JPH11329773A - Noble gas discharge lamp lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a noble gas discharge lamp lighting device that can provide a stable discharge condition wherein flickering is restrained by increasing the filling pressure of the noble gas, can improve light output and is environmentally friendly. SOLUTION: This lighting device is provided with a noble gas discharge lamp DL composed by forming a luminescent layer on the inside surface of an envelope 1A formed from a lead-free glass member, arranging a pair of band-like external electrodes 5, 6 formed from a metal member on the outside periphery of the envelope by separating them from each other in a manner that can form a first and second openings almost throughout the entire length of the envelope, and enclosing a noble gas inside the envelope in a manner that sets its filling pressure in the range of 83-200 Torr and a high-frequency voltage generation circuit HA to output a pulse-like high-frequency voltage, and the noble gas discharge lamp is so connected to the output side of the high-frequency voltage generation circuit that the pulse-like high-frequency voltage is applied to the pair of external electrodes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp, and more particularly to a rare gas discharge lamp in which a pair of strip-shaped external electrodes are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of a glass bulb having a light emitting layer on the inner surface. The present invention relates to an improvement of a lighting device connected to a circuit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The present applicant has previously proposed a rare gas discharge lamp L shown in FIGS. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a straight tubular envelope which is hermetically sealed by a glass bulb, for example, and has a light emitting layer 2 made of a phosphor such as a rare earth phosphor or a halophosphate phosphor on the inner surface thereof. Is formed.
In particular, the light emitting layer 2 is formed with an aperture 2a having a predetermined opening angle over substantially the entire length. And
The sealing structure of the envelope 1 is formed by sealing a disk-shaped sealing glass plate at the end of a glass bulb. It can also be constituted by files. still,
A predetermined amount of a rare gas containing xenon as a main component that does not contain metal vapor such as mercury is sealed in the enclosed space of the envelope 1.

[0003] A sheet structure 3 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the envelope 1 so as to be in close contact therewith. This sheet structure 3
For example, an insulative translucent sheet 4 having a length substantially equal to the entire length of the envelope 1 and one surface of the translucent sheet 4 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. A pair of strip-shaped external electrodes 5 and 6 made of a bonded opaque metal member;
Terminals 5 ₁ and 6 derived from the ends of the external electrodes 5 and 6
₁ and an adhesive layer 9 applied to one surface of the translucent sheet 4
It is composed of When the sheet structure 3 is attached to the envelope 1, one ends 5a and 6a of the external electrodes 5 and 6 are provided.
The first opening 7 is provided between the other ends 5 of the external electrodes 5 and 6.
A second opening 8 is formed between b and 6b, respectively, and light from the light emitting layer 2 is mainly emitted from the aperture 2a to the outside through the first opening 7. Also, see
In the structure 3, the translucent sheet 4 is preferably made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, but other resins such as polyester resin can also be used.

The above-mentioned sheet structure 3 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope 1 so that the external electrodes 5 and 6 are located between the envelope 1 and the translucent sheet 4 (see FIG. 1). Winding). This sheet
The mounting of the structure 3 to the envelope 1 is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. First, the sheet structure 3 is arranged on the stage 10 in an expanded state. Next, the envelope 1 is arranged at one end 4a of the translucent sheet 4 in the sheet structure 3, and
The envelope 1 is formed by a pair of driven rollers 11
After the stage 10 is set so as to be pressed against the stage 4, the stage 10 is slightly moved in the M direction and then moved in the N direction. Then, the sheet structure 3 relatively rolls on the translucent sheet 4, and the outer peripheral surface of the sheet structure 3 is mounted by being wound. In the sheet structure 3, the external electrodes 5 and 6 are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the envelope 1 by using an adhesive layer formed on the surface thereof, and the translucent sheet 4 is Using the adhesive layer 9 formed on one side, it is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the envelope 1 at the time of winding, and the respective ends 4a and 4b are overlapped and adhered at the second opening 8. .

The rare gas discharge lamp L is lit by, for example, a lighting device shown in FIG. This lighting device generates, for example, a high-frequency voltage having a frequency of about 30 KHz and a voltage of about 2500 V0 _-P , and a high-frequency voltage generating circuit (inverter circuit) H whose output waveform is substantially a sine wave, and an inverter circuit. The inverter circuit H comprises a switching element Q such as a transistor for controlling the supply of DC power to H and a smoothing capacitor C. The inverter circuit H comprises, for example, primary coils TRa and TRb and a secondary coil TRc. And an oscillation transformer TR having an exciting coil TRd, a choke coil CH connected between the midpoint of the primary coils TRa and TRb and the switching element Q, and primary coils TRa and T
The first and second switching elements connected to Rb, for example, the first and second transistors Qa and Qb, and the bases of the first and second transistors Qa and Qb and the exciting coil TRd. And the resistances Ra and Rb. The output side of the inverter circuit H (secondary coil T
External electrodes 5 and 6 of the rare gas discharge lamp L are connected to Rc).

In this lighting device, when a DC power source obtained by, for example, full-wave rectification of a commercial power source is connected between the terminals T1 and T2 and a drive signal is applied to the terminal T3 at appropriate intervals, the switching element Q is turned ON, By turning on and off the first and second transistors Qa and Qb in a timely manner,
The high frequency voltage described above is generated in the secondary coil TRc of the oscillation transformer TR and applied to the external electrodes 5 and 6 of the rare gas discharge lamp L. Thus, unlike the rare gas discharge lamp L, which is lit by one discharge path along the longitudinal direction of the envelope, like a discharge lamp using a hot cathode or a cold cathode, the external electrodes 5, 6 During this period (in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the envelope 1), an infinite number of discharge paths are formed, so that the light is emitted in a striped state. In this state, the light emitting layer 2 is excited by a rare gas excitation line to emit light, and light is emitted from the aperture 2a to the outside through the first opening 7.

In particular, since no mercury is used in the rare gas discharge lamp L, there is a characteristic that the light quantity rises sharply after lighting and reaches almost 100% at the same time as lighting. ing. For this reason, it is suitable as a light source for reading originals of OA equipment such as a facsimile, an image scanner, and a copying machine.

[0008]

As described above, when the rare gas discharge lamp L is applied to a document irradiating apparatus, the density of the radiated light of the light emitting layer 2 is increased by employing an aperture structure. Therefore, the illuminance of the document surface can be increased and the document can be read reliably.

However, recently, in order to increase the processing capacity of OA equipment and to improve the efficiency of office work, it is required to further increase the illuminance of the document surface.
Various methods can be considered to deal with this. For example, there is a method of increasing the pressure at which a rare gas is sealed in the envelope, or increasing the pipe diameter and increasing the pipe input of the envelope.

