JP2001126671A - Plane rare gas fluorescent lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a plane rare gas fluorescent lamp that may enhance the brightness of the central portion. SOLUTION: A translucent flat first member 1 is combined with a second member 2 comprising a plurality of wall faces 4 connected in parallel with a connector 5 interposed between the adjacent wall faces, each of which forms a channel-like space 3 having a light-emitting layer 8 deposited on its inside surface. The first and second members 1 and 2 have the peripheries sealed to contain a rare gas in the space formed between them. The external electrodes 9 and 10 are separately attached to both sides of each wall face 4 along the extended direction of the channel-like space 3. On the outside of the wall face 4, there is formed an insulation layer 12 having light reflectivity.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flat rare gas fluorescent lamp, and more particularly to an improvement of a flat rare gas fluorescent lamp applied to a backlight light source of a liquid crystal display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The applicant has previously proposed a rare gas discharge lamp DL shown in FIG. In the drawing, A is a straight tubular envelope which is hermetically sealed by a glass bulb, for example, and has one or two or more kinds of fluorescent materials such as a rare earth phosphor and a halophosphate phosphor on its inner surface. A light emitting layer B including a body is formed. In particular, in the light emitting layer B, an aperture portion (a portion where the light emitting layer is not formed) Ba having a predetermined opening angle θ is formed over substantially the entire length. The sealing structure of the envelope A is configured by, for example, a so-called top seal that heats a desired portion of the glass bulb while reducing the diameter of the glass bulb and fusing the glass bulb. It can also be configured by sealing. A predetermined amount of rare gas such as xenon, krypton, neon, helium or the like which does not contain metal vapor such as mercury is enclosed in the enclosed inner space of the envelope A alone or in a mixed state.
It is desirable to enclose a rare gas containing xenon gas as a main component.
Further, a pair of band-shaped external electrodes C and D made of a metal member are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope A so as to be separated from each other so as to form first and second openings E and F. I have.

The rare gas discharge lamp DL has external electrodes C and D
When a high-frequency high voltage is applied to the substrate, a rare gas discharge occurs, and light is emitted from the light emitting layer B. Light emitted from the light-emitting layer B is mainly emitted to the outside from the first opening E through the aperture Ba. In particular, this rare gas discharge lamp D
Since no mercury is used for L, the light quantity rises sharply after lighting, and a large light quantity can be obtained simultaneously with lighting.

[0004]

Therefore, this rare gas discharge lamp DL is not only suitable as a light source for reading originals of OA equipment such as a facsimile, an image scanner and a copying machine, but also a liquid crystal as shown in FIG. Attempts have been made to apply display devices to backlight light sources.

This liquid crystal display device comprises a light guide plate L formed of, for example, an acrylic resin plate, a liquid crystal panel LCD disposed on the light emitting surface side of the light guide plate L, and a light guide plate L and the liquid crystal panel LCD. It comprises a light diffusing plate DB arranged between them and rare gas discharge lamps DL, DL arranged on opposite end faces La, Lb of the light guide plate L. In particular, in the rare gas discharge lamp DL, the first opening E is provided at the end surfaces La, L with respect to the light guide plate L.
b.

According to this liquid crystal display, the rare gas discharge lamp D
Light emitted from the light guides L and DL is applied to the end faces La and Lb of the light guide plate L.
From the light guide plate L, is reflected inside, and is incident (irradiated) on the liquid crystal panel LCD from the light emission surface side via the light diffusion plate DB. Thus, a desired image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel LCD.

However, in such a liquid crystal display device, since the backlight is of the edge light type, the use efficiency of light emitted from the rare gas discharge lamp DL is insufficient. Therefore, there is a problem that the brightness of the liquid crystal panel LCD cannot be sufficiently increased, and display quality is impaired.

For example, a rare gas discharge lamp DL having an outer diameter of an envelope A of 10 mm is connected to an end face La of a light guide plate L of 12 inches.
When the light guide plate L is arranged and lit, the luminance of the central portion of the light guide plate L is about 3500 (cd / m ² ), and 5000 (cd / m ² ) required for a liquid crystal display device of this type.
m ² ). The required luminance values are obtained when a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (a fluorescent lamp that excites and emits a light-emitting layer with mercury resonance lines) is used as a light source.

