JP2000251848A - Discharge lamp and display - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a discharge lamp having a low starting voltage, capable of easily dimming light, and capable of emitting light from plural portions along the logitudinal direction of a light emitting part of a light transmissive container, and to provide a display using the lamp. SOLUTION: A light transmissive container 12 has logitudinal light-emitting parts 13, and seal gas is sealed in its inside. An internal electrode 16 is inserted along the light-emitting parts 13 in the inside of the light transmissive container 12, and plural external electrodes 17 are provided in parallel in an outside of the container 12 along a longitudinal direction of the light-emitting parts 13. Light-emitting parts 13 of plural discharge lamps 11 are arranged in parallel using, as pixels 25, positions corresponding to the respective external electrodes 17 of the light-emitting parts 13 of the plural discharge lamps 11, so as to form a display face 27. Each discharge lamp 11 has a phosphor of red, green or blue color individually, and the respective discharge lamps 11 having respective red, green and blue phosphors individually are set into one set, and plural sets are arranged in parallel to constitute a display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a discharge lamp that emits light and a display device using the discharge lamp.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
In the discharge lamp described in the publication, red, green, and blue phosphors are applied in parallel along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of a cylindrical light-transmitting container enclosing a discharge medium, and the light-transmitting Each pair of electrodes is arranged outside the container corresponding to the position of each phosphor, and by applying a voltage between each pair of electrodes, the discharge medium in the translucent container is discharged and The phosphor is excited so that light of each emission color is emitted from the peripheral surface or the end surface of the translucent container.

In this discharge lamp, a discharge voltage is high because a voltage is applied between each pair of external electrodes to discharge, and the emission color is changed by controlling a voltage value applied between each pair of external electrodes. Therefore, it is difficult to adjust the light intensity from 0 to 100%, and the discharge is likely to flicker when darkened. In addition, it is not easy to separately apply phosphors of three colors on the inner surface of one translucent container, and it is costly.

For example, a discharge lamp used as a display element in a large display device installed in a stadium or the like is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-190152.
One phosphor or each of red, green, and blue phosphors is applied in parallel along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the cylindrical translucent container enclosing the discharge medium, and the inside of the translucent container is formed. The electrodes are inserted along the longitudinal direction, external electrodes are arranged outside the translucent container corresponding to the positions (numbers) of the phosphors, and a voltage is applied between the internal electrodes and the external electrodes. By doing so, the discharge medium in the translucent container is discharged to excite the phosphor, and light is emitted from the light emitting portion on one end surface of the translucent container.

In this discharge lamp, since a voltage is applied between the internal electrode and the external electrode to cause a discharge, the starting voltage is low and dimming can be easily performed. Light can be emitted only from a portion, and when used in a display device, the same number of discharge lamps as the number of pixels must be used. In the case where phosphors of three colors are applied and formed on the inner surface of one translucent container, it is not easy to separately apply the phosphors, and the cost is high.

[0006]

As described above, in the structure of the discharge lamp described in JP-A-5-212004, light can be emitted from a plurality of places along the longitudinal direction of the translucent container. However, there is a problem that the discharge voltage is high and dimming is difficult. Furthermore, because of the structure having the pair of external electrodes, a discharge is generated through the dielectric in the translucent container, the positive column is easily diffused, and light may wrap around other than the desired discharge location. There is. This wraparound of light is also due to the fact that the inside of the translucent container is communicated with the same cross-sectional area, and discharge is easily generated even at a portion adjacent to a desired discharge portion, and light is emitted. . In addition, circuit wiring is required for each pair of external electrodes, which complicates manufacturing.

Further, the discharge lamp described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-190152 can emit light only from one location on one end face of the light-transmitting container. The same number of discharge lamps must be used.

[0008] Further, when three color phosphors are applied and formed on the inner surface of one translucent container to perform color display, it is not easy to paint each of the phosphors separately, and there is a problem that the cost is high.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has a low starting voltage, can easily perform dimming, and can emit light from a plurality of locations along a longitudinal light emitting portion of a translucent container. And a display device using the discharge lamp having a plurality of pixels along the longitudinal light emitting portion.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge lamp comprising: a light-transmitting container having an elongated light-emitting portion on a wall; a gas filled in the light-transmitting container; An internal electrode inserted inside the container corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the light emitting unit; and a plurality of external electrodes provided outside the translucent container in parallel corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the light emitting unit. Is what it is.

