KR100921404B1 - External electrode fluorescent lamp assembly and lamp apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an external electrode fluorescent lamp and an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly having an auxiliary lamp, and a lighting device using the same, comprising: a main lamp having an extended light emitting area; And at least one auxiliary lamp communicating with the main lamp and having an electrode formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof to induce plasma discharge in the main lamp. In addition, the present invention provides an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly having a socket having a structure that ensures the light emitting area of the external electrode fluorescent lamp to the maximum, and is integrally assembled with the lamp to facilitate lamp replacement. In addition, the present invention provides a luminaire with improved safety and appearance by preventing the wires for applying power to the lamp from being exposed to the outside.

External electrode fluorescent lamp, main lamp, auxiliary lamp, lighting fixture, socket

Description

EXTERNAL ELECTRODE FLUORESCENT LAMP ASSEMBLY AND LAMP APPARATUS USING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to an external electrode fluorescent lamp and an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly having an auxiliary lamp that maximizes the efficiency and life of the lamp by expanding the light emitting area of the lamp and ensuring the degree of freedom of the external electrode design, and a lamp device using the same. will be.

Unlike ordinary fluorescent lamps, External Electrode Fluorescent Lamps (EEFLs) emit light by inducing plasma discharge in the lamp by an electric field applied to the electrode outside the lamp and applied to this electrode (hereinafter referred to as "external electrode"). Give out

The core of the EEFL is that the lamp glass under the external electrode acts as a dielectric, and as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of lamps can be driven in parallel due to the same effect as connecting capacitors C1 and C2 across the lamp R1. It is necessary to increase the length of the external electrode in order to increase the capacitance value.

However, in the conventional EEFL, as shown in Fig. 2, the form of forming the external electrode (E) at both ends of the lamp (L) of the straight tube structure is the mainstream, the length of the external electrode (E) is the lamp length and the lamp light emission In most cases, a certain length is determined by the limitation of the area regardless of the lamp characteristics.

The area occupied by the external electrode is one of the most important factors in determining the characteristics of the efficiency, lifespan, and quantity of light of the EEFL. Therefore, if the length of the external electrode is determined by the mechanical specifications of the device such as employing the EEFL, the optimized lamp characteristics are determined. It cannot be exerted, and as a result, the disadvantage of using a lamp of low efficiency and low reliability is inevitable.

In order to overcome these disadvantages, only the shape of the external electrode portion or a lamp such as a double tube structure has been reported, but it does not suggest a fundamental solution of the above disadvantages.

The present invention has been made to solve these conventional problems, the object of the present invention,

First, to provide an external electrode fluorescent lamp to maximize the efficiency and life of the lamp by expanding the light emitting area of the lamp and at the same time securing the degree of freedom of external electrode design,

Second, it provides an external electrode fluorescent lamp that can express light of various colors for each section by securing a light emitting area of the lamp,

Third, to provide an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly having a socket of the structure that can apply power to the lamp without covering the light emitting area of the lamp,

Fourth, to provide an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly that is integrated with the lamp and provided with a socket of the structure that is replaced with the lamp when the lamp is replaced, improving the convenience and safety of lamp replacement,

Fifth, to provide an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly having a structure that completely seals the external electrode to minimize lamp failure and safety accidents caused by the ingress of external foreign matters,

Sixth, the present invention provides a lighting device that improves safety and appearance by preventing wirings for applying power to a lamp from being exposed to the outside.

These objects can be achieved by the following configuration of the present invention.

(1) a main lamp in which the light emitting area is extended;

And at least one auxiliary lamp communicating with the main lamp and having an electrode formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof to induce plasma discharge in the main lamp.

(2) an external electrode fluorescent lamp according to (1) above;

And a socket having a socket electrode electrically connected to an electrode formed on the auxiliary lamp, and an insulating case accommodating the socket electrode so that the main lamp is exposed to the outside.

