JPH0329880Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a fluorescent lamp in which the color tone of light emitted from a translucent envelope is variable.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, a translucent envelope houses at least three inner tubes each forming a discharge path, and the inner surfaces of these inner tubes are coated with phosphor coatings that emit light of different colors when excited by ultraviolet rays. A fluorescent lamp is already known in which the color tone of the light emitted from the translucent envelope is variable by controlling the amount of current flowing through the discharge path of each inner tube. .

An example of a conventional color tone variable fluorescent lamp is shown in the 17th
Shown below.

Figures 17 to 19 show an example of the conventional technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-23947, in which 1 is a translucent envelope, 2, 3, and 4 are inner tubes, and 5 is a stem base. shows.

The transparent envelope 1 is made of a transparent material such as soft glass, and is hermetically joined to the stem base 5.

The inner tubes 2, 3, and 4 each consist of a tube made of a transparent material such as soft glass,
It is curved into a roughly U shape. Note that one of the straight portions at both ends of the substantially U-shaped curved portion is formed to be longer.

These inner tubes 2, 3, 4 are provided with phosphor coatings 6, 7, 8 that emit light when excited by ultraviolet light. In this case, the inner tube 2 is coated with a phosphor that emits red light, the inner tube 3 is coated with a phosphor that emits green light, and the inner tube 4 is coated with a phosphor that emits blue light. is coated.

These inner tubes 2, 3, and 4 are connected to the stem base 5 by joining the long straight end of the substantially U-shaped end portions to the stem base 5. The end of the straight part that is fixed and formed short is attached to the stem base 5.
is separated from.

At the end of each inner tube 2, 3, 4 connected to the stem base 5, there are electrodes 9, 10, 11, respectively.
A common electrode 12 is arranged on the stem base 5 near the short end.

In the case shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, inner tubes 2, 3, and 4 are placed side by side in a translucent envelope 1 at approximately equal intervals.

In such a lamp, the electrode 9 of the red inner tube 2
When a current is passed between the red inner tube 2 and the common electrode 12, the inside of the red inner tube 2 becomes a discharge path, and the red phosphor coated on the red inner tube 2 is excited to emit red light. Furthermore, when a current is passed between the electrode 10 of the green inner tube 3 and the common electrode 12, the inside of the green inner tube 3 becomes a discharge path, and the green phosphor coated on the green inner tube 3 is excited. and emits a green light. Furthermore, when a current is passed between the electrode 11 of the blue inner tube 4 and the common electrode 12, the inside of the blue inner tube 4 becomes a discharge path, and the blue phosphor coated on the blue inner tube 4 is excited. and emits blue light.

When each electrode 9, 10, 11 is switched in this way and discharge is caused between it and the common electrode 12,
Single light colors of red, green, and blue are emitted.

Any 2 of the three electrodes 9, 10, 11
When discharge is caused simultaneously between two electrodes and the common electrode 12, mixed color light of any two colors can be obtained. In this case, if the current values of both discharge paths are controlled to be different, the light from the inner tube with the stronger current value will become stronger, and the color tone of the mixed light of two colors can be changed.

Furthermore, each electrode 9, 10, 11 and a common electrode 12
When discharge is caused simultaneously between the inner tubes 2, 3, and 4, each of the inner tubes 2, 3, and 4 emits light at the same time, emitting single light colors of red, green, and blue, and a mixture of these colors, that is, white light, is obtained. Even in this case, if the current value of each discharge path is controlled to be different, the light of the inner tube with the stronger current value becomes stronger, and light of different tones can be obtained even with the mixed light of three colors.

[Problem that the invention attempts to solve]

Among the variable color tone fluorescent lamps that function as described above, the conventional ones shown in FIGS. As is clear from FIG. 18, the green inner tube 3 is placed on the center line O of the translucent envelope 1, and the red inner tube 2 and the blue inner tube 4 are placed side by side. It is spaced apart from the center line O of the translucent envelope 1 .