An internal electrode is inserted into the light-transmitting container along the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting portion, and a plurality of external electrodes are provided outside the light-transmitting container in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting portion. Accordingly, the starting voltage is low, dimming can be easily performed, and light can be emitted from a plurality of locations along the longitudinal light emitting portion. Therefore, for example, it can be used as a display element having a plurality of pixels in which a position corresponding to each external electrode of the light emitting unit is a pixel. In addition, since a discharge is generated between the internal electrode and the external electrode, a discharge generation portion in the translucent container is easily concentrated on the internal electrode, and undesirable light wraparound is reduced.

A discharge lamp according to a second aspect of the present invention is the discharge lamp according to the first aspect, further comprising partition means for partitioning the inside of the light-transmitting container between adjacent external electrodes.

The inside of the translucent container is partitioned by the partitioning means in correspondence with the adjacent external electrodes, thereby preventing discharge from flowing between the adjacent external electrodes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the discharge lamp according to the second aspect, the partitioning means is a partition wall in which the wall surface of the light-transmitting container enters the inside of the light-transmitting container.

[0015] The partitioning means is such that the wall surface of the light-transmitting container is a partition wall portion that has entered the interior of the light-transmitting container, so that the distance between the wall surface of the light-transmitting container and the internal electrode via the partition wall portion. And the starting voltage is reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the discharge lamp according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the internal electrodes emit electrons at positions corresponding to the external electrodes as compared with other portions of the internal electrodes. It has an electron emission portion that is easy to emit.

The internal electrode has an electron emission portion at a position corresponding to each external electrode, which easily emits electrons as compared with the other portions of the internal electrode. Is prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising a plurality of the discharge lamps according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a position corresponding to each external electrode of a light emitting portion of each of the discharge lamps is defined as a pixel. Are arranged in parallel to form a display surface.

The positions corresponding to the respective external electrodes of the light-emitting portions of the plurality of discharge lamps are defined as pixels, and the light-emitting portions of the discharge lamps are arranged in parallel to form a display surface. , The number of discharge lamps used is smaller, and the configuration is simplified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the display device of the fifth aspect, each of the discharge lamps has a red, green, and blue phosphor individually. A plurality of sets are arranged in parallel with one set of each discharge lamp having an individual body.

Each discharge lamp has a red, green, and blue phosphor individually, and a plurality of discharge lamps each having a red, green, and blue phosphor as one set are arranged in parallel. , The red, green,
A picture element is composed of blue pixels, and a display surface for color display is formed.

A display device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the display device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein a constant voltage is applied to an internal electrode of each discharge lamp and a current is applied to each external electrode of each discharge lamp. A display driving means for controlling the time through an intermittent current cutoff circuit is provided.

By applying a constant voltage to the internal electrodes of the discharge lamps by the display driving means, the characteristics between the discharge lamps are kept constant, and the current for each external electrode of each discharge lamp is maintained. By controlling the intermittent of the time through the current cutoff circuit, the dimming can be performed without flicker.

In a display device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to the seventh aspect, the display drive means includes a starting voltage between the internal electrode and the external electrode with respect to the external electrode when the current of the current interrupt circuit is interrupted. The following voltages are applied.

When the current is cut off by the current cut-off circuit, a voltage is applied to the external electrode so that the voltage between the internal electrode and the external electrode is equal to or lower than the starting voltage, thereby preventing the influence of the stray capacitance of the current cut-off circuit. , Is surely turned off.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 5 show a first embodiment, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a discharge lamp and a display device, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge lamp, and FIG. 3 explains dimming control of the discharge lamp. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of the display device, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modification of the display device.

In FIG. 1 and FIG.
Has a valve 12 as a translucent container, and this valve 12
Is made of a translucent material such as borosilicate glass, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a tube diameter of 10 mm, a tube length of 350 mm, and a wall thickness of 1 mm, and both ends are closed. A part of the peripheral surface of the bulb 12 along the longitudinal direction (axial direction) is formed as a longitudinal light emitting portion 13.

A discharge space 14 is formed inside the bulb 12. In the discharge space 14, for example, 20% of neon (Ne) and xenon (X) are used as a sealing gas (discharge gas).
e) is 80% and sealed at a pressure of 40,000 Pa. On the inner surface of the bulb 12, any one of the red R, green G, and blue B phosphors 15 is individually formed in a region excluding the region of the light emitting unit 13. Thereby, each of the red R, green G, and blue B discharge lamps 11 is formed.