Further, for example, the rare gas discharge lamps DL having the outer diameter of the envelope A of 8 mm are connected to the end faces La,
When the light guide plate L is turned on, the brightness of the central portion of the light guide plate L is about 6000 (cd / m ² ), and 7000 (cd / m ² ) required for a liquid crystal display device of this kind.
² ) It is less than the brightness value.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a flat rare gas fluorescent lamp capable of increasing the luminance at the center.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a light-transmitting, substantially flat first member and a plurality of wall portions having a groove-shaped space. Are integrally formed in parallel through a connecting portion, and the second member having the light emitting layer formed on the inner surface of the wall surface portion and the respective peripheral portions of the first and second members are hermetically sealed with each other. A rare gas sealed in the internal space formed by sealing, and an external electrode formed on the outer surface of each wall surface of the second member so as to be separated from each other along a direction in which the groove-shaped space extends. Wherein an insulating layer is formed on the outer surface of the wall surface portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substantially flat first member having a light-transmitting property, a flange portion at a peripheral edge portion, and a groove-shaped space portion provided inside the flange portion. A second member having a plurality of wall portions integrally formed in parallel through a connecting portion, and a light emitting layer formed on the inner surface of the wall portion; a peripheral portion of the first member; A rare gas sealed in an internal space formed by hermetically sealing the flange portion of the second member with each other, and an outer surface of each wall surface of the second member along a direction in which the groove-shaped space extends. And external electrodes formed separately from each other by a distance, and an insulating layer is formed on an outer surface of the wall surface portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a substantially flat first member having a light-transmitting property and a plurality of wall portions having a groove-shaped space portion having at least one open end are provided. A second member having a light emitting layer formed on the inner surface of the wall surface, and a groove-shaped member formed at one end of the wall surface of the second member. An almost flat third seal sealed so that the opening of the space is closed.
A rare gas sealed in an internal space formed by hermetically sealing the respective peripheral portions of the first, second, and third members with each other; An outer surface is provided with external electrodes formed apart from each other along a direction in which the groove-shaped space extends, and an insulating layer is formed on an outer surface of the wall surface.

A fourth invention of the present invention is characterized in that the first member is constituted by a glass plate or a ceramic plate having translucency. A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the member is formed of a dielectric material, and the second member is formed of a glass member such as borosilicate glass, barium glass, lead glass, and soda glass. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the first and second aspects
Is characterized in that the peripheral edge of each member is hermetically sealed with low melting point glass.

An eighth invention of the present invention is characterized in that said light emitting layer is formed of one kind of phosphor or a mixed phosphor obtained by mixing a plurality of kinds of phosphors. Is characterized in that a rare gas containing mercury-free xenon gas as a main component is sealed in an internal space defined by the first and second members.

Further, a tenth invention of the present invention is characterized in that the insulating layer formed on the outer surface of the wall portion is formed of a member having light reflectivity. Is formed so as to cover the external electrode over substantially the entire outer surface of the wall surface portion, and the insulating layer is provided with light reflectivity.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a first embodiment of a flat rare gas fluorescent lamp according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the figure, PL is a flat type rare gas fluorescent lamp, which is configured as follows.

That is, reference numeral 1 denotes a light-transmitting substantially flat first member, which is formed of a light-transmitting square glass plate or a ceramic plate. Recommended. Reference numeral 2 denotes a second member, in which a plurality of wall surfaces 4 each having a groove-shaped space 3 inside are integrally formed in parallel through a connecting portion 5 and a substantially circular portion is formed on the top of the connecting portion 5. The column-shaped protrusion 6 is provided on the periphery 2 of the second member 2.
It is integrally formed so as to have the same height or slightly lower eyes as the surface including a. It is recommended that the shape of the protruding portion 6 be cylindrical. The height from the bottom surface 4a of the wall portion 4 to the peripheral portion 2a is set to be higher than the height from the bottom portion 4a of the wall portion 4 to the top of the connecting portion 5, but is set to the same height. In this case, the protrusion 6 is not formed.

Although the cross-sectional shape of the wall portion 4 of the second member 2 is substantially trapezoidal, it may be rectangular or trapezoidal dish-shaped. Also, the protrusion 6
Is partially formed on the top of the connecting portion 5, and the number of the formed portions is set to an appropriate number depending on the strength when the first and second members 1 and 2 are sealed as described later. In order to further increase the strength, the protruding portion 6 can be formed in an elongated wall shape along the groove-shaped space portion 3,
If there is no problem in strength, the protrusion 6 can be omitted. An exhaust pipe 7 is connected to a part of the wall surface portion 4 of the second member 2. However, when the respective groove-shaped space portions 3 are formed independently of each other, the respective space portions 3 are formed. Needs to be provided with an exhaust pipe 7.

The inner surface of each wall portion 4 of the second member 2 has a light emitting layer made of one kind of rare earth phosphor, halophosphate phosphor, or a mixture of plural kinds of phosphors. External electrodes 9 and 10 made of a metal member are formed on the outer surface of each wall portion 4 so as to be separated from each other along the direction in which the groove-shaped space 3 extends. The external electrodes 9 and 10 are formed by forming an adhesive layer on a metal foil such as aluminum, silver, copper, nickel or the like,
This metal foil cut into a predetermined shape is formed by adhering to the outer surface of the wall portion 4 using an adhesive layer, or a conductive paste containing a metal powder such as silver, copper, or carbon is screened. It is formed by printing, spraying, applying, or metal depositing. The external electrodes 9 and 10 are preferably formed on the wall 4 after sealing the first and second members 1 and 2 to be described later and performing an exhaust process. Depending on the situation, it may be performed before sealing or before exhaust processing.

In particular, among these external electrodes 9, 10, the external electrodes 9, 10 adjacent to each other are connected to have the same potential when the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL is incorporated in a lighting device described later. Or they can be connected to be at the same potential. Specifically, the external electrodes 9 and 10 adjacent to each other are directly connected by a conductive member, or are directly connected by a constituent member of the external electrode itself. Alternatively, a lead terminal (not shown) is derived from an end of an external electrode adjacent to each other, and is configured to be connectable so that adjacent external electrodes have the same potential. In addition, the lead terminals extend integrally with the constituent members of the external electrodes, or are formed as separate members, and are electrically and mechanically connected to the ends of the external electrodes 9 and 10. You can also.