According to this structure, when single light colors of red and blue are desired, the emission center of these lights is generated at a position offset from the center line O of the translucent envelope 1, and the mixed light of the two colors is generated. Depending on the inner tube used for lighting, the luminous center may be located in the translucent envelope 1.
It occurs at a position offset from the center line O.

When trying to obtain white light that is a mixture of three colors, white light that is a mixture of three colors can be obtained at the center line O of the translucent envelope 1; The red color becomes stronger as it moves away from the line O in the direction of arrow a, and the color rendering of the irradiation surface in this direction decreases, and the blue color becomes stronger as it moves away from the center line O of the translucent envelope 1 in the direction of arrow b. However, there was a drawback that the color rendering properties of the irradiated surface in this direction deteriorated.

In another conventional example shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, three inner tubes 2, 3, and 4 are arranged in the radial direction at equal angles to the center line O of the translucent envelope 1. It is something.

Even with this arrangement, if each single light color of red, green, and blue is desired, the emission center of these lights will be generated at a position offset from the center line O of the translucent envelope 1, Furthermore, even when trying to obtain mixed light of two colors, the emission center may occur at a position offset from the center line O of the translucent envelope 1, depending on the inner tube used for lighting.

When trying to obtain white light that is a mixture of three colors, white light that is a mixture of three colors can be obtained at the center line O of the translucent envelope 1; There is a drawback that each single light color becomes stronger as the light moves away from line O in any of the directions of arrows a, b, and c, and the color rendering properties of the irradiated surface in these directions deteriorate.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a variable tone fluorescent lamp in which the emission center of single color or mixed light is less likely to be deviated from the center line of the translucent envelope, and the light distribution characteristics are good. It is something to do.

[Means for solving problems]

In the present invention, each inner tube has a shape with three or more bent parts between the straight parts at both ends,
These inner tubes have one straight portion of the other inner tube inserted between the straight portions of one inner tube, and
The invention is characterized in that a bent portion formed approximately at the center of each inner tube is disposed facing outward with respect to the center line of the translucent envelope.

[Effect]

According to the present invention, one of the straight parts of one inner pipe is inserted between the straight parts of the other inner pipe, and the bent part formed approximately at the center of each inner pipe has the light-transmitting property. Since they are arranged facing outward with respect to the center line of the envelope, these inner tubes can be installed together near the center line of the translucent envelope without mutual interference between the inner tubes. can.

Therefore, it becomes possible to provide the emission center of single color or mixed light near the center line of the translucent envelope.

[Example of idea]

The present invention will be explained below based on examples.

1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention, in which two long inner tubes 20, 21 and one
An example using a short inner tube 22 is shown.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of the long inner tubes 20, 21, respectively, and FIG. 2 shows the structure of the short inner tube 22.

The long inner tubes 20 and 21 have the same structure, and are formed by bending a straight glass bulb having an outer diameter D into a substantially saddle shape, as shown in FIG. That is, these inner tubes 20 and 21
a, 20a, a central bent portion 20b, and intermediate bent portions 20c, 20c formed between these straight portions 20a, 20a and the central bent portion 20b.

Central bent portion 20b and intermediate bent portions 20c, 2
0c are each formed into a substantially U-shape, so that the inner tubes 20 and 21 as a whole are substantially saddle-shaped.

Both straight portions 20a, 20a have a gap L between them, and this gap L is larger than the outer diameter D of the valve (L
>D) Formed.

The inner tube 22 in FIG. 2 is also the same as the inner tube 20 in FIG.
It has a substantially saddle-shaped structure similar to that of 21, and has straight portions 22a, 22a, a central bent portion 22b, and an intermediate bent portion 22c formed between these straight portions 22a, 22a and the central bent portion 22b. 22c.

This inner tube 22 also has both straight portions 22a, 2
2a have a gap L between them, and this gap L is larger than the outer diameter D of the bulb (L>D).