An internal electrode 16 is inserted through the center of the bulb 12 along the longitudinal direction of the light emitting section 13. This internal electrode 16
Is a conductive material such as nickel (Ni), for example, formed in a rod shape (linear shape) having a diameter of 1 mm, and both ends are sealed to both end portions of the bulb 12.

On the outer surface of the bulb 12, a plurality of external electrodes 17 are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the bulb 12 along the longitudinal direction of the light emitting section 13. Each of the external electrodes 17
For example, a conductive material such as an aluminum tape or a silver paste of 20 mm × 30 mm, and a region (aperture) of the light emitting portion 13.
In the region excluding the above, the outer surface of the bulb 12 is formed by being pasted or applied. The adjacent external electrode 17 is, for example, 5 m
m and are insulated from each other. further,
Covering the entire outer surface of the bulb 12 on which the external electrode 17 is formed,
An insulating cover 18 made of a light-transmitting insulating material is formed.

A power source 21 is connected to the internal electrode 16 of the discharge lamp 11, and a high frequency voltage of, for example, 80 kHz and 700 V is applied to the internal electrode 16 from the power source 21. A current cutoff circuit 22 is connected to each of the external electrodes 17 of the discharge lamp 11, respectively.
In the current cutoff circuit 22, a field effect transistor (FE)
The switching element 23 such as T) is controlled to be turned on and off so that a current flows to the external electrode 17 through the rectifying element 24 such as a diode bridge. The current cutoff circuit 22
As shown in FIG. 3, the intermittent current is dimmed by time control, that is, duty ratio control.

Then, by applying a voltage between the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17, the sealing gas in the bulb 12 is discharged between the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 to excite the phosphor 15. Then, light corresponding to the emission color of the light emitter 15 is emitted from the light emitting unit 13. At this time, the discharge is caused by the internal electrode 16 to which the voltage is applied.
Mainly occurs between the external electrode 17 and the internal electrode 16.
Does not expand much outside the region facing the external electrode 17 and
A portion corresponding to the position of the external electrode 17 to which the voltage of the light emitting unit 13 is applied emits light.

Each external electrode of the light emitting portion 13 of the discharge lamp 11
The position corresponding to 17 is configured as a pixel 25 that emits light, that is, a plurality of pixels 25 are formed along the light emitting portion 13 of one discharge lamp 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, three discharge lamps 11 of red R, green G, and blue B are set as one set.
11 are arranged in parallel in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the position of each external electrode 17 of the light emitting portion 13 of each discharge lamp 11, that is, each pixel 25
Are arranged in parallel so that the positions of the discharge lamps 11 are adjacent to each other, one pixel 26 for color display is constituted by three pixels 25 of red R, green G, and blue B adjacent to each other in parallel with the discharge lamps 11, A plurality of picture elements 26 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the discharge lamp 11, and a part of the display surface 27 is formed by the picture elements 26.

A power supply 21 is commonly connected to the internal electrodes 16 of the discharge lamps 11 of these colors, and a current cutoff circuit 22 is connected to each of the external electrodes 17 of each discharge lamp 11.
Then, a constant high-frequency voltage is applied to the internal electrodes 16 of the discharge lamps 11 of each color, and the intermittent current to each external electrode 17 is time-controlled, that is, the duty ratio is controlled by each current cutoff circuit 22, so that the picture is controlled. Pixels of each color that make up element 26
25 is dimmed, and full-color display is possible with picture element 26. The power supply 21 and the respective current cutoff circuits 22 constitute a display driving unit 28 for driving and controlling the display of the pixel 25 and the picture element 26.

As shown in FIG. 4, one display unit 31 is constituted by using two sets of three discharge lamps 11 of red R, green G, and blue B. The display unit 31 has a rectangular unit main body 32, and the discharge lamps 11 are arranged substantially horizontally on the front surface of the unit main body 32, and red R, green G, blue B, red R, Green G,
A plurality of power supply terminals 33 connected to the internal electrodes 16 of the discharge lamps 11 and the external electrodes 17 protrude from the rear surface of the unit body 32 in the order of blue B.

