2) facing the end (13) of the pipe section (6, 8) heated, in particular further heated, is.

6. The method according to claim 3 and 5, characterized in that the heat source (16) after heating the end (13) of the pipe section (6, 8) for heating the outer side (11) of the discharge vessel (2) over a second partial length greater the first part length in the pipe section (6, 8) is introduced.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube piece (6, 8) after the heating of the discharge vessel (2) facing the end (13) and the further heating of the outer side (11) of the discharge vessel (2) on the Junction (12) is brought into contact with the discharge vessel (2).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the material softened by the heating of the discharge vessel (2) is acted upon at the connection point (12) with a gas stream, such that the softens softened material and on the inside (17) of the pipe section (6, 8) applies.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inside (21) of the discharge vessel (2) before the connection with the pipe section (6, 8) is coated with a protective layer.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the softened material of the discharge vessel (2) as a widening collar on the inside (17) of the end (13) of the pipe section (6, 8) applies.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe section (6, 8) is designed as a pump tube.