Inner tubes 20 and 21 in FIG. 1 and inner tube 22 in FIG.
are configured such that their heights are different from each other. That is, in the inner tubes 20 and 21 in FIG. 1, the height H1 of the bent portions 20c and 20c determined by the lengths of the straight portions 20a and 20a is formed to be large, but in the inner tube 22 in FIG. Straight section 22
Midway bent portion 22 determined by the length of a, 22a
The height H2 of c and 22c is shorter than the above H1 (H1>H2). In this case H1 and H2
The difference is set to have a relationship of H1>H2+D.

Although not shown, a phosphor coating is applied to the inner surface of each of the inner tubes 20, 21 and 22. The phosphor coating used is one that emits red, green, and blue light when excited by ultraviolet rays. For example, the inner tube 20 has a red phosphor coating, the inner tube 21 has a blue phosphor coating, and the inner tube 22 has a green phosphor coating. A light body coating is provided.

Each of these inner tubes 20, 21, and 22 is fixed to a stem base 25 and has a transparent outer envelope 2.
covered by 6.

The stem base 25 and the transparent envelope 26 are
The light-transmitting envelope 26 is made of soft glass, etc. Although not shown in detail, the envelope itself may be made of light-diffusing soft glass, or a light-diffusing film may be provided on the inner surface to diffuse light. It is beginning to have a sexual nature.

Each of the inner tubes 20, 21, and 22 has an open end of its linear portion hermetically joined to the stem base 25, and each joined end is sealed with an electrode (not shown). That is, in this embodiment, a common electrode is not used, and each inner tube forms an independent airtight discharge space, and discharge light is emitted by the electrodes provided at both ends of each inner tube. Therefore, the inside of the envelope 26 does not need to be airtight.

Therefore, each of the inner tubes 20, 21 and 22
has an arrangement structure as shown in FIG.

That is, one straight portion of the inner tube 20 is placed approximately on the center line O of the transparent envelope 26. For such an inner tube 20, another inner tube 21 is connected to the inner tube 2 described above.
The straight part of the inner tube 21 and the straight part of the other inner tube 21 are installed so that they are located between the straight parts of the other inner tube 21.

Further, one straight portion of the inner tube 20 is interposed between the lower straight portions of the inner tube 22.

That is, the straight portions of any one of the other inner tubes are inserted between the straight portions of the inner tubes 20, 21, and 22, respectively.

The central bent portions 20b, 20b, 22b of each inner tube 20, 21, 22 are arranged to face outward with respect to the center line O of the translucent envelope 26.

In this case, the bent portion 2 of the inner tube 22 having a low height
The above-mentioned arrangement is made possible by installing the tall inner tube 20 so that the bent portion 22c overlaps the tubes 2c and 22c.

According to the variable tone fluorescent lamp having such a configuration, the straight portion of any one of the other inner tubes is inserted between the straight portions of each of the inner tubes 20, 21, and 22. 20, 21, and 22 can be gathered and installed near the center line O of the transparent envelope 26. In other words, each inner tube 20, 21, 22
By inserting and installing the straight parts of each of the inner pipes between the straight parts of the other inner pipes, the inner pipes can be arranged close to each other, and each of the inner pipes 20, 21,
Since the central bent portions 20b, 20b, 22b of 22 are arranged so as to face outward with respect to the center line O of the translucent envelope 26, as is clear from A to E in FIG. Even when viewed from the direction, there are three inner tubes 2
0, 21, 22 are all inner tubes 20, 2, respectively.
1 and 22 will be visible.

Therefore, when each inner tube 20, 21, 22 is lit individually, A, B in FIG.
The light distribution is as shown in C. That is,
Figure 5A shows the red light distribution when the inner tube 20 is turned on, Figure 5B shows the green light distribution when the inner tube 22 is turned on, and Figure 5C shows the inner tube. This is the light distribution of blue light when 21 is turned on.