A large-sized display device 35 is constituted by using a plurality of the display units 31. This display device 35
A display device main body 36 is provided, and a plurality of display units 31 are arranged on the front surface of the display device main body 36 in a multi-stage and multi-row arrangement in a vertical and horizontal direction so as to be detachably attached. A plurality of sockets 37 to which the power supply terminal 33 is inserted and connected are provided. And multiple display units
A large display surface 27 capable of performing color display is formed by the plurality of picture elements 26 of 31.

As described above, the discharge lamp 11 is inserted into the bulb 12 through the internal electrode 16 along the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting portion 13, and a plurality of external electrodes are inserted outside the bulb 12 along the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting portion 13. By providing the electrodes 17 in parallel, the starting voltage is low, dimming can be easily performed, and light can be emitted from a plurality of locations along the elongated light emitting portion 13. Therefore, the light emitting unit
A position corresponding to each of the external electrodes 17 of the pixel 13 is defined as a pixel 25, and the pixel 25 can be used as a display element having a plurality of pixels 25 along the longitudinal light emitting portion 13. In addition, since a discharge is generated between the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17, the location where the discharge occurs in the bulb 12 is likely to be concentrated on the internal electrode 16, and undesirable light sneak can be reduced.

A position corresponding to each external electrode 17 of the light-emitting portion 13 of each of the discharge lamps 11 is defined as a pixel 25, and the light-emitting portions 13 of the discharge lamps 11 are arranged in parallel to form a display surface 27. The number of discharge lamps 11 used can be reduced compared to the ratio of the number of pixels 25 and the number of picture elements 26 on the surface 27, and the configuration can be simplified. In addition, since the plurality of pixels 25 can emit light with one internal electrode 16 of the discharge lamp 11, the number of power supplies can be reduced and the power supply circuit can be simplified.

Each discharge lamp 11 has a red R, green G, and blue B phosphor 15 individually, and these red R, green G, and blue B
By arranging a plurality of sets in parallel with each set of the discharge lamps 11 having the respective phosphors 15 individually, the pixel 26 is formed by the red R, green G, and blue B pixels 25 of each set of the discharge lamps 11. Configurable,
The display surface 27 on which information such as characters and images can be displayed in color can be easily formed.

By applying a constant voltage to the internal electrode 16 of each discharge lamp 11 by the display driving means 28, the characteristics between the discharge lamps 11, for example, the starting delay of each picture element 26, etc. are kept constant. And each external electrode of each discharge lamp 11
By controlling the intermittent current with respect to 17 via the current cutoff circuit 22 with time, it is possible to easily adjust the light in a wide light control range without flicker.

The longitudinal direction of each discharge lamp 11 of the display device 35 is not limited to being arranged along the horizontal direction, but may be arranged along the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the display device 41 can be constituted by using a plurality of single-color discharge lamps 11 having the same color phosphor 15. This display device 41
On the front surface of the display device main body 42, these fluorescent lamps 11 are arranged in parallel in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the positions of the external electrodes 17 of the light emitting portion 13 of each discharge lamp 11, that is, the positions of the pixels 25 are adjacent to each other. The display surface 27 is formed by arranging in parallel.

By controlling the lighting and extinguishing of each pixel 25 on the display surface 27, information such as characters and images can be displayed.

In this manner, the display surface 27 is formed by arranging the light emitting portions 13 of the discharge lamps 11 in parallel with the positions corresponding to the external electrodes 17 of the light emitting portions 13 of the discharge lamps 11 as the pixels 25. Accordingly, the number of discharge lamps 11 used can be reduced as compared with the ratio of the number of pixels 25 on the display surface 27, and the configuration can be simplified.

A plurality of such display devices 41 can be connected to form a large display surface 27, and the discharge lamps 11 can be arranged in the longitudinal direction along the vertical direction.

Next, FIGS. 6 to 12 show a second embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a discharge lamp, FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a part of the discharge lamp along a longitudinal direction, 8 is a sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the discharge lamp, FIG. 9 is a sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction showing a modified example of the discharge lamp, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction showing another modified example of the discharge lamp. FIG. 11 is a sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction showing still another modification of the discharge lamp, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction showing still another modification of the discharge lamp.

6 to 8, the discharge lamp 11
However, partitioning means 51 for partitioning the inside of the bulb 12 corresponding to between the adjacent external electrodes 17 is provided.
The wall surface of the bulb 12 is formed of a partition wall 52 that has entered the interior of the bulb 12 corresponding to the position between the adjacent external electrodes 17. The partition portion 52 is formed smaller than the diameter of the bulb 12 so as to reduce the cross-sectional area of the discharge space 14 inside the bulb 12, and a concave portion 53 is formed on the peripheral surface of the bulb 12. The smallest part 54 of the bulkhead part 52 that enters the valve 12 most
Is cylindrical and formed concentrically with the bulb 12 so that the internal electrode 16 can be inserted in a separated state.

