JP2000077032A - Discharge lamp, discharge lamp lighting device and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely insulate an external electrode and prevent a flake scatter in the case of a translucent discharge container breakage. SOLUTION: In this discharge lamp, an external electrode 3 disposed on the outer surface of a narrow and long translucent discharge container 1 is laminated with a translucent insulative sheet 5. The entire periphery of the translucent discharge container 1 is encircled with the translucent insulative sheet 5. An internal electrode 4 is disposed in the translucent discharge container 1. Lamination with the translucent insulative sheet 5 for the external electrode 3 is provided so that the external electrode 3 is sandwiched and supported between an inner side insulative sheet 5a and an outer side insulative sheet 5b or is laminated between the outer surface of the translucent discharge container 1 and one of the translucent insulative sheet 5. The internal electrode 4 is constituted of a pair of counter electrodes 4B sealed at both ends of the translucent discharge container 1 or a metallic wire extending across approximately the full length of the translucent discharge container 1. By laminating the external electrode 3 with the translucent insulative sheet 5, this discharge lamp can be used where dew condensation occurs intensely such as inside a refrigerator.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a discharge lamp using a rare gas as a main discharge medium, a discharge lamp lighting device using the same, and a refrigerator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional refrigerators mainly use incandescent lamps as interior lights from the viewpoint of price. However, as refrigerators have become larger, fluorescent lamps have been adopted because of their superior power consumption and light quantity. Are being considered.

[0003] A fluorescent lamp generates ultraviolet rays by mercury vapor discharge, and excites a phosphor with the generated ultraviolet rays to convert it into visible light.

[0004] However, mercury vapor discharge has a strong temperature dependency, has a very poor luminous flux rising characteristic at low temperatures, and uses mercury which has a large environmental load. Therefore, there is a problem in terms of environmental protection. There is also a problem of the dark characteristic that the engine cannot be started by being left in the dark. For this reason, it is always in a low-temperature environment like a refrigerator interior light, and the interior is dark, but it is difficult to adopt a fluorescent lamp where the required illuminance is required immediately when the door is opened. there were.

[0005] On the other hand, there is a discharge lamp which has no temperature dependency and has a good luminous flux rising characteristic because mercury is not used by using a rare gas as a discharge medium. However, this discharge lamp is an internal electrode type in which a rare gas having a structure in which a pair of electrodes are sealed inside both ends of a translucent discharge vessel is used. Requires the use of multiple lamps, and the price and size are obstacles to adoption in refrigerators.

Therefore, the rare gas discharge lamp is configured as an external electrode in which a pair of electrodes are arranged apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the outer surface of the translucent discharge vessel, so that the light emission amount can be increased. , For reading. However, this external electrode type discharge lamp has disadvantages in that it has much radiation noise and it is difficult to insulate between the electrodes.

Further, there has been proposed an inner / outer electrode type discharge lamp in which one electrode is an external electrode and the other electrode is an internal electrode extending in the longitudinal direction of the translucent discharge vessel inside the translucent discharge vessel. Was. In this discharge lamp, by radiating the external electrodes to ground, the radiation noise can be reduced, and the insulation between the electrodes is relatively easy.

The present inventors have previously made the following invention, and the present invention has been filed as Japanese Patent Application No. 10-139751. That is, a pair of internal electrodes are sealed at both ends of an elongated translucent discharge vessel like a normal internal electrode type discharge lamp, and one external electrode is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the translucent discharge vessel. In this configuration, after the pair of internal electrodes are set to the same potential, a voltage is applied between the pair of internal electrodes and the external electrodes to light up. According to the improved inner / outer electrode type discharge lamp, the internal electrodes are easily sealed, so that the cost can be reduced.

[0009]

Each of the above-described discharge lamps for discharging between the internal electrode and the external electrode is easier to insulate the electrodes than a discharge lamp having a pair of external electrodes. However, since dew condensation frequently occurs in the refrigerator, there is still a problem in insulating the electrodes.

