JP2001052655A - Discharge vessel, electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp, electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device and lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An object of the present invention is to adjust the amount of tin halide contained in an airtight container during lighting.
By determining the optimum range in correlation with the cold zone temperature
The start-up performance is not deteriorated,
Disappearance is hard to occur, and arc efficiency and electric characteristics
Electrodeless metal halide discharge lamps
Suitable discharge vessel, electrodeless metal halide discharge using this
Lamps, electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting devices and
And lighting equipment. A light-emitting metal halide is contained in an airtight container.
The temperature of the coldest part of the airtight container being turned on is 650-950 ° C.
In the range of 0.01 per 1 cc of the inner volume of the airtight container.
2e ^0.005A(Μmol) or less of tin halide
For example, SnI₂Was sealed in an airtight container. Tin halide
The total vapor pressure of metal halides increased,
The probability of the existence of ions in the enclosing metal alone is reduced,
nI₂Absorbs the free halogen to form SnI₄Oxidize to
Therefore, free halogen is removed. Excess tin halide
Arc efficiency and electrical characteristics are reduced because it is not enclosed in
Less is.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a discharge vessel containing a metal halide suitable for an electrodeless discharge lamp, an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp using the same, an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device, and a lighting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The vapor of sodium halide such as NaI separates into Na and I during high-temperature discharge, but recombines when returning to the vicinity of the tube wall due to convection.
become. However, a very small portion thereof reaches the tube wall as Na without being recombined, and diffuses and disappears in the quartz glass constituting the discharge vessel, so that I remains in the discharge vessel and becomes free halogen. . Such a phenomenon also occurs in lithium halide.

[0003] ScI ₃ and DyI ₃ also generate free halogens, but the cause of the generation is not detailed.

[0004] Free halogen is likely to occur in electrodeless discharge lamps. It is considered that the reason is that an extremely strong electric field acts on the discharge vessel, so that metal ions are attracted.

[0005] When free halogen is present in the discharge vessel, since the free halogen has a strong electron-adsorbing property, the starting property is reduced, and the arc is shaken and the arc is extinguished.

[0006] The decrease in startability occurs because the vapor pressure of free halogen shows a sufficiently high value to lower the startability even when the lamp temperature is about room temperature at the start. When mercury is sealed in an airtight container, halogen iodine reacts with mercury to generate HgI. Since HgI has a low vapor pressure, when mercury is sealed in an airtight container, the startability is not a problem. However, HgI completely evaporates during lighting, so that the problems of arc swing and arc extinguishing remain.

[0007] In order to compensate for the deterioration of the starting performance, a high-voltage insulation breakdown voltage generator is required, so that reliability, cost and size are inferior.

On the other hand, the present inventors have previously disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-138144 the unit internal volume 1c of an airtight container.
An invention which solves the above problem by enclosing 1.4 (μmol) or less of tin halide per c is disclosed. The addition of tin halide e.g. SnI _2, increases total vapor pressure of the metal halide, the existence probability of the other encapsulating elemental metal neutral atom or ion of the tube wall near reduced. Also,
Since SnI ₂ absorbs I ₂ of free halogen and is oxidized to SnI ₄ or the like, free halogen can be removed.

[0009]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the relationship between the temperature of the coldest part of the hermetically sealed container during lighting and the amount of sealing has not been determined. For example, the amount of tin oxide to be filled is more than the minimum amount capable of suppressing free halogen during a lifetime of tens of thousands of hours or more. As a result, it has been found that the arc efficiency and the electrical characteristics are reduced, the reliability is reduced, and the efficiency of the circuit power supply unit is reduced. That is, the Q value of the induction coil increases in the inductive coupling type lighting, and the reflected wave ratio (SWR) to the incident wave increases and the power loss due to the resonant cavity occurs in the microwave resonant cavity type lighting.

According to the investigation by the present inventor, there is a correlation between the temperature of the coldest part of the hermetically sealed container and the rate of generation of free halogens. The generation of free halogens increases as the temperature of the coldest part increases. It was found to be promoted. For example, in experiments, increasing the temperature by about 30 ° C. tripled the rate of free halogen generation. This is considered to be due to an increase in the reactivity between the quartz glass and the enclosure due to an increase in the temperature, and an increase in the reaction amount (free halogen generation amount) due to an increase in the metal halide vapor pressure.

From the above, it was found that the required amount of tin was different depending on the temperature of the coldest part of the hermetic container. As a result of further experiments, the present invention was achieved.

According to the present invention, the amount of tin halide charged is determined to be in an optimum range in correlation with the temperature of the coldest part of the hermetically sealed container during lighting, so that startability is not reduced, and arc swing and arc extinguishing do not occur. Disclosed is a discharge vessel suitable for an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp, which is less likely to be generated and has little decrease in arc efficiency and electric characteristics, an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp using the same, an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device, and a lighting device. With the goal.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a discharge vessel comprising: a fire-resistant, radiation-transmissive hermetic vessel; a light-emitting metal halide sealed in a light-tight hermetic vessel; Is in the range of 650 <A <950, and 0.012 per cc of unit volume of the hermetic container.
e The amount of ^{0.005 A} (μmol) or less is characterized by comprising: a ^tin halide sealed in an airtight container; and a buffer gas sealed in an airtight container.

In the present invention and each of the following inventions, definitions and technical meanings of terms are as follows unless otherwise specified.

<Regarding the Airtight Container> The fireproof container is required to be fireproof as long as it can withstand the normal operating temperature of the discharge container.

The term "radiation transmissive" means that radiation generated by discharge can be led out. Substantially the entire hermetic container does not need to be able to derive radiation, as long as it can derive radiation from a desired portion.

As a material having fire resistance and radiation transmission properties, quartz glass, translucent alumina, translucent ceramics such as YAG, and single crystals thereof can be used. However, the generation of free halogen is particularly remarkable in an airtight container using quartz glass, and quartz glass is preferably used because quartz glass is relatively easy to process and relatively inexpensive. As quartz glass, fused quartz and synthetic quartz can be used.

The shape of the airtight container can be made optimal depending on the electric energy supply means used.

When an induction coil is used as the electric energy supply means, the induction coil becomes the primary coil of the transformer, and a discharge arc is formed around the magnetic flux generated from the induction coil and penetrating through the airtight container. The discharge arc has a ring shape. Since the discharge arc acts as a single-turn secondary coil, the airtight container has a substantially elliptical spherical shape.
Or it is generally spherical. With such a shape, it is optimal for the discharge vessel containing the discharge arc to be substantially isothermal. Here, the substantially elliptical spherical shape includes an elliptical spherical shape, and further includes a shape similar to the elliptical spherical shape. Similarly, a substantially spherical shape is a spherical shape and a similar shape.

On the other hand, in the case of capacitive coupling, since the filling of the discharge vessel is interposed as a dielectric between a pair of electrodes arranged substantially in parallel, it is preferable that the airtight vessel has a flat shape. General.

Further, if necessary, an airtight tubing for starting, that is, a starting tubule can be integrally formed in the airtight container. A starting gas is sealed at a relatively low pressure inside the starting tube. Then, at the time of starting, a starting voltage is applied to the starting thin tube, firstly, the starting gas is caused to undergo dielectric breakdown and plasma discharge is performed, and then a high voltage is applied to the buffer gas in the hermetic container, This can be started by causing a dielectric breakdown of this to generate a plasma discharge.

Further, the discharge vessel can be supported at a predetermined position by using the starting thin tube.

Further, the discharge vessel can be suspended in an envelope surrounding them by using a starting thin tube. In this case, the envelope can mechanically protect the discharge vessel.

Next, when the discharge vessel is housed in the resonance cavity and the discharge vessel is lit by supplying microwave energy, the arc becomes spherical or elliptical spherical. It is better to make it elliptical spherical.

Further, in order to fix the airtight container at a predetermined position near the resonance point in the resonance cavity, a rod-shaped support can be attached to the airtight container.

<Regarding the Light-Emitting Metal Halide> The light-emitting metal is selected arbitrarily and singly or in combination from all the metals known as the light-emitting metal of the metal halide discharge lamp according to the desired radiation and its arc efficiency. Can be used. For example, sodium Na,
Scandium Sc, neodymium Nd, thallium Tl, indium In, dysprosium Dy, cesium Cs, or the like can be used.

Halogen is iodine I, bromine Br, chlorine C
One or more of l and fluorine F are acceptable.

Examples of the combination of the luminescent metal halide to be encapsulated include ScI ₃ -NaI and NaI-TlI-I.
_{nI, DyI 3 -NdI 3 -CsI,} NdI 3 -NaI
Is useful. In addition, the amount of each halide is, for example, 0.1 ml per 1 cc of the inner volume of the airtight container.
About 2 to 5 mg is recommended.

<Regarding Tin Halide> The amount of tin halide enclosed in an airtight container is specified as described above, and there is no limitation on the method of encapsulation in a discharge container. That is, in addition to enclosing in a hermetic container in the form of tin halide, it is possible to enclose tin alone and halogen separately. As a result, it suffices that tin and halogen are sealed in the airtight container in a stoichiometric amount and in a specified amount. However, it is preferred to encapsulate as tin halide, which makes production easier.

The halogen may be any one or more of iodine I, bromine Br, chlorine Cl and fluorine F as in the case of the luminescent metal. However, tin iodide SnI2 is excellent from the viewpoint of easy handling of tin halide.

As described above, the maximum amount of tin halide charged is determined according to the temperature of the coldest part of the airtight container.

Further, tin halides include divalent and tetravalent compounds, and divalent halides are more effective. However, tetravalent halides are also included in the present invention since they have a certain effect.

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the maximum filling amount of tin iodide with respect to the temperature of the coldest part in the discharge vessel of the present invention.

In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the coldest part temperature (° C.),
The vertical axis indicates the amount of tin iodide enclosed (μmol / cc).

In the discharge vessel of the present invention, the temperature A of the coldest part of the hermetically sealed vessel used during lighting is in the range of 650 to 950 ° C., and the maximum amount of tin halide, for example, tin iodide SnI ₂ , is set to 0.012e ^0.005A (μmol
/ Cc), which is shown in FIG. 1 as a calculated value.

The maximum filling amount with respect to the coldest part temperature, which changes by 50 ° C., is exemplified below.

Coldest part temperature (° C.) Maximum encapsulation amount (μmol / cc) 650 0.309484 700 0.397385 750 0.510253 800 0.655178 850 0.841265 900 1.080206 950 1.3870711 Tin halide 0.012e ^0.005A (μmo
l), the following problems occur.

(1) The arc efficiency decreases.

That is, when the tin halide is excessively encapsulated, energy is consumed in the emission of tin having a low luminous efficiency, so that the arc efficiency is reduced as a whole.

(2) Electric characteristics are degraded.

That is, since tin halide has a higher vapor pressure than halides of other light emitting metals, the discharge contracts and the discharge impedance increases.

For this reason, in the case of the inductively coupled lighting, the degree of coupling between the induction coil and the discharge ring is reduced. Therefore, the loss of the induction coil increases, and the sharpness of the resonance of the resonance circuit including the induction coil, that is, the Q value increases, so that the reliability of the circuit decreases.

In the case of the resonance cavity type lighting using microwave electric energy having a frequency of 700 MHz or more,
Since the degree of coupling with the discharge of the resonant cavity is reduced, the reflected wave ratio (SWR), which is the ratio of the reflected wave to the incident wave, increases,
The power loss due to the resonant cavity increases, and the discharge characteristics change due to the resonant cavity and the sensitivity to the position of the discharge vessel increase, so it is not possible to cope with slight changes in the characteristics and position during the service life. This leads to a decrease in sex.

<Regarding Buffer Gas> As the buffer gas, one or a plurality of types selected from a rare gas group consisting of argon, krypton, and xenon can be used.

The buffer gas has a filling pressure of 5 kP.
By setting the range of a to 80 kPa, it is possible to prevent the startability and the lamp efficiency from being impaired. That is, if the sealing pressure is less than 5 KPa, there is no problem in the startability, but the lamp efficiency becomes too low, and
If it exceeds, the lamp efficiency is good, but the startability deteriorates. Therefore, the above-mentioned pressure range is suitable for the buffer gas.

<Regarding Mercury> In the present invention, the presence or absence of mercury does not essentially matter. If the discharge vessel is lit using radio frequency electrical energy, essentially no mercury is allowed to be enclosed. Here, "essentially no mercury is enclosed" is as follows. Even if mercury is present in the discharge vessel, it generally means less than 1 mg per 1 cc of the internal volume of the discharge vessel. Further, it is preferably less than 0.3 mg, more preferably less than 0.2 mg. That is, in an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp, mercury vapor as a buffer gas is essentially unnecessary.

On the other hand, in the case of resonance cavity lighting using microwave electric energy, mercury is generally filled.

<Regarding the operation of the present invention> By defining the amount of tin halide enclosed as described above in relation to the temperature of the coldest part of the airtight container, the temperature of any coldest part within the allowable range is determined. Since the optimum filling amount can be sealed, the tin halide is not excessively sealed, and the reduction in arc efficiency is so small that it does not actually cause a problem, and the electric characteristics do not deteriorate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the discharge vessel according to the first aspect, wherein the ^tin halide ^contains 0.00005e ^{0.005 A} (μ) per 1 cc of unit volume of the hermetic vessel.
mol) or more.

In the present invention, the lower limit of the amount of tin halide to be filled which provides a favorable effect is defined.

The minimum amount of tin halide to be charged is optimized according to the temperature of the coldest part of the hermetic container as described above. 50 ℃
The minimum filling amount with respect to the temperature of the coldest part that changes each time is exemplified below.

Coldest part temperature (° C) Minimum encapsulation amount (μmol / cc) 650 0.00129 700 0.001656 750 0.002126 800 0.00273 850 0.003505 900 0.004501 950 0.005779 Tin tin halide 0.00005e ^0.005A (μ
mol), it is difficult to obtain the desired effects of eliminating the problems of reduced startability, arc shaking and arc extinguishing due to free halogen.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp comprising: a discharge vessel according to the first or second aspect; and microwave electric energy having a frequency of 70 MHz or more is supplied to an enclosure in the discharge vessel to emit a light-emitting arc. Electrical energy supply means having a resonant cavity to be generated.

The resonance cavity of the electric energy supply means has at least a portion formed with a light transmitting portion for extracting radiation generated from the discharge vessel to the outside, and the microwave transmits from the light transmitting portion to the outside. Care must be taken to prevent leakage. A relatively easy configuration for this is to form the resonant cavity with a mesh structure with a mesh that does not leak microwaves.

A magnetron can be used to generate microwaves. The magnetron may be directly connected to the resonant cavity or a waveguide may be interposed between them.

The discharge vessel is disposed near the resonance point in the resonance cavity. If necessary, a support can be formed integrally with the discharge vessel in order to support the discharge vessel at a predetermined position.

Further, in order to cool the discharge vessel, a forced cooling device for sending cooling air into the resonance cavity can be used, or a rotating mechanism for rotating the discharge vessel can be incorporated. When the discharge vessel is rotated by the rotating mechanism, the discharge vessel is cooled, and the heat distribution can be made uniform even if the discharge is unevenly generated inside the discharge vessel.

Thus, according to the present invention, the frequency 700
In a microwave resonant cavity system in which a discharge vessel is electrodeless-discharged by microwave electric energy of MHz or more, a specified amount of tin halide is sealed, so that the arc efficiency and electric power due to the excessive sealing of tin halide are increased. It is possible to obtain an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp that is unlikely to cause deterioration in characteristics.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp comprising: a discharge vessel according to the first or second aspect; and electric energy supply means comprising an induction coil for supplying radio frequency electric energy to the discharge vessel. It is characterized by doing.

The present invention specifies an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp using an inductively coupled electric energy supply means. Here, the radio frequency is 0.1 to 300 M
Hz range.

Thus, according to the present invention, in the inductive coupling system in which the discharge vessel is subjected to electrodeless discharge by radio frequency electric energy using the induction coil, the tin halide is supplied according to the temperature of the coldest part of the hermetic vessel. Since the tin halide is sealed in a specified amount, an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp can be obtained which is unlikely to cause a decrease in arc efficiency and electrical characteristics due to excessive tin halide sealing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device comprising: the metal halide discharge lamp according to the third or fourth aspect; and a power supply device for outputting electric energy to electric energy supply means. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, a lighting device includes an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp and a power supply device.

Thus, according to the present invention, the incorporation of tin halide eliminates the problem of reduced startability due to free halogens, shaking of the arc, and extinguishing of the arc. Since the tin halide is sealed in a specified amount, it is possible to obtain an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device in which the arc efficiency and the electrical characteristics are not significantly reduced due to excessive tin halide.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting device, comprising: a lighting device main body; and the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp according to the third or fourth aspect disposed on the lighting device main body. .

The present invention is applicable to various uses in which an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp such as various lighting fixtures and various ultraviolet irradiation devices is used as a radiation source and the radiation is used for a predetermined purpose.

Various lighting fixtures are difficult to maintain for indoor use, such as ceiling light fixtures and wall light fixtures, and outdoor use for road lighting fixtures, tunnel lighting fixtures, landscape lighting fixtures, especially for bridge lighting and building lighting. It can be applied to lighting fixtures and the like installed in various places.

The various ultraviolet irradiation devices can be applied to an ultraviolet curing device, an ultraviolet exposure device, an ultraviolet sterilizing device, an ultraviolet ashing device, and the like.

Thus, according to the present invention, a lighting device provided with an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp in which the problem caused by free halogen is eliminated and the arc efficiency and electric characteristics are not easily reduced by excessive tin halide. be able to.

[0070]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of the discharge vessel and the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp of the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is a discharge vessel, 2 is an induction coil, 3 is a starting external electrode, and 4 is an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp.

The electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp 4 comprises a discharge vessel 1, an induction coil 2 and a starting external electrode 3.

The discharge vessel 1 is made of fused silica glass.
An airtight container 1a having a substantially elliptical sphere and a starting thin tube 1b integrally formed at the center of the upper surface of the airtight container 1a are provided.

The hermetic container 1a has an outer diameter of about 29 mm, and a discharge medium comprising a luminescent metal halide, tin halide and a buffer gas is enclosed therein to constitute a discharge container. In the present embodiment, the airtight container 1a is turned on so that the temperature of the coldest part becomes 770 ° C. Note that the coldest part is formed at a position facing the starting thin tube 1b on the lower surface of the hermetic container 1a when the lighting is performed with the starting external electrode 1b facing upward.

As the halide of the luminescent metal, scandium iodide ScI3 and sodium iodide NaI were used in an amount of 0.2 to 5 mg per cc of the inner volume of the hermetic container.
Is enclosed.

As a tin halide, 0.4 μmol of SnI ₂ was sealed per 1 cc of the inner volume of the airtight container.

As a buffer gas, xenon was sealed at 33 kPa at room temperature.

The starting thin tube 1b contains argon inside.
7 kPa was enclosed.

The induction coil 2 is formed by winding a flat aluminum plate for two turns, and the plate surface is aligned in parallel with the radiation direction so as to prevent radiation as much as possible. Note that the induction coil 2 of the present embodiment constitutes an electric energy supply unit 1b in an inductive coupling system.

The starting external electrode 3 is fixed to a neck portion 1b1 formed at the tip of the starting thin tube 1b.

In the drawing, A conceptually shows an arc, which is formed in a ring shape concentric with the induction coil 2.

Thus, when the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp 3 of this embodiment is turned on for 20,000 hours, no free halogen is generated. The lamp efficiency was reduced by about 10% and the resonance sharpness (Q value) was increased by about 20% as compared with that of the comparative example having the same specifications except that SnI ₂ was not encapsulated. is there.

In the following, when tin iodide is sealed in the same manner as in the first embodiment of the discharge vessel and the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp of the present invention, the Q value of the induction coil and the loss , Terminal voltage and change in arc efficiency will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a relative change in the Q value of the induction coil with respect to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged.

In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulated (μmol / cc), and the vertical axis indicates the relative induction coil Q value (%).

[0087] As apparent from FIG, Q value of the relative induction coil in the amount of encapsulated iodine tin SnI ₂ is approximately 0.5 (μmol / cc) of about or is proportional to the amount of enclosed iodine tin SnI ₂ Has a tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulation amount of 1.4 (μmo
1 / cc).

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a relative change in the loss of the induction coil with respect to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged.

In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulated (μmol / cc), and the vertical axis represents the relative induction coil loss (%).

[0090] As apparent from the figure, the relative induction coil loss in the amount of encapsulated iodine tin SnI ₂ is approximately 0.5 (μmol / cc) of about above, is proportional to the amount of enclosed iodine tin SnI _2, When the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ is 1.4 (μmol
/ Cc) It can be understood that the loss is relatively small and practical in the range below.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the change in the terminal voltage of the induction coil relative to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged.

In the figure, the horizontal axis shows the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ sealed (μmol / cc), and the vertical axis shows the relative induction coil terminal voltage (%).

As is apparent from the figure, when the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulated is about 0.5 (μmol / cc) or more, the relative induction coil loss is proportional to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulated. When the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ is 1.4 (μmol
/ Cc) It can be understood that the terminal voltage of the induction coil is relatively low in the range below and is practical.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the change in arc efficiency relative to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged.

In the figure, the horizontal axis shows the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulated (μmol / cc), and the vertical axis shows the relative arc efficiency (%).

As is clear from the figure, when the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged is 1.4 (μmol / cc) or less, the arc efficiency is remarkably improved, so that the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged is 1. It can be understood that the arc efficiency can be kept high in the range of 4 (μmol / cc) or less, which is practical.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a change in arc efficiency with respect to the amount of tin contained in the second embodiment of the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp of the present invention.

In the figure, the horizontal axis is 1 m of the enclosed halide.
The enclosed amount of Sn alone (mol) per ol and the vertical axis indicates the relative arc efficiency (%).

As is clear from the figure, the enclosed halide 1
The amount (mol) of Sn alone per mol (mol) is inversely proportional to the arc efficiency, and the amount of enclosed halide 1 (mo)
It shows that sufficient practical arc efficiency can be obtained when the amount of Sn alone enclosed per 1) is 0.4 (mol) or less.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that tin halide SnI2 is separately sealed with tin alone and a chemical equivalent of iodine is separately enclosed.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual sectional view showing a third embodiment of the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp of the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is a discharge vessel, 5 is a resonance cavity, and 6 is a waveguide.

The discharge vessel 1 is composed of an airtight vessel 1a and a support 1c.

The hermetic container 1a is formed by molding quartz glass into an elliptical sphere.

The support 1c comprises a tube which is glass-welded at the center of the airtight container 1a.

Other structures of the discharge vessel 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Is the same as

The resonance cavity 5 is formed using a metal network structure, and has a microwave introduction port 5a in a part.

The waveguide 6 has a proximal end connected to a magnetron (not shown) and a distal end provided with an opening 6a for microwave injection. The opening 6 a is joined to the microwave introduction port 5 a of the resonance cavity 5.

Thus, the discharge vessel 1 and the resonance cavity 5
Constitutes an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp 7. The discharge vessel 1 is suspended and supported by the support 1c near the resonance point of the resonance cavity 5. The microwave generated by the magnetron passes through the waveguide 6, passes through the opening 6 a and the microwave inlet 5 a, is guided into the resonance cavity 5, and resonates. Since the discharge vessel 1 is disposed in the vicinity of the resonance point, the discharge medium in the discharge vessel 1 discharges and emits light due to the resonance of the microwave, and the light emission is emitted from the mesh portion of the resonance cavity 5 to the outside. . The arc of the discharge due to the resonance of the microwave has a spherical shape.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relative change in the reflected wave rate with respect to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulated.

In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulated (μmol / cc), and the vertical axis represents the relative reflectance (%).
Are respectively shown.

As is clear from the figure, tin iodide SnI ₂
Is about 0.5 (μmol / cc) or more, the reflectance is proportional to the quantity of tin iodide SnI ₂ .
4 (μmo / cc) or less is practical.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a relative change in the radio wave efficiency with respect to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged.

In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ encapsulated (μmol / cc), and the vertical axis represents the relative radio efficiency (%).
Are respectively shown.

As is apparent from the figure, tin iodide SnI ₂
Is 1.4 (μmo / cc) or less, it is practical because a high radio wave efficiency can be obtained.

The change in arc efficiency with respect to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged was almost the same as that in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a power supply in the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention.

11 is a DC power supply, 12 is an inverter device,
13 is a lighting circuit.

The DC power supply 11 can be obtained by rectifying an AC power supply, or can be obtained from a battery or the like.

The inverter device 12 has the DC power supply 11 connected to the input terminal, and the lighting circuit 13 connected to the radio frequency output terminal.

The circuit configuration of the inverter device 12 is as follows.
For example, a half-bridge type inverter circuit in which a pair of switching means 12a and 12b are connected in series is used. Each of the switching means 12a and 12b is turned on and off alternately by a drive circuit 12c, and 13.56 MHz is output to the output terminal. Output radio frequency.

The switching means 12a and 12b use field effect transistors which exhibit excellent switching characteristics even in the radio frequency range. The capacitor 12d connected in series to the output terminal is for impedance matching on the inverter device side.

The lighting circuit 13 comprises a lighting main circuit 13a and a starting circuit 13b.

The lighting main circuit 13a is composed of an impedance matching capacitor 13a1 connected in parallel between the input terminals and an induction coil 2 serving as electric energy supply means connected in parallel with the capacitor 13a1.

The starting circuit 13b is connected in parallel with the lighting main circuit 13a, and comprises a series circuit of a capacitor 13b1, a parallel resonance circuit 13b2 and a switch 13b3.

The parallel resonance circuit 13b2 includes an inductor L,
The capacitor C and the resistor R are connected in parallel, and the resonance voltage of the parallel resonance circuit 13b2 is applied to the starting tube 1b formed integrally with the discharge vessel 1 via the starting external electrode 3. The resistor R is connected to the parallel resonance circuit 13
The starting voltage is adjusted to a desired value by controlling the Q of b2.

In order to turn on the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp 4 composed of the discharge vessel 1, the induction coil 2 and the starting external electrode 3, the switch 13b3 of the starting circuit 13b is first closed. Then, the parallel resonance circuit 13b
Since 2 causes parallel resonance, a high voltage is generated at both ends. This high voltage is applied to the starting electrode 3 fixed outside the starting capillary 1b.

The noble gas in the starting thin tube 1b is broken down by the high voltage applied from the starting external electrode 3, and first, plasma discharge is started. When the gas in the starting tube 1b is plasma-discharged, the starting tube 1b and the induction coil 2 are discharged.
, A high voltage is applied to the discharge vessel 1 located between the discharge vessel 1 and the discharge medium in the discharge vessel 1 and the plasma discharge starts. In this state, a radio frequency current flows through the induction coil 2 to generate a magnetic flux. Since the magnetic flux penetrates the plasma in the discharge vessel 1, a secondary current flows in the plasma around the magnetic flux. As a result, the arc A is generated in a ring shape around the magnetic flux, and the characteristic spectrum of the luminescent metal is emitted from the arc A.

The radiation taken out from the discharge vessel 1 can be controlled for light and used for illumination, if desired.

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway side view showing a road lighting apparatus as a lighting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lighting device body.

In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. 21 is Paul,
22 is a lighting device main body.

The pole 21 has its base end upright from the road surface.

The lighting device body 22 is mounted on the tip of the pole 21 and houses the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp 4 at a predetermined position inside.

The lighting device main body 22 includes a housing 22a,
Translucent glove 22b, lower cover 22c, reflector 22
d, a first box 22e and a second box 22f.

The housing 22a has an inverted boat bottom shape.

The translucent globe 22b is formed by molding translucent glass, and covers the main part of the lower surface of the housing 22a.

The lower cover 22c is made of a transparent glove 22.
b and covers the remaining portion of the lower surface of the housing 22a.

The reflection plate 22d is housed inside the housing 22a and faces the translucent globe 22b.

The electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp 4 is disposed near the focal point of the reflector 22d.

The first box 22e houses the impedance matching capacitor 13a1 in FIG. 11 and supports the induction coil 2 by supporting its terminal 2a.

The second box 22f houses the starting circuit 13b in FIG. 11 and supports the discharge vessel 1 at a predetermined position by supporting the starting thin tube 1b.

Therefore, as can be understood from the above description, the inverter device 12 in FIG. 11 is housed in a place separated from the lighting device main body 22, for example, in the lower end of the pole 21, or provided separately from the power supply box ( (Not shown).

FIG. 14 is a conceptual sectional view showing an ultraviolet irradiation device as a second embodiment of the illumination device of the present invention.

In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Further, 31 is a magnetron, 32 is a forced cooling device, 33 is a reflector, and 34 is a translucent lower cover.

The magnetron 31 is arranged so that the generated microwave is transmitted from the base end of the waveguide 6.

The forced cooling device 32 has a fan (not shown) provided therein, and is configured to send a cooling airflow into the waveguide 6.

The reflecting plate 33 is formed by being squeezed deeply and has a light projecting opening 33a on the lower surface.
The electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp 7 using the resonant cavity shown in FIG. 8 is housed. Then, the discharge vessel 1 is located near the focal point of the reflection plate 33.

The light-transmitting lower cover 34 is made of an ultraviolet-transmitting material such as quartz glass, for example, and covers the light projecting opening 33 a on the lower surface of the reflection plate 33.

[0150]

According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the coldest part of the hermetically sealed container during lighting is in the range of 650 to 950 ° C., and 0.012e per 1 cc of the unit internal volume of the hermetic container.
^{0. 005A} (μmol / c) or less of tin halide is sealed in the hermetic container, so that the startability is good, arc shaking and arc extinguish hardly occur, and the temperature of the coldest part during lighting In this case, since the tin halide is not excessively encapsulated, it is possible to provide a discharge vessel suitable for an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp in which the reduction in arc efficiency and electric characteristics due to the excessive tin halide is small.

[0151] According to the invention of claim 2, added 0.00005E ^0.00 a tin halide and ^{5A (μmol} / c)
By enclosing the above amount, it is possible to provide a discharge vessel which has solved the problems of reduced starting performance due to free halogen due to tin halide encapsulation, shaking of the arc and extinguishing of the arc.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the frequency 700M
Hz or more of microwave electric energy is supplied to an enclosure in a discharge vessel in which tin halide is not excessively enclosed by using an electric energy supply means having a resonance cavity. Solves the problem of free halogen in the wave resonance cavity method,
Since the tin halide is not excessively encapsulated, it is possible to provide an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp with less decrease in arc efficiency and electric characteristics.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the radio frequency electric energy is supplied to the enclosure in the discharge vessel in which the tin halide is not excessively supplied by using the induction coil. In addition, since the problem of free halogen is eliminated in the inductive coupling method and the tin halide is not excessively sealed, an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp with less decrease in arc efficiency and electric characteristics can be provided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there can be provided an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device having the effects of the first and second aspects.

According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to provide a lighting device having the effects of claims 1 and 2.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the maximum amount of tin iodide charged against the temperature of the coldest part in the discharge vessel of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of a discharge vessel and an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a change in the Q value of an induction coil relative to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a change in induction coil loss relative to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged;

FIG. 5 is a graph showing a change in the terminal voltage of the induction coil relative to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged;

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the change in arc efficiency relative to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged;

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a change in arc efficiency with respect to an amount of tin contained in the second embodiment of the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual sectional view showing a third embodiment of the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing a relative change in the reflected wave ratio with respect to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged;

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a change in radio efficiency with respect to the amount of tin iodide SnI ₂ charged;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a power supply in the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway side view showing a road lighting device as a first embodiment of the lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual enlarged cross-sectional view showing the same illumination device body.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual cross-sectional view illustrating an ultraviolet irradiation device as a second embodiment of the illumination device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Discharge container 1a ... Airtight container 1b ... Starting thin tube 1b1 ... Neck part 2 ... Induction coil 3 ... External electrode for starting 4 ... Electrode-free metal halide discharge lamp A ... Arc

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Katsutomo Uchino 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Toshiba Litec Corporation F-term (reference) 3K072 AA17 BA03 GA02 GB12 GC04 HB03 5C039 NN04 NN09 PP01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A hermetic container which is refractory and radiatively transmissive; a halide of a luminescent metal enclosed in the hermetic container; and a temperature A (° C.) of the coldest portion of the hermetic container during lighting is 650 <A < 95
0, which is in the range of 0.1 / cc of unit volume of the airtight container.
012e A ^discharge vessel comprising: a ^tin halide sealed in an airtight container in an amount of ^{0.005 A} (μmol) or less; and a buffer gas sealed in the airtight container. 2. The tin halide has a unit volume 1c of an airtight container.
The discharge vessel according to claim 1, wherein an amount of 0.00005e ^0.005A (μmol) or more per c is enclosed. 3. A discharge vessel according to claim 1, further comprising: a means for supplying microwave electric energy having a frequency of 700 MHz or more to an enclosure in the discharge vessel to generate a light-emitting arc, and an electric energy supply means. And an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp. 4. An electrodeless metal halide comprising: a discharge vessel according to claim 1; and electric energy supply means comprising an induction coil for supplying radio frequency electric energy to the discharge vessel. Discharge lamp. 5. An electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp lighting device, comprising: the metal halide discharge lamp according to claim 3; and a power supply device for outputting electric energy to an electric energy supply means. 6. A lighting device comprising: a lighting device main body; and the electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp according to claim 3 disposed in the lighting device main body.