In the discharge lamp 11 of this embodiment, for example, the inner diameter of the bulb 12 is 5 mm and the wall thickness is 0.8 m.
m, the pipe length is 480 mm, the pitch of the concave portions 53 is 15 mm, the width of the concave portions is 5 mm, and the inner diameter of the minimum portion 54 is 1.2 mm.
The diameter of the internal electrode 16 is 1 mm, and xenon (X
e) is sealed at a pressure of 40000 Pa.

The discharge of this discharge lamp 11 is
Since the discharge starting voltage depends on the distance between the electrodes, the discharge is started between the inner electrode 16 and the partition wall 52, which is the shortest at the start, because the discharge wall barrier discharge is a ballast discharge on the 12th wall. After the start, a discharge is generated in a region where the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 face each other.

As described above, the discharge space 14 inside the bulb 12 is partitioned by the partition 52 corresponding to the space between the adjacent external electrodes 17 and the cross-sectional area communicated by the inner diameter of the partition 52 is small. Of the discharge between the external electrodes 17 can be prevented, and the distinction between the light-on state and the light-off state between the adjacent pixels 25 can be clarified. In addition, the light generated by the discharge is blocked by the partition 52, so that the influence on the adjacent pixels 25 can be reduced. Further, the distance between the wall surface of the bulb 12 and the internal electrode 16 via the partition 52 is reduced, and the starting voltage can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 9, the internal electrode 16 is inserted into a position eccentric with respect to the center of the bulb 12, and the minimum portion of the partition wall 52 corresponding to the position of the internal electrode 16.
54 may be formed at an eccentric position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the minimum portion 54 of the partition wall portion 52 may be formed in a substantially quadrangular cylindrical cross section.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the minimum portion 54 of the partition wall portion 52 may be formed in a substantially elliptical cylindrical cross section.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the minimum part 54 of the partition wall part 52 may be welded to the internal electrode 16 in a substantially square cross section.

Also, in the case of each of the discharge lamps 11, a similar operation and effect can be obtained such that the discharge can be prevented from flowing into the adjacent pixel 25 via the partition wall 52.

Next, FIGS. 13 and 14 show a third embodiment, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of the discharge lamp in an exploded state, and FIG. 14 is a side view of a part of the discharge lamp.

The discharge lamp 11 is provided with partitioning means 51 for partitioning the interior of the bulb 12 between adjacent external electrodes 17. The partitioning means 51 is attached to the internal electrodes 16, respectively. And a partition 55 inserted and disposed in the discharge space 14 of the cylindrical bulb 12.
55 corresponding to the position between adjacent external electrodes 17
By partitioning the discharge space 14 inside 12, the sneak of discharge between the adjacent external electrodes 17 can be prevented, and the influence of light generated by the discharge can be reduced. Can be clearly distinguished.

Next, FIGS. 15 to 18 show a fourth embodiment, FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the discharge lamp, and FIG. 16 is a longitudinal direction showing a modification of the discharge lamp. 17 is a configuration diagram showing another modified example of the discharge lamp, and FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view taken along the longitudinal direction showing still another modified example of the discharge lamp.

In FIG. 15, the bulb 12 has a partition 52 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.
In 16, an electron emission portion 61 is provided at a position corresponding to each external electrode 17 (pixel 25) and at a position adjacent to the partition portion 52 at one end between the external electrodes 17 adjacent to one end at the one end. . The electron emitter 61 is formed of an electron emitter 62 made of an electron emitting material such as LaB ₆ or MgO, which emits electrons more easily than the main body of the internal electrode 16 made of Ni. Therefore, the main body of the internal electrode 16 is
It is configured as a non-electron emission portion 63 that is less likely to emit electrons as compared with.

One end of each external electrode 17 enters the recess 53 along the wall surface of the bulb 12 and extends to a position near the minimum portion 54, that is, one end of the partition 52 on one end. It extends so as to cover the outer surface area, and is close to the electron emitting portion 61 arranged on one end side.