The present invention provides a discharge lamp which can reliably insulate an external electrode, and prevents scattering of fragments even if a light-transmitting discharge vessel is damaged, a discharge lamp lighting device using the same, and a discharge lamp using the same. It is intended to provide a refrigerator.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided a discharge lamp comprising an elongated light-transmitting discharge vessel; a discharge medium mainly composed of a rare gas sealed in the light-transmitting discharge vessel; One is constituted by an external electrode provided on the outer surface of the light-transmitting discharge vessel so as to generate a discharge inside the discharge vessel, and the other is constituted by an internal electrode sealed in the light-transmitting discharge vessel. A pair of electrodes; and a light-transmissive insulating sheet that laminates external electrodes on the outer surface of the light-transmissive discharge vessel and surrounds the entire periphery of the light-transmissive discharge vessel. I have.

In the present invention and each of the following inventions, definitions and technical meanings of terms are as follows unless otherwise specified.

(Concerning Translucent Discharge Vessel) The elongated translucent discharge vessel is preferably formed by sealing both ends of a glass bulb, but may be formed of a translucent ceramic if necessary. Good. Note that as the glass, soft glass, semi-hard glass, hard glass, quartz glass, or the like can be appropriately selected and used.

The fact that the discharge vessel is translucent does not require that the entire discharge vessel be translucent, but at least the portion that attempts to derive light generated by the discharge is translucent. Should be fine.

An elongated discharge vessel means that the discharge vessel has a diameter of 2 mm.
It means that it is twice as long.

Further, the discharge vessel may be either a straight tube or a curved tube. As a curved tube, for example, a U-shape,
Various shapes such as an annular shape and a semi-annular shape can be adopted.

Further, in the present invention, the translucent discharge vessel may have a flat cross section. In this case, however, the distance from the center to the outer surface portion facing the external electrode is doubled to reduce the outer diameter. And

(Discharge Medium) The discharge medium is mainly composed of a rare gas, and the rare gas is allowed to be xenon, neon, argon, krypton, or the like. Further, in addition to the rare gas, a halide or a simple halogen of the rare gas may be added. As the halogen, iodine, bromine, and chlorine can be used. Discharge is possible if the element exists as vapor in the range of several mHg to several atmospheres.

When the rare gas generates ultraviolet rays by electric discharge like xenon, a phosphor layer which is excited by the ultraviolet rays and generates visible light can be provided on the inner surface side of the discharge vessel or the like.

(Regarding a pair of electrodes) One of the pair of electrodes is an external electrode provided on the outer surface of the light-transmitting discharge vessel.

As the external electrode, a metal foil of aluminum or the like, a conductive paint film, a metal deposition film, a transparent conductive film, a relatively thin metal plate or the like can be appropriately used as in the conventional case.

The other electrode is an internal electrode.

In the case of the internal electrode, it can be in the form of a rod, a plate or a line over substantially the entire length of the translucent discharge vessel.

Further, the internal electrode may be sealed at one end of the translucent discharge vessel, or may be sealed at both ends.

Further, a pair of relatively short counter electrodes similar to those of an ordinary internal electrode type discharge lamp may be sealed at both ends of the translucent discharge vessel, and these electrodes may be used as the other internal electrodes. it can. In this case, a pair of opposing electrodes at both ends of the translucent discharge vessel are set to the same potential, and a voltage is applied to the external electrodes.

Further, the counter electrode may be either a cold cathode or a hot cathode.

Regardless of the internal electrode of any structure, in order to seal it at the end of the discharge vessel, various known sealing means such as a flare seal, bead seal, and pinch seal can be appropriately selected and used. .

(Transparent Insulating Sheet) The translucent insulating sheet is a characteristic configuration of the present invention. That is, the light-transmitting insulating sheet laminates the external electrodes to insulate them, and surrounds the entire periphery of the light-transmitting discharge vessel.

