JP2001102187A - High voltage discharge lamp and illumination instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a high voltage discharge lamp including a starter consisting of a non-linear condenser (FEC) inserted in an external vacuum tube, which permanently or securely prevents the starter from generating a pulse when the rare gas contained in the light emitting tube leaks into the external vacuum tube. SOLUTION: The FEC F1 is connected in series with a fusion-cuttable metal CF. Applying a voltage to the lamp, the fusion-cuttable metal CF generates a spark discharge, of which the heat and spark current fusion-cuts the fusion- cuttable metal, so that the FEC F1 is cut off from the current, preventing the generation of a pulse.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp having a built-in starter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a high-pressure discharge lamp configured to be operated by using an inexpensive ballast for a mercury lamp usually has a built-in starter for generating a pulse in order to facilitate starting of the lamp. . As such a starter, a starter using a glow lamp or a starter that operates a thermally responsive switch by heat of a filament or the like is known.
However, it is difficult for such a starter to make uniform the pulse voltage and width generated, so that not only is the startability of the lamp difficult, but also the high-voltage pulse generated often causes the ballast and the wiring circuit to operate. Damage.

For this reason, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-165553 discloses a starter comprising a series circuit of a non-linear capacitor (FEC) and a bidirectional two-terminal semiconductor switching element such as an SSS element incorporated in an outer tube and a base. A high-pressure sodium lamp (conventional example 1) is described.
In this method, a high-voltage pulse is generated every half cycle by the inductance of a ballast connected in series using the saturation characteristics of the FEC, and the pulse is applied to a high-pressure discharge lamp to be started. The semiconductor switch is used for generating a high-voltage pulse having a constant pulse generation phase and large energy.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-294349 discloses that when a rare gas in the arc tube leaks into the outer tube at the end of the lamp life and the outer tube becomes an easily dischargeable atmosphere, discharge occurs between both electrodes of the nonlinear capacitor. In order to avoid the possibility that a large current flows through the starter and damage the ballast, a metal vapor discharge lamp using a support wire having a thickness that can be blown when a large current flows through the lead wire of the nonlinear capacitor is described. (Conventional example 2).

[0005]

However, in the case of the prior art 2, when the rare gas in the arc tube leaks into the outer tube at the end of the life of the lamp, a discharge occurs between both electrodes of the nonlinear capacitor and the non-linear capacitor is used. The arc tube may be turned on before the supporting line having a thickness that can be blown is blown. In that case, the arc tube to which the rare gas has leaked falls because the lamp voltage cannot be maintained and a large current flows, which may damage the ballast.

In addition, when the supporting wire of the non-linear capacitor is made to have such a thickness that it can be blown, the supporting wire is often thinned. I was

Therefore, the present invention can surely shut off the starter before the arc tube is turned on when the rare gas in the arc tube leaks into the outer tube at the end of the life of the lamp. It is an object of the present invention to provide a high-pressure discharge lamp capable of improving workability.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a high-pressure discharge lamp comprising: a light-emitting tube in which a pair of electrodes are sealed at both ends of a translucent discharge vessel, and a rare gas and a discharge medium are sealed therein. A starter connected in parallel with the arc tube including a non-linear capacitor; a fusing metal body connected in series with the starter and including an electron emitting material; a substrate on which the starter and the fusing metal body are arranged; And an outer tube accommodating the substrate and maintaining the inside in a vacuum state.

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

A high-pressure discharge lamp is a lamp that emits light by discharging gas, metal vapor, or the like. In the present invention, a metal halide lamp, a high-pressure sodium lamp, or a ceramic metal halide lamp is allowed. An arc tube is a portion that emits light from a high-pressure discharge lamp, has at least a pair of electrodes in a light-transmitting airtight container, and contains a rare gas such as xenon and argon, mercury, and a metal halide. If desired, it can be encapsulated as one or a combination of several discharge media. An external auxiliary conductor may be provided near the arc tube. This external auxiliary conductor may be placed near the arc tube, wound around the outer periphery, or may be open or connected at the other end.

A non-linear capacitor (FEC) is a ceramic capacitor having ferroelectricity, and a capacitor mainly composed of barium titanate is allowed.

The starter has an FEC connected in parallel with the arc tube, a disconnecting means such as a thermally responsive switch for immediately disconnecting the starter after the arc tube is turned on, and a predetermined switch when the arc tube is not turned on. The shut-off means for shutting off the starter within the time is allowed. Further, a trigger element may be provided in series with the FEC. When a semiconductor element such as Sidac is used as the trigger element, the semiconductor element can be stored in a place such as a base in order to protect the semiconductor element from heat of the arc tube.