Further, in the above-mentioned sealing structure including the first and second members 1 and 2, the peripheral portion of the first member 1 and the peripheral portion 2a of the second member 2 are connected to each other by a low-profile material such as frit glass. The sealing member 11 made of glass having a melting point is hermetically sealed. At this time, the second member 2
Is in contact with the inner surface of the opposing first member 1 (or approached through a slight gap). An exhaust pipe 7 is provided in the internal space including the groove-shaped space 3 formed by sealing the first and second members 1 and 2.
Using xenon, which does not contain metal vapor such as mercury,
A predetermined amount of rare gas such as krypton, neon, helium or the like is sealed alone or mixed, but it is preferable to fill a rare gas containing xenon gas as a main component.

Further, in the sealing structure formed by the first and second members 1 and 2, the insulating layer 12 covers the outer electrodes 9 and 10 over almost the entire outer surface of the wall portion 4 of the second member 2. It is formed as follows. It is recommended that the insulating layer 12 be provided with light reflectivity. As the insulating layer 12 having reflectivity, for example, a white paint including a member having light reflectivity such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, titanium oxide, and magnesium oxide is used. A member mixed with a pigment or the like can be used.

After forming the external electrodes 9 and 10 on the respective wall portions 4 of the second member 2, the insulating layer 12 is formed, for example, of the second member 2 including the external electrodes 9 and 10 in a liquid white paint. It is formed by dipping the entire outer surface, pulling it up, and then drying.

The insulating layer 12 may be formed by, for example, attaching a reflective insulating sheet having an adhesive layer on one surface, spraying a white paint, or electrostatically applying a white paint containing a resin, in addition to the immersion method. Alternatively, it can be formed by brushing a white paint.

In particular, as a component of the second member 2, for example, the volume resistivity at 150 ° C. is 1 × 10
⁹ is a Ωcm or more, silicon oxide, borosilicate glass free systems lead oxide as a main component boron (hereinafter, conveniently BFK
(Referred to as glass). This BFK glass is
For example, silicon oxide (67.6%), alumina (4%), boron oxide (18%), sodium oxide (1%), potassium oxide (8%), lithium oxide (1%), titanium oxide (0.4%) %). In addition, lead glass, soda glass, barium glass, and the like can be applied. This barium glass is made of, for example, an oxide of silicic acid, alumina, boric acid, potassium, barium, calcium, or the like. It is desirable that the thickness of these glasses be as small as mechanical strength is acceptable,
A range of 0.7 mm is recommended, but a thickness exceeding 0.7 mm can be set depending on the application and expected characteristics. The volume resistivity depends on the power consumption of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL (in the case where the volume resistance does not become extremely low due to thermal runaway during the operation of the second member 2), the volume resistivity is as described above. It is also possible to set a low resistance value, and it is also possible to use a glass member other than the above.

Although any glass member can be used as the first member 1 as long as it has translucency, the first member 1 and the second member 2 are sealed by the sealing member 11. Therefore, it is desirable to use the same glass member as the second member 2. The first member 1 includes first and second members 1,
2 is sealed and filled with a rare gas, the interior space is configured to have a negative pressure, and the atmospheric pressure acts on the light emitting surface 1a. Required. Therefore, as the thickness of the first member 1 increases, the mechanical strength can be increased, which is desirable. However, since application to liquid crystal display devices is required to be lighter and thinner,
An appropriate thickness is, for example, in the range of 0.7 to 3.5 mm, and about 1.0 mm is recommended.

The flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL thus configured is manufactured, for example, as shown in FIGS. First, the second member 2 is formed by using, for example, a concave forming jig FA and a convex forming jig FB as shown in FIG. The forming jig FA has a plurality of recesses Fa, and the forming jig FB has protrusions Fb at portions corresponding to the recesses Fa. After the plate-shaped glass member P in the heated and softened state is arranged between these forming jigs FA and FB, the forming jigs FA and FB are placed.
By moving the FB so as to approach, the glass member P is formed so as to follow the concave portions Fa and the convex portions Fb of the respective forming jigs FA and FB, and the second member 2 shown in FIG. 4 is manufactured. . The glass member P may be softened by heating after being placed between the forming jigs FA and FB. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a hole is formed at the end of the bottom surface portion 4a of the wall surface portion 4 of the second member 2, and an exhaust pipe 7 is connected to this portion.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, a light-emitting layer 8 is formed on the inner surface of the wall portion 4 of the second member 2, and the entire peripheral portion 2a and a part of the top of the connecting portion 5 (for example, a projecting portion) The sealing member 11 is attached to a part of the top where 6 is present as shown by hatching in the figure. It is desirable that glass beads having a fine particle diameter that does not melt at the sealing temperature be mixed into the sealing member 11. Next, the flat first member 1 shown in FIG. 3 is superimposed on the second member 2 and inserted into the heating furnace.
At the same time, a weight is given to each overlapping portion. In this state, the tip of the protruding portion 6 abuts or approaches the inner surface of the opposing first member 1. When glass beads are mixed into the sealing member 11, undesired protrusion of the sealing member 11 can be reduced even if a weight is applied to the overlapping portion by the interposition of the glass beads. As a result, the first and second members 1 and 2 are hermetically sealed by the sealing member 11, and a sealing structure is manufactured.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the sealing structure is arranged on the mounting table M of the exhaust device, and the exhaust pipe 7 is connected to the exhaust head EX. Then, the opening and closing valve (not shown) is opened to connect to a vacuum system, and the sealing structure is heated. As a result, impurity gases such as air in the sealing structure are discharged. Next, the exhaust head EX is switched to a rare gas filling system, a predetermined amount of the rare gas is sealed in the internal space of the sealing structure via the exhaust pipe 7, and the exhaust pipe 7 is sealed in a short range as long as it can be tolerated. Cut (melt). Next, the sealing structure is taken out of the exhaust device, and external electrodes 9 and 10 are provided on the outer surfaces of all the wall portions 4 of the second member 2 along the direction in which the groove-shaped space 3 extends, as shown in FIG. And lead terminals (not shown) are connected to the ends of the external electrodes 9 and 10 by soldering, a conductive adhesive, or the like. In this state, the outer surface of the second member 2 in the sealing structure is immersed in the liquid white paint 12A, pulled up, and
By drying, the insulating layer 12 having light reflectivity is formed on the outer surface of the second member 2. Thus, the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is manufactured.

The flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL is applied to, for example, a liquid crystal display device shown in FIGS. In the figure, LCD is a liquid crystal panel, DB is a light diffusion plate, HA
Is a lighting device for generating a pulsed high-frequency voltage. A light diffusion plate DB and a liquid crystal panel LCD are arranged on the light emission surface side 1a of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL. The lighting device HA includes, for example, a primary coil TRp and a secondary coil TRs.
And a primary coil T of the transformer TR
A switching element QA such as a field effect transistor connected in series to Rp, a driving circuit PD for applying a driving signal to the switching element QA, and a capacitor C connected between the primary coil TRp of the transformer TR and the ground.
A lighting device includes a DC power supply EB on the input side and a flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL on the output side.
Are connected in parallel. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, among the external electrodes 9 and 10, the adjacent external electrodes 9 and 10 are connected to lead terminals derived from the external electrodes 9 and 10 so that they have the same potential, and are alternately high. It is configured to have a potential H and a low potential L. The external electrodes 9 and 10 which are located on the outermost side of the wall surface portion 4 and do not have adjacent external electrodes are connected to the lighting device HA via lead terminals, respectively, so that the low potential L and the high potential H
It is configured so that

In the illustrated example, one flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL is configured to be lighted by one lighting device HA. However, a pair of one flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL is formed. It is also possible to combine the lighting device HA for every set of external electrodes, or to combine a few pairs of external electrodes into a single lighting device HA. Also in such a case, care is taken so that the adjacent external electrodes 9 and 10 have the same potential.

This liquid crystal display operates as follows.
First, when the DC power supply EB is connected to the input side of the lighting device HA, the capacitor CA is charged. In this state,
When a square wave drive signal (high level) is applied from the drive circuit PD to the gate of the switching element QA, the switching element QA is turned on, a saw-tooth current flows through the primary coil TRp of the transformer TR, and Electromagnetic energy is stored in the primary coil TRp. next,
When the drive signal from the drive circuit PD becomes low level, a pulse-like high-frequency voltage based on the turn ratio of the primary and secondary coils is applied to the secondary coil TRs based on the action of the electromagnetic energy accumulated in the primary coil TRp of the transformer TR. Occurs,
Each external electrode 9 of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL,
10 is applied. As a result, a discharge is generated between the respective external electrodes and the light emitting layer 8 is turned on, and the light from the light emitting layer 8 enters the liquid crystal panel LCD from the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1 via the light diffusing plate DB. Then, a desired image is displayed.

According to this embodiment, a plurality of groove-shaped space portions 3 are provided inside the sealing structure formed by the first and second members 1 and 2.
Are formed in parallel at substantially constant intervals, so that a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to the external electrodes 9 and 10 formed on the outer surface of the wall portion 4 to turn on the first state.
It is possible to obtain high-luminance light from the light emitting surface 1a of the member 1, and it is also possible to increase the luminance uniformity depending on the number of the space portions 3 and the like. Therefore, for example, when applied to the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 9, excellent image display is possible, and improvement in display quality can be expected.

The first member 1 is a member having a light transmitting property.
For example, a transparent glass member is formed in a substantially flat shape, and a plurality of groove-shaped spaces 3 as discharge spaces are formed along the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1. Therefore, a flat light source capable of efficiently emitting flat light from the light emitting surface 1a can be obtained.

Moreover, since the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1 is formed in a substantially flat shape, when applied to, for example, the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal panel LCD (or light diffusion plate DB) Can be arranged close to or in close contact with the back side of the device. Therefore, the size of the liquid crystal display device can be made relatively thin, and the weight and thickness can be reduced.