In order to laminate the external electrode, it is preferable to laminate the external electrode between two translucent insulating sheets. If necessary, laminate the external electrode to the outer surface of the translucent discharge vessel. It is permissible to do so.

As the light-transmitting insulating sheet, for example, PB
T (polybutylene terephthalate) resin or the like can be used. A transparent insulating sheet is preferable because it has a higher visible light transmittance, but may be light diffusing if necessary.

Appropriate means such as thermocompression bonding and adhesion can be adopted as means for lamination.

(Regarding Other Configurations) When it is desired to collectively emit light in a specific direction of the translucent discharge vessel,
It is effective to form a light-guiding slit called an aperture along the longitudinal direction of the translucent discharge vessel, and to form a reflective film on a portion other than the aperture. The reflective film can be formed on the inner surface of the light-transmitting discharge vessel by fine particles of titanium oxide or the like having high reflectance.

On the other hand, if it is desired to obtain a light distribution over an angle range as wide as possible, the width of the external electrode should be made as narrow as possible without forming a slit for guiding light, and no reflection film should be formed or formed. Even if it does, it is preferable to stop at the part facing the external electrode.

Also, ultraviolet rays are generated by the rare gas discharge,
Moreover, when it is desired to obtain visible light, the phosphor layer can be formed on the inner surface side of the translucent discharge vessel.

Further, on the inner surface of the light-transmitting discharge vessel, a protective film made of alumina fine particles or the like or an electron emitting material film can be formed. When forming a protective film, the phosphor layer is formed on the inner surface of the protective film. The formation of the electron emitting material film is effective in avoiding or reducing the occurrence of dark characteristics of the discharge lamp.

(Function of the Present Invention) In the present invention, since the external electrodes are laminated with the translucent insulating sheet, the insulating treatment can be performed reliably. For this reason, even if the discharge lamp of the present invention is used for interior lighting of a refrigerator, insulation does not deteriorate due to dew condensation.

Further, since the entire periphery of the light-transmitting discharge vessel is surrounded by the light-transmitting insulating sheet, even if the light-transmitting discharge vessel is damaged, it is protected by the light-transmitting insulating sheet and fragments are scattered. There is nothing to do.

Further, in the discharge lamp of the present invention, by discharging between the external electrode and the internal electrode, the opposing electrodes are sealed at both ends of the translucent discharge vessel, and a voltage is applied between the opposing electrodes to discharge. In comparison with a conventional discharge lamp using a rare gas as a discharge medium, the amount of generated light is significantly increased.

Further, as compared with a conventional discharge lamp having a pair of external electrodes, insulation is easier and radiation noise can be reduced.
The amount of light increases as well.

In the discharge mode of the discharge lamp of the present invention, since an external electrode is provided, a relatively high voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes in series with a capacitance having a light-transmitting discharge vessel wall as a dielectric. This is an ozonizer discharge that occurs in the translucent discharge vessel. Ultraviolet rays are generated by the rare gas ozonizer discharge, and the phosphor is excited by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays to emit visible light. Also, in the ozonizer discharge, a streamer-type discharge is generated for each minute area in the gap with a dielectric interposed therebetween, and it is considered that the inside of the streamer is uniformly ionized from the cathode to the anode.

In the case where xenon is used as the discharge medium, xenon emits atomic light (Xe:
Molecular emission (Xe2: wavelength 152 nm, 172n) at a pressure of about 10 kPa or more.
m) increases.

Then, the capacitance C using the translucent discharge vessel as a dielectric becomes 1 / (2πfC) at the time of the ozonizer discharge.
And acts as a current-limiting impedance to form a constant current circuit to suppress the transition of the ozonizer discharge to the arc discharge and to prevent the discharge from being concentrated at a specific location.

Next, a case where the above-described discharge lamp is operated at a high frequency will be described.