In the former method, for example, the light output (original surface illuminance) can be increased by increasing the sealing pressure of xenon gas, but not only the stripe-like discharge state becomes conspicuous but also the discharge position. (Discharge point) is not constant, and flickering occurs, which constantly moves in the longitudinal direction of the envelope, so that the reading accuracy of the document is impaired and the reproduction quality is also deteriorated. In addition, the increase in the sealing pressure makes it difficult to turn on the rare gas discharge lamp L by the above-mentioned inverter circuit H, and even if it is turned on, it becomes difficult to secure a stable discharge state. However, if the output voltage of the inverter circuit H is greatly increased,
Although it can be lit for the time being, new problems arise such as an increase in device cost and difficulty in insulation measures.

In the latter method, the light output (original surface illuminance) can be increased to some extent, but in this type of apparatus, the distance between the original surface and the rare gas discharge lamp L is 6 to 12
Since it is as narrow as about mm, there is a problem that it is difficult to arrange a rare gas discharge lamp having a tube diameter larger than the interval.

Further, the rare gas discharge lamp L is connected between the external electrodes through a glass member (glass bulb) constituting the envelope 1 by applying a high-frequency voltage to the external electrodes 5 and 6 as described above. At this time, a current is caused to flow through the glass bulb, and the glass bulb self-heats due to the current, causing the temperature to rise and the resistance value of the glass bulb to decrease. Due to the lowering of the resistance value, an excessively large current flows, and the heat generation abnormally proceeds to lower the luminous efficiency or burn out the lighting device.

For example, a glass member constituting an envelope is
When the soda glass is applied, the volume resistivity at 150 ° C. of the soda glass is as small as 1 × 10 ⁸ Ωcm as shown by the solid line C in FIG. The current flowing through the glass bulb causes abnormal heat generation of the glass bulb, not only lowering the luminous efficiency, but also burning the lighting device due to excessive current.

However, when the lead glass is applied to the glass member constituting the envelope, the above-mentioned problem can be effectively solved. This is because the volume resistivity of the lead glass at 150 ° C. is 1 × 10 3 as shown by the solid line B in FIG.
^Since it is ¹¹ Ωcm, which is much larger than that of soda glass, it is possible to suppress the development of abnormal heat generation due to self-heating of the lead glass during lighting.

The inventor of the present invention has set the volume resistivity of the glass member at 150 ° C. to 1 × 10 ^{9 in} order to prevent abnormal heat generation of the glass bulb, decrease in luminous efficiency, and burning of the lighting device.
It has been confirmed by another experiment that it is sufficient to set the resistance to Ωcm or more.

Based on such facts, lead glass is applied to the envelope of the rare gas discharge lamp described above.
Troubles such as abnormal heat generation of the glass bulb, decrease in luminous efficiency, and burning of the lighting device can be minimized, but have the following problems.

That is, since lead glass has a softening point lower than that of soda glass by about 70 to 80 ° C., in the firing step, the binder contained in the phosphor coating film formed on the inner surface of the envelope is sufficiently reduced. When the sintering temperature is increased in order to burn off the phosphor, the phosphor constituting the light emitting layer 2 is easily fused to the lead glass, so that the luminous efficiency is reduced by about 10%, for example. Are easily deformed, and the attachment (adhesion) to the exhaust head is impaired, or the attachment is easily damaged at the time of attachment. On the other hand, if the firing temperature is lowered to such an extent that the fusion of the phosphor and the deformation of the envelope 1 do not occur, the binder is not sufficiently burned, and the starting characteristics and the light emitting characteristics of the rare gas discharge lamp are impaired. Will be able to

In addition, the lead glass has a tendency to refrain from using it recently, because there is a concern that the lead glass may pollute the environment due to emission of harmful substances. Therefore, a glass member that replaces lead glass is also required for rare gas discharge lamps.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stable discharge state with reduced flicker, an improved light output, and an environment-friendly rare gas discharge lamp even if the pressure for filling the rare gas is increased. To provide a lighting device.

[0020]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a light-emitting layer formed on an inner surface of an envelope made of a lead-free glass member and an outer periphery of the envelope. A pair of strip-shaped external electrodes made of a metal member are arranged on the surface so as to be separated from each other so that the first and second openings are formed over substantially the entire length of the envelope, and the inside of the envelope is A rare gas discharge lamp in which a rare gas is sealed in a space so that a sealing pressure is in a range of 83 to 200 torr; and a high frequency voltage generating circuit for outputting a pulsed high frequency voltage, wherein the rare gas discharge lamp is provided. Is connected to the output side of the high-frequency voltage generating circuit such that a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to the pair of external electrodes.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a light-emitting layer is formed on the inner surface of an envelope made of a glass member containing no lead, and a pair of band-like metal members are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope. The external electrodes are spaced apart from each other so that the first and second openings are formed over substantially the entire length of the envelope, and the internal space of the envelope is filled with a rare gas at a pressure of 83 to A rare gas discharge lamp sealed to be in the range of 200 torr, a switching element and a capacitor provided on the input side of the oscillation transformer, and a switching signal on the output side of the oscillation transformer based on the switching operation of the switching element by applying a drive signal. A high-frequency voltage generation circuit that generates a pulsed high-frequency voltage,
The rare gas discharge lamp is connected to an output side of a high frequency voltage generation circuit so that a pulsed high frequency voltage is applied to a pair of external electrodes, and each one cycle of a repetition cycle in a lighting state of the rare gas discharge lamp The switching element is turned on during a bounce period in which the direction of the lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp is reversed.