As can be seen from these FIGS. 5A, B, and C, the emission centers of each monochromatic color are generated in a substantially concentrated manner close to the center point O of the translucent envelope 26. As a result, when two or three of these single colors are mixed, the emission centers of these mixed colors also occur close to the center point O of the translucent envelope 26, and therefore the light distribution characteristics gets better. Therefore, the problem that a specific single light color becomes stronger as it moves away from the center line O of the translucent envelope 1 is eliminated, and the color rendering properties of the irradiation surface in that direction do not deteriorate.

It goes without saying that the above arrangement is made possible by making the size of the inner tube 22 smaller than the other two tubes.

In addition, in FIGS. 5A, B, and C, the light distribution characteristics shown by solid lines are for cases where the envelope 26 does not have light diffusing properties, and the light distribution characteristics shown by two-dot chain lines are for cases where the envelope 26 does not have light diffusing properties. The case using a container is shown.

If the envelope has light diffusing properties, the light emitting center will be closer to the center point O of the translucent envelope 26, resulting in extremely good light distribution characteristics.

Of the three primary colors of red, green, and blue light, green has the highest visual sensitivity for humans. Therefore, if the short inner tube 22 is used as green, the mixed color will look strange. Hard to occur.

Next, a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 will be described.

In the second embodiment, two long inner tubes 30, 31 are used.
(red, blue) and one short inner tube 32 (green) are used. Figure 6 shows the structure of the long inner tubes 30 and 31, respectively, and Figure 7 shows the structure of the short inner tube 32. .

Each of these inner tubes 30, 31, 32 has central bent portions 30b, 32b bent into a substantially U-shape, and intermediate bent portions 30c, 30c, 32c, 32c.
are different from the first embodiment in that they are each formed in a substantially L-shape.

Moreover, the straight parts 30a, 30 of each inner pipe 30, 31
a have a gap L between each other, and this gap L is formed to be larger than the outer diameter D of the valve (L>D), and the inner tube 32 also has a gap L between both straight portions 32a, 32a, This gap L is the outer diameter D of the valve.
It is formed larger (L>D).

In the inner tubes 30, 31, the height H1 of the intermediate bent portions 30c, 30c is formed to be large, but in the inner tube 32, the height H2 of the intermediate bent portions 32c, 32c is formed shorter than the above H1 ( H1>H2
has been done. In this case, the difference between H1 and H2 is H1>
It is set to have a relationship of H2+D.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the inner tubes 30, 31, 32 is connected to one of the other inner tubes between the straight parts, as in the first embodiment. The straight part of each inner tube 3 is inserted, and each inner tube 3
0, 31, 32 central bent portions 30b, 30b, 3
2b is arranged so as to face outward with respect to the center line O of the translucent envelope 26.

In this way, each inner pipe 30, 31, 32
The inner tubes are arranged near the center line O of the translucent envelope 26, and the inner tubes are arranged close to each other. , are arranged so as to face outward with respect to the center line O of the translucent envelope 26, so that the three inner tubes 30, 31 can be seen from any direction, as is clear from A to E in FIG. , 32 are always at least partially visible.

Therefore, the emission centers of each single light color are generated near the center point O of the translucent envelope 26 and are almost concentrated, and when these single light colors are mixed with two or three colors, The light-emitting centers of these mixed colors are also transparent in the envelope 26.
The light is generated close to the center point O, thus improving the light distribution characteristics.

In the first and second embodiments described above, only one short inner tube was used, but as shown in FIGS.
The third embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and the third embodiment shown in FIG.
As in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, it is also possible to use a structure in which all three inner tubes have the same shape and length.

That is, the third
In the embodiment, three inner tubes 40 having a substantially saddle shape,
41 and 42 are used.