The output voltage waveform of the high-frequency power supply may be any of a sine wave AC, an asymmetric AC in which DC is superimposed on a sine wave AC, and a pulse. Further, a half-wave rectified waveform of a sine wave alternating current may be used instead of the pulse. In the present invention, the high frequency refers to a frequency of 1 kHz or more or a repetition frequency. Actually, a range of 4 kHz to 1 MHz can be used, but a frequency of 100 kHz or more is preferable because discharge flicker hardly occurs.

When the discharge lamp is lit by an asymmetrical waveform voltage on which a direct current is superimposed, the luminous efficiency is improved and a larger amount of light can be obtained than by lighting with a symmetrical waveform voltage.

Further, in the case of pulse lighting or lighting with a voltage of a half-wave rectified waveform of a sine wave AC, afterglow is generated during a pause period between applied voltage waveforms, thereby further improving luminous efficiency and increasing a luminous amount. Obtainable.

Further, when the external electrodes of the discharge lamp are grounded, radiation noise is reduced and insulation is facilitated.

Furthermore, the discharge lamp and the high-frequency power supply may be integrated, or may be configured as separate bodies separated from each other.

Furthermore, the discharge lamp can be dimmed and lit. In this case, the dimming means does not matter, but for example, a PWM type dimming means can be used.

If the light-transmitting insulating sheet of the discharge lamp is configured to transmit all or a part of the wavelength in the wavelength range of 300 to 400 nm, it can be used for activating the photocatalyst. Therefore, the discharge lamp of the present invention can be used not only for lighting in refrigerators and the like, but also for deodorizing and antibacterial in a refrigerator, or for both lighting and lighting.

The discharge lamp according to the second aspect of the present invention is the first aspect.
The discharge lamp described above is characterized in that the internal electrode is constituted by a pair of counter electrodes sealed at both ends of the translucent discharge vessel.

In the present invention, opposite electrodes similar to those used in an internal electrode type discharge lamp are sealed at both ends of the translucent discharge vessel as described above, and these are sealed with the internal electrode with respect to the external electrode. However, in order to light this discharge lamp, a pair of opposing electrodes are set to the same potential, a voltage is applied between each opposing electrode and an external electrode, and a discharge is generated between them. Then, it acts as if the space between the pair of opposed electrodes is connected by a conductor, and uniform rare gas discharge can be generated over the entire length of the translucent discharge lamp.

In the present invention, since the internal electrode is allowed to have the same structure as that of a common counter electrode type discharge lamp, the manufacturing equipment, the manufacturing method and the parts can be used as they are, thereby significantly increasing the cost. Can be avoided.

Also, by configuring as follows,
The amount of light emission can be increased, the light emission distribution can be made uniform, and / or the flicker of brightness near the internal electrode can be suppressed.

1 Lamp current density ID obtained by dividing the rated lamp current (mA) of the rated lamp by the area (cm 2) of the external electrode, where P (torr) is the charged pressure of the rare gas.
(MA / cm2) satisfies the following expression. (Increase in light emission amount) -0.002 × P + 3.0816>ID> 0.001 ×
P-0.0151 2 Noble gas is sealed at 100 to 400 torr. (Increase in the amount of light emission) 3 Use an external electrode in which a portion facing each internal electrode forms a ring-shaped portion surrounding the entire periphery of the translucent discharge vessel. (Suppression of brightness flicker) 4 Use an external electrode in which the width of the center of the translucent discharge vessel is larger than the width of both ends.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge lamp.
In the discharge lamp described above, the internal electrode is sealed at least at one end of the light-transmitting discharge vessel and extends over substantially the entire length of the inside of the light-transmitting discharge vessel.

The internal electrode may have either end sealed at both ends of the translucent discharge vessel or one end sealed only at one end of the translucent discharge vessel. The internal electrode may extend over substantially the entire length of the translucent discharge vessel in the longitudinal direction.