A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a light emitting layer formed on an inner surface of a glass member containing no lead.
A straight tubular envelope in which a rare gas is sealed in the internal space so that the sealing pressure is in the range of 83 to 200 Torr, and a translucent sheet having a length substantially equal to the entire length of the envelope. A pair of band-shaped external electrodes made of a metal member are provided on one surface with first and second band-shaped external electrodes.
And a sheet structure in which an adhesive layer is formed on the light-transmitting sheet surface on the side where the external electrodes are located, so that the openings are formed. On the outer peripheral surface of
A rare gas discharge lamp formed by winding a structure such that an external electrode is positioned between an envelope and a translucent sheet; a switching element and a capacitor on an input side of an oscillation transformer; A high-frequency voltage generation circuit that generates a pulsed high-frequency voltage on the output side of the oscillation transformer based on the switching operation of the switching element by the application of the rare gas discharge lamp to the output side of the high-frequency voltage generation circuit. Bounce in which the direction of the lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp is reversed during each one of the repetition periods in the lighting state of the rare gas discharge lamp. The switching element is turned on during the period.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the rare gas discharge lamp, the radiated light from the light emitting layer is mainly emitted to the outside from the first opening, and the first opening is formed. The side edges of the pair of external electrodes forming the portion are formed in a straight shape, and the side edges of at least one of the pair of external electrodes forming the second opening or the side edges thereof. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the rare gas discharge lamp, a translucent insulating member is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the envelope, and the external electrode is coated with the external electrode. And the insulating member is constituted by a protective tube made of a light-transmitting sheet or a heat-shrinkable resin. The vessel has a softening point higher than that of lead glass and a volume resistivity of 1 × 1 at 150 ° C. 0 ⁹ Ωcm or more and is characterized by being configured with a glass member containing no lead, a seventh aspect of the present invention, the inner surface of the envelope corresponding to the first opening formed by the pair of external electrodes An aperture portion where a light emitting layer is not formed is formed in the portion.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the high-frequency voltage generating circuit includes an oscillation transformer having primary and secondary coils, a switching element connected in series to the primary coil of the oscillation transformer, and a primary coil of the oscillation transformer. And a driving circuit for applying a drive signal to the switching element, and a secondary circuit of the oscillation transformer based on the switching operation of the switching element by the application of the drive signal. It is characterized in that a pulsed high-frequency voltage is generated in the coil.

Further, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a light emitting layer is formed on an inner surface of an envelope made of a glass member containing no lead, and a pair of strip-shaped metal members are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the envelope. The outer electrode is connected to the first and second portions over substantially the entire length of the envelope.
Are separated from each other so as to form openings, and a rare gas is filled in the inner space of the envelope at a pressure of 83 to 200.
A rare gas discharge lamp sealed to be in the range of
A switching element and a capacitor are provided on the input side of the oscillating transformer, a pulsed high-frequency voltage is generated on the output side of the oscillating transformer based on the switching operation of the switching element by the application of a drive signal, and a rare gas discharge is provided on the output side. A high-frequency voltage generating circuit that connects an electric lamp to a pair of external electrodes so that a high-frequency voltage is applied, a current detecting circuit that detects a lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp, a PWM function, and a switching element. A driving circuit for applying a driving signal, wherein in a lighting state of the rare gas discharge lamp, a lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp is detected by a current detection circuit, and based on the detected current, the driving circuit switches the switching element. The lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp during each one of the repetition cycles so that the lamp current is substantially constant Characterized by imparting a drive signal for ON operation of the switching element within a rebound period direction is reversed.

[0026]

Next, a first embodiment of a lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. The same parts as those in the prior art shown in FIGS. 17 to 21 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the figure, the characteristic part of this embodiment is that the envelope 1A of the rare gas discharge lamp DL has a softening point higher than that of lead glass and a volume resistivity at 150 ° C. of 1 as shown by a solid line A in FIG. X10 ⁹ Ωcm or more and made of a glass material that does not contain lead;
The pressure at which the rare gas is filled in the rare gas discharge lamp DL is 83 to 200.
And the high-frequency voltage generating circuit HA for generating a pulsed high-frequency voltage has a rare gas discharge lamp DL.
Are connected so that a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to the external electrodes 5 and 6. Further, the drive timing of the switching element in the high-frequency voltage generation circuit HA is controlled within one cycle of each repetition cycle. , The lamp current is set within a rebound period in which the direction of the lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp is reversed.

As a component of the envelope 1A, as described above, the volume resistivity at 150 ° C. is 1 × 10 ⁹ Ω.
cm or more, and contains no lead, has a softening point sufficiently higher than that of lead glass, and can be applied as long as it is a light-transmitting glass member having a large dielectric constant. For example, barium glass or the like is suitable. . The barium glass is composed of, for example, an oxide of silicic acid, alumina, boric acid, potassium, barium, or calcium, and its softening point is about 665 °, which is about 40 to 50 ° C. higher than the softening point of lead glass.
C, the dielectric constant at 1 MHz is approximately 8.6, and the volume resistivity at 150 ° C. is 1 × 10 ¹¹ Ωcm.

The wall thickness of the envelope 1A is 0.2-0.
7 mm range (preferably 0.4 to 0.7 mm range)
, And within this range, desirable productivity, emission characteristics, and the like can be obtained. However, the thickness is 0.4mm
If it is less than 0.2 mm, in particular, the mechanical strength of the envelope 1A will be extremely reduced, so that glass breakage in the production process by mass production equipment will increase, and conversely, the wall thickness will decrease. If it exceeds 0.7 mm, a stripe-like discharge state is visually observed, and the light emitted from the aperture portion 2a is flickered. Therefore, it is desirable that the thickness of the envelope 1A be set within the above range.

One or two or more rare gases (preferably a rare gas containing xenon gas as a main component, more preferably a xenon gas) are sealed in the inner space of the above-mentioned envelope 1A. The pressure is set in the range of 83-200 torr. Within this range, an improvement effect on the starting characteristics, light output (original surface illuminance), and flicker can be expected in combination with the combination with the high-frequency voltage generating circuit HA described later. However, when the fill pressure is less than 83 Torr,
No improvement effect on light output can be expected, and conversely,
When the sealing pressure exceeds 200 Torr, not only the starting characteristics are impaired, but also a striped discharge state is visually observed, and the light emitted from the aperture portion 2a becomes flickering. Therefore, it is desirable to set the rare gas charging pressure within the above range.

A pair of band-shaped external electrodes 5 and 6 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope 1A, and first and second openings 7 and 8 are formed over substantially the entire length of the envelope 1A. As described above, the side edges 5b, 6b of the external electrodes 5, 6 forming the second opening 8 are formed at a distance from each other.
6A is formed to have periodicity. For example, when the outer diameter of the envelope 1A is 8 mm, the deformed portions 5A and 6A have a width of 8 mm including the deformed portions 5A and 6A, and the deformed portion 5A.
It is desirable that the pitch of A and 6A is set to 4 mm and the height of the deformed portions 5A and 6A (apex of the triangular portion) is set to about 1.5 mm. However, depending on the specifications of the rare gas discharge lamp and the lighting device, it is appropriate. Can be changed. In addition, the external electrodes 5 and 6
A and 6A are arranged so that the interval between the apexes is substantially the same over the entire length, and the opening angle (interval) of the first opening 7 is also substantially the same over the entire length. Considered.