The plurality of wall portions 4 of the second member 2
Since a groove-shaped space portion 3 is formed in the inside and the light emitting layer 8 is formed in the inside, the external electrodes 9 and 10 are formed on the outer surface of the wall surface portion 4 so as to be separated from each other. The light emitting layer 8 can be effectively stimulated based on the discharge between the external electrodes, and can emit light efficiently. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from the first member 1 can be increased.

The plurality of wall portions 4 of the second member 2
Since the cross-sectional shape is substantially trapezoidal, the discharge distance between the external electrodes 9 and 10 can be increased.
Therefore, the luminous efficiency of the light emitting layer 8 can be improved, and in addition to the fact that the gap G is formed between the connecting portion 5 of the second member 2 and the first member 1, the connection is improved. The shadow generated on the light emitting surface portion of the first member 1 corresponding to the portion 5 can be reduced, and the uniformity of luminance can be improved.

In the sealing structure formed by the first and second members 1 and 2, a gap G is formed between the connecting portion 5 of the second member 2 and the first member 1. Since the projection 6 is partially interposed in the gap G, even if the thickness of the first and second members 1 and 2 is set to be relatively small, the first and second members 1 and 2 The members 1 and 2 are not damaged by the atmospheric pressure acting on the member 2. Therefore, the brightness of the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1 can be increased.

Since a gap G is formed between the connecting portion 5 of the second member 2 and the first member 1, the internal spaces are configured to communicate with each other. Therefore, by arranging the exhaust pipe 7 at an appropriate position communicating with the internal space, the exhaust of the internal space and sealing of the rare gas can be easily performed by one exhaust pipe 7, and the productivity can be improved. it can.

In particular, on the wall portion 4 of the second member 2,
An insulating layer 1 having light reflectivity is provided on a portion where the external electrodes 9 and 10 are not formed (mainly, a bottom portion 4a of the wall portion 4).
Since the second member 2 is formed, the light leaking from the same portion to the outside and becoming a loss light is reflected by the insulating layer 12, and the first member 1
From the light emitting surface 1a. Therefore, not only can the luminance of the light emitting surface 1a be increased, but also the insulation protection of the external electrodes 9 and 10 can be achieved, and creeping discharge and the like due to dielectric breakdown between the external electrodes can be prevented.

In addition, since the outer surface of the second member 2 is entirely covered with the insulating layer 12, the second member 2
Can be expected to have a reinforcing effect. Therefore, the second
The thickness of the member 2 can be reduced.

If a member having the property of being softened or melted by heating to a white member, for example, a mixed member obtained by mixing a hot melt (or a thermosetting resin-based adhesive is also acceptable), a second member can be obtained. After the attachment to the member 2,
The effect of reinforcing the second member 2 can be further enhanced by the hardening of the hot melt. Note that this hot melt is applied to the surface of the insulating sheet to which the above-mentioned insulating sheet is attached, and by heating after the application to the second member 2, the gap generated between the insulating sheet and the wall surface portion 4 can be suppressed. It is also possible to enhance the reinforcing effect (further, the insulating effect).

In this embodiment, the insulating layer 12 is
By using an insulating member having no light reflectivity, it is possible to use the insulating member only for the purpose of insulation protection (further, reinforcing action).

Furthermore, when the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL is incorporated into the lighting device HA, the wall portion 4 of the second member 2
Since the external electrodes 9 and 10 are connected so that the adjacent external electrodes have the same potential, even if the distance between the adjacent external electrodes becomes narrow, the external electrodes 9 and 10 are not connected to each other. The occurrence can be prevented beforehand. Therefore, not only the insulation treatment between the external electrodes becomes easy, but also the lamp design can be given a margin.

In particular, the external electrodes 9 and 10 adjacent to each other may be directly connected to each other, or may be connected to the external electrodes 9 and 10.
When the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL is incorporated into the lighting device HA, it is easy to electrically connect the two to each other by connecting the lead terminals derived from the ends of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL to the lighting device HA. Can be performed.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show a planar rare gas fluorescent lamp PL according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration is almost the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. It is. The difference is that in the second member 2, an opening 3a in which one end of the groove-shaped space portion 3 in the wall surface portion 4 is opened, and a substantially flat third opening is formed in the opening 3a. That is, the member 2A is hermetically sealed and closed. Note that an exhaust pipe 7 (not shown) is connected to the third member 2A.
Can be connected to a portion corresponding to the opening 3a.

According to this embodiment, since the second member 2 is inclined so that the opening 3a is directed downward, and the phosphor coating solution can flow from above, the light emitting layer can be formed. The layer forming operation can be efficiently performed.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a third embodiment of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL according to the present invention. The basic structure is almost the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. It is. The difference is that a flange 2b extending substantially horizontally is formed integrally with the entire periphery of the peripheral portion of the second member 2, and the flange 2b and the peripheral portion of the first member 1 are connected to each other by a sealing member 11. It was sealed so as to be airtight.

According to this embodiment, since the sealing area of the first and second members 1 and 2 is enlarged in a plane, the ratio of the light emitting surface to the whole is smaller than that of each of the above embodiments. However, the sealing workability and the sealing strength of both can be improved.

