JPH01176651A - Fluorescent lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent thermal deformation of a bulb and thermal deterioration of phosphor coating film by forming a protection layer made of a metallic oxide between the inside surface of the bulb and the phosphor coating film. CONSTITUTION:Bulbs 8, 9 with their inside surfaces coated with a phosphor coating film 12 and made of a soft glass are joined or sealed by the use of glass-based adhesive of joining work temperature of 500-600 deg.C. In this case, a protective layer 20 made of a heat conductive metallic oxide is formed between the inside surfaces of the bulbs 8, 9. Namely, when the glass bulbs 8, 9 are joined or sealed, the heat applied to the end portions of the bulbs 8, 9 is transmitted by the protective layer 20 formed on the inside surfaces of the bulbs 8, 9 by the effect of heat conduction to the other parts of the bulbs 8, 9 to restrict excessive temperature rise at the end portions of the bulbs 8, 9. This arrangement not only prevents the bulbs 8, 9 from thermally deforming but also prevents a phosphor coating film 12 from thermally deteriorating.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Objective of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention provides a method for bonding or sealing a glass bulb with a phosphor coating formed on its inner surface using a glass adhesive. The present invention relates to a fluorescent lamp having a single continuous discharge path formed therein.

(Prior Art) Some fluorescent lamps have a structure in which a glass bulb is bonded or sealed using a glass adhesive.

For example, recent fluorescent lamps have become smaller and have higher output.
Structures that house lamps with intricately curved shapes in small spaces are increasingly being adopted.
In order to make a fluorescent lamp with such a complicatedly curved discharge path, it is impossible to manufacture it by bending a single straight tube bulb. It is necessary to configure multiple valves by connecting them.

A conventional example of a fluorescent lamp constructed by connecting a plurality of bent bulbs will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1 denotes an envelope constituting the fluorescent lamp device, and the envelope 1 is constructed by connecting a cover 2 and a translucent globe 3 having a substantially raised-bottom cylindrical shape. The inside of this envelope 1 is divided by a partition panel 4 into the cover 2 side and the glove 3 side.

A cap 5 is attached to the cover 2, and
A lighting circuit component, for example a ballast 6, is housed within the cover 2. Note that heat radiation holes (not shown) are formed in the peripheral wall of the cover 2.

A fluorescent lamp 7 is housed within the globe 3. The fluorescent lamps 7 include a plurality of lamps bent in a U-shape in advance,
For example, it is constructed by connecting two glass bulbs 8.9. These glass bulbs 8 and 9 are connected by a connecting member 10 between their respective end portions 8a and 9a.

The glass bulb 8.9 consists of a glass tube with a circular or flat cross section, the inner surface of which is coated with a phosphor coating 11.1.
2 is applied. These U-shaped glass bulbs 8,9
Each end has a connecting end 8 which is opened to be connected to each other.
a, 9a, and a pair of electrodes 13a at each other end.
, 13b are sealed. Note that the electrode 13a,
1.3b is provided protruding from the partition panel 4, and has a U-shaped glass bulb 8.
, 9 are sealed by adhering them to the partition board 4 via a glass adhesive or the like.

As shown in FIG. 11 and factor 12, the connecting member 10 includes a connecting member main body 14 having a bottomed cylindrical shape, and
and an upper lid 15 hermetically joined to the upper opening of the holder.

The connecting member main body 14 has a flange 14a projecting outward connected to the upper end opening of a bottomed cylindrical body having an oval plane, and an annular side wall 14b rising upward on the outer peripheral edge of the flange 14a. It is constructed in a protruding manner.

The upper lid 15 is fitted into the annular side wall 14b of the connecting member main body 14, and the upper lid 15 is attached to the flange 14.
It is placed on a.

A pair of connection holes 15a and 15b are bored in the upper lid 15, and an annular protrusion into which the connection ends 8a and 9a of the glass bulbs 8 and 9 are hermetically inserted is formed on the opening periphery of the connection holes 15a and 15b. The walls 15c and 15d are respectively formed to protrude upward.