The light emitting layer 2 may be composed of only one kind of phosphor to be used depending on the use of the rare gas discharge lamp.
It is composed of a mixture of more than one species. For example, in the case of a three-wavelength band emission type, for example, a europium-activated barium magnesium aluminate phosphor having an emission spectrum in a blue region, a cerium / terbium-activated lanthanum phosphate phosphor having an emission spectrum in a green region, It is formed of a mixed phosphor obtained by mixing europium-activated yttrium-gadolinium phosphor having an emission spectrum in the red region, and the amount of the attached phosphor is set in a range of 5 to 30 mg per 1 cm ² . In this range, a sufficient amount of light (light output) can be obtained, but if the amount of adhesion is less than 5 mg, the illuminance of the original surface becomes insufficient due to insufficient amount of light. It becomes difficult to form a light emitting layer. Therefore, it is desirable that the amount of the light-emitting layer 2 attached be set within the above range.

Further, first and second openings 7 and 8 are formed in the separated portions of the external electrodes 5 and 6, respectively.
The respective opening angles θ ₁ and θ ₂ are set in a relation of θ ₁ > θ ₂ . The opening angle θ ₁ of the first opening 7 is 60 to 12
The opening angle θ2 of the _second opening 8 is desirably about 55 °, preferably in the range of 0 °, preferably 60 to 90 °. However, the opening angle θ ₁ of the first opening 7 can be set outside the above range depending on the application, and the second opening 8 is desirably narrow enough not to cause dielectric breakdown, for example, at least about 2 mm. It is recommended that the separation distance be maintained. The opening angle of the aperture 2a is set substantially equal to the opening angle θ1 of the _first opening 7.

On the other hand, the high frequency voltage generating circuit HA for generating a pulsed high frequency voltage has at least the primary coil TR
a, an oscillation transformer TRA having a secondary coil TRc;
A switching element QA such as a field effect transistor (FET) connected in series to the primary coil TRa of the oscillation transformer TRA;
and a drive circuit 20 connected to the gate of the switching element QA and applying a substantially square-wave drive signal to the gate of the switching element QA. It is constituted by. still,
The drive circuit 20 has a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) so that the ON duty ratio of the drive signal can be changed.
Functions are provided. Then, the high-frequency voltage generation circuit H
A rare gas discharge lamp DL is provided on the output side (secondary coil TRc) of A.
Are connected so that a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to the external electrodes 5 and 6, and one of the external electrodes 5 and 6 is grounded. In particular, the drive circuit 20
The drive timing at which the switching element QA is turned on by the drive signal (gate signal) from the controller is a rebound period (t) in which the direction of the lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp DL is reversed within one cycle (T) of the repetitive waveform. ₂ ) Set within.

The lighting device thus configured operates as follows. First, when the DC power supply EB is connected to the input side of the high-frequency voltage generating circuit HA, the capacitor CA is charged. In this state, the drive circuit 20 outputs the switching element Q
As shown in FIGS. 4 (c) and 5 (b), a drive signal of a square wave (a waveform having a dull rising due to a stray capacitance in the gate of the switching element QA) is applied to the gate of A. When the voltage is applied, the switching element QA turns on and off as shown in FIG. During the ON operation, a current flows from the capacitor CA and the DC power supply EB to the primary coil TRa of the oscillation transformer TRA, and electromagnetic energy is accumulated in the primary coil TRa of the oscillation transformer TRA. next,
When the switching element QA is turned off, a pulsed high-frequency voltage is generated in the secondary coil TRc based on the action of the stored electromagnetic energy and applied to the external electrodes 5 and 6 of the rare gas discharge lamp DL. . And external electrodes 5 and 6
4A, FIG. 5A and FIG. 6 (A), a discharge is generated between the external electrodes due to the concentration of the electric field on the deformed portions 5A and 6A, and the rare gas discharge lamp DL is turned on. with the lamp current Ib flows in the period t ₁ of the first half of each one period of the repetition period, as shown in b) (T), a rare gas discharge lamp DL charge in the rare gas discharge lamp in relation to form a capacitor Is accumulated. Lamp current Ib
If There becomes 0, stored in the rare gas discharge lamp DL charge the rebound period t ₂ as a lamp current Ib, to flow in the direction opposite to the direction of the period t _1. This bounce period t
When applying a driving signal to the switching elements QA to ₂ in the first half, the lamp current Ibj indicated by hatching in FIGS. 5 (a) and 6 (b) flows superimposed on the lamp current flowing in the period t _2. Incidentally, the applied timing of the drive signal to the switching elements QA, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 5 (b), when the delayed outside the bounce period t _2, the lamp current Ib FIGS. 5 (a) and 6 ( In b), a damped oscillation as shown by the dotted line occurs, and the lamp current Ibj shown by the oblique line stops flowing. As a result, the rare gas discharge lamp DL emits light (φ) as shown in FIG.
In response to the increase in bj, the brightness φ is also increased as shown by the oblique line (φj) in FIG. Incidentally, applying the timing of the drive signal to the switching element QA is as early in the rebound period t _2, the lamp current Ibj shown without increasing the input to the lighting device deliberately with diagonal lines can be effectively increased.

According to this embodiment, since the glass member constituting the envelope 1A does not contain lead glass at all, the environment caused by the emission of harmful substances such as lead during the production of the glass member is not included. Pollution can be prevented.

Since the softening point of the envelope 1A is higher than the softening point of the lead glass by about 40 to 50 ° C., the binder contained in the phosphor coating film formed on the inner surface of the envelope in the firing step is reduced. Even if the baking temperature is set high enough to allow sufficient transpiration, the phosphor constituting the light emitting layer 2 is not fused to the glass member constituting the envelope 1A, and the luminous efficiency is reduced by, for example, about 10%. In addition to the improvement, the envelope 1A is hardly deformed in the firing step, so that the mountability to the exhaust head can be improved, and the damage at the time of mounting to the exhaust head can be reduced.

Moreover, since the volume resistivity of the envelope 1A at 150 ° C. is set to 1 × 10 ⁹ Ωcm or more, similar to the prior art using lead glass, abnormalities due to self-heating during lighting are caused. Development to heat generation can be suppressed, and a decrease in luminous efficiency due to abnormal heat generation can also be suppressed.

Further, since the rare gas charging pressure is set to a high value in the range of 83 to 200 torr, the light output can be increased, but the starting characteristics are impaired. High frequency voltage is applied, and triangular shaped portions 5A, 6A are applied to the side edges 5b, 6b of the external electrodes 5, 6.
, The upper limit of the rare gas sealing pressure is 2
Even if the torque is increased to 00 Torr, practical starting characteristics can be ensured, the generation of moving fringes (flickers) can be effectively suppressed, and the light output can be effectively improved. Therefore, when applied to a document irradiating device, a stable discharge state can be obtained and the illuminance of the document surface can be increased.
An improvement in reading quality can be expected.