As shown in FIG. 10, the inner tubes 40, 41, 42 have a substantially U-shaped central bent part 40b in the middle between the straight parts 40a, 40a at both ends, and the central bent part 40b is connected to these straight parts 40a, 40a. Approximately U-shaped intermediate bent portions 40c and 40d are provided between the portion 40b.

Both straight portions 40a, 40a have a gap L between them, and this gap L is larger than the outer diameter D of the valve (L
>D) Formed.

The midway bent portions 40c and 40d facing each other are
They are formed to have different heights. That is, the height h1 of one intermediate bent portion 40c is higher than the height h2 of the other intermediate bent portion 40d (h1>
h2), h1>h2+D.

In this way, each inner tube 40, 41, having the same shape,
42 is provided with red, green, and blue phosphor coatings on its inner surface, respectively, and is arranged as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. That is, the straight part of any one of the other inner tubes is inserted between the straight parts, and the center bent part 40b of each inner tube 40, 41, 42 is aligned with the center line of the translucent envelope 26. It is arranged so as to face outward from O.

In this case, the bent part 40c of one inner tube is
The above arrangement is possible by overlapping the intermediate bent portion 40d of the adjacent inner tube.

Also in the third embodiment with such a configuration, since the straight portion of any one of the other inner tubes is inserted between the straight portions of the inner tubes 40, 41, and 42, each of the inner tubes 40, 41, and 41 and 42, the transparent envelope 2
6 can be installed near the center line O of the transparent envelope 26, and the central bent portions 40b of each inner tube 40, 41, 42 are directed outward with respect to the center line O of the translucent envelope 26. 12, at least a portion of each of the three inner tubes 40, 41, 42 can be seen from any direction.

Therefore, when each of the inner tubes 40, 41, and 42 is lit individually, A,
The light distribution becomes as shown in B and C, respectively.

As can be seen from these FIGS. 13A, B, and C, the emission center of each single color is at the center point O of the translucent envelope 26.
It occurs almost concentrated near the
When a color or three colors are mixed, the emission centers of these mixed colors are also generated close to the center point O of the translucent envelope 26, thus improving the light distribution characteristics.

In addition, in FIGS. 13A, B, and C, the light distribution characteristics shown by solid lines are for cases where the envelope 26 does not have light diffusing properties, and the light distribution characteristics shown by two-dot chain lines are for cases where the envelope 26 has no light diffusing properties. The case using a container is shown.

If the envelope has light diffusing properties, the light emitting center will be closer to the center point O of the translucent envelope 26, and the light distribution characteristics will be further improved.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, three inner tubes 50, 51, and 52 have the same shape, and as shown in FIG.
A substantially U-shaped central bent portion 50 is provided at the intermediate portion between the portions 50a.
b, and these straight portions 50a, 50
A and central bent portion 50b are provided with abbreviated intermediate bent portions 50c and 50d.

The height h1 of one intermediate bending part 50c is higher than the height h2 of the other intermediate bending part 50d (h1>h
2), there is a relationship h1>h2+D.

In this way, each inner tube 50, 51, having the same shape,
52 has red, green, and blue phosphor coatings on its inner surface, respectively, and is arranged as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. That is, the straight part of any one of the other inner tubes is inserted between the straight parts, and the center bent part 50b of each inner tube 50, 51, 52 is aligned with the center line of the translucent envelope 26. It is arranged so as to face outward from O.

Also in the fourth embodiment with such a configuration, since the straight part of any other inner pipe is inserted between the straight parts of each inner pipe 50, 51, 52, each inner pipe 50, 51 and 52, the transparent envelope 2
6 can be installed near the center line O of the transparent envelope 26, and the central bent portions 50b of each inner tube 50, 51, 52 are directed outward with respect to the center line O of the translucent envelope 26. Therefore, at least a portion of the three inner tubes 50, 51, and 52 can be seen from any direction.

Therefore, the emission centers of each single light color are generated near the center point O of the translucent envelope 26 and are almost concentrated, and when these single light colors are mixed with two or three colors, The light-emitting centers of these mixed colors are also transparent in the envelope 26.
The light is generated close to the center point O, thus improving the light distribution characteristics.

In these third and fourth embodiments, glass bulbs of the same shape are used, so the type of bulb is one.
It is easy to manufacture because only one type is required.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where electrodes were installed at both ends of each inner tube was explained.
As in the prior art, the envelope may be configured to be airtight, and an electrode may be provided at one end of each inner tube, and a common electrode may be provided for the other electrodes over all the inner tubes.

Further, when inner tubes having different lengths are used as in the first and second embodiments, all three inner tubes may have different lengths.

[Effect of idea]

As explained above, according to the present invention, one straight part of one inner pipe is inserted between the straight parts of another inner pipe, and the bent part formed approximately at the center of each inner pipe is arranged through the transparent part. Since the inner tubes are arranged facing outward with respect to the center line of the light-transmitting envelope, these inner tubes can be assembled near the center line of the light-transmitting envelope without interfering with each other. be able to. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide the emission center of single color or mixed light near the center line of the light-transmitting envelope, and the light distribution characteristics are improved.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the inner tube, and FIGS.
The figure is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the inner tube, Figure 4A,
B, C, D, and E are plan views, front views, rear views, and left and right side views showing the arrangement of the inner tubes based on the triangular projection, and Figures A, B, and C are monochromatic light distribution diagrams, respectively. 6 to 9 show a second embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the inner tube, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the inner tube, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner tube. A,
B, C, D, and E are plan views, front views, back views, and left and right side views showing the arrangement of the inner tube based on the triangular projection, and FIGS. 10 to 13 show the third embodiment of the present invention. , FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inner tube, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inner tube.
The figure is a perspective view showing the arrangement state of the inner tube, Fig. 12A,
B, C, and D are plan views, front views, and left and right side views showing the arrangement of the inner tubes based on the trigonometric projection;
Figures A, B, and C are light distribution diagrams of single light colors, respectively.
16 to 16 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the inner tube, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the inner tube, and FIGS. 16A, B, C, D
1 is a plan view, a front view, and a left and right side view showing the arrangement of the inner tube based on a trigonometric projection. 17 to 19 show conventional examples, FIG. 17 is a perspective view, FIG. 18 is a plan view, FIG. 19 is a sectional view, and FIG.
0 and 21 show other conventional examples, and the second
0 is a perspective view, and FIG. 21 is a plan view. 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, 32, 40,
41, 42, 50, 51, 52...inner tube, 20
a, 30a, 40a, 50a... straight part, 20
b, 30b, 40b, 50b... central bending part, 2
0c, 30c, 40c, 40d, 50c, 50d
... Bent part in the middle, 25 ... Stem base, 26 ...
...Translucent envelope.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] (1) Three inner tubes each forming a discharge path are housed in a translucent envelope, and the inner surface of each inner tube is excited by ultraviolet rays. The color tone of the light emitted from the transparent envelope is made variable by providing phosphor coatings that emit light in different colors and individually controlling the amount of current flowing through the discharge path of each of the inner tubes. In light lamps,
Each of the inner tubes has three or more bent portions between the straight portions located at both ends, and one straight portion of another inner tube is inserted between the straight portions of one inner tube, A variable tone fluorescent lamp, characterized in that a bent portion formed approximately at the center of each inner tube is disposed facing outward with respect to the center line of the translucent envelope. (2) The variable tone fluorescent lamp according to claim 1, wherein the translucent envelope has light diffusing properties. (3) Utility model registration claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the three inner tubes is formed to have a shorter straight portion than the other two. Variable color tone fluorescent lamp as described. (4) The color tone variable fluorescent light according to claim 1 or 2 of the utility model registration claim, wherein the three inner tubes are formed to have different lengths of straight portions. lamp.