When an internal electrode as in the present invention is used, the amount of light emission is generally smaller than when both electrodes are external electrodes. Can be done.

(1) The internal electrodes are formed in a plate shape.

(2) The internal electrodes are formed in a mesh shape.

(3) The internal electrodes are heated to emit thermoelectrons.

4) A dielectric layer is formed on the surface of the internal electrode.

The internal electrode generally extends substantially on the central axis of the translucent discharge vessel, but may be eccentric if necessary. The starting voltage can be reduced by bending the internal electrode or welding another member to bring a part of the internal electrode closer to the external electrode.

Thus, according to the present invention, since the internal electrodes extending over substantially the entire length of the light-transmitting discharge vessel are provided, a uniform discharge can be achieved along the longitudinal direction regardless of the length of the light-transmitting discharge vessel. Can be obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge lamp lighting device comprising:
A discharge lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a high-frequency generator for outputting a high-frequency voltage, and first control means for applying an output of the high-frequency generator between a pair of electrodes of the discharge lamp when desired. And a second control means for automatically applying the output of the high-frequency generator between the pair of electrodes of the discharge lamp at regular time intervals.

The present invention defines the means for lighting the discharge lamp as defined in claims 1 to 3, and has a structure particularly suitable when the discharge lamp is left in the dark. In other words, the dark characteristics of the discharge lamp depend on the ambient temperature, power consumption and the characteristics of the discharge lamp, but generally occur in ten to several tens of hours. By setting the time shorter than the characteristic as the fixed time, or setting the time shorter than the above-mentioned tens of hours as the fixed time, the discharge lamp automatically turns on before the dark characteristic appears. It can be turned on without any characteristics.

Therefore, the present invention is suitable for use in a low-temperature and dark environment such as a refrigerator.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator main body; a discharge lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3 disposed in a refrigerator main body; And a high-frequency generator for lighting.

Thus, according to the present invention, the discharge lamp has no temperature dependency due to the discharge medium mainly composed of the rare gas,
In addition, the luminous flux rising characteristics are good, the amount of light is large, and the insulation of the external electrodes is ensured. Even if the container is damaged, the entire periphery of the light-transmitting discharge container is surrounded by the light-transmitting insulating sheet, so that fragments are not scattered. it can.

In the practice of the present invention, in order to avoid darkness characteristics, a discharge lamp lighting device as defined in claim 4 can be employed. By arranging the light bulbs and emitting them at all times or at the predetermined time intervals, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the dark characteristic and to generate the initial electrons.

[0071]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view conceptually showing a first embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a development view of the external electrode and the light-transmitting insulating sheet.

In each figure, 1 is a translucent discharge vessel, 2 is a phosphor layer, 3 is an external electrode, 4 is an internal electrode, 5 is a translucent insulating sheet, 6 is an external electrode lead wire, and 7 is an internal electrode. Lead wire.

The translucent discharge vessel 1 is made of an elongated glass bulb made of borosilicate glass having an inner diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 1.0 mm, and has a phosphor layer 2 formed on the inner surface. In the translucent discharge vessel 1, xenon as a rare gas is 30k.
Pa is enclosed.

In FIG. 1, the light-transmitting discharge vessel 1 is mainly
The illustration of the phosphor layer 2 and the translucent insulating sheet 5 is omitted to show the positional relationship between the internal electrodes 4 and the external electrodes.

The external electrode 3 is made of aluminum foil.
It faces a portion of about 20% of the area of the outer peripheral surface of the translucent discharge vessel.

The internal electrode 4 is constituted by sealing a pair of cold cathodes 4 A, 4 B at both ends of the light-transmitting discharge vessel 1.