As the fusing metal body, a metal made of a low melting point metal such as nickel, or a tungsten or the like formed in a linear or coil filament shape is allowed. In addition, containing an electron-emitting substance can be formed by applying an oxide of an alkaline earth metal, a rare earth metal, or the like, or a mixture thereof, followed by baking or containing the oxide.

The substrate is made of a ceramic, glass, or heat-resistant plastic plate, and supports and insulates the above-described starter. The components of the starter may be printed or embedded on the substrate. Also, the wiring between the components may be placed on the board, printed on the board, or built in the board.

In addition, printing of the above-mentioned fusible metal on a substrate is allowed.

The outer tube is a confidential and transparent container for accommodating the arc tube, in which the arc tube and the starter are accommodated, and the inside of which is kept at a vacuum. Also, the shape of the outer tube is free,
For example, T type, ED type, BT type and the like can be adopted. Further, it is also possible to adopt a T-shaped sealing structure at both ends. Further, the material of the outer tube is free, and for example, the use of hard glass is allowed.

According to the present invention, when the rare gas in the arc tube leaks into the outer tube at the end of the life and the outer tube is easily discharged, the fusing metal is sparked by the electron-emitting substance contained in the fusing metal. It is easy to do. The fusing metal is blown off by heat and electron impact due to the spark. This makes it possible to reliably make the starter inoperable before the arc tube is turned on.

Further, by arranging the starter and the fusible metal on the substrate, the unit can be unitized, and the arrangement of parts can be made compact. Further, the risk of fusing and disconnection of the fusing metal in the assembling step of housing the starter or the like in the outer tube is reduced, and the working efficiency in manufacturing can be improved.

A high-pressure discharge lamp according to a second aspect of the present invention is a high-pressure discharge lamp in which a pair of electrodes are sealed at both ends of a translucent discharge vessel and a rare gas and a discharge medium are sealed therein; A starter connected in parallel with the tube; a fusible metal body connected in series with the starter; and a spark portion disposed at a position facing the fusible metal body, when a rare gas in the arc tube leaks. A fusing circuit that generates a spark between the spark portion and the fusing metal body, thereby fusing the fusing metal and disabling the starter;
A substrate on which a starter and a fusing circuit are arranged; an outer tube housing the arc tube and the substrate and maintaining the inside in a vacuum state;
Is provided.

In the fusing circuit, the spark portion is connected to a position having an electric potential with the fusing metal body, and is arranged to face the fusing metal body at a predetermined interval. The spark department
For example, a spark electrode formed of tungsten or a part of a starter circuit wiring disposed adjacent to the fusing metal body can be used. The spark portion is electrically connected to the fusible metal body at a position having a desired potential, and is arranged on the substrate at a predetermined interval.

Either or all of the fusing metal and the spark portion as the fusing circuit may be formed and arranged by printing on the same substrate as the starter.

According to the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the spark can be reliably generated because the spark electrode facing the fusible metal is arranged on the substrate. In addition, by arranging on the board, it is possible to maintain a predetermined interval that can surely blow the fusing metal body and the spark portion of the fusing circuit, and to prevent the movement of the position of the component in the assembling process and the like. The arrangement of the spark portion can be secured, and at the same time, the working efficiency can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the high pressure discharge lamp according to the second aspect, at least one of the fusing metal member and the spark portion forming the fusing circuit contains an electron emitting material.

The fact that the spark portion contains an electron-emitting substance means that
Similarly to the case where the fusible metal contains an electron-emitting substance, it can be formed by applying an oxide such as an alkaline earth metal and a rare earth metal, or a mixture thereof, and then firing or containing the oxide. Further, it can be formed using an alloy of tungsten and an electron-emitting substance such as thorium oxide.

According to the present invention, when the rare gas in the arc tube leaks into the outer tube, a spark can be reliably generated between the fusing circuits, so that the safety is further improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting device, comprising: a lighting device main body; a high-pressure discharge lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3 supported by the lighting device main body; And a device.

In the present invention, the lighting device means any device utilizing the light emission of the high-pressure discharge lamp.
For example, it includes a lighting fixture, a backlight such as a liquid crystal, a headlight for an automobile, and the like. The lighting device is for stably lighting a high-pressure discharge lamp. In the present invention, an inexpensive ballast for a mercury lamp can be used.
For this reason, an inexpensive lighting device can be provided.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the high-pressure discharge lamp according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a high-pressure discharge lamp using a high-pressure sodium lamp as an arc tube, FIG. 2 is a front view of the discharge lamp, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a starter incorporated in the high-pressure discharge lamp. is there. In each figure, 1 is a commercial AC power supply,
Reference numeral 2 denotes a ballast, which is an inexpensive and widely used ballast for mercury lamps. Reference numeral 3 denotes an outer tube of the high-pressure discharge lamp. The external lead wire is connected to the base 4 and supplied with power via the mercury lamp stabilizer 2. DL is a high-pressure sodium lamp light emitting tube, in which electrodes are sealed at both ends of a light emitting tube made of light-transmitting alumina, and at least sodium, a rare gas or the like is sealed inside.

An external auxiliary conductor SA is provided near the arc tube DL. The external auxiliary conductor SA is installed so as to be in contact with the arc tube DL when the arc tube DL is at a low temperature before lighting, and is installed away from the arc tube DL when the arc tube DL is turned on and becomes high temperature. Have been.

After the light-emitting tube DL is turned on, a first thermally responsive switch B1 for disconnecting the starter ST is disposed near the light-emitting tube where heat is easily received, and is connected in series with the starter ST.

The starter ST includes a coil filament CF which is a fusing metal body, a second thermally responsive switch B2, and a F made of a ferroelectric material such as barium titanate having a saturation characteristic.
The ECF1 and the trigger resistor R3 are connected in series, and the heating resistor R1 of the second thermally responsive switch B2 is connected in parallel with the second thermally responsive switch, the FECF1 and the trigger resistor R3. Further, a pyroelectric current bypass resistor R2 is connected in parallel with the second thermally responsive switch.

The coil filament CF was obtained by applying barium oxide, which is an electron-emitting substance, to a thin tungsten wire formed in a coil shape, followed by firing.

All the components of the starter ST are arranged on a substrate 5 made of ceramic.
It was housed in the outer tube 3 so as to be perpendicular to L. On the arc tube DL side on the substrate 5, a coil filament and CF, a second thermally responsive switch B2, a heating resistor R1, and a pyroelectric current bypass resistor R
2. The trigger resistor R3 is arranged, and the FEC F1 and the semiconductor switch SSS are arranged on the side facing the arc tube DL. By arranging in this manner, the FEC F1 and the semiconductor switch SS that are easily affected by heat
The structure is such that S can be shielded from the heat of the arc tube DL.

The arc tube DL and the starter ST are connected to the outer tube 3
And is connected to an AC power supply 1 via a base 4 and a mercury lamp stabilizer 2 via an external lead wire.

Next, each mode of operation of the high-pressure discharge lamp thus configured will be described.

First, the case of normal lighting will be described.

When the AC power supply 1 is turned on, a voltage of 200 V is applied to the arc tube DL from the output terminal of the ballast 2. This voltage is applied to the starter ST via the first thermally responsive switch B1.

In the starter ST, a sine wave voltage is applied via a coil filament CF which is a fusing metal. When the applied voltage exceeds the breakover voltage of the semiconductor switch SSS, an abrupt voltage is applied to the FEC F1, whereby an abrupt charging current flows through the FEC F1. Cut off sharply. By the switching action at this time, F
The electric charge stored in the EC F1 is released, a high-voltage pulse is generated and applied to the arc tube DL to perform lighting. When the arc tube DL is turned on, the first thermoresponsive switch B1 is opened by receiving the heat of the arc tube DL, the power supply to the starter ST is cut off, and the generation of the pulse is stopped.

If the arc tube DL is not turned on by the above operation because the arc tube DL is in a high temperature state, the starter ST operates to generate a pulse voltage from the ballast 2 and the arc tube DL However, since the arc tube DL does not start, the heating resistor R1 is continuously energized at the same time. As a result, the heating resistor R1 generates heat and the second heat responsive switch B2
Heat. Therefore, the second thermally responsive switch B
2 is released. As a result, the current supply to the FEC F1 is cut off, and the pulse voltage stops. This state continues while the AC power supply 1 is turned on.