Both the connecting member main body 14 and the upper lid 15 are formed from metal plates such as stainless steel by drawing processing or the like, and the connecting member main body 14 and the upper lid 15 are bonded together using a glass adhesive 1B. 16 is covered over the entire surface.

In such a connecting member 10, each connecting end 8a, 9a of the U-shaped glass bulbs 8, 9 is connected to an annular protruding wall 1.5.
c, is fitted onto the outer periphery of 15d, and this fitting portion is adhered by welding with glass adhesive 16. As a result, the U-shaped glass bulbs 8 and 9 are joined via the connecting member IO,
The discharge spaces within the U-shaped glass bulbs 8 and 9 are airtightly communicated via the connecting member 10.

Therefore, the pair of electrodes 13a and 13b are connected by one meandering discharge path.

Note that a predetermined amount of mercury and a rare gas such as argon are sealed in the discharge path.

In a fluorescent lamp having such a structure, the glass adhesive I6 that connects the glass bulbs 8, 9 and the connecting member 10 is usually PbO''8203-based glass adhesive 16. Since the melting point is 500°C or higher, the bonding work is carried out at a temperature range of 550 to 600°C.
FIG. 3 shows a temperature schedule during bonding work using the glass adhesive 16.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, when the bonding temperature is 550 to 600°C, the temperature at the connecting ends 8a and 9a of the glass bulbs 8 and 9 is also heated to 550 to 600°C, and this kind of Since the glass is soft glass, the vicinity of the connecting ends 8a and 9a may be thermally deformed.

In addition, the bonding temperature as described above is the same as that of the glass bulb 8,
The phosphor coating near the connection end 8a and 9a of 9 is 550 mm.
Heating to ~600°C, and this heating state is 1
Since it lasts for 0 to 20 minutes, the phosphor coating is thermally degraded, resulting in a problem that the brightness of the phosphor decreases.

In the present invention, when glass bulbs are bonded or sealed with a glass adhesive, the glass bulbs are not thermally deformed even when heated, and thermal deterioration of the phosphor coating is prevented, and the phosphor coating is prevented from being thermally deformed. An object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent lamp that does not cause a decrease in brightness.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) In the present invention, a bulb made of soft glass with a phosphor coating formed on the inner surface is bonded using a vitreous adhesive having a bonding temperature of 500°C or higher. This lamp is applied to fluorescent lamps that form a continuous discharge path as a whole by bonding or sealing the bulb with a thermally conductive metal oxide layer between the inner surface of the bulb and the phosphor coating. It is characterized by forming a protective layer made of a material.

(Function) According to the present invention, the protective layer made of metal oxide formed on the inner surface of the bulb absorbs the heat applied to the end of the bulb when bonding or sealing the glass bulb using a glass adhesive, by the heat conduction effect. The temperature is transmitted to other parts of the bulb, thereby suppressing an extreme temperature rise at the end of the bulb, thereby preventing thermal deformation of the bulb and also preventing thermal deterioration of the phosphor coating.

(Example) The present invention will be described below based on a first example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, the same members as those in the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 are given the same numbers and their explanations will be omitted.

This embodiment differs from the conventional one in that each glass bulb 8
．． Protective layers 20, 20 made of a thermally conductive metal oxide are formed between the phosphor coatings 11 and 12 over the entire inner surface of the device.

The protective layer 20.20 is formed of at least one metal oxide of groups ■, ■, ■, and ■ in the periodic table of elements, and in the case of this example, aluminum oxide Al
It is formed by 2O3.

The protective layer 20.20 of aluminum oxide is Al2O3 or Al(Na3)3 or AlCl3 or AI
(SoC4Hg) or AI (CH3Coo)
It can be obtained by mixing fine particles of 3 or Al(CF3CoO)3 in an organic solvent of butyl acetate, applying this solvent to the inner surfaces of the bulbs 8 and 9, and then firing it.

Note that the film thickness of the protective layer 20.20 is 1 to 5IIIR.