FIG. 16 shows a fourth embodiment of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL according to the present invention. The basic structure is almost the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS.
The difference is that in the second member 2, the length of the protruding portion 6 extending from the top of the connecting portion 5 is increased, and the gap G formed between the first member 1 and the connecting portion 5 is enlarged. It is.
In particular, by increasing the length of the protruding portion 6, the distance d between the first member 1 and the connecting portion 5 becomes larger than in the embodiment shown in FIGS. The height h to the top of the part 5 is configured to be lower than in the embodiment shown in FIGS.

According to this embodiment, since the gap G between the first member 1 and the top of the connecting portion 5 is configured to be large, the light emitting layer 8 in the groove-shaped space 3 adjacent to each other is formed. Layer 12 having light and light reflected from light
Is reflected from the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1 through the respective gaps G. Therefore, the formation of a shadow on the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1 corresponding to the gap G is reduced, and the luminance distribution can be equalized.

In particular, by enlarging the gap G and reducing the depth of the groove-shaped space 3 (height from the bottom surface 4a of the wall surface portion 4 to the top of the connecting portion 5), the light G Since the portion is easily emitted from the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1 through the gap G, the formation of a shadow on the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1 corresponding to the gap G is further reduced. In addition, the luminance distribution can be further equalized.

Further, the first member 1
The distance between the second member 2 and the connecting portion 5 of the second member 2 increases, and the second member 2 is easily damaged by the application of an external force. The second member 2 is not damaged by the applied external force.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, FIGS.
The structure of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 or FIGS. 14 to 15 can also be applied.

FIG. 17 shows a fifth embodiment of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL according to the present invention. The basic structure is almost the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS.
The difference is that a light emitting layer 8A made of a phosphor is formed on the inner surface of the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1. The thickness of the light emitting layer 8A is desirably formed to be smaller than the thickness of the light emitting layer 8 formed on the inner surface of the wall surface portion 4, for example. In particular, it is recommended that the light emitting layer 8A be formed of the same phosphor as the light emitting layer 8.

According to this embodiment, the light emitting layer 8A formed on the inner surface of the light emitting surface 1a emits light by the discharge between the external electrodes, and emits light together with the light from the light emitting layer 8 via the light emitting layer 8A. Is released to the outside. Therefore, the light emitting layer 8
Due to the light emission of A and the light diffusion effect of the light emitting layer 8A, the luminance distribution on the light emitting surface 1a is easily equalized. However,
As the thickness of the light emitting layer 8A increases, the absorption of light from the light emitting layer 8 increases. Therefore, the thickness of the light emitting layer 8A needs to be appropriately set in consideration of the application.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show the fifth embodiment.
Alternatively, the structure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 can be applied. Further, the light emitting layer 8A shown in the fifth embodiment can be applied to each of the above embodiments.

FIG. 18 shows a sixth embodiment of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL according to the present invention. The basic structure is almost the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS.
The difference is that the cross-sectional shape of the wall surface portion 4 of the second member 2 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape or a semicircular shape such as a substantially sinusoidal shape or an elliptical shape.

Each of the wall portions 4 having such a cross-sectional shape is integrally connected by a connecting portion 5 having a curved surface. A light emitting layer 8 is provided on the inner surface, and external electrodes 9 and 10 are provided on the outer surface. Is formed.

According to this embodiment, since the cross-sectional shape of the wall portion 4 is formed in a substantially semicircular or irregular semicircular shape, the phosphor (light emitting layer 8) is applied to the inner surface of the wall portion 4. The amount of adhesion can be increased. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting surface 1a of the first member 1 can be increased in combination with the formation of the insulating layer 12 having light reflectivity.

Further, since the cross-sectional shape of the wall portion 4 is formed in a substantially semi-circular or irregular semi-circular shape, the mechanical strength of the sealing structure formed by the first and second members 1 and 2 is reduced. Improvement can be made, and damage due to handling during the manufacturing process and after the product is completed can be reduced.

Further, the structure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 or 14 to 15 can be applied to the sixth embodiment, and the light emitting layer 8 of the embodiment shown in FIG.
The configuration of A can be applied. Furthermore, this sixth
It is also possible to apply the structure of the wall portion 4 shown in the embodiment to each of the above embodiments.

FIG. 19 shows a seventh embodiment of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL according to the present invention. The basic structure is almost the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
The difference is that the cross-sectional shape of the wall surface portion 4 of the second member 2 is changed to a shallow circular arc shape or a dish shape in which the height h from the bottom surface portion 4a of the wall surface portion 4 to the top of the connecting portion 5 is set small. It is formed.

According to this embodiment, since the entire thickness can be reduced, a flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL which is thinner than each of the above embodiments can be realized. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily achieve a reduction in thickness required for a liquid crystal display device or the like.

In the seventh embodiment, FIGS.
Alternatively, the structure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 can be applied, and the configuration of the light emitting layer 8A of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 can also be applied. Further, the structure of the wall portion 4 shown in the seventh embodiment can be applied to each of the above embodiments.

FIG. 20 shows an eighth embodiment of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL according to the present invention. The basic structure is almost the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
The difference is that the cross-sectional shape of the wall surface portion 4 of the second member 2 is substantially triangular (V-shaped), and the external electrodes 9 and 10 are adjacent to each other so that they have the same potential. Are directly connected at the connecting portion 5.

According to this embodiment, when the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL is connected to the lighting device HA of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the connection between the output side of the lighting device HA and the external electrode is made. Points can be reduced, and connection workability can be improved.

The eighth embodiment is different from the eighth embodiment shown in FIGS.
Alternatively, the structure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 can be applied, and the configuration of the light emitting layer 8A of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 can also be applied. Further, the structure of the wall portion 4 and / or the connection configuration of the adjacent external electrodes shown in the eighth embodiment can be applied to the above-described embodiments.

FIG. 21 shows a ninth embodiment of the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp PL according to the present invention. The basic structure is almost the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS.
The difference is that the recesses 13, 13 are integrally formed on the outer surface of the wall surface portion 4 of the second member 2, and the external electrodes 9, 10 are arranged in the recesses. In particular, the external electrodes 9 and 1
By forming the recesses 13 only in the wall portions forming the “0”, the thickness d1 of the bottom portions 13a thereof is reduced.
Is set smaller than the thickness d2 of the bottom surface portion of the wall surface portion 4 where the concave portions 13 and 13 are not formed.

The external electrodes 9 and 10 are formed in the respective recesses 13 and 13 by screen printing using, for example, a conductive paste. For example, a band-shaped metal member having an adhesive layer on the back surface is fitted and bonded. It can also be formed by deposition, vapor deposition, or application.

According to this embodiment, the thickness d1 of the bottom portions 13a, 13a of the concave portions 13, 13 in which the external electrodes 9, 10 are formed is made smaller than the thickness d2 of the other wall portions. The amount of light emitted from the first member 1 can be increased as compared with the above-described embodiments.

Since the second member 2 is required to have a certain mechanical strength, the overall thickness of the wall portion 4 is set to a thickness capable of maintaining a certain strength. Since the concave portions 13 are formed only in the portions where the external electrodes 9 and 10 which affect the discharge characteristics are formed, the second member 2
While maintaining a constant strength, the discharge characteristics (starting characteristics) and the amount of light can be improved.

In particular, if the external electrodes 9 and 10 are formed so as to be firmly adhered to the concave portions 13 and 13 of the wall surface portion 4, the concave portions and the external electrodes 9 and 10 are integrated, and the strength of the concave portions is reduced. It is reinforced and can reduce damage due to handling.

Further, the structure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 or 14 to 15 can be applied to the ninth embodiment, and the light emitting layer 8 of the embodiment shown in FIG.
The configuration of A can be applied. Furthermore, this ninth
It is also possible to apply the formation structure of the external electrodes 9 and 10 on the wall portion 4 shown in the third embodiment to each of the above embodiments.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp can be used as a light source for a display and a light source for general illumination in addition to a backlight of a liquid crystal display device. Alternatively, when a large flat light source is required, it can be manufactured by combining a plurality of flat rare gas fluorescent lamps into a desired size. Also, the first and second (or first and second)
In addition to performing the sealing of the second and third members prior to the evacuation operation, the operation of enclosing the rare gas and the operation of sealing can be performed almost simultaneously using a vacuum chamber. Specifically, the first and second members were set in a vacuum chamber in a state where the sealing member was attached to the sealing surface, and after discharging the impurity gas, the pressure was controlled to a predetermined pressure in the vacuum chamber. With the rare gas introduced, the first and second members are further heated to hermetically seal. Further, the light emitting surface of the first member may be roughened, or a plurality of minute prisms may be integrally formed. Also, the first
The protrusion or gap interposed between the member and the connecting portion of the second member may be omitted in some cases. Further, although the external electrode is formed in a substantially band shape, a deformed portion such as a sawtooth shape may be formed on a side edge portion thereof, or a deformed portion or a hole may be formed on a portion other than the side edge portion. . Furthermore, as a lighting device for the flat rare gas fluorescent lamp, a circuit that generates a pulsed high-frequency voltage is recommended, and a circuit configuration other than the illustrated example can be applied.
A circuit that generates a sinusoidal high-frequency voltage can also be used.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of groove-shaped spaces are formed in parallel at substantially constant intervals inside the sealing structure formed by the first and second members. To apply a high-frequency voltage to external electrodes formed on the outer surface of the wall,
By setting the lighting state, light with high luminance can be obtained from the light emitting surface of the first member, and the uniformity of luminance can be increased. Therefore, for example, when applied to a liquid crystal display device, excellent image display becomes possible, and improvement in display quality can be expected.

Further, the first member is formed by forming a member having a light transmitting property into a substantially flat shape.
Since a plurality of groove-shaped spaces as discharge spaces are formed along the light emitting surface of the member, a flat light source capable of efficiently emitting light from the light emitting surface can be obtained.

Further, a groove-shaped space is formed inside the plurality of wall portions of the second member, and a light emitting layer is formed on the inner surface thereof. The light emitting layer can be effectively stimulated based on the discharge between the external electrodes, and can emit light efficiently. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from the first member can be increased.