Further, when the second thermoresponsive switch is opened and the FEC F1 is at the Curie point (about 90 ° C.), there is a possibility that a large current, which is a pyroelectric current, may occur in the FEC F1. The pyroelectric current is bypassed via the pyroelectric current bypass resistor R2, the heating resistor R1, and the trigger resistor R3, and FE
Protect CF1.

When the rare gas sealed in the arc tube DL leaks into the outer tube 3 at the end of life or the like, if the arc tube in which the noble gas leaks turns on, the lamp voltage cannot be maintained and decreases. Therefore, a large current may flow and the ballast may be damaged. For this reason, it is necessary to turn on the power to the arc tube DL and to disable the starter ST.

In such a case, when the rare gas leaks into the outer tube, the inside of the outer tube becomes an easily dischargeable atmosphere. Therefore, when the AC power supply 1 is turned on, the coil filament CF coated with the electron-emitting material becomes Electron emission is likely to occur between the neighboring coil filaments CF, and sparks are generated. The heat of the spark blows the coil filament CF, permanently cuts off the supply of power to the FEC F1, and inhibits the generation of a start pulse.
Lighting of the arc tube DL can be prevented.

A second embodiment of the high-pressure discharge lamp according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a high-pressure discharge lamp using a high-pressure sodium lamp as an arc tube, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a starter. In each figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The starter ST of this embodiment includes a coil filament CF, which is a fusing metal body, and a second thermally responsive switch B.
FEC F1 made of a ferroelectric material such as barium titanate having a saturation characteristic and a resistor R3 for triggering are connected in series with each other, and the heating resistor R1 of the second thermoresponsive switch B2 is connected to the second thermoresponsive switch, FEC F1 Is connected in parallel with the resistor R3. Further, a pyroelectric current bypass resistor R2 is connected in parallel with the second thermally responsive switch.

The coil filament CF was obtained by applying barium oxide, which is an electron-emitting substance, to a thin tungsten wire formed in a coil shape, and then firing it.

Further, a spark electrode SD is arranged as a fusing circuit GAP so as to face the coil filament CF. One end of spark electrode SD and coil filament C
The distance of F is 2 mm. Also, the spark electrode SD
Is connected to the negative electrode side of the heating resistor R1.

The components of the starter ST are all arranged on a substrate 5 made of ceramic.
It was housed in the outer tube 3 so as to be perpendicular to L.

The operation of this embodiment when the arc tube leaks will be described.

When the AC power supply 1 is turned on, electron emission is likely to occur between the coil filament CF coated with the electron-emitting substance and the opposed spark electrode SD, causing a spark. Coil filament C
F is blown, power supply to the FEC F1 is permanently cut off, generation of a start pulse can be prohibited, and lighting of the arc tube DL can be prevented.

Further, by disposing the coil filament CF, which is a fusing metal, and the spark electrode SD on the substrate, the unit can be unitized, and the component arrangement can be made compact. In addition, the possibility of fusing and breaking of the coil filament CF in the assembling step of housing the starter or the like in the outer tube is reduced, and the working efficiency in manufacturing can be improved. In addition, the displacement of the coil filament CF and the spark electrode SD is reduced, and a predetermined interval at which the starter ST can be reliably shut off can be maintained in the arc tube leak, thereby further improving safety.

A third embodiment of the high-pressure discharge lamp according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the starter of this embodiment. The configuration diagram of the high-pressure discharge lamp of this embodiment is the same as FIG. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The starter ST of this embodiment is an example in which a nickel ribbon NR is used as a fusing metal body. Further, a spark electrode SD is arranged as a fusing circuit GAP so as to face the nickel ribbon NR. The distance between one end of the spark electrode SD and the nickel ribbon NR is 2 mm. The other end of the spark electrode SD is connected to the negative electrode of the heating resistor R1.

The spark electrode SD is mainly made of tungsten, and includes an electrode shaft portion and a coil portion. Barium calcium oxide, which is an electron-emitting substance, is contained between the coil and the shaft.

The operation of this embodiment when the arc tube leaks will be described.

When the AC power supply 1 is turned on, electron emission tends to occur between the spark electrode SD containing the electron-emitting substance and the opposed nickel ribbon NR, thereby causing a spark. The heat of the spark melts the nickel ribbon NR, permanently cuts off the supply of power to the FEC F1, and inhibits the generation of a start pulse.
Lighting of L can be prevented.