In addition, the phosphor coating 11.1.2 uses a rare earth activated phosphate phosphor, and the phosphor coating 11.1.2
The film thickness is 10 to 20ts.

The operation of the embodiment with such a configuration will be explained.

When connecting the glass bulbs 8, 9 and the connecting member IO, P
The bO-8203 type glass adhesive 16 is heated to 550 to 600°C to melt it. Therefore, the connecting ends 8a, 9a of the glass bulbs 8, 9 are heated to 550-600°C.

However, such heat at the end of the bulb is conducted to the bent portion of the bulb through the protective layer 20, 20 made of metal oxide formed on the inner surface. Therefore, the heat near the connection ends 8a, 9a of the bulb is dispersed and conducted to the bent part side, so the temperature near these connection ends 8a, 9a is lower than the second temperature.
As shown in the figure, this is lower than before. in this case,
Although the temperature of the bent portion of the valve is higher than in the past, the temperature of this portion is already sufficiently low, and even if the temperature is increased due to the heat conduction, it does not reach 500°C.

Hence the connecting end 8a of the glass bulb 8.9.

Since the temperature at 9a is suppressed to 550° C. or less, the vicinity of the connecting ends 8a, 9a will not be thermally deformed.

Further, since the temperature distribution due to the heat conduction effect of the protective layers 20 and 20 keeps the entire glass bulbs 8 and 9 below approximately 500°C, the phosphor coating 11 formed on the inner surface of the bulb.
12 will not be thermally degraded, and a decrease in brightness of the phosphor can be prevented.

In the above embodiment, two glass bulbs 8.
Although a case has been described in which a single discharge path is formed as a whole inside by joining the parts 9 with the glass adhesive 16 at the connecting member 1°, the present invention is not limited to this.

That is, FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of the second embodiment, the opening end of the glass bulb 8.9 is sealed by the sealing member 25.
are bonded to the open ends of the glass bulbs 8 and 9 using a glass adhesive (not shown).

Note that the glass bulbs 8 and 9 are joined to each other through a fused portion 26 so as to be mutually electrically conductive. In addition, the sealing member 25
Electrodes 13a and 13b are mounted on the electrodes 13a and 13b.

Even in such cases, heating is required to melt the glass adhesive and therefore the bulb 8.9
If a protective layer 20.20 made of metal oxide is formed between the inner surface of the bulb and the phosphor coating 11.12, the heat at the end of the bulb will be conducted through the protective layer 20.20 to the bent portion of the bulb. and the connecting end 8a of the valve.

The temperature near 9a is lowered.

Furthermore, the heat conduction effect of the protective layer 20.20'O prevents thermal deterioration of the phosphor coating 11.12, thereby preventing a reduction in brightness of the phosphor.

Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of the third embodiment, the openings at both ends of the straight glass bulb 30 are sealed with sealing members 31.31 made of button stems, and such sealing members 31.3I are bonded to glass. Glass bulb 3 using a chemical agent (not shown)
Connected to 0.

Note that the sealing member 31.31 has electrodes 13a and 13b.
is installed.

Even in such a case, if the protective layer 20 made of metal oxide is formed between the inner surface of the bulb 30 and the phosphor coating 32, the end of the bulb can be heated to melt the glass adhesive. This heat is conducted to the center of the bulb through the protective layer 20, and the temperature near the end of the bulb is reduced.

Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the protective layer 20 prevents thermal deterioration of the phosphor coating 32, thereby preventing a decrease in brightness of the phosphor.

Further, FIGS. 5 and 6 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that a protective layer 20 (not shown) is provided on the inner surface of the bulb, but the outer surface of the connecting member IO is covered with a coating member 40 having light reflecting or diffusing properties. It is covered with

That is, in the connecting member 10, both the bottomed cylindrical connecting member body 14 and the upper lid 15 are made of metal such as stainless steel, and the surfaces thereof are oxidized. As a result of this oxidation treatment, the surface of the connecting member 1° is blackened. Such a connecting member 1° may be partially exposed to the outside, and the blackening of the surface may absorb the light emitted from the lamp, resulting in a light loss of as much as 15%.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer periphery of the connecting member 10 is covered with a covering member having light reflecting or diffusing properties, such as a synthetic resin 40.

This reduces optical loss to about 5%.

Note that the covering member 40 having light reflecting or diffusing properties is bonded to the connecting member 10 with an adhesive such as silicone.

A locking pawl 41 is formed on the covering member 40, and the locking pawl 41 is configured to removably lock into a locking recess 42 provided in the partition board 4. These locking claws 4
1 and the locking recess 42, the fluorescent lamp can be easily attached to the partition panel 4.

In this embodiment, three U-shaped valves 45.4 [i.

47 is connected, and the globe 3 is not used and the fluorescent lamp is exposed.

7 to 9 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the partition board 4 is made of a light-reflecting or light-diffusing material, and the partition board 4 is provided with an accommodation recess 50, 50 into which the connecting member 10 is fitted.

Connecting member 1O110 connecting valves 45, 46, 47
When fitted into the receiving recess 50.50, it becomes invisible from the outside. Therefore, since the outer periphery of the connecting member IO whose surface is blackened is covered with the partition board 4 having light reflecting or diffusing properties, light loss is reduced.

The opening of the four housing parts 50, 50 has a hook 51.
... are formed, and the hooking pawls 51 ... engage with the upper end surface of the connecting member 10 and mechanically support the connecting member IO. Therefore, the fluorescent lamp is fixed to the partition panel 4.

As already explained, the present invention is not limited to the use of the bent fluorescent lamp housed within the globe 3, but may also be applied to the use of the fluorescent lamp exposed. good.

Further, the lamp is not limited to one bent type fluorescent lamp, but may be a straight tube type fluorescent lamp.

Furthermore, the protective layer 20.20 is
, ■ and ■ group metals, such as A1 as well as In5S i
%T t SS n s P b ,, T a -Cr
It may be formed of at least one kind of oxide such as sMo.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, since a protective layer made of metal oxide is formed between the inner surface of the bulb and the phosphor coating, the bulb can be bonded or sealed using a glass adhesive. In this case, the heat applied to the end of the bulb is transferred to other parts of the bulb by the thermal conduction effect of the protective layer made of the metal oxide, and the extreme temperature rise of the joint part is suppressed, so the heat of the bulb is reduced. This has the advantage that deformation is prevented and thermal deterioration of the phosphor coating is also prevented.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a fluorescent lamp device, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing heat distribution characteristics, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded sectional view of a bent fluorescent lamp showing a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is an exploded sectional view of a straight tube fluorescent lamp showing a third embodiment of the invention. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of a fluorescent lamp device, FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the connecting member and the covering portion, and FIGS. 7 to 9 The figures show a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is an exploded side view showing the configuration of a fluorescent lamp device, FIG. 8 is a side view of its assembled state, and FIG. 9 is a connecting member and a covering part. 10 to 13 show a conventional example, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a fluorescent lamp device.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the connecting member, FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting member, and FIG. 13 is a characteristic diagram showing the temperature schedule. ■...Envelope, 2...Cover, 3...Glove,
4... Partition board, 7... Bent fluorescent lamp, 8,
9, 30°45, 46.47... Arc tube bulb, 1
0... Connecting member, 11° 12... Fluorescent coating, 1
3a, 13b... Electrode, 14... Connecting member main body, 15... Upper lid, 16... Glass adhesive, 20...
- Protective layer, 25.31.31... sealing member. Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 12 Working time (minutes)

Claims (1)

[Claims] A bulb made of soft glass with a phosphor coating formed on the inner surface is bonded or sealed using a glass adhesive with a bonding temperature of 500°C or higher, so that the entire interior is continuous. A fluorescent lamp having one discharge path, characterized in that a protective layer made of a thermally conductive metal oxide is formed between the inner surface of the bulb and the phosphor coating.