In particular, in the lighting state of the rare gas discharge lamp DL, a bounce period t in which the direction of the lamp current Ib flowing during the period t ₁ after the OFF operation of the switching element QA is reversed.
_{Since the} switching element QA is turned on in ₂ , the lamp current flowing in the bounce period t ₂ can be increased by Ibj without further increasing the input current of the high-frequency voltage generation circuit HA. Along with this,
The brightness (light amount) φ can be further increased by φj. Therefore, not only can the light amount of the rare gas discharge lamp DL be increased, but also the efficiency of the lighting device can be increased, and for example, it is possible to cope with an increase in the document feed speed in the OA equipment.

In the rare gas discharge lamp DL, triangular shaped portions 5A, 6A are formed at the side edges 5b, 6b of the external electrodes 5, 6 forming the second opening 8 so as to have a periodicity. Therefore, when a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to the external electrodes 5 and 6 from the high-frequency voltage generating circuit HA, the electric field concentrates on the apexes of the triangular portions in the deformed portions 5A and 6A, and the electric field concentrates through the rare gas space. Discharge easily between external electrodes.
Therefore, even if the voltage applied to the external electrodes 5 and 6 is slightly reduced due to the fluctuation of the power supply, the lighting can be reliably performed, and the occurrence of flicker can be suppressed. In particular, since the external electrode 6 on which the deformed portion 6A is formed is grounded in the state of being incorporated in the lighting device, the stability of the discharge state can be improved in combination with the formation of the deformed portion, and flickering occurs. Can be effectively suppressed.

Further, the thickness of the envelope 1 in the rare gas discharge lamp DL is set in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 mm, and when a high-frequency voltage is applied to the external electrodes 5 and 6, the thickness of the envelope 1 is reduced. In the thick range, flicker is likely to occur due to an increase in voltage distribution to the envelope itself due to an increase in the resistance component. However, as described above, the deformed portions 5A and 6A are formed on the external electrodes 5 and 6, In addition to the fact that the external electrode 6 is grounded, generation of flicker can be effectively suppressed even in a thick region, and the external electrode 6 is discharged from the first opening 7 through the aperture 2a. Light output can be effectively improved.

Further, the amount of the light emitting layer 2 deposited is 5 per cm ^2.
If the thickness is set in the range of 30 mg to 30 mg, the thickness of the envelope 1 is set to 0.
The light emitted from the first opening 7 through the aperture 2a in combination with the setting of the range of 2 to 0.7 mm and the setting of the rare gas filling pressure of 83 to 200 torr. Output can be increased effectively.

The amount of the light emitting layer 2 attached is set to be about 2 to 10 times that of a normal fluorescent lamp for illumination.
The light output of the rare gas discharge lamp has been effectively increased, though the amount is considered to be unfavorable in terms of characteristics in a normal fluorescent lamp for illumination. Although the cause is not clear, a stripe-shaped stripe is formed by forming an infinite number of discharge paths in the rare gas space between the external electrodes 5 and 6 (in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the envelope 1). This is considered to be a phenomenon peculiar to the rare gas discharge lamp that is lit in the state.

Further, the thickness of the envelope 1 and the structure of the external electrodes, preferably the amount of the light-emitting layer 2 attached and the pressure of the rare gas charged are set within the above ranges, and then the first opening 7 is formed. by setting the opening angle theta ₁ of the range of 60 to 90 °, to increase the light output to more emitted from pulsed high-frequency voltage first opening 7 I lighting coupled with by the application of it can.
At this time, the separation length of the second opening 8 (the deformed portions 5A, 6A)
If the distance between the tips of A is set to about 2 mm, the leakage of light from the second opening 8 is suppressed, and a further improvement in the light output emitted from the first opening 7 can be expected. .

Further, since the high frequency voltage generating circuit HA is mainly composed of the oscillation transformer TRA, the switching element QA, and the capacitor CA, the circuit configuration can be simplified as compared with the conventional device shown in FIG. It can be reduced effectively. In addition, since a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to the rare gas discharge lamp DL, the luminous efficiency of the rare gas discharge lamp DL can be improved, and a stable discharge state can be expected.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure is the same as that of the rare gas discharge lamp lighting device shown in FIG. The difference is that the high frequency voltage generation circuit H
B, a current detection circuit (for example, a resistor) 30 for detecting the lamp current, an AC-DC conversion circuit 40 for converting the lamp current detected by the current detection circuit 30 into DC, and setting the converted direct current to an appropriate level. That is, the level setting circuit 50 is added. Specifically, the current detection circuit 30 includes the secondary coil TRc of the oscillation transformer TRA and the rare gas discharge lamp DL.
And a low resistance is connected to the external electrode 6. The AC-DC conversion circuit 40 is configured by, for example, a smoothing circuit including a resistor 41 and a capacitor 42.
The level setting circuit 50 includes, for example, a comparator 51 and a variable resistor 52.
The output of the AC-DC conversion circuit 40 is applied to the terminal, and the reference voltage divided from the Vcc power supply to a constant DC voltage by the variable resistor 52 is applied to the + terminal. The output of the level setting circuit 50 is input to the drive circuit 20.
The level setting circuit 50 and the drive circuit 20 can be integrated (integrated into an IC).
It is possible to include the DC conversion circuit 40 as well.

The operation of this lighting device is basically the same as that of the lighting device shown in FIG. 1, and different points will be described.
In the lighting state of the rare gas discharge lamp DL, the current detection circuit 3
The terminal voltage of 0 (corresponding to the lamp current) is converted to DC by the AC-DC conversion circuit 40, compared with the reference voltage by the level setting circuit 50, and output to the drive circuit 20. In this drive circuit 20, PWM control is performed based on the DC level set according to the output of the level setting circuit 50. PWM
The controlled drive signal is applied to the gate of switching element QA. This grant timing to the switching element QA of the drive signal is set to the bouncing period t _2, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), so that the lamp current Ib detected by the current detection circuit 30 becomes almost constant Is controlled. That is, in the period t ₂ applied timing of the drive signal bounce, by controlling to or Dari or late progressed, the lamp current Ib is controlled to be substantially constant.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the brightness (illuminance) of the rare gas discharge lamp DL is always kept substantially constant.
For example, when the present invention is applied to an OA device, the reading accuracy of a document can be improved, and the speed of the device can be increased. Further, depending on the use, the light amount may be reduced, but such a use can be easily coped with.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration is the same as that of the rare gas discharge lamp lighting device shown in FIG. The difference is that a triangular irregular portion 6A is formed only on the side edge 6b of the external electrode 6 in the rare gas discharge lamp DL connected to the output side of the high frequency voltage generating circuit HA, and the other side of the external electrode 5 The edges 5a and 6b and the side edges 6a of the external electrode 6 are all formed in a straight shape. The external electrode 6 having the irregular portion 6A is grounded.

In particular, the rare gas discharge lamp DL having this structure is shown in FIG.
When incorporated in the lighting device shown in (1), if all the external electrodes are lighted in a floating state, the discharge is unstable even if the power supply line is maintained at the rated voltage.
The striped discharge state may be visually observed, and flicker may occur. However, as shown in FIG. 1, by grounding the external electrode 6 on the side where the deformed portion 6A is formed, a stable discharge state in which flicker is suppressed can be obtained even if the power supply voltage is reduced by about 10%. .

According to this embodiment, the external electrodes 5, 6
When a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to the side edge portion 6b
A discharge is generated between the deformed portion 6A and the straight side edge 5b, but one side edge (5b) is straddled.
Since they are formed in the shape of a triangle, there is no need to adjust the pitch (position alignment) of the two, and the ease of assembly can be improved.

FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration is the same as that of the rare gas discharge lamp lighting device shown in FIG. Same as gas discharge lamp. The difference is that the external electrode 6 in the rare gas discharge lamp DL connected to the output side of the high-frequency voltage generation circuit HA
Is formed only at the side edge 6b of the outer electrode 6b, and has a semicircular deformed portion 6B including an elliptical shape and a waveform, and the other side edges 5a and 6b of the external electrode 5 and the side edge of the external electrode 6. 6a is that all were formed in a straight shape. In addition, odd-shaped part 6B
Is grounded.

FIG. 11 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure is the same as that of the lighting device of the rare gas discharge lamp shown in FIG. Same as gas discharge lamp. The difference is that the external electrode 6 in the rare gas discharge lamp DL connected to the output side of the high-frequency voltage generation circuit HA
Of the external electrode 5 is formed only in the side edge 6b of the external electrode 5 having a rectangular trapezoidal shape having a periodicity.
a, 6b and the side edge 6a of the external electrode 6 are all formed in a straight shape. The external electrode 6 having the irregular portion 6C is grounded.

FIG. 12 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure is the same as that of the rare gas discharge lamp lighting apparatus shown in FIG. Same as gas discharge lamp. The difference is that in the rare gas discharge lamp DL connected to the output side of the high-frequency voltage generation circuit HA, the envelope 1
External electrodes 5 and 6 having deformed portions 5A and 6A on the outer peripheral surface of A
Are attached to each other so that the first and second openings 7 and 8 are formed, and a light-transmitting sheet 4A is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the envelope 1A. 5 and 6 were wound and mounted so as to be covered. An adhesive layer is formed on one surface of the translucent sheet 4A, and is adhered by winding.

FIG. 13 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure is the same as that of the rare gas discharge lamp lighting apparatus shown in FIG. Same as gas discharge lamp. The difference is that in the rare gas discharge lamp DL connected to the output side of the high-frequency voltage generation circuit HA, the envelope 1
External electrodes 5 and 6 having deformed portions 5A and 6A on the outer peripheral surface of A
And a protective tube 12 made of a heat-shrinkable resin is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the envelope 1A so that the first and second openings 7 and 8 are formed. That is, the attached external electrodes 5 and 6 were attached so as to be covered, and were thermally contracted and brought into close contact with each other. The protective tube 12 is preferably made of, for example, a PET resin to which heat shrinkage has been imparted. For example, by heating to about 150 to 200 ° C., the protective tube 12 is heat shrunk and closely adhered to the envelope 1A. .

According to this embodiment, since there is no overlapping portion on the translucent sheet (insulating member for exterior) as in each of the above-described embodiments, it can be used under any conditions. However, the protection tube 12 is not peeled off from the envelope 1A, and the exposure of the external electrodes 5 and 6 can be reliably prevented, so that the safety can be expected to be improved.

FIG. 14 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure is the same as that of the rare gas discharge lamp lighting device shown in FIG. Same as gas discharge lamp. The difference is that a protective tube made of a heat-shrinkable resin is provided on the sheet structure 3 wound and mounted on the envelope 1A.
That is, the sleeve 13 was attached and heat-shrinked to make it adhere.
The protective tube 13 is preferably made of, for example, a heat-shrinkable PET resin.
Heating to about 00 ° C. causes thermal contraction and close contact with the sheet structure 3.

The present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment. For example, the constituent members of the envelope have a volume resistivity of 1 × 10 ⁹ Ωcm or more and a softening point higher than that of lead glass. In addition, a glass member other than barium glass can be used as long as lead does not contain the same dielectric constant as lead glass. The light emitting layer of the rare gas discharge lamp may be formed on the entire inner surface of the envelope by omitting the aperture.
In addition, the pitch, height, etc. of the deformed portion of the external electrode can be appropriately changed according to the size of the rare gas discharge lamp, grounding of the external electrode having the deformed portion can be omitted. It can be omitted. FIGS. 8 to 14 show rare gas discharge lamps applied to the embodiment shown in FIG.
Can be applied. In the form of the external electrode, the band shape means that the overall shape is a band shape, and includes those in which a deformed portion, a hole, or the like is present in a side edge portion or a portion other than the side edge portion. I do. Further, the high frequency voltage generating circuit may be configured to generate a pulsed high frequency voltage by a circuit other than the illustrated example.

[0059]

Next, an experimental example will be described. First, a europium-activated barium magnesium aluminate phosphor having an emission spectrum in the blue region, a cerium / terbium-activated lanthanum phosphate phosphor having an emission spectrum in the green region, and europium having an emission spectrum in the red region. A water-soluble phosphor coating solution containing a mixed phosphor obtained by mixing activated yttrium and gadolinium borate phosphors at a ratio of 65, 15, and 25% by weight, respectively, has an outer diameter of 8 mm.
It is applied to the inner surface of an envelope made of barium glass having a thickness of 0.5 mm and a length of 360 mm to form a light emitting layer. Next, an aperture having an opening angle of 75 ° is formed by forcibly peeling off a part of the light emitting layer using a scraper.
Note that the amount of the light emitting layer attached is 15 mg / cm ² . next,
Seal the envelope and fill the inner space with 70 to 23 xenon gas.
Enclose in a pressure range of 0 torr. Thereafter, a sheet structure was wound around the outer peripheral surface of the envelope to produce a rare gas discharge lamp having the structure shown in FIGS. The width of the pair of external electrodes is 8 m.
m, and a triangular irregular portion having a pitch of 4 mm and an apex height of 1.5 mm is formed only on one side edge of the external electrode forming the second opening. Was formed in a straight shape.