A high-pressure discharge lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the high-pressure discharge lamp of this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the starter of the present embodiment.
In the figures, the same parts as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the starter ST of this embodiment, the connection wiring between the components for the starter is printed on a substrate, and a part of the connection wiring between the components is used as a spark portion of the fusing circuit GAP. A portion of the wiring is coated with a mixed oxide of barium, calcium and yttrium, which are electron-emitting substances.

A portion of this wiring and the fusing metal YS are printed and arranged on the same ceramic substrate 5 with an interval of about 2 mm.

The operation of this embodiment when the arc tube leaks will be described.

When the AC power supply 1 is turned on, electron emission is likely to occur between the portion of the connection wiring on which the electron-emitting substance is applied and the fusing metal YS, and a spark is generated. The fusing metal YS is blown by the heat and large current of the spark, the power supply to the FEC F1 is permanently cut off, the generation of a start pulse can be prohibited, and the lighting of the arc tube DL can be prevented.

[0065]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the rare gas in the arc tube leaks and the outer tube becomes an easily dischargeable atmosphere, the fusible metal body is blown by the spark with the application of the AC voltage, The starter is permanently shut off, inhibiting the generation of pulses. Thus, when the rare gas sealed in the arc tube DL leaks into the outer tube 3 at the end of life or the like, the lamp voltage cannot be maintained if the arc tube to which the rare gas leaks is turned on. Because of the decrease, the possibility that a large current flows and the ballast is damaged can be reduced.

Further, by disposing the starter on the same substrate, the starter can be unitized and the component arrangement can be made compact. Thereby, the working efficiency in manufacturing is improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the fusing circuit including the fusing metal body and the spark portion facing the fusing metal body is provided, the starter can be more securely shut off, and thus it is safe. Further, since the fusing circuit is also arranged on the same substrate together with the starter, the work efficiency in the step of assembling the starter can be improved. Furthermore, since it is possible to assemble while maintaining a constant distance between the fusing metal body and the spark portion, it is possible to maintain a distance where a spark can be reliably generated only at the time of leakage of the arc tube.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when either the fusing metal member or the spark portion of the fusing circuit contains an electron emitting material, electron emission is facilitated, and a spark can be generated more reliably. The starter can be reliably shut off, and it is safer.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an illuminating device which is inexpensive and can improve safety.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a high-pressure discharge lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the high-pressure discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a starter of the high-pressure discharge lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a high-pressure discharge lamp according to second to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a starter of a high-pressure discharge lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a starter of a high-pressure discharge lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a high-pressure discharge lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a starter of a high-pressure discharge lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Commercial AC power supply 2 ... Mercury lamp stabilizer 3 ... Discharge lamp outer tube 5 ... Ceramic substrate DL ... High pressure discharge lamp arc tube F1 ... Non-linear capacitor (FEC) B1 ... 1st thermal response switch B2 ... 2nd thermal response Switch R1: Heating resistance GAP: Fusing circuit CF: Coil filament SD: Spark electrode NR: Nickel ribbon

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Jun Matsuura 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside the Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation (72) Inventor Shigemi Oku 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo No. Toshiba Litec Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5C039 BB21

Claims (4)

[Claims] An arc tube in which a pair of electrodes are sealed at both ends of a translucent discharge vessel and a discharge medium containing a rare gas is sealed therein; a start including a non-linear capacitor connected in parallel with the arc tube A fusible metal body including an electron-emitting substance connected in series with the starter; a substrate on which the starter and the fusible metal body are arranged; an arc tube and the substrate are housed and the inside is kept in a vacuum state A high-pressure discharge lamp comprising: an outer tube; 2. An arc tube in which a pair of electrodes are sealed at both ends of a translucent discharge vessel and a discharge medium containing a rare gas is sealed therein; and a starter which includes a non-linear capacitor and is connected in parallel with the arc tube. A fusible metal body connected in series with the starter, and a spark portion disposed at a position facing the fusible metal body, wherein when the noble gas in the arc tube leaks, the spark portion and the fusible metal body A fusing circuit capable of disabling the starter by generating a spark between the fusing metal and the starter; and a board on which the starter and the fusing circuit are arranged; A high-pressure discharge lamp, comprising: an outer tube which is kept in a vacuum state. 3. The high-pressure discharge lamp according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the fusing metal body and the spark portion forming the fusing circuit contains an electron emitting material. 4. A high-pressure discharge lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, supported by the main body of the lighting device, and a lighting device for stably lighting the high-pressure discharge lamp;
A lighting device, comprising: