JP2004087484A - Fluorescent lamp and amalgam assembly therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an amalgam assembly characterized by amalgam which is located in an exhaust conduit of a fluorescent lamp which is so improved as to prevent the indraft of liquid amalgam into a lamp envelope. <P>SOLUTION: The amalgam assembly for the fluorescent lamp has a glass exhaust conduit and a holding structure located in the glass exhaust conduit. The glass exhaust conduit is extended toward a base of the lamp and its one end is usually closed at a place where it is adjacent to the base of the lamp. The holding structure is held by a narrow part of the exhaust conduit. A mercury amalgam body is located between the holding structure and the closed end of the exhaust conduit. The amalgam body has a means for wetting an inner surface of the glass exhaust conduit. When the amalgam body is liquified, the means attaches the amalgam to the inner surface of the glass exhaust conduit, thereby preventing the amalgam from passing through the holding structure and flowing into the lamp envelope. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fluorescent lamps, and more particularly to amalgam assemblies, and more particularly to amalgam assemblies having improved amalgam for use in the exhaust tube of fluorescent lamps, and to fluorescent lamps with the amalgam assemblies. Fluorescent lamps may be, for example, linear or compact, and with or without electrodes.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The light output of a fluorescent lamp is critically dependent on the mercury vapor pressure (vapor density) in the lamp envelope. And, again, the mercury vapor pressure is controlled by the temperature of the excess liquid mercury condensing in the coldest part of the lamp envelope, the so-called "cold spot". Fluorescent lamps usually have at least one tube, which has an opening leading into the interior of the lamp envelope, and is used as an encapsulation and exhaust tube due to the construction of the lamp. Upon completion of fabrication, the exhaust pipe is hermetically tipped, and the tipped end typically becomes the "cold spot" of the lamp.
[0003]
The amalgam is usually located in the cold spot of the exhaust pipe. Such amalgams reduce the mercury vapor pressure relative to the vapor pressure of pure mercury at any given temperature, thereby providing optimal light output at elevated temperatures Can be obtained. Such amalgams also provide a broadened peak of light output with respect to the temperature characteristic curve, so that near optimal light output is obtained over an extended ambient temperature range.
[0004]
Operating the lamp at a temperature below or above the optimum ambient temperature will reduce the light output by more than 30% relative to the peak value. This is usually the case when the lamp is operated in a sealed or semi-sealed fixture. In addition to the reduced light output, the color of the light changes as a result of the variation in the contribution of the blue spectral emission from the mercury vapor in the discharge.
[0005]
The problem of mercury vapor pressure control under changing temperature conditions is solved, at least in part, by the use of various alloys that can absorb mercury from its gas phase. Alloys of low temperature molten metals amalgamate with excess mercury and are often placed in fluorescent lamps to regulate the mercury vapor pressure within the lamp. Alloys known to be particularly useful in forming amalgams with mercury include lead-bismuth-tin alloys, bismuth-indium alloys, bismuth and tin alloys, zinc, indium and tin alloys, and the like. WO 96/37909 and European Patent Application EP 373567. Other useful amalgams can be formed with pure indium, pure lead and pure zinc.
[0006]
The lamp is usually supplied with a surplus of mercury amalgam, that is, more amalgam than is needed to supply the mercury that is evaporated when the lamp reaches a stabilized operating state. As the lamp ages, some of the excess amalgam will be required to be replaced by chemically bound mercury elsewhere in the lamp during the life of the lamp.
[0007]
When the amalgam fluorescent lamp is turned off, the amalgam cools down and the mercury vapor in the lamp is gradually absorbed into the amalgam. When the lamp is turned on, lumen output is significantly reduced until the amalgam warms up to a point where it emits enough mercury vapor to allow efficient lamp operation.
[0008]
For certain types of lamps, for example, especially electrodeless lamps or compact electrode fluorescent lamps, it is important to prevent amalgam from falling into the arc environment within the lamp envelope. There are detrimental changes in the lumen output and lumen temperature performance of the lamp.
[0009]
In a one-sided lamp, during use, the sealing end of the exhaust pipe is directed upward, and the end of the exhaust pipe that opens into the lamp envelope is located below the amalgam. The lamp envelope tends to fall down, producing higher temperatures, causing a sharp rise in mercury vapor pressure and an increase in the lamp voltage, resulting in spot-like blackening in the lamp envelope. A special problem occurred. If the lamp voltage exceeds the maximum sustained voltage of the ballast provided in the lamp, the lamp will extinguish. Thus, there is a need for a means to retain the liquid amalgam in the exhaust pipe and still allow mercury vapor to flow out of the exhaust pipe and into the lamp envelope.
[0010]
Accordingly, there is a need for improved amalgam holding means or retainers and / or amalgam assemblies with improved amalgam to limit amalgam to the sealed end region of the exhaust pipe. There is a further need for a fluorescent lamp with such an amalgam assembly and / or amalgam holding means. Such a retaining means, including the prior art cited therein, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,129.
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
WO 96/37909
[Patent Document 2]
EP 373567
[Patent Document 3]
US-A5757129
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an amalgam assembly featuring an improved amalgam which is arranged in the exhaust pipe of a fluorescent lamp to prevent migration of the liquid amalgam into the lamp envelope.
[0013]
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrodeless fluorescent lamp having therein an amalgam assembly characterized by improved amalgam and / or improved means of holding the amalgam in the exhaust pipe.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As will become apparent hereinafter, and in view of the above and other objects, one aspect of the present invention is an amalgam assembly for a fluorescent lamp as generally defined in the characterizing portion of claim 1. To provide. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The assembly has a glass exhaust pipe and a retaining structure disposed within the glass exhaust pipe, the glass exhaust pipe typically extending toward a base of the lamp, and one end of which is typically a lamp base. Preferably, the portion is closed adjacent to the portion, and the holding structure is a narrow portion of the exhaust pipe.
[0016]
A mercury amalgam body is disposed between the retaining structure and the closed end of the exhaust pipe, the amalgam body having means for wetting the inner surface of the glass exhaust pipe, and the amalgam body when the amalgam body liquefies. Adhere to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, thereby preventing the amalgam body from flowing past the retaining structure and into the interior of the lamp envelope.
[0017]
In an advantageous embodiment, the wetting agent is lithium, which wets the inner surface of the glass exhaust pipe and causes the amalgam to adhere to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe when the amalgam body liquefies, thereby causing the amalgam body to have a retaining structure. It is used to prevent it from flowing through the lamp body.
[0018]
According to a further feature of the present invention, there is provided an amalgam assembly for a fluorescent lamp. The amalgam assembly has a glass exhaust tube and a metal layer containing lithium deposited on the inner surface of the exhaust tube to act as a wetting agent, said glass exhaust tube extending toward the base portion of the lamp. One end of which is usually closed adjacent to the lamp base. The mercury amalgam body is located between the closed end of the exhaust pipe and the constriction. As the amalgam liquefies, the liquid amalgam adheres to the metal layer, thereby preventing the amalgam body from flowing through the constricted portion of the exhaust pipe and into the interior of the lamp body.
[0019]
In accordance with yet a further feature of the present invention, there is provided a special embodiment of an electrodeless fluorescent lamp assembly that sustains an arc discharge when exposed to a radio frequency magnetic field, thereby resulting in ultraviolet radiation. A light-transmissive envelope containing an ionizable gaseous fill for emission, the light-transmissive envelope typically containing an internal phosphor for emitting visible radiation when excited by ultraviolet light; And-of course, the assembly can also be used for low-pressure mercury lamps without phosphors-and the envelope usually has a concave cavity formed therein. The excitation coil is housed in a recessed cavity for forming a radio frequency magnetic field when excited by a radio frequency power supply. A glass exhaust tube extends into the envelope through the recessed cavity, the exhaust tube having a closed end near a base portion of the lamp. A constriction component is formed in the exhaust pipe at a predetermined distance from the closed end of the exhaust pipe, and the retaining structure is disposed in the exhaust pipe and held by the constriction component. A mercury amalgam body is located in the exhaust pipe between the retaining structure and the closed end of the exhaust pipe, which amalgam adheres to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe when the amalgam body is liquefied, thereby Has lithium to wet the inner surface of the glass exhaust tube with which the amalgam contacts so as to prevent the amalgam body from flowing past the retaining structure and into the interior of the lamp body.
[0020]
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrodeless fluorescent lamp assembly for sustaining an arc discharge when exposed to a radio frequency magnetic field, thereby emitting ultraviolet light. A light transmissive envelope comprising an ionizable gaseous fill, the light transmissive envelope having an internal phosphor coating for emitting visible radiation when excited by ultraviolet light, and , The envelope has a recessed cavity formed therein. The excitation coil is housed in a recessed cavity to form a radio frequency magnetic field when excited by a radio frequency power supply. A glass exhaust pipe extends into the envelope through the recessed cavity, the exhaust pipe having a closed end near a base portion of the lamp. A constriction component is formed in the exhaust pipe at a predetermined distance from the closed end of the exhaust pipe, and the retaining structure is disposed in the exhaust pipe and held by the constriction component. A mercury amalgam body is placed in the exhaust pipe between the holding structure and the closed end of the exhaust pipe, and a metal layer containing lithium adheres to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, where the liquid is discharged when the amalgam body liquefies. Amalgam adheres to the layer, thereby preventing the amalgam body from flowing past the retaining structure and into the lamp envelope.
[0021]
The above and other features of the invention, including various novel details and combinations of parts thereof, are more particularly set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings and are set forth in the appended claims. Specific devices embodying the present invention are shown for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting of the present invention. The basic techniques and features of this invention can be used in many different embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0022]
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an amalgam assembly having a glass exhaust tube extending toward a base portion of a lamp, wherein the glass exhaust tube is closed at an end adjacent to the base portion, and wherein a metal cup is provided. , And is held by a holding structure, preferably a constricted portion of the exhaust pipe. The cup has a free end extending toward the closed end of the exhaust pipe, a tubular central core portion extending toward the closed end of the exhaust pipe, and an annular groove formed by the core portion and the outer wall. The mercury amalgam sphere is located between the metal cup and the closed end of the exhaust pipe, the diameter of the sphere exceeds the inner diameter of the core part, and a coating of metal wetting agent is applied on the inner surface of the groove . As the amalgam body liquefies, the liquid amalgam attaches to the groove surface of the cup and mercury vapor can flow through the core portion of the cup.
[0023]
According to a further feature of the present invention, there is provided an electrodeless fluorescent lamp which, when exposed to a radio frequency magnetic field, sustains an arc discharge and consequently an ionizable gaseous gas for emitting ultraviolet light. Includes inclusions. The light transmissive envelope has an internal phosphor for emitting visible radiation when excited by ultraviolet light, and the envelope usually has a recessed cavity formed therein. The excitation coil is housed in a recessed cavity for forming a radio frequency magnetic field when excited by a radio frequency power supply. An exhaust pipe extends through the recessed cavity into the envelope to evacuate and enclose the lamp during fabrication, the exhaust pipe extending toward the base of the lamp, and near the base of the lamp. With a closed end. A small recessed feature is formed in the exhaust pipe at a predetermined distance from the closed end of the exhaust pipe. A metal cup holds the amalgam body in the exhaust pipe at a point between the metal cup and the closed end of the exhaust pipe, the metal cup having an annular end having a free end extending toward the closed end of the exhaust pipe. A wall, a tubular central core portion extending toward the closed end of the exhaust pipe, and an annular groove formed by the core portion and the outer wall. A coating of a metal wetting agent is disposed on the inner surface of the groove. As the amalgam body liquefies, the liquid amalgam attaches to the groove surface of the cup and mercury vapor can flow through the core portion of the cup.
[0024]
【Example】
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments illustrating the invention are illustrated, in which the features and advantages of the invention will be apparent.
[0025]
Referring to FIG. 1, a known single-sided fluorescent lamp 10 is provided with a light transmissive or translucent envelope containing an ionizable gaseous fill to sustain an arc discharge. During fabrication, the lamp 10 is filled with fill through an exhaust 20 having an inner surface 26 in a well-known manner. Suitable fills include, for example, a mixture of a noble gas (eg, krypton and / or argon) and mercury vapor. This is an electrodeless configuration. The excitation coil 14 is provided within the recessed cavity 16 in the envelope 12 and is removable from the recessed cavity 16 within the envelope 12. For illustration purposes, coil 14 is schematically illustrated as being wound around exhaust pipe 20. However, the coil 14 may be provided separately from the exhaust pipe 20 and wound around a core of insulating material (not shown), or may be freely arranged as desired (not shown). The inner surface of the envelope 12 is coated with a suitable phosphor 18 by a known method. The envelope 12 mates with one end of a base assembly 17 that includes a radio frequency power supply having a standard (eg, Edison type) lamp base 19. A similar prior art technique showing an al lamp with electrodes is shown in FIG. 1b.
[0026]
A mercury amalgam body 32 is located and held in a predetermined lamp at a location optimized for a given amalgam. Each amalgam has a unique optimal range of operating temperatures to provide the appropriate mercury vapor pressure.
[0027]
A retaining means, for example a recess or a small recess 22, is provided towards the tipped area of the exhaust pipe 20. The tipped area is provided at or at the top of the sealed exhaust pipe, and is "tipped" so that the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe is formed after venting and enclosing the lamp. Area ".
[0028]
After exhausting through the exhaust pipe 20 and enclosing the lamp, an irradiation amount setting member of an appropriate size and shape is inserted into the exhaust pipe 20 through an opening in a region with a tip, and the irradiation amount setting member is inserted. The member desirably has at least one (or several) glass spheres 40. Based on the presence of the small depression 22 and the size and shape of the glass sphere 40, the dose setting member remains away from the recessed cavity 16 on the side of the small depression. The amalgam 32 is then inserted into the exhaust pipe 20 through an opening in the region where the tip is attached.
[0029]
The combination of the small indentations 22 and the glass spheres 40 allows the amalgam 32 to be positioned and held in place. As noted above, the exhaust tubing is tipped over the amalgam 32 to form a closed end 24 of the tubing.
[0030]
In operation, current flows through the coil 14 as a result of excitation by the radio frequency power supply. Thereby, a radio-frequency magnetic field is formed in the envelope 12, which ionizes and excites the gaseous fill contained therein, thereby causing an annular discharge 23, from which Ultraviolet radiation is emitted. Phosphor 18 absorbs ultraviolet radiation and emits visible radiation.
[0031]
Referring to FIG. 2, an amalgam holding structure having one or more glass spheres 40 is provided according to the present invention, the glass spheres 40 being disposed within the glass exhaust pipe 20 and having at least one constricted portion of the glass exhaust pipe 20. 22. The mercury amalgam body 32 is located between the glass bulb 40 and the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe, as shown in FIG.
[0032]
The amalgam body 32, when in the solid state, is generally spherically shaped and comprises a lithium component according to one embodiment of the present invention. Lithium provides the amalgam with the property of wetting the glass exhaust tube 20, especially the inner surface 26 and the glass bulb 40, when it is liquefied. When the liquid amalgam causes adhesion wetting on the glass, i.e., when adhered to the glass, the amalgam is prevented from flowing past the glass spheres located in the tube 20, thereby providing a lamp envelope. 12 is prevented.
[0033]
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a layer 34 of a metal alloy comprising a lithium component is provided between the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe and the constriction 22 of the exhaust pipe, ie in the region of the amalgam body 32. At the inner surface 26 (FIG. 3) of the exhaust pipe 20. Due to the presence of the lithium alloy layer 34, the amalgam wets or adheres to the lithium alloy layer when it is liquefied, so that the liquid amalgam flows past the retaining structure 40 and into the lamp envelope. Prevent from flowing into.
[0034]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a metal layer 34 is applied to the tubular inner surface 26 during construction of the exhaust pipe. During operation of the lamp 10, the liquid amalgam adheres to the metal layer 34 and prevents the amalgam from flowing into the lamp envelope 12 by gravity.
[0035]
It has been found that in a single-sided lamp, the setting element 40 of the glass ball type sometimes fails to retain liquefied amalgam in the region above the exhaust pipe. As mentioned above, escape of the amalgam from the area of the closed end of the exhaust pipe into the envelope can cause lamp failure.
[0036]
Referring to FIG. 4, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, an amalgam retainer having a metal cup 140 (FIG. 5) disposed within glass exhaust 20 and held by at least one constriction of glass exhaust 20. Is provided.
[0037]
The cup 140 defines an annular outer wall 142 having a free end 144 extending toward the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe. The cup 140 also defines a tubular central core portion 146 that extends toward the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe. The core portion 146 has a free end 147 which extends further towards the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe than the free end 144 of the outer wall of the cup. Annular groove 148 is formed by core portion 146 and outer wall 142.
[0038]
The cup 140 comprises a coating of a metal wetting agent applied on the surface of the groove 148 opposite the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe. Suitable coatings used as wetting agents include silver and indium. The cup 140 fits easily into the exhaust pipe, and the outer peripheral wall 142 of the cup 140 engages the inner wall of the exhaust pipe. The metal cup 140 has a leaf-spring-like characteristic whereby the wall 142 is preferably biased into engagement with the inner wall of the exhaust pipe. Stainless steel and iron-nickel alloys have been found to be suitable materials for the cup 140.
[0039]
The mercury amalgam body 32 is located between the metal cup 140 and the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe, as shown in FIG. Mercury amalgam body 32 is generally spherically shaped and has a diameter that exceeds the inner diameter of core portion 146 of cup 140.
[0040]
When the lamp is completed and operational, the amalgam body 32 liquefies and is drawn into the cup through the cup groove 148 by the wetting agent therein. Thus, the liquid amalgam occupies the groove in the annular configuration, while mercury vapor is allowed to pass through the cup core portion.
[0041]
Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that a metal cup 140 can be used in combination with one or more glass spheres 40, where the glass spheres 40 contribute to performing their normal function of holding liquid amalgam. Is, in effect, "backed up" by a metal cup 140, which attracts and holds any amalgam passing by the glass bulb.
[0042]
Referring again to FIG. 1, the liquid amalgam travels around the glass bulb 40 while the combination of the constriction 22 of the exhaust pipe and the glass sphere 40 almost always retains the amalgam at the closed end of the exhaust pipe. It has been found that an event can occur that goes into the lamp envelope and causes malfunctioning and / or failure of the lamp.
[0043]
According to a further embodiment of the invention, a layer 226 of metallic mercury wetting agent is disposed on the inner surface 228 of the exhaust pipe 20 in the area between the constriction 22 and the closed end 24 of the exhaust pipe. Have been. The wetting agent layer 226 may be indium or silver, or gold or an alloy having at least one of such metals as a component thereof as a component thereof. The wetting agent layer 226 can be disposed within the band 230 as shown in FIG.
[0044]
As the amalgam body 32 in the single-sided lamp liquefies, the liquid amalgam tends to flow downward, possibly around one or more glass bodies, creating a patch 232 on the surface 234 of the body 40, and , Flows into the envelope 12. However, a suitable wetting agent 30 causes the liquid amalgam to be drawn and adhered to the band 30 (FIG. 8), thereby further preventing it from migrating toward the lamp envelope 12.
[0045]
Referring to FIG. 9, it will be apparent that in an alternative embodiment, a metallic mercury wetting agent is applied to the surface 234 of the glass body or glass bodies located within the exhaust 20. As the amalgam liquefies, it is attracted to the glass body 40 and adheres to it as unstructured clusters 233 (FIG. 10), so that it flows around the glass body and toward the lamp envelope rather than sticking to it. You do it.
[0046]
As will be realized, many additional modifications in detail, materials, and arrangements of the parts described and illustrated herein to explain the features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can perform the method within the basic method and scope described in
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
In accordance with the present invention, an amalgam assembly featuring an improved amalgam positioned in the exhaust pipe of a fluorescent lamp to prevent migration of liquid amalgam into the lamp envelope can be realized, and the amalgam and / or in the exhaust pipe. And an electrodeless fluorescent lamp having an amalgam assembly characterized by improved amalgam holding means, and retains amalgam in the exhaust pipe, while mercury vapor flows out of the exhaust pipe and into the lamp envelope. There is an effect that the demand for the means for allowing the inflow can be satisfied, and problems such as the occurrence of spot-like blackening in the lamp envelope can be solved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1a is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a prior art electrodeless fluorescent lamp.
FIG. 1b is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a compact fluorescent lamp of the prior art.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an improved amalgam assembly for preventing liquid amalgam from flowing into a lamp of the type shown in FIG. 1 out of the desired amalgam location.
FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 but illustrates an alternative embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an improved retainer for preventing liquid amalgam from migrating from a desired amalgam location in a lamp of the type shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the retainer of FIG. 4 arranged in an exhaust pipe portion of a fluorescent lamp of the type shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing an alternative embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an improved amalgam assembly for preventing liquid amalgam from migrating from a desired amalgam location in a lamp of the type shown in FIG.
8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but illustrating the state of the amalgam after liquefaction of the amalgam of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 7, but illustrates an alternative embodiment of the amalgam assembly.
10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but illustrating the state of the amalgam after liquefaction of the amalgam of FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Fluorescent lamp 12 Envelope 14 Excitation coil 16 Recessed cavity 17 Base assembly 18 Phosphor 19 Base of standard Edison type lamp 20 Exhaust pipe 22 Small recess 23 Annular discharge 24 Closed end of exhaust pipe 26 Inner surface of exhaust pipe 32 amalgam 34 metal layer 40 glass bulb 140 metal cup 144 free end 146 tubular central core portion 147 free end

Claims (49)

An amalgam assembly for a low pressure mercury lamp, the amalgam assembly having a glass exhaust pipe connected to an envelope portion of the lamp, the glass exhaust pipe having one end closed and the interior of the envelope. Having an opening leading to
A holding structure disposed in the exhaust pipe, and a mercury amalgam body disposed between the holding structure and a closed end of the exhaust pipe;
The amalgam assembly has a wetting means for wetting the inner surface within the glass exhaust pipe, and when the amalgam body is liquefied, causes the amalgam to adhere to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, whereby the amalgam is removed. An amalgam assembly for a low-pressure mercury lamp, wherein the amalgam is prevented from flowing through the holding structure and into the envelope. The mercury amalgam body (32) arranged in the exhaust pipe (20) between the holding structure (22) and the closed end (24) of the exhaust pipe, reduces the inner surface of the glass exhaust pipe. Claims: 1. Lithium for wetting, wherein when the amalgam body is liquefied, causes the amalgam to adhere to an inner surface, thereby preventing the amalgam from flowing through the retaining structure and into the interior of the envelope. An amalgam assembly for a fluorescent lamp according to claim 1. The amalgam body,
(I) bismuth, indium and lithium,
(Ii) bismuth, tin, lead and lithium;
(Iii) bismuth, tin and lithium,
(Iv) zinc, indium, tin and lithium;
(V) indium and lithium,
(Vi) lead and lithium,
(Vii) The amalgam assembly of claim 2, wherein the amalgam assembly has one alloy composition selected from the group of alloy compositions consisting of zinc and lithium. The holding structure has at least one glass body, and when the amalgam body is liquefied, the lithium wets the glass body and further adheres the amalgam to the glass body, whereby the amalgam flows into the lamp envelope 3. The amalgam assembly of claim 2, further preventing The amalgam assembly according to claim 1, wherein the amalgam body is shaped into a sphere or cylinder when in the solid state. The amalgam assembly according to claim 1, wherein the retaining structure has a constriction (22) of the exhaust pipe. The wetting means is a metal layer containing lithium that adheres to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe between the closed end of the exhaust pipe and the holding structure, wherein when the amalgam body liquefies, the liquid amalgam is the metal. The amalgam assembly of claim 1, wherein the amalgam adheres to the layer and prevents amalgam from flowing past the retaining structure and into the lamp envelope. The amalgam assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a holding member disposed in the exhaust pipe between a narrow portion of the exhaust pipe as a holding structure and the amalgam body. 9. The amalgam assembly according to claim 8, wherein the holding member has a glass body or a metal body, the body being advantageously spherically shaped. The wetting means has a two-part structure, and has a metal cup disposed in the exhaust pipe as a first part of the wetting means, the metal cup being provided by the holding structure of the exhaust pipe. Retained, the cup defining a groove open toward the closed end of the exhaust pipe and an aperture extending through the cup, the mercury amalgam body closing the metal cup and the closed exhaust pipe. A wetting agent disposed on the surface of the groove opposite the closed end of the exhaust pipe as a second part thereof, the wetting means being disposed in the exhaust pipe between the end and the end. Has,
2. The amalgam assembly of claim 1, wherein when the amalgam body liquefies, liquid amalgam adheres to the surface of the cup groove and mercury vapor flows through the aperture of the cup. The amalgam assembly according to claim 10, wherein the metal cup fits easily into the exhaust pipe, and a peripheral wall of the metal cup engages an inner wall of the exhaust pipe. The amalgam assembly of claim 11, wherein the cup comprises a metal having sufficient resiliency to bias a peripheral wall of the cup to engage an inner wall of an exhaust pipe. 13. The amalgam assembly of claim 12, wherein the cup is comprised of a metal selected from (i) stainless steel and (ii) an iron-nickel alloy. The cup groove has an annular groove defined by an outer wall of the cup having a free end extending toward a closed end of the exhaust pipe, and a tubular central core portion of the cup; The amalgam assembly of claim 10, wherein the central portion core extends toward a closed end of the exhaust pipe to define an aperture. The amalgam assembly according to claim 10, wherein the amalgam body is generally spherically shaped and has a diameter exceeding the inner diameter of the core portion aperture. The amalgam assembly of claim 10, wherein the metal wetting agent comprises one selected from (i) silver and (ii) indium. 15. The amalgam assembly of claim 14, wherein the core portion of the cup extends closer to the closed end of the exhaust pipe than the outer wall of the cup. The assembly includes a metal cup disposed within the exhaust pipe and held by a constricted portion of the exhaust pipe, the metal cup having a free end extending toward a closed end of the exhaust pipe. Defining an annular outer wall, a tubular central core portion extending toward a closed end of the exhaust pipe, and an annular groove formed by the core portion and the outer wall;
A mercury amalgam sphere disposed between the metal cup and a closed end of an exhaust pipe, wherein a diameter of the mercury amalgam sphere exceeds an inner diameter of the core portion;
Having a coating of a metal wetting agent applied on the inner surface of the groove;
11. The amalgam assembly of claim 10, wherein when the amalgam body liquefies, the liquid amalgam adheres to the wetting agent in the cup groove and mercury vapor flows through the core of the cup. The amalgam assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a glass bulb disposed in said exhaust pipe between said metal cup and a closed end of said exhaust pipe. Furthermore, a glass body disposed in the exhaust pipe and held by the holding structure, for example, a narrow portion of the exhaust pipe, wherein the glass body includes the holding structure of the exhaust pipe and a closed end of the exhaust pipe. Is located between the
The mercury amalgam body is disposed between a glass body and a closed end of the exhaust pipe;
(I) applied as a wetting means on at least one selected from the inner surface of the exhaust pipe between the constriction and the closed end of the exhaust pipe and (ii) the surface of the glass body. Having a mercury wet metal layer,
Thereby, (i) at least one of the inner surface of the glass exhaust pipe and (ii) the surface of the glass body is wetted, and the liquid amalgam flows through the narrow portion of the exhaust pipe and flows into the lamp body. The amalgam assembly of claim 1, wherein 21. The amalgam assembly of claim 20, wherein said mercury wet metal layers each comprise one selected from silver, gold and indium and alloys thereof. Before liquefaction, the amalgam body is entirely spheroidal in shape, and the glass body has a spheroidal shape, and further, a holding structure of the exhaust pipe, for example, a constricted portion, and A second glass spheroid disposed between the amalgam body and the second glass spheroid through the second glass spheroid when the amalgam body is in a solid state. 21. The amalgam assembly according to claim 20, wherein movement of the amalgam body in the exhaust pipe is prevented. 21. The exhaust pipe according to claim 20, wherein the mercury wet metal layer is applied on the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, and when the amalgam body liquefies, liquid amalgam adheres to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe in the area of the metal layer. Amalgam assembly. 21. The amalgam assembly of claim 20, wherein said mercury wet metal layer is applied on an inner surface of said exhaust pipe, and said liquid amalgam adheres to a surface of said glass body when said amalgam body liquefies. A fluorescent lamp having the amalgam assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 24. In the electrodeless fluorescent lamp assembly,
A light-transmissive envelope, the light-transmissive envelope including an ionizable gaseous fill for sustaining an arc discharge when exposed to a radio frequency magnetic field, thereby emitting ultraviolet light; A light-transmissive envelope having an internal phosphor coating for emitting visible radiation when excited by ultraviolet light, the envelope having a recessed cavity formed therein;
Having an excitation coil housed in a recessed cavity to form a radio frequency magnetic field when excited by a radio frequency power supply;
A glass exhaust pipe extending into the envelope through the recessed cavity, said exhaust pipe having a closed end near a base portion of the lamp;
Having a constriction component formed in the exhaust pipe at a predetermined distance from a closed end of the exhaust pipe,
A holding structure disposed in the exhaust pipe and held by the constriction component; having a mercury amalgam body disposed in the exhaust pipe between the holding structure and a closed end of the exhaust pipe; The amalgam body has lithium for wetting the inner surface of the glass exhaust pipe, and when the amalgam body is liquefied, causes the amalgam to adhere to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, thereby causing the amalgam to retain the retaining structure. An electrodeless fluorescent lamp assembly characterized in that it is prevented from flowing into the lamp envelope. The amalgam body,
(I) bismuth, indium and lithium,
(Ii) bismuth, tin, lead and lithium;
(Iii) bismuth, tin and lithium,
(Iv) zinc, indium, tin and lithium;
(V) indium and lithium,
(Vi) lead and lithium,
27. The amalgam assembly according to claim 26, having (vii) one alloy composition selected from the group of alloy compositions consisting of zinc and lithium. The holding structure has a single glass body, the lithium wets the glass body, causes the amalgam to adhere to the glass body when the amalgam body is liquefied, and further causes the amalgam to flow through the glass body and to be lit. 27. The lamp assembly of claim 26, further preventing flow into the lamp assembly. 27. The lamp assembly of claim 26, wherein the amalgam body is spherical when in the solid state. 27. The lamp assembly of claim 26, wherein said holding structure has a glass body. 31. The lamp assembly according to claim 30, wherein the glass body is formed into a spherical shape. In the electrodeless fluorescent lamp assembly,
A light-transmissive envelope, the light-transmissive envelope including an ionizable gaseous fill for sustaining an arc discharge when exposed to a radio frequency magnetic field, thereby emitting ultraviolet light; A light-transmissive envelope having an internal phosphor coating for emitting visible radiation when excited by ultraviolet light, the envelope having a recessed cavity formed therein;
Having an excitation coil housed in a recessed cavity to form a radio frequency magnetic field when excited by a radio frequency power supply;
A glass exhaust pipe extending through the recessed cavity into the envelope, the exhaust pipe having a closed end near a base portion of the lamp;
Having a constriction component formed in the exhaust pipe at a predetermined distance from a closed end of the exhaust pipe,
A holding structure that is arranged in the exhaust pipe and held by the stenosis component;
A mercury amalgam body disposed in the exhaust pipe between the holding structure and the closed end of the exhaust pipe;
A metal layer containing lithium adhering to the inner surface between the closed end of the exhaust pipe and the constriction component,
Electrodeless fluorescent light, wherein when the amalgam body liquefies, liquid amalgam adheres to the metal layer, thereby preventing the amalgam from flowing through the holding structure and from flowing into the lamp envelope. Lamp assembly. The amalgam body,
(I) bismuth, indium and lithium,
(Ii) bismuth, tin, lead and lithium;
(Iii) bismuth, tin and lithium,
(Iv) zinc, indium, tin and lithium;
(V) indium and lithium,
(Vi) lead and lithium,
33. The lamp assembly of claim 32, wherein the lamp assembly has one alloy composition selected from the group of alloy compositions consisting of zinc and lithium. The holding structure has a glass body, the metal layer wets the glass body, and when the amalgam body is liquefied, further attaches the amalgam to the glass body, further preventing the amalgam from flowing into the envelope. The lamp assembly of claim 32. 35. The lamp assembly of claim 34, wherein the glass body is formed into a spherical shape. In the electrodeless fluorescent lamp assembly,
A light-transmitting envelope, the light-transmitting envelope comprising an ionizable gaseous fill for sustaining an arc discharge when exposed to a radio frequency magnetic field, thereby emitting ultraviolet light; The light transmissive envelope has an internal phosphor coating for emitting visible radiation when excited by ultraviolet light, the envelope has a recessed cavity formed therein;
Having an excitation coil housed in a recessed cavity to form a radio frequency magnetic field when excited by a radio frequency power supply;
An exhaust pipe extending into the envelope through a recessed cavity to evacuate and enclose the lamp, the exhaust pipe having a closed end near a base portion of the lamp;
A small recessed component formed in the exhaust pipe at a predetermined distance from the closed end of the exhaust pipe,
Having a mercury amalgam body disposed in the exhaust pipe,
A metal cup for holding said amalgam body in the exhaust pipe at a point between the metal cup and the closed end of the exhaust pipe, the metal cup extending freely toward the closed end of the exhaust pipe; Defining an annular wall having an end, a tubular central core portion extending toward a closed end of the exhaust pipe, and an annular groove formed by the core portion and the outer wall;
Having a coating of a metal wetting agent applied on the inner surface of the groove,
An electrodeless fluorescent lamp characterized in that when the amalgam body liquefies, the liquid amalgam adheres to the groove surface of the cup and the mercury vapor flows through the core of the cup. 37. The lamp of claim 36, wherein the metal cup easily mates with the exhaust pipe, and a peripheral wall of the metal cup is engaged with an inner wall of the exhaust pipe. 38. The lamp of claim 37, wherein the metal cup comprises a metal having sufficient resilience to bias the peripheral wall of the cup into engagement with the inner wall of the exhaust pipe. 39. The lamp of claim 38, wherein the metal cup comprises a metal selected from (i) stainless steel and (ii) an iron-nickel alloy. 37. The lamp of claim 36, wherein the metal wetting agent comprises one selected from (i) silver and (ii) indium. 37. The lamp of claim 36, wherein the core portion of the cup extends closer to the distal end of the exhaust pipe than the outer wall of the cup. 37. The lamp of claim 36, further comprising a glass bulb disposed between said metal cup and a closed end thereof. In the electrodeless fluorescent lamp assembly,
A light-transmitting envelope, the light-transmitting envelope comprising an ionizable gaseous fill for sustaining an arc discharge when exposed to a radio frequency magnetic field, thereby emitting ultraviolet light; The light transmissive envelope has an internal phosphor coating for emitting visible radiation when excited by ultraviolet light, the envelope has a recessed cavity formed therein;
Having an excitation coil housed in a recessed cavity to form a radio frequency magnetic field when excited by a radio frequency power supply;
An exhaust pipe extending through the recessed cavity into the envelope, the exhaust pipe having a closed end near a base portion of the lamp;
A narrow portion formed in the exhaust pipe at a predetermined distance from a closed end of the exhaust pipe,
A mercury amalgam body disposed in the exhaust pipe between a constricted portion of the exhaust pipe and a closed end of the exhaust pipe;
A glass body disposed in the exhaust pipe and held by the constricted portion, wherein the glass body is disposed between the constricted portion of the exhaust pipe and the amalgam body;
(I) a metal wetting agent applied between the constriction and the closed end of the exhaust pipe on one of the inner surface of the exhaust pipe and (ii) the surface of the glass body; Having a coating of
This wets at least one of (i) the inner surface of the glass exhaust pipe and (ii) the surface of the glass body, and the amalgam flows through the constricted portion of the exhaust pipe and flows into the lamp envelope. And a non-polar fluorescent lamp assembly. 44. The lamp assembly of claim 43, wherein said mercury wet metal layer comprises one each selected from silver, gold and indium and alloys thereof. 44. The lamp assembly of claim 43, wherein the amalgam body is generally spheroidal in configuration prior to its liquefaction. 44. The lamp assembly of claim 43, wherein the glass body has an ellipsoidal configuration. Furthermore, a second glass ellipsoidal rotator disposed between the constricted part of the exhaust pipe and the amalgam body, wherein the second glass ellipsoidal rotator exhausts when the amalgam is in a solid state. 47. The lamp assembly of claim 46, wherein movement of the amalgam body through the constricted portion of the tube and within the exhaust tube is prevented. 44. The mercury wet metal layer is applied to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, and when the amalgam body liquefies, liquid amalgam adheres to the inner surface of the exhaust pipe in the area of the metal layer. A lamp assembly as described. 44. The lamp assembly of claim 43, wherein the mercury wet metal layer is applied on a surface of a glass body, and wherein when the amalgam body liquefies, the liquid amalgam adheres to the surface of the glass body.

Images