This rare gas discharge lamp is incorporated in the lighting circuit shown in FIG. 1, the external electrode having the deformed portion is grounded, and the output voltage of the high-frequency voltage generating circuit HA is rated at a frequency of 70 KH.
At z, the pulse voltage was gradually increased at 1800 V _0-P ), and the discharge starting voltage (starting voltage) was measured in a state where moving stripes (flicker) were not visually observed. The result shown in FIG. 15 was obtained.

As is clear from the figure, when the filling pressure of xenon gas is up to 150 Torr, the lamp is lit at a rated voltage with no flicker, and a stable discharge state is obtained even after the lit lamp. Although a voltage higher than the rated voltage is required, a relatively stable discharge state is obtained after lighting. However, the filling pressure exceeded 200 Torr,
At 210 and 230 Torr, the lighting voltage becomes extremely high, and even when the lighting is performed, flickering occurs and a stable discharge state cannot be obtained.

Further, the firing temperature (working temperature) was set at 700 ° C., and the effect of the fusion of the phosphor to the glass member in the firing step on the luminous efficiency and the shape of the envelope were observed. Almost no decrease was observed, the envelope was not deformed, and the rate of occurrence of damage failure due to attachment to the exhaust head could be suppressed to 0.5% or less.
In a conventional example of the same specification in which the glass member of the envelope is made of lead glass, the luminous efficiency is reduced by about 10% due to the fusion of the phosphor to the lead glass, and the defect occurrence rate due to deformation is also 3 to 5
%Met.

Next, when the rare gas discharge lamp was turned on at the rated voltage, the illuminance and the presence or absence of moving stripes (flickering) at a portion (corresponding to the document surface) 8 mm away from the envelope were evaluated. As a result, the result shown in FIG. 16 was obtained. In the flicker evaluation items shown in the figure, ○ indicates that flicker did not occur, △ indicates that slight flicker was recognized, but there was no problem in practical use, and x indicates that flicker occurred remarkably. This indicates that this is a practical problem.

As is clear from the figure, a stable discharge state with no flicker was obtained when the xenon gas filling pressure was in the range up to 150 torr. Is no problem. However, the sealing pressure exceeds 200 torr, and flickering becomes remarkable at 210 and 230 torr, and it is difficult to apply to an original irradiation apparatus from the viewpoint of reading quality.

Although the illuminance on the original surface increases as the sealing pressure of xenon gas increases, it can be seen that a stable illuminance without flicker can be obtained when the sealing pressure of xenon gas is up to 200 torr. Therefore, according to the above-described various evaluation results, it is desirable that the rare gas charging pressure be set in the range of 83 to 200 Torr.

Further, the sealing pressure of xenon gas is set to 120
When the illuminance meter was placed at a position 8 mm away from the center of the rare gas discharge lamp and the illuminance was measured, the illuminance was 22000 Lx, and the input current of the high frequency voltage generation circuit HA was measured. Was 630 mA. still,
When the drive timing of the switching element is delayed outside the rebound period as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5B, the input current is reduced by 80 to obtain the illuminance of 22000 Lx.
It had to be increased to 0 mA. Therefore, in the device of the present invention, the illuminance can be further increased by increasing the input current to 800 mA.
In addition, no flicker occurred in the lighting state, and a stable discharge state was observed.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the glass member constituting the envelope contains no lead glass at all, harmful substances such as lead are discharged during the production thereof. Can prevent environmental pollution.

Also, since the softening point of the envelope is set higher than the softening point of lead glass, in the firing step, the binder contained in the phosphor coating film formed on the inner surface of the envelope is sufficiently reduced. Even if the firing temperature is set to be high so as to evaporate, the phosphor constituting the light emitting layer is not fused to the glass member constituting the envelope, so that not only can the luminous efficiency be improved, but also in the firing step. Since the envelope is hardly deformed, the mountability to the exhaust head can be improved, and damage at the time of mounting to the exhaust head can be reduced.

Further, since the volume resistivity of the envelope at 150 ° C. is set to 1 × 10 ⁹ Ωcm or more, abnormal heat generation due to self-heating during lighting is performed similarly to the prior art using lead glass. Can be suppressed, and a decrease in luminous efficiency due to abnormal heat generation can be suppressed.

Further, since the rare gas charging pressure in the rare gas discharge lamp is set high in the range of 83 to 200 Torr, the light output can be increased, but the starting characteristics are impaired. By applying a pulsed high-frequency voltage to the substrate, practical start-up characteristics can be secured, the generation of moving fringes (flickers) can be effectively suppressed, and the light output can be effectively improved. Therefore, when the present invention is applied to a document irradiating apparatus, a stable discharge state can be obtained and the illuminance of the document surface can be increased, so that an improvement in reading quality can be expected.

In particular, when the rare gas discharge lamp is turned on,
If brought into ON operation of the switching element in the rebound period t ₂ in which the direction of the lamp current flowing in the period t ₁ after OFF operation of the switching element is inverted, even without increasing much the input current of the high frequency voltage generating circuit, rebound it is possible to increase the lamp current flowing in the period t _2, and with this, the brightness (light intensity) can be increased. Therefore, not only can the light amount of the rare gas discharge lamp be further increased in conjunction with the increase in the rare gas sealing pressure, but also the efficiency of the lighting device can be increased.

Further, by forming a deformed portion at an appropriate side edge of an external electrode forming the first and second openings in the rare gas discharge lamp incorporated in the lighting device, a pair of external electrodes can be formed from the high frequency voltage generating circuit. When a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to the electrodes, the electric field concentrates on the deformed portion, and the discharge easily occurs between the external electrodes via the rare gas space. Therefore, the starting characteristics can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an electric circuit diagram of a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the rare gas discharge lamp shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a development view of an envelope and external electrodes of the rare gas discharge lamp shown in FIG. 2;

4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 4A is a waveform diagram of a lamp current, FIG. 4B is a current waveform diagram of a switching element, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a gate waveform diagram of the element.

5A and 5B are diagrams showing the relationship between the lamp current and the drive timing of the switching element, wherein FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the lamp current waveform, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the gate waveform of the switching element. FIG.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing a relationship between a light emission waveform and a lamp current, wherein FIG. 6A is a light emission waveform diagram, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the lamp current waveform.

FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram of a lighting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a development view of an envelope and external electrodes of the rare gas discharge lamp shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a development view of an envelope and external electrodes according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an expanded view of an envelope and external electrodes showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a relationship between a rare gas charging pressure and a starting voltage.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a flicker and a document surface illuminance with respect to a rare gas sealing pressure.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a rare gas discharge lamp according to the prior art.

FIG. 18 is a development view of a sheet structure according to the prior art.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining a method for manufacturing a rare gas discharge lamp according to the prior art.

FIG. 21 is an electric circuit diagram of a lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp according to the prior art.

FIG. 22 is a view showing the relationship between the temperature and the volume resistivity of various glass members.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1A envelope 2 light emitting layer 2a aperture 3 sheet structure 4,4A translucent sheet (insulating member) 5,6 external electrode 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b side edge (end) 5A , 6A, 6B, 6C Deformed portion 7 First opening 8 Second opening 12, 13 Protection tube (insulating member) 20 Drive circuit 30 Current detection circuit (resistance) 40 AC-DC conversion circuit 50 Level setting Circuit L, DL Rare gas discharge lamp HA, HB High frequency voltage generation circuit TRA Oscillation transformer TRa Primary coil TRc Secondary coil QA Switching element CA Capacitor

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A light-emitting layer is formed on an inner surface of an envelope made of a glass member containing no lead, and a pair of band-shaped external electrodes made of a metal member are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the envelope. Arranged separately from each other so that the first and second openings are formed over the entire length, and the rare gas is sealed in the inner space of the envelope so that the pressure is in the range of 83 to 200 Torr. And a high-frequency voltage generating circuit for outputting a pulsed high-frequency voltage. The rare-gas discharge lamp is connected to a pair of external electrodes on the output side of the high-frequency voltage generating circuit. A lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp, wherein the lighting device is connected so that a voltage is applied. 2. A light-emitting layer is formed on the inner surface of an envelope made of a glass member that does not contain lead, and a pair of band-shaped external electrodes made of a metal member is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope. Arranged separately from each other so that the first and second openings are formed over the entire length, and the rare gas is sealed in the inner space of the envelope so that the pressure is in the range of 83 to 200 Torr. A high-frequency voltage that includes a switching element and a capacitor on the input side of the oscillation transformer, and generates a pulsed high-frequency voltage on the output side of the oscillation transformer based on the switching operation of the switching element by applying a drive signal. A voltage generating circuit, wherein the rare gas discharge lamp is connected to an output side of the high frequency voltage generating circuit so that a pulsed high frequency voltage is applied to a pair of external electrodes, and a lighting state of the rare gas discharge lamp Smell A lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp, characterized in that the switching element is turned on within a rebound period in which the direction of the lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp is reversed in each of the repetition periods. 3. A straight tubular envelope which is made of a lead-free glass member, has a light emitting layer formed on the inner surface, and has a rare gas sealed in the inner space so as to have a pressure of 83 to 200 torr. And a pair of band-shaped external electrodes made of a metal member formed on one surface of a translucent sheet having a length substantially equal to the entire length of the envelope, and first and second openings formed therein. And a sheet structure in which an adhesive layer is formed on the translucent sheet surface on the side where the external electrodes are located, and a sheet is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope. A rare gas discharge lamp formed by winding a structure such that an external electrode is positioned between an envelope and a translucent sheet; a switching element and a capacitor on an input side of an oscillation transformer; Pulse on the output side of the oscillation transformer based on the switching operation of the switching element A high-frequency voltage generating circuit that generates a high-frequency voltage of the rare gas discharge lamp is connected to an output side of the high-frequency voltage generating circuit so that a pulsed high-frequency voltage is applied to a pair of external electrodes, and The rare gas discharge lamp is characterized in that the switching element is turned on during a rebound period in which the direction of the lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp is reversed in each of the repetition cycles in the lighting state of the rare gas discharge lamp. Lighting device. 4. The rare gas discharge lamp according to claim 1, wherein light emitted from the light-emitting layer is mainly emitted to the outside from the first opening, and a pair of external electrodes forming the first opening are provided. Each side edge is formed in a straight shape, and a deformed portion is formed at or near the side edge of at least one of the pair of external electrodes forming the second opening. The lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp according to claim 1, wherein: 5. In the rare gas discharge lamp, a translucent insulating member is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope so as to cover the external electrode, and the insulating member is formed of a translucent sheet or The lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting device comprises a protective tube made of a heat-shrinkable resin. 6. The rare gas discharge lamp, wherein the envelope is:
The softening point is higher than that of lead glass, the volume resistivity at 150 ° C. is 1 × 10 ⁹ Ωcm or more, and the glass member is made of a lead-free glass member. Lighting device for rare gas discharge lamps. 7. An aperture in which a light emitting layer is not formed is formed in an inner surface portion of an envelope corresponding to a first opening formed by the pair of external electrodes. The lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 8. The high-frequency voltage generating circuit includes an oscillation transformer having primary and secondary coils, a switching element connected in series to the primary coil of the oscillation transformer, and a series circuit of the primary coil and the switching element of the oscillation transformer. It has a capacitor connected in parallel and a drive circuit for applying a drive signal to the switching element, and generates a pulsed high-frequency voltage in the secondary coil of the oscillation transformer based on the switching operation of the switching element by the application of the drive signal. 4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
A lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp according to claim 1. 9. A light-emitting layer is formed on the inner surface of an envelope made of a glass member that does not contain lead, and a pair of band-shaped external electrodes made of a metal member is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope. Arranged separately from each other so as to form the first and second openings over the entire length, and sealed the rare gas into the inner space of the envelope so that the pressure is in the range of 83 to 200 torr. A switching element and a capacitor on the input side of the oscillation transformer, and generates a pulsed high-frequency voltage on the output side of the oscillation transformer based on the switching operation of the switching element by applying a drive signal; A high-frequency voltage generating circuit having a rare gas discharge lamp connected to a pair of external electrodes so that a high-frequency voltage is applied to an output side thereof; a current detecting circuit for detecting a lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp; Machine A driving circuit for applying a driving signal to the switching element, and detecting a lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp with a current detection circuit in a lighting state of the rare gas discharge lamp. The switching element is switched from the driving circuit to the switching element based on the current during the rebound period in which the direction of the lamp current flowing through the rare gas discharge lamp is reversed in each one of the repetition cycles so that the lamp current is substantially constant. A lighting device for a rare gas discharge lamp, wherein a driving signal for turning on is provided.