Furthermore, since an insulating layer is formed on the outer surface of the wall surface of the second member, insulation protection between the external electrodes can be achieved. In particular, it is possible to impart light reflectivity to the insulating layer. For example, light that leaks out from a portion where the external electrode is not formed (mainly the bottom portion of the wall portion) and becomes loss light is reflected by the insulating layer and emitted from the light emitting surface of the first member. become. Therefore, not only can the luminance of the light emitting surface be increased, but also it is possible to prevent creeping discharge and the like due to dielectric breakdown between external electrodes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the first member shown in FIG. 1, and FIG.

4A is a plan view of the second member shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a side sectional view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view for explaining a method of forming the second member shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state in which a sealing member is attached to a second member before sealing.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view for explaining an exhaust method.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view partially showing a cross section for describing a method of forming an insulating layer.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing an application example of the present invention to a liquid crystal display device.

10 is an electric circuit diagram of the lighting device shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the second member shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an essential part enlarged sectional view showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a rare gas discharge lamp according to a conventional example.

FIG. 23 is a schematic side view showing an application example of a rare gas discharge lamp to a liquid crystal display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st member 1a Light emission surface 2 2nd member 2A 3rd member 2a Peripheral part 2b Flange part 3 Groove-shaped space part 3a Opening part 4 Wall part 4a Bottom part 5 Connection part 6 Projection part 7 Exhaust pipe 8 , 8A Light emitting layer 9, 10 External electrode 11 Sealing member 12 Insulating layer (insulating layer having light reflectivity) 13 Concave portion 13a Bottom portion PL Flat rare gas fluorescent lamp G Gap FA, FB Molding jig P Plate member EX Exhaust head LCD Liquid crystal panel DB Light diffusion plate HA Lighting device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Yoshizo Urata, Inventor NEC Electronics Home Electronics Co., Ltd. 1-44-2 Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (72) Seiichiro Fujioka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka NEC Home Electronics Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5C043 AA20 BB04 CC16 CD08 DD01 DD39 EA19 EB15

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A substantially flat first member having a light-transmitting property and a plurality of wall portions having a groove-shaped space portion are integrally formed in parallel via a connecting portion, and the first wall member has a groove-shaped space portion. A second member having a light emitting layer formed on an inner surface thereof; a rare gas sealed in an internal space formed by hermetically sealing respective peripheral portions of the first and second members with each other; An outer electrode formed on the outer surface of each wall surface of the member in such a manner as to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the groove-shaped space extends, and an insulating layer is formed on the outer surface of the wall surface. Flat rare gas fluorescent lamp. 2. A connecting part comprising: a first member having a substantially flat shape having a light-transmitting property; and a plurality of wall portions having a flange portion at a peripheral portion and a groove-shaped space portion inside an inner portion of the flange portion. And a second member having a light emitting layer formed on the inner surface of the wall surface, and a peripheral portion of the first member and a flange portion of the second member hermetically sealed from each other. Noble gas sealed in the internal space formed by sealing the second member and external electrodes formed on the outer surface of the respective wall surfaces of the second member so as to be separated from each other along the direction in which the groove-shaped space extends. Wherein an insulating layer is formed on an outer surface of the wall portion. 3. A substantially flat first member having a light-transmitting property and a plurality of wall portions having a groove-shaped space portion having at least one open end are integrated in parallel via a connecting portion. And a second member having a light emitting layer formed on the inner surface of the wall, and an opening of the groove-shaped space is closed at one end of the wall in the second member. And a rare gas sealed in an internal space formed by hermetically sealing the respective peripheral portions of the first, second, and third members with each other. An external electrode formed on an outer surface of each wall surface of the second member so as to be separated from each other along a direction in which the groove-shaped space extends, and an insulating layer is formed on an outer surface of the wall surface. A flat rare gas fluorescent lamp characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. The flat rare gas fluorescent lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first member is made of a glass plate or a ceramic plate having a light transmitting property. 5. The flat rare gas fluorescent lamp according to claim 1, wherein said second member is made of a dielectric material. 6. The plane according to claim 1, wherein the second member is made of a glass member such as borosilicate glass, barium glass, lead glass, and soda glass. Type rare gas fluorescent lamp. 7. The flat rare gas fluorescent element according to claim 1, wherein the respective peripheral portions of the first and second members are hermetically sealed with low melting point glass. lamp. 8. The planar type according to claim 1, wherein said light emitting layer is formed of one kind of phosphor or a mixed phosphor obtained by mixing a plurality of kinds of phosphors. Noble gas fluorescent lamp. 9. A rare gas containing mercury-free xenon gas as a main component is sealed in an internal space defined by the first and second members. 4. The flat rare gas fluorescent lamp according to 1. 10. The flat rare gas fluorescent lamp according to claim 1, wherein the insulating layer formed on the outer surface of the wall portion is formed of a member having light reflectivity. 11. The insulating layer according to claim 1, wherein the insulating layer is formed on almost the entire outer surface of the wall surface so as to cover the external electrode, and the insulating layer is provided with light reflectivity.
A flat rare gas fluorescent lamp according to any one of the above.