(3) at least one external electrode fluorescent lamp according to (1);

A plurality of sockets including a socket electrode electrically connected to an electrode formed on an auxiliary lamp of the external electrode fluorescent lamp, and an insulating case accommodating the socket electrode to expose the main lamp to the outside;

A plurality of socket supports respectively detachably coupled to the plurality of sockets;

And an inverter for supplying power to the plurality of sockets.

According to the invention,

First, the emission area of the main lamp is secured, and the length, area, position, and shape of the external electrode can be changed only by changing the auxiliary lamp irrespective of the main lamp. As a result, an optimum high efficiency and long life design are possible in the external electrode fluorescent lamp. In particular, when the auxiliary lamp is manufactured separately from the main lamp, the capacitance value can be greatly improved by differentiating the material, diameter, tube thickness, and shape of the auxiliary lamp from the main lamp. Accordingly, the operating voltage for driving the lamp can also be greatly reduced.

Secondly, the light emitting area of the main lamp is expanded, so that it is possible to manufacture a high-quality lamp having no non-light emitting area in appearance.

Third, when the external electrode fluorescent lamp of the present invention is applied to the backlight for LCD, if the external electrode is formed on both the auxiliary lamp and the main lamp to prevent the front exposure of the external electrode formed on the auxiliary lamp, and adjust the length of the external electrode As a result, the light emitting area of the main lamp is extended compared to the existing lamp.

Fourth, in the case where a plurality of auxiliary lamps are connected to the main lamps, independent power is applied to each of the auxiliary lamps, and thus the light emission length of the lamps can be freely adjusted, and thus, the auxiliary lamps can be used as indicators indicating the volume, temperature, and the like. Furthermore, when different phosphors are applied to the inner wall of the main lamp for each section between the plurality of auxiliary lamps, various colors can be produced. In this case, by adjusting the voltage and current applied to each auxiliary lamp, the brightness and intensity of each section can be adjusted, and a diffuser or the like can be installed on the lamp to implement various mixed colors.

Fifth, since the main lamp which serves as light emission and the auxiliary lamp having the external electrode are formed separately, a socket may be formed to surround only the auxiliary lamp so as not to cover the light emitting area of the main lamp.

Sixth, the socket and the lamp are integrally assembled to improve convenience and safety of lamp replacement.

Seventh, the socket completely seals the external electrode, thereby minimizing lamp defects and safety accidents caused by intrusion of external foreign matter.

Eighth, since the power connection between the external electrode fluorescent lamp is made at the back of the frame of the light fixture and the exposure of the power cable is prevented, the appearance of the light fixture is improved and safety accidents are prevented, and the power cable is drawn out in the length direction of the lamp. Compared to the case, it is excellent in terms of space utilization.

The present invention introduces the concept of the main lamp and the auxiliary lamp to maximize the characteristics of the lamp, so that the relationship between the length of the external electrode and the lamp emitting region in the external electrode fluorescent lamp can be independent from the dependent relationship. Provide a way to do it.

Referring to FIG. 3, the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a main lamp 110 and an auxiliary lamp 120.

As shown in FIG. 3, since the main lamp 110 emits light, an external electrode is not formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main lamp 110, so that the lamp light emitting area is extended compared to the existing lamp.

In addition, the auxiliary lamp 120 communicates with the main lamp 110 and an external electrode 121 is formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof to induce plasma discharge in the main lamp 110. The external electrode 121 is formed only in part or the entirety of the auxiliary lamp 120, so that the entire main lamp 110 may be used as a lamp emitting region.

In the present embodiment, two auxiliary lamps 120 are connected to each of both ends of the main lamp 120 in the form of "U". In another embodiment, the auxiliary lamp 120 may be connected to only one end of the main lamp 110, and an external electrode may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main lamp 110 at the other end to induce plasma discharge (not shown). Not). In addition, a plurality of auxiliary lamps may be further disposed between the auxiliary lamps 120 connected to both ends of the main lamp 120 (see FIG. 6). That is, the present invention does not limit the number, position, shape of the auxiliary lamps, and the state of connection with the main lamps.