In the discharge lamp 11 of this embodiment, for example, the outer diameter of the bulb 12 is 3 mm, and the tube length is 500 m.
m, the width of the concave portion is 2 mm, and the diameter of the internal electrode 16 is 0.1 mm.
1mm, Xenon (Xe) 40000P in bulb 12
It is sealed at a pressure of a.

The discharge of this discharge lamp 11 is
When the wall of the bulb 12 becomes a ballast discharge and the external electrode 17 becomes a cathode cycle on the wall of the bulb 12, discharge occurs from the entire wall (phosphor) of the bulb 12 corresponding to the external electrode 17. When the internal electrode 16 enters the cathode cycle, electrons are mainly emitted from the electron emitting portion 61 that easily emits electrons from the main body of the internal electrode 16, and discharge occurs. Therefore, the external electrode 17 corresponding to one pixel 25
And a discharge is generated between the electron emission portion 61 of the internal electrode 16 and
It is possible to prevent the discharge from sneaking into the adjacent pixel 25 through the partition 52. Therefore, it is possible to clearly distinguish between the light-on state and the light-off state between the adjacent pixels 25, the brightness of each pixel 25 is high, and the display contrast can be improved.

Further, the electron emission portion 61 of the internal electrode 16 is disposed adjacent to the partition 52 at one end, and the external electrode 17
Is extended to the outer surface area of the partition part 52, so that the distance between the electron emission part 61 of the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 is reduced,
The starting voltage can be reduced. Moreover, the external electrode 17
Is extended to the outer surface area of the partition wall portion 52,
Light generated by the discharge in one of the pixels 25 is blocked by one end of the external electrode 17 so that the influence on the adjacent pixels 25 can be reduced.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
Is the main body of the internal electrode 16 made of Ni, and the non-electron emitting portion 63 is made of, for example, alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) or silica (S
The coating 64 may be formed of a non-electron emitting material such as iO ₂ ). The coating 64 is formed of the outer electrodes 17 of the inner electrodes 16.
At the position corresponding to each (pixel 25), except for the position adjacent to the partition 52 at one end between the external electrode 17 (pixel 25) adjacent to the one end, the external electrode 17 ( It is provided to cover the internal electrode 16 over a position adjacent to the partition 52 on the other end side between the pixel 25). Therefore, the electron emission portion 61 is disposed on the internal electrode 16 at a position corresponding to each external electrode 17 (pixel 25) and at a position adjacent to the partition wall portion 52 on one end side between the external electrode 17 and the external electrode 17 adjacent on one end side. Has been established.

Therefore, also in this case, one pixel 25
A discharge is generated between the external electrode 17 and the electron emission portion 61 of the internal electrode 16 corresponding to the pixel 25 and the adjacent pixel 25 via the partition 52.
The same operation and effect can be obtained, such as the prevention of the sneak of discharge into the battery.

Also, as shown in FIG.
Is a coil 65 formed in close contact with the internal electrode 16 and wound,
The non-electron emitting portion 63 may be a linear portion of the internal electrode 16.

The resistance per axial length differs between the coil 65 of the internal electrode 16 and the linear portion. When a DC voltage is applied to the internal electrode 16 from a power source 66 for preheating, the coil 65 having a high resistance is formed. The temperature of the portion rises and the portion glows red to obtain thermoelectrons. This coil 65 is used for each external electrode 17 (pixel 25)
It is arranged at a position adjacent to the partition 52 on one end between the external electrode 17 adjacent to the one end at a corresponding position.

Therefore, also in this case, one pixel 25
A discharge is generated between the external electrode 17 and the electron emission portion 61 of the internal electrode 16 corresponding to the pixel 25 and the adjacent pixel 25 via the partition 52.
The same operation and effect can be obtained, such as the prevention of the sneak of discharge into the battery.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, when the partitioning member 55 is used as the partitioning means 51 as in the third embodiment, the electron emitting portion 61 is formed of the internal electrode 16 made of Ni. The non-electron emission portion 63 is made of, for example, alumina (Al ₂ O).
₃ ) or a partition 55 made of a non-electron-emitting substance such as silica (SiO ₂ ).

The partition body 55 is formed integrally with a covering portion 67 that covers the internal electrode 16 from both side surfaces. The portion of the internal electrode 16 exposed between the covering portions 67 of the adjacent partition members 55, that is, the electron emitting portion 61, is located substantially at the center of each external electrode 17 (pixel 25).

Therefore, also in this case, one pixel 25
A discharge is generated between the external electrode 17 corresponding to the pixel electrode 25 and the electron emission portion 61 of the internal electrode 16, and the adjacent pixel 25 is separated via the partition 55.
The same operation and effect can be obtained, such as the prevention of the sneak of discharge into the battery.

Each of the discharge lamps 11 of the second to fourth embodiments can be used for a display device, similarly to the discharge lamp 11 of the first embodiment.

Next, FIGS. 19 to 22 show a fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a structural diagram of a display device, FIG. 20 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the display device, and FIG. FIG. 21B shows a comparative example in which a voltage between the internal electrode and the external electrode is equal to or less than the starting voltage when the current is interrupted by the interrupting circuit. FIG. 22 is a characteristic diagram in the case where a voltage that is lower than the starting voltage between the internal electrode and the external electrode is not applied to the external electrode when the circuit is interrupted, and FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram illustrating a modification of the display device.

In FIG. 19, the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17
Is connected via a capacitor C to the current
When the current is interrupted, a voltage (bias voltage) that causes the voltage between the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 to be equal to or lower than the starting voltage is applied to the external electrode 17.

As shown in FIG. 20, the current cutoff circuit 22 has a stray capacitance Csw, and a current flows even when the current cutoff circuit 22 is in a cutoff state. Therefore, when the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 are not connected via the capacitor C, as shown in FIG. 21B, the internal electrode 16 to which an AC voltage (solid line) is applied and the external electrode 17 are connected. Since the potential difference Vs from the potential of the electrode 17 (broken line) increases, the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17
A discharge is generated between the two.

On the other hand, by connecting the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 via the capacitor C, the structure shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the potential of the external electrode 17 becomes an intermediate potential between the stray capacitance Csw and the capacitance of the capacitor C, and the potential (broken line) of the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 to which an AC voltage (solid line) is applied is shown. Is small, the voltage between the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 does not reach the starting voltage, and discharge is prevented. When the current cutoff circuit 22 is connected,
All the AC voltage is applied between the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17, and the voltage exceeds the starting voltage, so that the discharge is started.

According to the test, the capacitor C is lit at a lighting frequency of 80 kHz or more and 1.2 kV or more under the condition without the capacitor C, whereas under the condition with the capacitor C, the capacitor C is turned on even at a lighting frequency of 300 kHz or more and 2 kV or more. It was confirmed that the lighting did not occur when the proper selection was made.

As described above, when the current is cut off by the current cutoff circuit 22, the voltage between the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 that is lower than the starting voltage is applied to the external electrode 17, so that the floating of the current cutoff circuit 22 The influence of the capacity can be prevented and the light can be surely turned off.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The same operation and effect can be obtained by using a resistor R instead of.

The lower the impedance of the elements such as the capacitor C and the resistor R, the closer to the applied voltage, the wider the control range.

The voltage applied to the external electrode 17 may be separately supplied from a bias power supply. The same operation and effect can be obtained not only with an AC sine wave but also with a triangular wave, a rectangular wave, and a pulse wave. Further, it is desirable that the waveforms of the bias voltage and the applied voltage are similar, but there is no problem even if the waveform, phase, or polarity is different as long as the potential difference between the internal electrode 16 and the external electrode 17 does not increase.

The light-transmitting container is not limited to the cylindrical valve 12, but may be formed in a rectangular tube, a polygonal tube, or another shape.

[0085]

According to the discharge lamp of the first aspect, the internal electrode is inserted into the light-transmitting container along the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting portion, and is inserted outside the light-transmitting container in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting portion. Since multiple external electrodes are provided in parallel, the starting voltage is low,
Dimming can be easily performed, and light can be emitted from a plurality of locations along the elongated light-emitting portion. For example, the light-emitting portion can be used as a display element having a plurality of pixels whose positions correspond to the external electrodes of the light-emitting portion. .

According to the discharge lamp of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the discharge lamp of the first aspect, the interior of the light-transmitting container is partitioned by the partition means corresponding to between the adjacent external electrodes. Of the discharge between the external electrodes can be prevented, and a desired portion can emit light.

According to the discharge lamp of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the discharge lamp of the second aspect, the partitioning means includes a partition wall in which the wall surface of the light-transmitting container enters the inside of the light-transmitting container. Therefore, the distance between the wall surface of the translucent container and the internal electrode via the partition wall is reduced, and the starting voltage can be reduced.

According to the discharge lamp of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the discharge lamp of any one of the first to third aspects, the internal electrode is provided at a position corresponding to each external electrode. Since it has an electron-emitting portion that emits electrons more easily than the portion, it is possible to prevent the discharge from flowing between adjacent external electrodes.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising a plurality of discharge lamps according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a position corresponding to each external electrode of a light emitting portion of each discharge lamp is defined as a pixel. Since the light-emitting portions of the discharge lamps are arranged in parallel to form the display surface, the number of discharge lamps used can be reduced as compared with the ratio of the number of pixels on the display surface, and the configuration can be simplified.

According to the display device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect of the display device of the fifth aspect, each discharge lamp is red,
It has green and blue phosphors individually, and these red,
Since a plurality of sets are arranged in parallel with each set of discharge lamps individually having green and blue phosphors, a picture element can be composed of red, green, and blue pixels of each set of discharge lamps, and color display can be performed. The display surface can be easily formed.

According to the display device of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect of the display device of the fifth or sixth aspect, by applying a constant voltage to the internal electrode of each discharge lamp by the display driving means, The characteristics between the respective discharge lamps can be kept constant, and the dimming can be easily performed without flickering by controlling the intermittent current to the respective external electrodes of the respective discharge lamps through the current cutoff circuit.

According to the display device of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect of the display device of the seventh aspect, when the current is cut off by the current cutoff circuit, the external electrode is started between the internal electrode and the external electrode. Since a voltage equal to or lower than the voltage is applied, the influence of the stray capacitance of the current cutoff circuit can be prevented, and the light can be reliably turned off.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a discharge lamp and a display device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of dimming control of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of the display device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the display device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a discharge lamp showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the discharge lamp along the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction showing a modified example of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction showing another modification of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction showing still another modified example of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction showing still another modified example of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of a disassembled state of a discharge lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a part of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view along a longitudinal direction of a discharge lamp showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view along a longitudinal direction showing a modified example of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing another modified example of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view along a longitudinal direction showing still another modified example of the discharge lamp.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the display device.

FIG. 21 (a) is a characteristic diagram when the voltage between the internal electrode and the external electrode is equal to or lower than the starting voltage when the current is interrupted by the current interrupting circuit of the display device, and FIG. 7 is a comparative example, and is a characteristic diagram in a case where a voltage that is lower than a starting voltage between the internal electrode and the external electrode is not applied to the external electrode when the current is interrupted by the current interrupting circuit of the display device.

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram showing a modified example of the above display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Discharge lamp 12 Bulb as translucent container 13 Light emitting part 15 Phosphor 16 Internal electrode 17 External electrode 25 Pixel 27 Display surface 28 Display drive means 51 Partition means 52 Partition wall part 61 Electron emission part

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A light-transmitting container having a light-emitting portion having a longitudinal shape on a wall surface; a sealed gas sealed in the light-transmitting container; A discharge lamp comprising: an inserted internal electrode; and a plurality of external electrodes provided in parallel outside the translucent container corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the light emitting unit. 2. The discharge lamp according to claim 1, further comprising partition means for partitioning the inside of the translucent container between adjacent external electrodes. 3. The discharge lamp according to claim 2, wherein the partitioning means is a partition wall in which the wall surface of the light-transmitting container has entered the inside of the light-transmitting container. 4. The internal electrode according to claim 1, wherein the internal electrode has an electron emitting portion at a position corresponding to each external electrode, which emits electrons more easily than other portions of the internal electrode. The discharge lamp as described. 5. A discharge lamp comprising a plurality of discharge lamps according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein light-emitting portions of these discharge lamps are arranged in parallel with a position corresponding to each external electrode of a light-emitting portion of each discharge lamp as a pixel. A display device characterized in that a display surface is formed by being formed. 6. Each discharge lamp has a red, green, and blue phosphor individually, and a plurality of discharge lamps each having each of the red, green, and blue phosphors constitute one set, and a plurality of sets are arranged in parallel. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the display device is arranged. 7. A display drive means for applying a constant voltage to the internal electrodes of each discharge lamp and controlling the time through a current cutoff circuit for interrupting the current to each external electrode of each discharge lamp. 7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: 8. The display driving means according to claim 7, wherein when the current is cut off by the current cut-off circuit, a voltage is applied to the external electrode so that a voltage between the internal electrode and the external electrode is equal to or lower than a starting voltage. Display device.