The translucent insulating sheet 5 is made of a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) resin sheet,
And is wound around the outer surface of the translucent discharge vessel 1 to surround the entire periphery of the translucent discharge vessel 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light-transmitting insulating sheet 5 is prepared by laminating the external electrode 3 from the front and back by an inner insulating sheet 5a and an outer insulating sheet 5b made of two polybutylene terephthalates. Then, this is wound once around the outer surface of the translucent discharge vessel 1, and furthermore, a winding start portion and a winding end portion are overlapped and adhered.

The lead wire 6 is led out from the external electrode 3. Before the external electrode 3 is laminated with the translucent insulating sheet 5, the lead wire 6 may be fixed at a predetermined position of the external electrode 3.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the light-transmitting insulating sheet 5 is formed of one sheet, and the external electrode 3 is laminated between the outer surface of the light-transmitting discharge vessel 1 and the light-transmitting insulating sheet 5. .

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.

This embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that the internal electrode 4 is formed of a metal wire having both ends sealed at both ends of the light-transmitting discharge vessel 1.

That is, the internal electrode 4 is made of a nickel wire having a diameter of 1.2 mm, and is sealed to both ends of the translucent discharge vessel 1.

The illustration of the phosphor layer on the inner surface of the translucent discharge vessel 1 is omitted in the figure.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different in that the internal electrode 4 is sealed only at one end of the translucent discharge vessel 1.

That is, the internal electrode 4 is sealed only at one end of the translucent discharge vessel 1, but extends inside the translucent discharge vessel 1 over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing one embodiment of the discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention.

In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Reference numeral 11 is a high-frequency generator, 12 is first control means, and 13 is second control means.

The high-frequency generator 11 comprises a single-transistor-type transistor inverter, and includes a switching transistor 11.
a, an output transformer 11b, and the like. When a switching signal is supplied to the base of the switching transistor 11a, the first and second control means 12, 1
When a DC power supply (not shown) is connected to the collector circuit of the switching transistor 11a via the switch 3, a sine-wave high-frequency AC voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the output transformer 11b.

The high-voltage side terminal of the secondary winding of the output transformer 11b is connected to a pair of cold cathodes 4A constituting the internal electrode 4,
4B, the terminal on the low voltage side is grounded and connected to the external electrode 3.

The first control means 12 comprises a switch inserted between the DC power supply and the switching transistor 11a, and is configured to be turned on when desired.

The second control means 13 includes the first control means 1
2 and a switch connected in parallel, and is controlled by a timer so as to be automatically turned on at regular intervals. The certain time is set to be shorter than the time when the dark characteristics occur in the discharge lamp 22.

When a high-frequency AC voltage is applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 3 of the discharge lamp, first, between the cold cathodes 4A and 4B and the portion of the external electrode 3 directly facing the cold cathodes 4A and 4B. A rare gas discharge is generated, and the discharge is
A discharge between the cold cathodes 4A and 4B and the external electrode 3 is continuously formed between the cold cathodes 4A and 4B.

When the first control means 12 is turned on, a DC voltage is applied to the high frequency generator 11, so that the discharge lamp is turned on as described above. Conversely, when the first control means 12 is turned off, the high frequency stops, and the light is turned off. . Therefore, the first control means 12 can be related so that the user can operate it when desired.

On the other hand, since the second control means 13 automatically turns on the discharge lamp, it acts as the dark characteristic avoidance means.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing an embodiment of the refrigerator of the present invention.

In the figure, 21 is a refrigerator and 22 is a discharge lamp.

The refrigerator 21 is divided into three storage spaces. That is, the upper storage space 21a is a freezing room. The lower storage space 21c is a vegetable refrigerator. The intermediate storage space 21b is a main refrigerator compartment.

The discharge lamp 22 is the discharge lamp shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and is disposed in the main refrigerator 21b. Then, by employing the lighting device shown in FIG. 7 and configuring the first control means 12 to be turned on in conjunction with the opening of the door, the discharge lamp 22 is turned on by the high frequency generator 11 so as to close the door of the room. Lights when open. When the door is closed, the first control means 12 is turned off in conjunction therewith, so that the discharge lamp 22 is turned off.

Further, even if the door of the main refrigerator compartment 21b is kept closed until the discharge lamp 22 has a dark characteristic, the second control means 13 automatically turns on the discharge lamp 22 at regular intervals. Therefore, the discharge lamp 22 does not have dark characteristics.

[0110]

According to each of the first to third aspects of the present invention, one of a pair of electrodes disposed in an elongated light-transmitting discharge vessel in which a discharge medium containing a rare gas as a main component is enclosed is used as a light-transmitting discharge vessel. When the internal electrodes are sealed inside and the other is an external electrode disposed on the outer surface of the translucent discharge vessel, the translucent insulating sheet is laminated with the translucent insulating sheet, and the translucent discharge vessel is laminated by the translucent insulating sheet. Encloses the entire circumference of the battery, ensuring that the external electrodes are insulated. Even if used in a severe environment such as a refrigerator that causes condensation, insulation will not be defective and the translucent discharge vessel may be damaged. It is possible to provide a discharge lamp that does not cause fragments to scatter.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition, since the internal electrodes are constituted by a pair of opposing electrodes sealed at both ends of the translucent discharge vessel, the internal electrodes are formed of a normal internal electrode type discharge. Since it is allowed to have the same structure as the lamp, the manufacturing equipment, the manufacturing method and the parts can be used as they are, so that a relatively inexpensive discharge lamp can be provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition, since the internal electrodes extend over substantially the entire length of the light-transmitting discharge vessel, the discharge can be made uniform regardless of the length of the light-transmitting discharge vessel. The resulting discharge lamp can be provided.

According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the first control means for controlling the high frequency voltage generated by the high frequency generator to be applied to the discharge lamp of any of claims 1 to 3 at a desired time, the discharge lamp is provided at regular intervals. Discharge lamp lighting device capable of being used in darkness by providing a second control means for automatically applying a high-frequency voltage to the discharge lamp and lighting the discharge lamp so that the discharge lamp does not have dark characteristics. Can be provided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator having the effects of the first to third aspects can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view conceptually showing a first embodiment of a discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a development view of an external electrode and a light-transmitting insulating sheet.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing one embodiment of a discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing an embodiment of the refrigerator of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Transparent discharge container 2 ... Phosphor layer 3 ... External electrode 4 ... Internal electrode 4B ... Counter electrode 5 ... Translucent insulating sheet 5a ... Inner insulating sheet 5b ... Outer insulating sheet

Claims (5)

[Claims] An elongated light-transmitting discharge vessel; a discharge medium mainly composed of a rare gas sealed in the light-transmitting discharge vessel; one of which is transparent so as to generate a discharge inside the light-transmitting discharge vessel. A pair of electrodes constituted by external electrodes provided on the outer surface of the light-emitting discharge vessel, and the other constituted by internal electrodes sealed in the light-transmitting discharge vessel; A light-transmitting insulating sheet laminated with electrodes and surrounding the entire periphery of the light-transmitting discharge vessel;
A discharge lamp comprising: 2. The discharge lamp according to claim 1, wherein the internal electrode is constituted by a pair of opposing electrodes sealed at both ends of the translucent discharge vessel. 3. The discharge lamp according to claim 1, wherein the inner electrode is sealed at least at one end of the translucent discharge vessel and extends over substantially the entire length of the interior of the translucent discharge vessel. 4. A discharge lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a high-frequency generator for outputting a high-frequency voltage, and a first device for applying an output of the high-frequency generator between a pair of electrodes of the discharge lamp when desired. And a second control means for automatically applying the output of the high-frequency generator between a pair of electrodes of the discharge lamp at fixed time intervals. 5. A refrigerator main body; a discharge lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3 provided in a refrigerator main body; and a high-frequency generator for applying a high-frequency voltage to the discharge lamp to turn on the discharge lamp; A refrigerator comprising: