JP2001023576A - Discharge tube - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To repeatedly produce discharge at a fixed potential in a stable manner without being affected by a magnetic field or by resin. SOLUTION: In the middle of an inner wall of an airtight cylinder 10, one first discharge trigger wire 50 is formed into a loop crossing the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10. On each of upper and lower parts of the inner wall, one second discharge trigger wire 60 is formed into a loop crossing the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10. The second discharge trigger wires 60 are connected via third discharge trigger wires to nearby metallized surfaces 40 provided on upper and lower end faces, respectively, of the airtight cylinder 10. By using the first discharge trigger wire 50, second discharge trigger wire 60, and third discharge trigger wire, discharge is repeatedly generated at a fixed potential in a stable manner between a discharge surface 23 on an end of an upper discharge electrode and a discharge surface 25 on an end of a lower discharge electrode, confronting each other in the middle of the airtight cylinder 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a discharge tube in which a discharge is repeatedly generated between a discharge surface at a tip of an upper discharge electrode and a discharge surface at a tip of a lower discharge electrode facing each other at the center in an airtight cylinder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art JP-A-10-335 discloses a discharge tube used for a ballast circuit for lighting a HID (High Indenity Discharge) lamp of a vehicle, an igniter circuit for lighting a back lamp of a liquid crystal projector, and the like.
No. 042 is disclosed. This discharge tube is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of main discharge trigger lines 80 are formed side by side in the horizontal direction at the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 at a predetermined pitch so as to stand up and down substantially parallel to the axis of the hermetic cylinder 10. Have been. On the upper inner wall or lower inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 between the main discharge trigger lines 80, a sub-discharge trigger line 90 is formed so as to stand up and down substantially parallel to the axis of the hermetic cylinder 10. The upper end or lower end of the sub-discharge trigger line 90 is connected to a metallized surface 40 formed on the upper end surface or lower end surface of the airtight cylinder 10 nearby.

[0003] In this discharge tube, the gas is discharged from the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode or the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode at the time of discharge and adheres to the center of the inner wall of the gas-tight tube 10. It is possible to prevent the electrical insulation between the main discharge trigger line 80 and the sub-discharge trigger line 90 formed on the inner side wall 10 from deteriorating. Then, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode for a long period of time.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned ballast circuit or igniter circuit which is mounted at a high density, a discharge tube is arranged close to the primary side booster coil of the circuit. The winding direction of the primary side booster coil is substantially perpendicular to the main discharge trigger line 80 and the sub discharge trigger line 90 of the discharge tube. for that reason,
Under the influence of the magnetic field generated in the primary side boost coil,
A current based on electromagnetic induction is generated in the main discharge trigger line 80 and the sub discharge trigger line 90. Under the influence of the current, the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode fluctuates without being stable, or the tip of the upper discharge electrode The discharge voltage generated for the first time between the discharge surface 23 and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode has increased or decreased.

The above-mentioned ballast circuit for lighting the HID lamp of the vehicle is fixed by being embedded in a resin such as urethane resin or epoxy resin in order to protect the circuit from shock or vibration. Then, the periphery of the discharge tube of the ballast circuit is surrounded by the dielectric resin. Therefore, under the influence of the dielectric resin surrounding the periphery of the discharge tube, when a discharge is induced between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode of the discharge tube, ,
Electrons for surface corona discharge cannot be efficiently converged on the sub-discharge trigger line 90. Then, the initial discharge voltage generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode has increased.

The present invention solves such a problem and discharges a predetermined potential without being influenced by a magnetic field generated in a primary boosting coil of a ballast circuit or an igniter circuit or a dielectric resin embedded in the ballast circuit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a discharge tube that can be repeatedly generated stably and can maintain a constant initial discharge potential.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a first discharge tube according to the present invention is characterized in that an upper end opening and a lower end opening of a hermetic cylinder made of an insulator are arranged above the hermetic cylinder. A discharge tube hermetically sealed by an upper discharge electrode and a lower discharge electrode joined to a metallized surface formed on an end face and a lower end face, respectively, wherein the upper discharge electrode is opposed at the center in the hermetic cylinder. One first discharge trigger line is formed at the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder located on a first plane crossing the center of the discharge gap between the discharge surface of the electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode. The inner wall of the hermetic cylinder is formed in a loop shape so as to traverse the inner wall substantially in parallel with the surface. Forming a loop across the inner wall of the airtight cylinder in parallel That his second discharge trigger wires are respectively characterized in that it is connected via the third discharge trigger wires on the metallized surface of the nearby.

In order to achieve the above object, a second discharge tube according to the present invention is characterized in that an upper end opening and a lower end opening of an airtight cylinder made of an insulator are formed at the upper end face and the lower end face of the airtight cylinder. A discharge tube hermetically sealed by an upper discharge electrode and a lower discharge electrode respectively joined to the metallized surface formed at the end of the upper discharge electrode which is opposed at the center in the hermetic cylinder. A first discharge trigger line is substantially parallel to the metallized surface at the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder located on the first plane crossing the center of the discharge gap between the surface and the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode. A second discharge trigger line is formed substantially parallel to the metallized surface on the upper inner wall of the hermetic cylinder, which is formed in a loop shape across the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder. Is formed in a loop across the Trigger lines, is characterized in that it is connected via the third discharge trigger wires on the metallized surface of the nearby.

In the first or second discharge tube, the first discharge trigger line formed at the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder crosses the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially parallel to the metallized surface to form a loop. Is formed. In other words, the first discharge trigger line is formed in a lateral direction perpendicular to the axis of the airtight cylinder. Therefore, the first discharge trigger line is substantially parallel to the winding direction of the primary side booster coil such as a ballast circuit arranged near the discharge tube. Then, generation of current due to electromagnetic induction in the first discharge trigger line due to the influence of the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil is prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower electrode tip from fluctuating without being stabilized due to the influence of the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil. Can be.

Similarly, since the second discharge trigger line is formed in the lateral direction of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially parallel to the winding direction of the primary boosting coil, the magnetic field of the primary boosting coil is reduced. Under the influence, it is possible to prevent a current based on electromagnetic induction from being generated in the second discharge trigger line. Then, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode from fluctuating without being stabilized under the influence of the current. At the same time, even if the periphery of the discharge tube is surrounded by a resin made of a dielectric, the second discharge trigger line is formed in a loop shape in the lateral direction of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder. Without being affected by the dielectric resin
Electrons for creeping corona discharge can be efficiently converged on the discharge trigger line. Then, by using the second discharge trigger line, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip.

The second discharge trigger line is connected via a third discharge trigger line to a metallized surface formed on the upper end surface of the nearby airtight cylinder or in addition to the lower end surface thereof. The nearby second discharge trigger line is
It is electrically connected to the upper discharge electrode or the lower discharge electrode through the discharge trigger line and the metallized surface. Therefore, the surface discharge corona discharge electrons for inducing a discharge between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip can be efficiently converged on the second discharge trigger line. . Then, by using the second discharge trigger line, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip.

Further, the first discharge trigger line and the second discharge trigger line are formed in a loop shape in the lateral direction of the center of the inner wall of the airtight cylinder and the upper inner wall of the airtight cylinder or in addition to the lower inner wall. A first discharge trigger line and a second discharge trigger line as compared with a discharge tube formed by arranging a plurality of main discharge trigger lines and sub discharge trigger lines horizontally at a predetermined pitch in the vertical direction of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder; The distance from the line can be easily and accurately kept constant without length. Then, by using the first discharge trigger line and the second discharge trigger line maintained at the fixed distance, a discharge of a predetermined potential is caused between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip. It can be generated repeatedly and stably.

In manufacturing the first and second discharge trigger lines, the first discharge trigger line and the second discharge trigger line are formed in a loop shape in the lateral direction of the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder and the upper inner wall of the hermetic cylinder or in addition to the lower inner wall. The first and second discharge trigger lines and the second discharge trigger line are formed in comparison with a case where the main discharge trigger line and the sub-discharge trigger line are divided into a plurality of lines in the vertical direction of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder. The trigger line can be easily and quickly formed on the inner wall of the airtight cylinder without trouble.

In the second discharge tube, a first discharge trigger line formed at the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder and a metallized surface on the positive electrode side formed at the lower end face of the hermetic cylinder. In addition, a wide inner wall portion of an airtight cylinder made of an insulator on which no discharge trigger line is formed is interposed. Therefore, the spatter generated at the time of discharge from the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode or the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode causes the inner wall portion of the hermetic cylinder between the first discharge trigger line and the metallized surface on the positive electrode side. Even if it adheres, it is possible to prevent the electrical insulation between the first discharge trigger line and the metallized surface on the positive electrode side from deteriorating due to the sputtering. Then, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip over a long period of time.

In the second discharge tube, the aging treatment for activating the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode is performed by the upper discharge electrode on the negative electrode side and the aging process. It can be performed only by applying a DC overvoltage to the lower discharge electrode on the positive electrode side in only one direction, and the troublesome aging process can be reduced to almost half. Here, the aging treatment is a process in which an overvoltage is repeatedly applied to the upper discharge electrode and the lower discharge electrode during the manufacture of the discharge tube, and a discharge is generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip. Is repeatedly and forcibly generated to activate the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode. After that, it refers to a pre-treatment that enables a smooth and accurate discharge to be generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip.

In the first or second discharge tube of the present invention, an airtight seal located between a second plane including a discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and a third plane including a discharge surface at a tip of the lower discharge electrode. Instead of the one first discharge trigger line, a plurality of first discharge trigger lines are provided at the center portion of the inner wall of the cylinder.
A structure may be formed in which the upper and lower surfaces are symmetrically arranged vertically at a predetermined pitch in a loop shape across the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially vertically in parallel with the metallized surface with the plane interposed therebetween.

In the first or second discharge tube, the plurality of first discharge trigger lines include a second plane including a discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and a discharge surface at a tip of the lower discharge electrode. It is formed at the center of the inner wall of the airtight cylinder between the third plane. In other words, a plurality of discharge trigger lines
Without protruding into the upper inner wall of the airtight cylinder outside the second plane including the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode or the lower inner wall of the airtight cylinder outside the third plane including the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode,
It is formed at the center of the inner wall of the airtight cylinder inside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first discharge trigger line outside the plurality of first discharge trigger lines from being too close to the upper discharge electrode or the lower discharge electrode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential generated between the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode from lowering. Further, since the plurality of first discharge trigger lines are formed in the lateral direction of the inner wall of the airtight cylinder substantially parallel to the winding direction of the primary side booster coil, the influence of the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a current based on electromagnetic induction from being generated in the plurality of first discharge trigger lines. Then, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode from fluctuating without being stabilized under the influence of the current.

In the first discharge tube of the present invention, a plurality of second discharge trigger lines are provided on the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall of the hermetic cylinder instead of the one second discharge trigger line. Are formed side by side at a predetermined pitch in a loop across the inner wall of the airtight cylinder substantially in parallel with the metallized surface, and a second discharge trigger line closest to the metallized surface is located near the metallized surface. Third on the metallized surface
The connection may be made via a discharge trigger line.

Similarly, in the second discharge tube of the present invention, the first discharge tube is also provided on the upper inner wall of the hermetic cylinder corresponding to the negative electrode side.
Instead of the second discharge trigger lines, a plurality of second discharge trigger lines are formed in parallel with the metallized surface, arranging vertically at a predetermined pitch in a loop across the inner wall of the airtight cylinder, The second discharge trigger line closest to the metallized surface may be connected to the metallized surface formed near the upper end periphery of the hermetic cylinder via the third discharge trigger line.

In the first or second discharge tube, the plurality of second discharge trigger lines are formed in a horizontal direction of an inner wall of an airtight cylinder substantially parallel to a winding direction of the primary side booster coil. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a current based on electromagnetic induction from being generated in the plurality of second discharge trigger lines under the influence of the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil. Then, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode from fluctuating without being stabilized under the influence of the current. Further, the second discharge trigger line closest to the metallized surface of the plurality of second discharge trigger lines is connected to the nearby metallized surface via the third discharge trigger line. for that reason,
The second discharge trigger line near the metallized surface can be electrically connected to the upper or lower discharge electrode via the third discharge trigger line and the metallized surface. Then, the second discharge trigger line and another second discharge trigger line disposed near the second discharge trigger line, for inducing a discharge between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip, Electrons for creeping corona discharge can be efficiently converged. Then, by using the plurality of second discharge trigger lines, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip.

In the first or second discharge tube of the present invention, the first discharge trigger line and / or the second discharge trigger line may have a structure having one or a plurality of interrupted portions in the middle thereof. good.

In the first or second discharge tube, like the first discharge trigger line and / or the second discharge trigger line formed continuously in a loop without any breaks, The first discharge trigger line and / or the second
Electrons for creeping corona discharge for inducing a discharge between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip can be efficiently converged on the discharge trigger line. Then, using the first discharge trigger line and / or the second discharge trigger line having the interrupted portion, discharge of a predetermined potential is repeatedly performed between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip. It can be generated stably.

Further, in the first or second discharge tube of the present invention, it is preferable that the third discharge trigger line is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the axis of the hermetic cylinder.

In the first or second discharge tube, the third trigger line is formed on the inner wall of the airtight cylinder so as to be inclined with respect to the axis of the airtight cylinder. And the third trigger line is
It is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the winding direction of the primary side booster coil. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a current from being induced in the third trigger line under the influence of the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil. And under the influence of the current,
Variations in the discharge potential induced repeatedly between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip can be prevented.

[0025]

1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a first discharge tube according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front sectional view thereof.
FIG. 2 is a development view of the inner wall of the airtight cylinder. Hereinafter, the first discharge tube will be described.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a cylindrical airtight cylinder made of an insulator such as ceramic. The upper end opening and the lower end opening of the hermetic cylinder 10 are respectively connected to the upper discharge electrode 2 made of a metal such as 42 alloy (iron-nickel alloy).
2 and the lower discharge electrode 24. Specifically, outer ends of the upper discharge electrode 22 and the lower discharge electrode 24 are formed on disk-shaped lids 26 and 28, and the lid 2
The upper end opening and the lower end opening of the airtight cylinder 10 are covered by 6, 28.

The upper discharge electrode 22 and the lower discharge electrode 24 are air-tightly brazed to a metallized surface 40 made of chromium or the like formed on the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the airtight cylinder 10. The upper and lower openings of the hermetic cylinder 10 in which a mixed gas such as an inert gas is sealed are hermetically sealed by the upper discharge electrode 22 and the lower discharge electrode 24, respectively.

The tip of the upper discharge electrode 22 and the tip of the lower discharge electrode 24 protruding into the interior of the hermetic cylinder 10 are formed in a small-diameter cylindrical shape, and the tip of the upper discharge electrode 22 and the tip of the lower discharge electrode 24 are They are arranged facing each other at the center in the airtight cylinder 10. The discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode have these discharge surfaces 23,
Recesses 27 for stably generating a discharge between
Is provided.

The above arrangement is the same as that of the conventional discharge tube. However, in the first discharge tube shown in FIG. First across the center of the discharge gap with discharge surface 25
Hermetic cylinder 1 located on plane (plane indicated by a chain line) 31
In the center of the inner wall of the line 0, as shown in FIG.
One first discharge trigger line 50 made of 5 mm carbon or the like
Are formed continuously in a loop across the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10 substantially parallel to the metallized surface 40.

A second discharge trigger line 60 made of carbon or the like having a line width of about 0.5 mm is provided on the upper inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10 and the inner wall below the inner wall, substantially parallel to the metallized surface 40. And is continuously formed in a loop shape across the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10. The second discharge trigger line 60 is formed on the metallized surface 40 formed on the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the airtight cylinder 10 near it, and the carbon or the like formed on the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10. Are connected via a third discharge trigger line 70 consisting of

The first discharge tube shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is configured as described above.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment of the second discharge tube of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the second discharge tube, and FIG. 4 is a developed view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder. Hereinafter, the second discharge tube will be described.

In the second discharge tube, the first discharge tube
In the same manner as in the discharge tube of FIG.
The second discharge trigger lines 60 are formed continuously in a loop across the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10 substantially in parallel with the metallized surface 40. The second discharge trigger line 60 is connected to the metallized surface 40 formed on the upper end surface of the hermetic cylinder 10 near it.
Are connected via a third trigger line 70 made of carbon or the like formed on the upper inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10.

On the other hand, the airtight cylinder 10 corresponding to the positive electrode side
The inner wall portion of the hermetic cylinder 10 made of an insulator is widely exposed without forming the second discharge trigger line 60 and the third discharge trigger line 70 on the lower inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10.

In other respects, the structure is the same as that of the first discharge tube shown in FIGS.

In the first or second discharge tube, the first discharge trigger line 50 is in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the axis of the hermetic cylinder 10 and the winding direction of the primary side booster coil such as a ballast circuit. It is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a current based on the electromagnetic induction from being generated in the first discharge trigger line 50 under the influence of the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil. Then, under the influence of the current, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower electrode from fluctuating without being stabilized.

Similarly, since the second discharge trigger line 60 is oriented in the lateral direction of the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10 substantially parallel to the winding direction of the primary booster coil, the influence of the magnetic field of the primary booster coil is provided. In response to this, it is possible to prevent a current based on electromagnetic induction from being generated in the second discharge trigger line 60. Then, under the influence of the current, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface 23 at the top of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the top of the lower discharge electrode from fluctuating without being stabilized. At the same time, even when the periphery of the discharge tube is surrounded by a resin made of a dielectric, the second discharge trigger line 60 is formed in a loop shape in the lateral direction of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10. Electrons for creeping corona discharge can be efficiently converged on the second discharge trigger line 60 without being affected by the dielectric resin. Then, using the second discharge trigger line 60, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode.

Further, the second discharge trigger line 60 is connected to the metallized surface 40 formed on the upper end surface or the lower end surface of the nearby hermetic cylinder 10 via the third discharge trigger line 70, Since the second discharge trigger line 60 is electrically connected to the upper discharge electrode 22 or the lower discharge electrode 24 in addition to the third discharge trigger line 70 and the metallized surface 40, the second discharge trigger line At 60, the electrons for creeping corona discharge for inducing a discharge between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode can be efficiently converged. Then, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the upper discharge electrode tip discharge surface 23 and the lower discharge electrode tip discharge surface 25.

Further, the first discharge trigger line 50 and the second discharge trigger line 60 are formed in a loop shape in the lateral direction of the center of the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10 and the upper inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10 or in addition to the lower inner wall. The first discharge trigger line 50
The distance between the second trigger line 60 and the second discharge trigger line 60 can be easily and accurately kept constant without length. Then, using the first discharge trigger line 50 and the second discharge trigger line 60 kept at a certain distance, the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode are discharged at a predetermined potential. Can be repeatedly and stably generated.

In the manufacture, the first discharge trigger line 50 and the second discharge trigger line 60 are connected to the center of the inner side wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 and the upper inner side wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 or in addition to the lower inner side wall. What is necessary is just to form a series in the direction of a loop,
The first discharge trigger line 50 and the second discharge trigger line 60 can be easily and quickly formed without trouble.

In the second discharge tube, the airtight cylinder 1
A first discharge trigger line 50 formed at the center of the inner wall of
Since the inner wall portion of the airtight cylinder 10 made of an insulator on which the discharge trigger line is not formed is widely interposed between the positive electrode side metallized surface 40 formed on the lower end surface of the airtight cylinder 10 and the upper discharge, Spatters generated during discharge from the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode cause the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10 between the first discharge trigger line 50 and the metallized surface 40 on the positive electrode side. Even if it adheres to the portion, it is possible to prevent the electrical insulation between the first discharge trigger line 50 and the metallized surface 40 on the positive electrode side from deteriorating due to the sputtering. Then, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode for a long period of time.

In the second discharge tube, a discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and a discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode are provided.
Can be performed only by applying a DC overvoltage in one direction between the upper discharge electrode 22 on the negative electrode side and the lower discharge electrode 24 on the positive electrode side of the aging process. Can be almost halved.

FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of the first or second discharge tube of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a development view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the first discharge tube. FIG. 6 is a developed view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the second discharge tube. Hereinafter, the first or second discharge tube will be described.

In the first or second discharge tube shown in the figure, a second plane (surface indicated by a chain line in FIG. 1) 33 including a discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and a discharge surface 2 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode.
In place of a single first discharge trigger line 50, the line width is changed in the central portion of the inner side wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 located between the third plane 35 (the surface indicated by a dashed line in FIG. A plurality of (two in the figure) first discharge trigger lines 50 made of 0.2 mm carbon or the like are disposed at the center of the discharge gap between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode. The airtight cylinder 10 is vertically symmetrical with respect to a first plane 31 (a line shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1) intersecting the
Are formed side by side at a predetermined pitch in a loop shape across the inner side wall.

In other respects, the structure is the same as that of the first discharge tube shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or the second discharge tube shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and its operation is as follows. Except for FIGS. 1 and 2
This is the same as the first discharge tube shown in FIG. 3 or the second discharge tube shown in FIGS.

In the first or second discharge tube, the plurality of first discharge trigger lines 50 are connected to the first flat surface 33 including the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the first flat surface 33 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode. A plurality of first discharge trigger lines 50 are formed at the center of the inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10 and located between the second plane 35 including the discharge surface 25 and the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode. The lower part of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 outside the third plane 35 including the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode and the upper part of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 outside the second plane 33 including Since it is formed at the center of the inner wall of the inner airtight cylinder 10, the first discharge trigger lines 50 outside the plurality of first discharge trigger lines 50 are too close to the upper discharge electrode 22 and the lower discharge electrode 24. Can be prevented. Then, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode from dropping below a predetermined potential. Further, since the plurality of first discharge trigger lines 50 are formed in the lateral direction of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 substantially parallel to the winding direction of the primary side booster coil, the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil is formed. , The generation of current based on electromagnetic induction in the plurality of first discharge trigger lines 50 can be prevented. Then, under the influence of the current, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface 23 at the top of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the top of the lower discharge electrode from fluctuating without being stabilized.

FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 shows another preferred embodiment of the first or second discharge tube. FIG. 7 is a developed view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the first discharge tube. FIG. 4 is a development view of an inner wall of an airtight cylinder of the second discharge tube. Below, this first
Alternatively, the second discharge tube will be described.

In the first discharge tube shown in FIG. 7, each of the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 has a line width of about 0.2 instead of one second discharge trigger line 60. 2mm
A plurality of (two in the figure) second discharge trigger lines 60 made of carbon or the like are substantially parallel to the metallized surface 40.
It is formed side by side at a predetermined pitch in a loop shape across the inner wall of the zero. Then, of the plurality of second discharge trigger lines 60, the second closest to the metallized surface 40
Discharge trigger lines 60 are formed on metallized surfaces 40 formed on the upper end surface and the lower end surface of hermetic cylinder 10 nearby, respectively.
Are connected to each other via a third discharge trigger line 70 made of carbon or the like formed on the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall of the airtight cylinder 10.

In the second discharge tube shown in FIG. 8, instead of a single second discharge trigger line 60, a carbon wire having a line width of about 0.2 mm is provided on the upper inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 corresponding to the negative electrode side. A plurality of (two in the figure) second discharge trigger lines 60 are formed so as to traverse the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 and form a loop in a vertical direction substantially parallel to the metallized surface 40 at a predetermined pitch. . Then, the second discharge trigger line 60 closest to the metallized surface 40 of the plurality of second discharge trigger lines 60 is connected to the metallized surface 40 formed on the upper end surface of the airtight cylinder 10 nearby. Are connected via a third discharge trigger line 70 made of carbon or the like formed on the inner wall at the upper end.

In other respects, the structure is the same as that of the first discharge tube shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or the second discharge tube shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and its operation is as follows. Except for FIGS. 1 and 2
This is the same as the first discharge tube shown in FIG. 3 or the second discharge tube shown in FIGS.

In the first or second discharge tube, the plurality of second discharge trigger lines 60 are connected to the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 which is substantially parallel to the winding direction of the primary side booster coil. As a result, currents based on electromagnetic induction can be prevented from being generated in the plurality of second discharge trigger lines 60 under the influence of the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil.
Then, under the influence of the current, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface 23 at the top of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the top of the lower discharge electrode from fluctuating without being stabilized. In addition, the second discharge trigger line 60 closest to the metallized surface 40 of the plurality of second discharge trigger lines 60 is connected to the metallized surface 40 nearby by way of the third discharge trigger line 70. The second discharge trigger line 60 is connected to the upper discharge electrode 22 or the lower discharge electrode 24 via the third discharge trigger line 70 and the metallized surface 40.
Can be electrically connected to Then, the second discharge trigger line 60 and another second discharge trigger line 6 arranged near the second discharge trigger line 60
At 0, electrons for creeping corona discharge for inducing a discharge between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode can be efficiently converged. Then, by using the plurality of second discharge trigger lines 60, a discharge of a predetermined potential is repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode. Can be.

A plurality of first discharge trigger lines 50 are formed in the first discharge tube formed by combining the first discharge tubes of FIGS. 5 and 7, that is, at the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10. A plurality of second discharge trigger lines 60 are formed on the upper inner wall of the cylinder 10 or on the lower inner wall thereof, and the second discharge trigger lines 60 closest to the metallized surface 40 are respectively the third discharge trigger lines. Metallized surface 40 through 70
It is also possible to form a first discharge tube connected to the first discharge tube. Also in this case, it is possible to provide a first discharge tube having an operation similar to that of the first discharge tube in FIG. 5 or FIG.

Similarly, a plurality of first discharge trigger lines 50 are formed in a second discharge tube which is a combination of the second discharge tubes of FIGS. 6 and 8, that is, in the central portion of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10. A plurality of second discharge trigger lines 60 are formed on the upper inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 corresponding to the negative electrode side, of which the second discharge trigger line 60 closest to the metallized surface 40 is metalized via the third discharge trigger line 70. A second connected to the surface 40
It is also possible to form a discharge tube. Again,
A first discharge tube having the same operation as the first discharge tube in FIG. 6 or 8 can be provided.

In the first discharge tube shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7, or in the second discharge tube shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. As described above, the first discharge trigger line 50 and / or the second discharge trigger line 60 are connected to one or a plurality of disconnected portions 52 and / or 6 in the middle thereof.
2 may be used. Also in that case, the first discharge trigger line 5 having the discontinuous portion 52 and / or 62
Electrons for creeping corona discharge for inducing a discharge between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode to the zero or / and second discharge trigger line 60 are efficiently converged. Can be done. Then, the first discharge trigger line 5 having the discontinuous portion 52 and / or 62
The discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode using the zero or / and second discharge trigger line 60.
, A discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated. However, the sum of the lengths of the interrupted portions 52 of the first discharge trigger line 50 or the sum of the lengths of the interrupted portions 62 of the second discharge trigger line 60 is equal to the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the lower portion. Discharge surface 25 at the tip of discharge electrode
It is preferable that the distance be smaller than the discharge gap distance between the two. The reason for this is that if the total length of the interrupted portion 52 or 62 becomes larger than the discharge gap distance between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode, the interrupted portion 52 or 62 is determined. In order to induce a discharge between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode, the first discharge trigger line 50 having the second discharge trigger line 52 or the second discharge trigger line 60 having the discontinuous portion 62 thereof. This is because it becomes impossible to efficiently converge the electrons for creeping corona discharge.

Further, the first discharge tube shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 5 and 7 or the second discharge tube shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIGS.
In the discharge tube of FIG.
It is preferable that the discharge trigger line 70 is formed to be inclined with respect to the axis of the airtight cylinder 10. Then, the third trigger line 70
In a direction substantially parallel to the winding direction of the primary side booster coil. In such a case, it is possible to prevent a current from being generated in the inclined third trigger line 70 under the influence of the magnetic field of the primary side booster coil. In addition, it is possible to prevent the discharge potential repeatedly generated between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode from being affected by the current.

Further, the first discharge tube shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 5 and 7 or the second discharge tube shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIGS.
In the discharge tube, the second discharge trigger line 60 is connected to the hermetic cylinder 1 located at the center between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the metallized surface 40 formed on the upper end surface of the hermetic cylinder 10.
0, or in addition to the lower inner wall of the hermetic cylinder 10 located at the center between the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode and the metallized surface 40 formed at the lower end of the hermetic cylinder 10. good. In this case, the second discharge trigger line 60 can be used to repeatedly and stably induce a discharge at a predetermined potential between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode. Experiments have shown that this is possible.

It should be noted that the second discharge trigger line 60 is connected to the second plane 33 including the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode or the third plane 35 including the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode. It is better to avoid forming it in the central part of the inner wall. In that case, the second discharge trigger line 60
It has been confirmed by experiments that it becomes impossible to repeatedly and stably induce a discharge of a predetermined potential between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower discharge electrode. I have.

For reference, experimental data of the conventional discharge tube shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 and the first discharge tube shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a discharge characteristic data diagram of a conventional discharge tube before being incorporated in a ballast circuit,
FIG. 11 is a discharge characteristic data diagram of a conventional discharge tube which is arranged near the primary side booster coil of the ballast circuit and embedded in resin, FIG. 12 is a discharge characteristic data diagram of a first discharge tube before being incorporated in the ballast circuit, FIG. 13 is a discharge characteristic data diagram of the first discharge tube in which the first discharge tube is arranged near the primary side booster coil of the ballast circuit, incorporated and embedded in resin.
The vertical axis of the discharge characteristic data diagram indicates the discharge voltage, and one scale indicates 1000 V. The horizontal axis represents the discharge frequency, and the scale of one cell is 200 msec.
c. Is represented. According to these discharge characteristic data diagrams, the first discharge tube shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is compared with the conventional discharge tube shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 by ballasting the first discharge tube. A predetermined voltage is applied between the discharge surface 23 at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface 25 at the tip of the lower electrode without being affected by being incorporated in the vicinity of the booster coil on the primary side of the circuit or embedded in the resin. It can be seen that the discharge can be repeatedly and stably generated, or the initial discharge voltage can be maintained at a constant voltage without increasing or decreasing.

[0059]

As described above, according to the first or second discharge tube of the present invention, one or a plurality of first discharge triggers formed in a loop at the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder. And one or more second discharge trigger lines formed in a loop on the upper inner wall of the airtight cylinder or in addition to the lower inner wall thereof, wherein at least one second discharge trigger line is a second discharge trigger line. 3 Using the upper discharge electrode or the second discharge trigger line electrically connected to the lower discharge electrode via the upper discharge electrode or the lower discharge electrode via the metallized surface, the discharge surface at the upper discharge electrode tip and the lower discharge electrode tip are used. A predetermined potential is repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface and the first discharge potential generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip to the predetermined potential. I can keep it.

One or more first discharge trigger lines and one or more first discharge trigger lines for inducing a discharge between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip are provided. The distance between the two discharge trigger lines can be easily and accurately kept constant. Then, using the first discharge trigger line and the second discharge trigger line, a discharge of a predetermined potential is repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip. Can be.

In the manufacture, one or more first discharge trigger lines or one or more second discharge trigger lines are added to the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder and the upper inner wall of the hermetic cylinder or to the upper inner wall. It is only necessary to form the first discharge trigger line and the second discharge trigger line in a loop in the lateral direction continuously on the lower inner wall, thereby facilitating and speeding up the work of forming the first and second discharge trigger lines.

Further, in the second discharge tube of the present invention,
An aging process for activating the discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface at the tip of the lower discharge electrode is performed between the upper discharge electrode on the negative electrode side and the lower discharge electrode on the positive electrode side.
It can be done by applying C overvoltage only in one direction,
The troublesome aging process can be reduced by almost half.

In the second discharge tube of the present invention,
The inner wall portion of the hermetic cylinder, which is an insulator, is widely exposed between the metallized surface formed on the lower end surface of the hermetic cylinder corresponding to the positive electrode side and the first discharge trigger line. Even if spatters generated during the discharge from the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip adhere, the electrical connection between the metallized surface on the positive electrode side and the first discharge trigger line is caused by the spatter. Deterioration of insulation can be prevented. Then, a discharge of a predetermined potential can be repeatedly and stably generated between the discharge surface of the upper discharge electrode tip and the discharge surface of the lower discharge electrode tip over a long period of time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a first discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a developed view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the first discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of a second discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a developed view of an inner wall of an airtight cylinder of a second discharge tube according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a developed view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the first discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a development view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the second discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a developed view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the first discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a developed view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the second discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a developed view of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder of the first discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a discharge characteristic data diagram of a conventional discharge tube.

FIG. 11 is a discharge characteristic data diagram of a conventional discharge tube.

FIG. 12 is a discharge characteristic data diagram of the first discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a discharge characteristic data diagram of the first discharge tube of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of a conventional discharge tube.

FIG. 15 is a development view of an inner wall of a hermetic cylinder of a conventional discharge tube.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Hermetic cylinder 22 Upper discharge electrode 23 Discharge surface at the tip of upper discharge electrode 24 Lower discharge electrode 25 Discharge surface at the tip of lower discharge electrode 26, 28 Lid 31 First plane 33 Second plane 35 Third plane 40 Metallized plane 50 First Discharge trigger line 52 Disconnection point of first discharge trigger line 60 Second discharge trigger line 62 Discontinuation point of second discharge trigger line 70 Third discharge trigger line

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An upper discharge electrode and a lower discharge electrode in which an upper end opening and a lower end opening of an airtight cylinder made of an insulator are respectively joined to metallized surfaces formed on an upper end surface and a lower end surface of the airtight cylinder. And a discharge tube sealed in an airtight manner, wherein the discharge tube traverses the center of the discharge gap between the discharge surface of the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface of the tip of the lower discharge electrode which are opposed to each other at the center in the hermetic cylinder. At the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder located on the first plane, one first discharge trigger line is formed in a loop shape across the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially parallel to the metallized surface, and A second discharge trigger line is formed on each of the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall in a loop shape across the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially in parallel with the metallized surface. Lines are each near the metallized surface Discharge tube, characterized in that it is connected via a third discharge trigger wires. 2. The center portion of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder located between a second plane including a discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and a third plane including a discharge surface at a tip of the lower discharge electrode. Instead of the first discharge trigger line, a plurality of first discharge trigger lines are symmetrically arranged vertically across the first plane and traverse the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially parallel to the metallized surface in a loop shape. 2. The discharge tube according to claim 1, wherein the discharge tube is formed so as to be vertically arranged at a pitch. 3. A plurality of second discharge trigger lines are provided on the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall of the hermetic cylinder in place of the one second discharge trigger line, respectively, substantially in parallel with the metallized surface. A second discharge trigger line, which is formed side by side at a predetermined pitch in a loop across the inner wall of the airtight cylinder and which is closest to the metallized surface, is connected to a third discharge trigger line near the metallized surface. The discharge tube according to claim 1, wherein the discharge tube is connected via a wire. 4. An upper discharge electrode and a lower discharge electrode in which an upper end opening and a lower end opening of an airtight cylinder made of an insulator are respectively joined to metallized surfaces formed on an upper end surface and a lower end surface of the airtight cylinder. And a discharge tube sealed in an airtight manner, wherein the discharge tube traverses the center of the discharge gap between the discharge surface of the tip of the upper discharge electrode and the discharge surface of the tip of the lower discharge electrode which are opposed to each other at the center in the hermetic cylinder. At the center of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder located on the first plane, one first discharge trigger line is formed in a loop shape across the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially parallel to the metallized surface and hits the negative electrode side. A second discharge trigger line is formed on the upper inner wall of the hermetic cylinder in a loop shape across the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially parallel to the metallized surface, and the second discharge trigger line is The third metallization surface near it
A discharge tube connected via a discharge trigger line. 5. The center portion of the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder located between a second plane including a discharge surface at the tip of the upper discharge electrode and a third plane including a discharge surface at a tip of the lower discharge electrode. Instead of the first discharge trigger line, a plurality of first discharge trigger lines are symmetrically arranged vertically across the first plane and traverse the inner wall of the hermetic cylinder substantially parallel to the metallized surface in a loop shape. 5. The discharge tube according to claim 4, wherein the discharge tube is formed so as to be vertically arranged at a pitch. 6. In place of said one second discharge trigger line, a plurality of second discharge trigger lines are provided on the inner wall of the upper part of said hermetic cylinder corresponding to the negative electrode side, substantially parallel to said metallized surface. A second discharge trigger line, which is formed side by side at a predetermined pitch in a loop across the wall and which is closest to the metallized surface, is connected to the nearby metallized surface via a third discharge trigger line. The discharge tube according to claim 4 or 5, wherein 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first discharge trigger line and / or the second discharge trigger line has one or a plurality of discontinuous points in the middle thereof. Discharge tube. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the third discharge trigger line is formed to be inclined with respect to the axis of the airtight cylinder.
The discharge tube according to 5, 6, or 7.