As described above, in the present invention, the auxiliary lamp 120 is used to extend only the length of the main lamp 110 and to increase the length of the external electrode 121 when the lamp light emitting area needs to be extended. By increasing only the length of the lamp 120 it is possible to ensure the optimum external electrode length in any mechanical constraints.

As a method for manufacturing the lamp 100 as shown in FIG. 3, a method of making a lamp by applying heat to a straight lamp and bending the main lamp 110 and the auxiliary lamp 120 and then manufacturing the main lamp ( There is a method of heating and melting one point of 110 and the corresponding point of the auxiliary lamp 120 corresponding thereto and communicating by gas pressure. As in the latter case, when the auxiliary lamp 120 is manufactured separately and attached to the main lamp 110, the auxiliary lamp 120 may be treated as one component, and thus, the lamp may be manufactured in advance in various materials and shapes. It may be a more effective method in terms of ease of design and mass production.

That is, in the external electrode fluorescent lamp, since the lamp glass under the external electrode functions as a dielectric, factors influencing capacitance such as material, diameter, tube thickness, and shape of the auxiliary lamp 120 are different from those of the main lamp 110. Can be freely changed to maximize the characteristics of the external electrode fluorescent lamp. For example, the glass tube of the auxiliary lamp 120 is preferably made of a material having a higher dielectric constant than that of the glass tube of the main lamp 110.

In addition, the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100 of the present invention may further include at least one support member (reference numeral 150 in FIG. 8A) between the main lamp 110 of the straight tube and the auxiliary lamp 120 formed in parallel thereto. . One surface of the support member is attached to the main lamp 110 using an adhesive or the like, and the other surface is attached to the auxiliary lamp 120 using an adhesive or the like, so that the main lamp 110 and the auxiliary lamp ( 120) prevents breakage of the liver connection site.

4 and 5 show the external electrode formation when the lamp emitting region is shorter than the length of the lamp. When a part of the lamp cannot be used to emit light, such as a backlight for an LCD, the lamp can be used more efficiently when all the areas outside the lamp emitting area are secured to the external electrode area.

According to FIG. 4, only a part of the external electrodes are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main lamp 110a, so that the lamp light emitting area is extended compared to the existing lamp. In addition, since the external electrode 111a formed on the main lamp 110a and the external electrode 121a formed on the auxiliary lamp 120a are connected to each other, only the external electrode 121a formed on the auxiliary lamp 120a is a socket. It is enough to apply power in combination with the electrode. In this case, the shape and material of the auxiliary lamp 120a may be varied, and a part of the main lamp 110a may be used together as an external electrode region to design a lamp having a shape most suitable for each application.

Referring to FIG. 5, the length of the external electrode 111b formed in the main lamp 110b is the same as the length of the external electrode 121b formed in the auxiliary lamp. When the lamp of the present invention is applied to an LCD backlight, the external electrode 111b formed on the main lamp and the external electrode 121b formed on the auxiliary lamp enter both the inside of the apparatus and are formed on the auxiliary lamp. This is to prevent the external electrode 121b from being exposed to the front surface.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, when connecting a plurality of auxiliary lamps (120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-4) to the main lamp 110, it is possible to produce a variety of using one lamp do. According to FIG. 6, auxiliary lamps 120-1 and 120-4 are connected to one end of each of the main lamps 110, and at least one of the auxiliary lamps 120-1 and 120-4 is connected between them. Auxiliary lamps, two auxiliary lamps 120-2 and 120-3, are arranged in this embodiment. When the independent power is selectively applied to each of the plurality of auxiliary lamps 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, and 120-4, the light emission length of the lamp can be freely adjusted, so that the indicator indicating the volume, temperature, etc. ( indicator).

Furthermore, when different phosphors are applied to the inner wall of the main lamp 110 at intervals between the plurality of auxiliary lamps 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, and 120-4, the production of various colors may occur. It is possible. For example, among the inner walls of the main lamp 110, red (R) in the section between the auxiliary lamp 120-1 and 120-2, green (G) in the section between the auxiliary lamp 120-2 and 120-3, 120- In the interval between 3 and 120-4, a phosphor emitting blue light (B) may be applied. In this case, by adjusting the voltage and current applied to each of the auxiliary lamps 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, and 120-4, the brightness and intensity of each section can be adjusted, and a diffuser (shown on the lamp) is shown. Can be installed to achieve a variety of mixed colors.

Next, a method of manufacturing the external electrode fluorescent lamp of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7P.

As described above, there is a method of bending a part of the lamp to form an auxiliary lamp, and a method of separately attaching the main lamp and the auxiliary lamp and then attaching the two lamps. However, this invention is not limited to the following manufacturing method and procedure.

First, prepare the main lamp. To this end, the glass tube 11 with both ends open is prepared and cleaned (FIG. 7A), and then the phosphor 12 is applied to the inner wall of the glass tube 11 (FIG. 7B). Then, one end of the glass tube 11 is sealed using a torch (FIG. 7C).

Next, prepare two auxiliary lamps. To this end, the glass tube 21 with both ends open is prepared and cleaned (FIG. 7D), and then the phosphor 22 is applied to the inner wall of the glass tube 21 (FIG. 7E). Then, one end of the glass tube 21 is sealed using a torch (FIG. 7F).

Next, the first auxiliary lamp 20 is connected to one side of the main lamp 10. To this end, each connecting portion 13, 23 of the main lamp and the first auxiliary lamp 10, 20 is heated with a torch (FIG. 7G). Then, after removing the torch and narrowing the distance between the main lamp 10 and the first auxiliary lamp 20, air or nitrogen (respectively) into the main lamp and the first auxiliary lamp 10, 20, respectively ( When N ₂ ) is injected (FIG. 7H), the first communication portion 30 is formed while the connecting portions 13 and 23 are blown off by gas pressure (FIG. 7I). Then, the other end of the main lamp 10 is sealed using a torch (FIG. 7J).

Next, the second auxiliary lamp 40 is connected to the other side of the main lamp 10. To this end, each connecting portion 14, 44 of the main lamp and the second auxiliary lamp 10, 40 is heated with a torch (FIG. 7K). Then, the torch is removed and the distance between the main lamp 10 and the second auxiliary lamp 40 is reduced, and then air or nitrogen, respectively, into the first and second auxiliary lamps 20 and 40 ( When N ₂ ) is injected (FIG. 7L), the second communication portion 50 is formed while the connecting portions 14 and 44 are blown out by the gas pressure (FIG. 7M). Then, the other end of the first auxiliary lamp 10 is sealed using a torch (FIG. 7N). Then, through the other end of the second auxiliary lamp 40, the gas in the lamp is evacuated to a vacuum state, and mercury (Hg) is injected (FIG. 7o), and finally, of the second auxiliary lamp 40 The other end is sealed with a torch (FIG. 7P).

When the external electrode is formed only on the auxiliary lamp as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the external electrode may be formed on the auxiliary lamp at any time after the process shown in FIG. 7D, preferably the process shown in FIG. 7F, among the above lamp manufacturing processes. Can be.

Meanwhile, an embodiment of an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly in which the external electrode fluorescent lamp obtained as described above is combined with a socket is illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8C.

8A to 8C, the external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100 and the socket 200. Here, the socket 200 is a socket electrode 210 electrically connected to the external electrode 121 formed in the auxiliary lamp 120 of the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100, and the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100 The main lamp 110 is provided with an insulating case 220 for receiving the socket electrode 210 to be exposed to the outside.

According to the present invention, the auxiliary lamp 120 in which the main lamp 100 and the external electrode 121 are formed to emit light is formed separately, and the insulation case 220 surrounds only the auxiliary lamp 120. It may be formed so as to cover the light emitting area of the main lamp (100). In addition, the socket 200 and the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100 are integrally assembled to improve convenience and safety of lamp replacement. In addition, the insulating case 220 may completely seal the external electrode 121, thereby minimizing lamp defects and safety accidents caused by intrusion of external foreign matter.

Continuing the drawing, the main lamp 110 is located above the insulating case 220, and a part of the socket electrode 210 protrudes below the insulating case 220 so that an external inverter (not shown) And a power input terminal 211 that transfers power received from the external electrode 121 to the external electrode 121. As the power input terminal 211 is drawn out below the insulation case 220, as will be described later, the power connection between the lamps and the power connection between the lamp and the inverter are made at the back of the frame of the device, and the power connection line is exposed. This can be prevented.

9A and 9B illustrate an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Although the power input terminal 211 is drawn out below the insulating case 220 in the above-described embodiment, the conductive magnet 230a is used in place of the power input terminal in this embodiment. The conductive magnet 230a is coupled to the socket electrode 210a and one surface of the conductive magnet 230a is exposed to the outside of the insulating case 220a. Other points are the same as the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

As such, when the conductive magnet 230a is used, as shown in FIG. 9B, there is no protrusion on the exterior of the product after the socket coupling, which is advantageous for packaging and distribution, and the magnet plays a mechanical coupling role by magnetic force with an electrical contact. As a result, there is no need for an additional device for fixing the lamp, which can greatly improve user convenience.

Next, a light fixture using the external electrode fluorescent lamp obtained above will be described.

10 and 11, a lamp device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one external electrode fluorescent lamp 100, a plurality of sockets 200, a plurality of socket supports 300, and the plurality of lamp fixtures. It includes a inverter (not shown) for supplying power to the socket.

The socket 200 includes a socket electrode 210 electrically connected to an external electrode 121 formed on the auxiliary lamp 120 of the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100, and a main lamp of the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100. The insulating case 220 is provided to accommodate the socket electrode 210 so that the 110 is exposed to the outside.

In addition, the socket support 300 is coupled to the socket 200 to be detachable. Accordingly, by replacing the assembly of the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100 and the socket 200 at the time of lamp replacement, thereby improving the convenience and safety of lamp replacement.

Referring to FIG. 10, three external electrode fluorescent lamps 100 are arranged side by side, and a plate 400 is installed between the main lamps 110 and the plurality of socket support members 300 of the external electrode fluorescent lamps. have. Here, the plate 400 may be a reflective plate coated with a material that reflects light well thereon.

According to the present invention, the parallel connection between the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100 and the connection between the external electrode fluorescent lamp 100 and the inverter (not shown) are made at the rear surface of the plate 400 to supply power. Since the exposure of the connection line is prevented, the appearance of the back fixture is improved, safety accidents are prevented, and the space utilization is superior to the case where the power supply line is drawn out in the longitudinal direction of the lamp.

12A to 12C illustrate another embodiment of the lighting fixture according to the present invention, which describes a method of connecting and fixing a power supply between a socket having a conductive magnet and a socket support as in FIGS. 9A to 9C described above. . Since the coupling degree of this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 11, illustration is abbreviate | omitted.

In this embodiment, the socket support 300 and the socket electrode of the socket 200 are coupled through a conductive magnet. The conductive magnet may be formed only in the socket support 300, may be formed only in the socket 200, or may be formed in both the socket support 300 and the socket 200. In the case where the conductive magnet is formed only on one side, the conductive member which can be combined with the conductive magnet is used for the other side.

12B and 12C, the socket support 300 includes a metallic terminal 310 coupled to the conductive magnet by a magnetic force, and a conductive connecting pin coupled to the metallic terminal 310 and drawn out in different directions. 320 and an insulating housing 330 accommodating the metallic terminal 310 and the conductive connecting pin 320 so that one surface of the metallic terminal 310 and each end of the conductive connecting pin 320 are exposed. It is done by

In this case, the metallic terminal 310 is directly coupled to the conductive magnet included in the socket to achieve electrical connection and mechanical coupling at the same time. In addition, the number of external electrode fluorescent lamps for parallel driving may be extended through the conductive connecting pins 320.

In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated examples, which are merely examples, and the present invention may be embodied in various modifications and other embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in the art. Understand that you can.

1 is a circuit diagram of an external electrode fluorescent lamp.

2 is a front view of a conventional straight external electrode fluorescent lamp.

3 is a front view of an external electrode fluorescent lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5 are front views of the external electrode fluorescent lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention, respectively, showing the external electrode formation when the lamp emitting region is shorter than the length of the lamp.

6 is a front view of an external electrode fluorescent lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7A to 7P illustrate an example of a method of manufacturing an external electrode fluorescent lamp according to the present invention.

8A to 8C illustrate an embodiment of an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly according to another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view, FIG. 8B is a combined perspective view, and FIG. 8C is a combined perspective view from below.

9A and 9B illustrate an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view and FIG. 9B is a combined perspective view from below.

10 and 11 are exploded and combined perspective views of a back fixture according to another aspect of the present invention, respectively.

12A is a perspective view showing a coupling between an external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly and a socket support used in a lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 12B and 12C are exploded perspective views and a combination perspective view of the socket support shown in FIG. 12A.

Claims (18)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete An external electrode fluorescent lamp comprising a main lamp having an extended light emitting area and at least one auxiliary lamp communicating with the main lamp and having an electrode on the outer circumferential surface thereof for inducing plasma discharge in the main lamp; And a socket having a socket electrode electrically connected to an electrode formed on the auxiliary lamp, and an insulating case accommodating the socket electrode so that the main lamp is exposed to the outside. The external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly of claim 9, wherein the main lamp is positioned above the insulating case, and a part of the socket electrodes protrudes below the insulating case. The method of claim 9, wherein the main lamp is located above the insulating case, The socket is external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly, characterized in that it further comprises a conductive magnet coupled to the socket electrode and one surface is exposed to the outside toward the lower side of the insulating case. An external electrode fluorescent lamp comprising a main lamp having an extended light emitting area and at least one auxiliary lamp communicating with the main lamp and having an electrode on the outer circumferential surface thereof for inducing plasma discharge in the main lamp; A plurality of sockets including a socket electrode electrically connected to an electrode formed on an auxiliary lamp of the external electrode fluorescent lamp, and an insulating case accommodating the socket electrode to expose the main lamp to the outside; A plurality of socket supports respectively detachably coupled to the plurality of sockets; And an inverter for supplying power to the plurality of sockets. 13. The luminaire of claim 12, wherein the socket support and the socket electrode of the socket are coupled via a conductive magnet. The method of claim 13, wherein the socket support is a metallic terminal coupled to the conductive magnet by a magnetic force, a conductive connecting pin coupled to the metallic terminal and drawn in different directions, one surface of the metallic terminal and the conductive connecting pin And an insulating housing accommodating the metallic terminal and the conductive connecting pin such that each end of the substrate is exposed. The method of claim 12, wherein the external electrode fluorescent lamps are arranged at least two side by side, a plate is provided between the main lamps of the external electrode fluorescent lamps and the plurality of socket support, And the parallel connection between the external electrode fluorescent lamps and the connection between the external electrode fluorescent lamps and the inverter are made on the rear surface of the plate. The external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly of claim 9, wherein the glass tube of the auxiliary lamp is made of a material having a higher dielectric constant than that of the glass tube of the main lamp. 10. The external electrode fluorescent lamp of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary lamps are connected one by one to both ends of the main lamp, and at least one auxiliary lamp is disposed between two auxiliary lamps respectively connected to both ends of the main lamp. Assembly. 18. The external electrode fluorescent lamp assembly of claim 17, wherein a phosphor for emitting visible light of different colors is applied to the inner wall of the main lamp for each section between two neighboring auxiliary lamps.

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