JP2001057178A - Fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps and lighting devices - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a fluorescent lamp, a bulb-shaped trend lamp, and a lighting device in which the rise of the luminous flux in the initial stage of lighting is improved. SOLUTION: The invention of the fluorescent lamp includes a glass bulb 4 in which a discharge medium containing amalgam and a rare gas exhibiting a mercury vapor pressure close to that of pure mercury is enclosed; discharge generating means for generating a discharge in the glass bulb 4; A phosphor layer 10 comprising phosphor particles and a binder, wherein the phosphor of the phosphor layer 10 has a reduced amount of alumina, that is, a combination of alumina and boric acid, Zirconia, a combination of zirconia and boric acid, or phosphor layer 10
A negatively charged metal oxide or inorganic compound 10b is attached to the surfaces of the phosphor particles 10a forming the particles. Further, the invention of the lighting device is one in which the above-described fluorescent lamp is mounted on a corresponding lighting fixture.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fluorescent lamp in which amalgam is sealed, a bulb-type fluorescent lamp, and a lighting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Fluorescent lamps are used in a wide range of fields, such as general lighting, light sources for office automation equipment, and backlights for liquid crystal displays, because they can efficiently convert supplied electric power into visible light radiation. . In recent years, light sources have been reduced in size and performance in response to downsizing of equipment to be used.

[0003] When a fluorescent lamp is used as such a light source, it is necessary to prevent / improve a decrease in luminous flux maintenance rate, prevent / improve the phenomenon of blackening at an early stage, and improve luminous flux rising characteristics immediately after lighting. Is done. By the way, in a fluorescent lamp, when a phosphor layer is formed on the inner wall surface (inner surface) of a glass bulb forming an arc tube, generally, at least 2% by weight of γ-alumina is used as a binder relative to the phosphor. As an additive.

On the other hand, in response to the high load of fluorescent lamps,
It is also known to encapsulate amalgam such as a bismuth-indium-mercury alloy in a glass bulb in order to appropriately control the mercury vapor pressure in the glass bulb or to reduce the amount of mercury used as an environmental measure. . That is,
When controlling the mercury vapor pressure, even if the temperature inside the glass bulb becomes high due to high-load lighting, the mercury vapor pressure of the amalgam is low, so that the mercury vapor pressure is controlled to be efficient.

As described above, in the case of a fluorescent lamp in which amalgam is sealed, an efficient mercury vapor pressure can be maintained during lighting even if the temperature becomes high, but immediately after lighting, the temperature in the bulb rises immediately. However, depending on the characteristics of the amalgam, the amalgam is in a low state, and there is an inconvenience that the rising of the light beam is poor.

In addition, when amalgam for quantitative encapsulation such as a zinc-mercury alloy is sealed in order to reduce the amount of mercury used, there is no surplus mercury in the bulb. In some cases, the mercury vapor pressure may not diffuse early after lighting. In addition, if the amalgam for quantitative encapsulation is left in a warehouse or the like for a long time after the lamp is manufactured, or is used in an environment where the light is turned off for a long time, mercury is gradually adsorbed during the light-off period. ,
The rise of the luminous flux immediately after lighting may be poor.

[0007] As measures for improving this, (a) disposing an auxiliary amalgam near the electrode (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-3017),
(b) It has been proposed to mix amalgam in the phosphor layer (JP-A-8-31374).

[0008]

However, in the case of (a) in which the auxiliary amalgam is provided, the mercury released from the auxiliary amalgam heated by the electrode located at the end of the glass bulb after the start of lighting is reduced to glass. In some cases, it takes time to diffuse all over the valve, and the improvement has not been sufficiently achieved. On the other hand, amalgam was mixed in the phosphor layer
In the case of (b), it is considered that the improvement is recognized depending on the choice of amalgam. However, there is a problem that the luminous flux is reduced by mixing a non-luminescent substance into the phosphor layer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a fluorescent lamp for improving the rise of a luminous flux immediately after lighting is provided.
An object of the present invention is to provide a compact fluorescent lamp and a lighting device.

[0010]

A first aspect of the present invention provides a glass bulb in which a discharge medium containing amalgam and a rare gas exhibiting a mercury vapor pressure lower than that of pure mercury is enclosed; and a discharge is generated in the glass bulb. A discharge generating means; and a phosphor layer formed on the inner surface of a glass bulb including phosphor particles and a binder mainly composed of alumina in an amount of 0.5 to 1.5% by weight based on the phosphor particles. A fluorescent lamp characterized in that:

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fluorescent lamp according to the first aspect, the alumina in the binder has a BET value of 20 m ² / g or more.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fluorescent lamp according to the first or second aspect, alumina in the binder is α.
-Characterized by having alumina as a main component and a primary particle diameter of 50 nm or less.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fluorescent lamp according to any one of the first to third aspects, the binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of lanthanum and boric acid with respect to the phosphor particles by 0.1 to 0.1%. It is characterized by containing 10.0% by weight.

[0014] In the invention of claims 1 to 4,
Alumina serving as a binder for the phosphor layer is selected in a range of 0.5 to 1.5% by weight based on the phosphor particles. The reason is,
If the amount is less than 0.5% by weight, the binding force to the glass bulb is insufficient, and if it exceeds 1.5% by weight, the rising properties tend to be impaired.

According to these inventions, if the amount of alumina used as a binder for the phosphor layer is limited to a certain range, the binding force of the phosphor layer to the glass bulb surface can be sufficiently achieved. In the initial lighting of the fluorescent lamp, it has been found that it exhibits good luminous flux rising characteristics,
This has led to the present invention.

That is, when the amount of alumina used for the binder of the phosphor layer is suppressed within a certain range, the mercury in the discharge space of the fluorescent lamp at the time of startup caused by the mercury vapor pressure of amalgam is temporarily reduced. It turns out that the shortage condition is resolved.

That is, as a binder for the phosphor layer,
When γ-alumina is used in an amount exceeding 2% by weight with respect to the phosphor particles, mercury released from the amalgam is adsorbed on γ-alumina, so it takes time for the mercury vapor to diffuse into the discharge space. And a temporary shortage of mercury is thought to occur. Although the reason why γ-alumina adsorbs mercury well is not clearly understood, γ-alumina easily generates a large amount of hydroxyl groups (−0H groups), and as a result, after the formation of a fluorescent lamp, It is considered that a large amount of hydroxyl groups remain in the bulb of the fluorescent lamp. In the initial operation of this fluorescent lamp, positive ions of mercury (Hg
^{When +} ) diffuses into the bulb wall of the fluorescent lamp by ambipolar diffusion, it is considered that a phenomenon occurs in which the hydroxyl groups are captured and positive ions of mercury cannot return to mercury (Hg).

Here, the solution of the temporary shortage of mercury in the discharge space of the fluorescent lamp is affected by the surface area or the adsorptivity (porosity) of the alumina particles functioning as a binder of the phosphor layer. in 20 m ² / g (the upper limit is not particularly limited, it is generally 200 meters ² / g approximately, preferably 50 m ²
/ g) or more, the improvement of the luminous flux rising characteristic is as follows.
It is further encouraged.

Further, it has been found that the binding force of alumina depends on the particle size of the primary particles of alumina, and preferably the average particle size of the primary particles should be 50 nm or less, more preferably 20 nm or less. In addition, alumina is γ-alumina, α-alumina
Alumina or a mixture of these may be used, but it is preferable that α-alumina is 50% or more.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a glass bulb in which a discharge medium containing amalgam and a rare gas exhibiting a mercury vapor pressure lower than that of pure mercury is sealed; discharge generating means for generating a discharge in the glass bulb; Particles and 0.5 to 3.0% by weight of alumina based on the phosphor particles, 0.1 to 5.0%
% By weight of Lantania and / or 0.1-5.0% by weight
And a phosphor layer formed on the inner surface of a glass bulb comprising a binder containing boric acid.

The invention of claim 5 is based on the following knowledge. That is, when using alumina as a binder for the phosphor layer, lanthanum, and at least one oxide of boron are used together within a predetermined range, the binding force of the phosphor layer to the glass bulb surface, etc.,
On the other hand, it has been found that in the initial lighting of the fluorescent lamp, a good luminous flux rising characteristic is exhibited,
This has led to the present invention. The invention of claim 6 provides a glass bulb in which a discharge medium containing amalgam and a rare gas exhibiting a mercury vapor pressure lower than that of pure mercury is enclosed; discharge generating means for generating a discharge in the glass bulb; A phosphor layer formed on the inner surface of a glass bulb comprising a binder containing zirconia.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the fluorescent lamp according to the sixth aspect, wherein the content of zirconia is 0.2 to 2.0% by weight based on the phosphor particles.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fluorescent lamp according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the binder is a mixed system of zirconia and boric acid, and the content of boric acid is 0.5 to the phosphor particles. % By weight.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the fluorescent lamp according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the zirconia in the binder has a BET value of at least 20 m ² / g and a primary particle diameter of at least 20 m ² / g. It is characterized by being less than 50 nm.

[0025] These inventions have been made based on the following findings. In other words, when zirconia is used as a binder for the phosphor layer, while sufficiently fulfilling the binding force of the phosphor layer to the glass bulb surface,
The present inventors have found that a good luminous flux rising characteristic is exhibited at the initial lighting of the fluorescent lamp, and have reached the present invention.

Here, zirconia contained in the phosphor layer as a binder has a small amount of hydroxyl groups, so it is difficult to adsorb mercury, and the zirconia in the discharge space of the fluorescent lamp at the time of start-up caused by the mercury vapor characteristics of amalgam. It is considered that the temporary shortage of mercury can be easily resolved. Note that the surface area or the adsorptivity (porosity) of the zirconia particles also influences the ease of the temporary shortage of mercury, and the improvement of the light flux rising characteristics is further promoted.

In the invention of claims 6 to 9, zirconia serving as a binder for the phosphor layer is added to the phosphor particles.
Generally, the average particle size of the primary particles is about 50 nm or less, or the surface area is a BET value of 20 m ² / g or more and 0.1%.
To about 10.0% by weight, preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 0.2 to 2% by weight. If the amount of the binder exceeds 10.0% by weight, luminous properties are liable to be impaired due to influence of non-luminous components such as zirconia.

The binder may be zirconia alone, but when used in combination with boric acid (mixed system), it is advantageous in improving and improving the binding power and rising properties of the phosphor layer. here,
The amount of boric acid used together is 0.5% by weight or less, preferably 0.3% by weight or less based on the phosphor particles, and the amount is selected to be smaller than the amount of zirconia. When using boric acid in combination, it is preferable to add and mix it as a H ₃ BO ₃ solution in the phosphor coating, and further, calcium oxide may be used in combination.

In the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the phosphor used is usually used in a fluorescent lamp, and the surface of the phosphor particles or the phosphor layer is
It is desirable to process in advance. That is, the phosphor is coated (glazed) with fine particles of crystalline calcium phosphate, lanthanum, alumina, zirconia or the like in an amount equivalent to 0.1 to 3% by weight, or 0.1 to 5% by weight.
When coated with a considerable amount of boric acid with a purity of 99.5% or more,
The adsorption of mercury on the surface of the phosphor layer is suppressed, and the improvement of the luminous flux rising characteristics is promoted. Here, the crystallinity means a peak value obtained by X-ray diffraction.

Note that crystalline calcium phosphate, lanthanum, alumina, zirconia fine particles, or boric acid having a purity of 99.5% or more used for surface treatment of these phosphors may be used (combined) as a binder for the phosphor. it can.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the fluorescent lamp according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the glass bulb has at least one bent portion. That is, in the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the glass bulb is formed of a glass material used for a fluorescent lamp (low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp), and has a straight tube shape, a ring shape, and a U shape. A well-known configuration such as a W-shape can be applied. Amalgam has a mercury vapor pressure lower than that of pure mercury. For example, bismuth-tin-mercury (Bi-Sn-H
g), for controlling mercury vapor pressure such as bismuth-indium-mercury (Bi-In-Hg), and zinc-mercury (Zn-Hg)
It is for so-called mercury metering.

In the case of a fluorescent lamp having at least one bent portion, a tube inner diameter of 12 mm or less, and a discharge path length of 200 mm or more, mercury vapor hardly diffuses into the glass bulb.
The problem of the temporary shortage of mercury in the initial stage of lighting, in other words, the problem of the luminous flux rising characteristics is emphasized.

Here, at the time of initial lighting (at the time of manufacture) of the fluorescent lamp, the amalgam is enclosed and arranged in a small tube provided in a glass bulb. In this case, the amalgam exhibiting a mercury vapor pressure lower than that of pure mercury is arranged in a region other than the discharge space of the fluorescent lamp bulb, and is in a state not interposed in a so-called discharge space (discharge region). However, the amalgam may be, for example, encapsulated movably in a glass bulb and may be in a form that exists in the discharge space.

The problem of the luminous flux rising characteristic is classified into, for example, re-lighting after 5 minutes from turning off the light or re-lighting after about 3 months (retained in the warehouse after production). And
In this category, at the time when a short time has elapsed after turning off the light, the use of the auxiliary amalgam provides an effect of improving the luminous flux rising characteristics. You.

That is, immediately after the lamp is turned off, most of the mercury diffused into the glass bulb when the lamp is turned on is absorbed by the main amalgam, and the auxiliary amalgam absorbs mercury supplementarily in the absorption process. The mercury moves from the main amalgam to the auxiliary amalgam having a low mercury vapor pressure after equilibrating the mercury vapor pressure between the main amalgam and the auxiliary amalgam, so the mercury diffusion effect of the auxiliary amalgam appears remarkably. become.

At present, the fluorescent lamp is extinguished and stored for a long time after manufacture until it is used by consumers. One of the problems to be solved by the present invention is also a problem to be solved by the present invention that the light flux rising characteristics after the storage is kept. By using the auxiliary amalgam and the binder according to the present invention together, the rising characteristics can be improved.

In the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, the discharge generating means for generating a discharge in the gas filled in the glass bulb is generally opposed to both ends of the glass bulb forming the positive column discharge path. Although a pair of electrodes are sealed by sealing, a structure in which at least one electrode is arranged outside the glass bulb may be used.

Further, if necessary, the inner surface of the glass bulb may be provided with a coloring resistance to prevent the glass bulb from being colored due to the reaction between the glass and the mercury due to ultraviolet rays, to prevent the luminous flux from being reduced, and to reduce the strength of the glass bulb. The protective layer may be used as a base of the phosphor layer, and a protective layer having a thickness of about 0.05 to 10 μm may be interposed.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent lamp according to the tenth aspect, a cover provided with a base for holding the fluorescent lamp, and a lighting device for lighting the fluorescent lamp housed in the cover. A light bulb-type fluorescent lamp comprising:

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the bulb-type fluorescent lamp according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the amalgam has a characteristic that a mercury vapor pressure at 25 ° C. is 0.2 Pa or less, and the fluorescent lamp has a glass bulb at an ambient temperature of 25 ° C. Lights at a temperature of 100 ° C or higher.

Here, the mercury vapor pressure at 25 ° C. means the mercury vapor pressure when the amalgam temperature is 25 ° C. As the amalgam exhibiting this mercury vapor pressure characteristic, for example, bismuth-lead-mercury (Bi- Pb-Hg), bismuth-indium-mercury (Bi-In-Hg) and the like. The temperature of the glass bulb is the temperature of the normally lit glass bulb when the ambient temperature is 25 ° C., regardless of the presence or absence of gloves. Furthermore, since the fluorescent lamp in which amalgam having a property that the mercury vapor pressure at 25 ° C. is 0.1 Pa or less is sealed, since the mercury vapor pressure is lower, the temporary shortage of mercury is remarkable, and the mercury diffusion takes time. The rising properties tend to be poor, but can be improved by using the above binder.

When the glass bulb is turned on at a temperature of 100 ° C. or higher, the phosphor layer also becomes hot, so that the mercury adsorbed at the time of rising is easily desorbed during lighting, and the amount absorbed by the amalgam as it is after the light is turned off. Since the amount is large, the amount of mercury remaining in the phosphor layer becomes small. Therefore, the glass bulb
If the lamp is turned on again at a temperature of 100 ° C or higher, the phosphor layer in which only a small amount of mercury remains will try to adsorb a large amount of mercury again, and it will take time for the mercury diffusion. It is improved by using an agent.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention,
11. A lighting device, comprising: the fluorescent lamp according to any one of 11; a fixture main body for holding the fluorescent lamp; and a lighting device for lighting a fluorescent lamp housed in the fixture main body. is there.

According to the invention of claim 13, the lighting fixture corresponds to the fluorescent lamp according to any one of the above-mentioned claims 1 to 11, and can be generally used according to the standard, shape, size, application, and the like of the fluorescent lamp. You can choose from lighting fixtures that are commonly used.

According to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the amount of α- and γ-alumina serving as a binder for the phosphor layer is greatly reduced. In other words, the amount of hydroxyl groups of the alumina that captures the positive ions of mercury generated by the discharge in the early stage of the lighting of the fluorescent lamp is greatly reduced, so that the phenomenon of temporary shortage of mercury is eliminated, and good startup characteristics are exhibited.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to alumina (α-, γ-alumina), at least one selected from the group consisting of lanthanum and boric acid, which does not generate a hydroxyl group, is used as a binder for the phosphor layer. In other words, the amount of alumina having a hydroxyl group that captures the positive ions of mercury generated by the discharge in the initial stage of lighting of the fluorescent lamp is reduced, so that the phenomenon of temporary shortage of mercury is eliminated, and good startup characteristics are exhibited.

In the inventions of claims 6 to 9, zirconia or a mixture of zirconia and boric acid is used as a binder for the phosphor layer. In other words, the zirconia-based binder with a small amount of hydroxyl groups is used as the binder for the phosphor layer, so that the capture of mercury positive ions generated by the discharge in the initial stage of the fluorescent lamp is reduced or avoided, and the temporary shortage of mercury is easily resolved. Therefore, it is considered that better rising characteristics are exhibited.

It should be noted that, in each of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the reason why a good rising characteristic is exhibited is as follows. That is, the binder (for example, α-alumina, zirconia) used in forming the phosphor layer has a large surface area (BET value) of, for example, about 20 m ² / g or more, and remains in recesses and voids on the surface. It can be considered that mercury is easily detached at the time of re-lighting because of the adhesion, and exhibits good rising characteristics.

According to the tenth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, by bending the glass bulb, a three-dimensional and more compact light source or a light source capable of providing substantially uniform illumination in a plane is provided.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the fluorescent lamp of the first to eleventh aspects is used as a light source, it is possible to provide a high-quality light source for indoor lighting and backlight which is easy to handle.

[0051]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing a main part of a straight tube type fluorescent lamp according to this embodiment, wherein 1 is a straight tube type glass bulb, and 2 is the straight tube type. Shaped glass bulb 1 inner surface (inner wall)
The phosphor layers 3a and 3b are provided with bases. The straight tube-shaped glass bulb 1 is filled with a rare gas, and a pair of electrodes (not shown) are sealed on both ends of the glass bulb 1 by electrically connecting to the bases 3a and 3b. Also, Bi-Sn-Hg amalgam is sealed in the exhaust pipe at one end.

Here, the glass bulb 1 has a tube diameter of 16 mm and a tube length.
540mm soda lime glass tube. The phosphor layer 2 is made of three-wavelength luminescent phosphor particles, and γ-alumina having an average primary particle size of 40 nm is used as a binder for the phosphor particles.
It is formed by applying and baking a phosphor mixed solution prepared by mixing and preparing a weight% equivalent and an aqueous binder.
Here, α-alumina containing a small amount of γ-alumina may be used instead of γ-alumina.

As the three-wavelength light emitting phosphor, for example, (SrCaBa) ₅ (PO ₄ ) ₃ Cl: Eu or BaMg ₂ Al ₁₆ O ₂₇ : Eu, Mn as a blue phosphor, and LaP as a green phosphor.
O ₄ : Ce, Tb, and the red phosphor include Y ₂ O ₃ : Eu, but are not limited thereto. The above-mentioned fluorescent lamp not only exhibits a good luminous flux rising characteristic at the initial lighting, but also, for example, two months after the light is turned off,
Almost no change in the luminous flux rising characteristics was observed.
The luminous flux maintenance ratio and the prevention of early blackening were also good.

Further, in the above-described structure of the fluorescent lamp,
Similar results were obtained when the glass bulb 1 was bent into a saddle shape to make a compact fluorescent lamp.

The glass bulb tube diameter of 28 when the above-mentioned γ-alumina amount is equivalent to 2.5% by weight (curve A) and when the amount of γ-alumina is 5.0% by weight (curve B).
Fig. 2 shows the results of a test and evaluation of the relationship between the lighting time (seconds) and the relative light output (%) at the time of relighting for a straight tube fluorescent lamp with a length of 580mm and a tube length of 580mm. Here, in both fluorescent lamps, the amount of mercury M attached to the phosphor layer is
It is 0.1 μg / cm ² and the latter is 1 μg / cm ^{2. As} can be seen from FIG. 2, the smaller the amount of attached mercury, the better the luminous flux rising characteristics.

The amount of mercury adhering per unit phosphor surface area M was determined by changing the type and amount of the binder and aging the fluorescent lamp (FL20SS) having the phosphor layer formed thereon for 1 hour, and then adding 50 mg of the phosphor. It is a value obtained by measuring the amount of mercury that was collected, heated at 400 ° C and released. Also, glass bulb diameter
Under the same conditions as above, the relationship between the lighting time (seconds) and the relative light output (%) of a 28 mm, 580 mm long straight tube fluorescent lamp was tested and evaluated. The amount of attached mercury M is 0.005μg / cm ² 〜0.
In the range of 01 μg / cm ² , good luminous flux rising characteristics were recognized.

Further, in the above configuration, when the phosphor surface is covered with 2% by weight of crystalline calcium phosphate fine particles and α-alumina fine particles, the amount of mercury adhering to the surface of the phosphor layer is reduced, and the luminous flux rising characteristics are reduced. Further improve.

Second Embodiment A straight tube fluorescent lamp similar to that of FIG. 1 was constructed.
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, a straight tube type glass bulb having a straight tube type glass bulb 1, a phosphor layer 2 provided on the inner surface of the straight tube type glass bulb 1, and bases 3a and 3b. A rare gas is sealed in the housing 1, and a pair of electrodes (not shown) are electrically connected to the bases 3a and 3b and sealed at both ends, and Bi-Sn is further inserted into an exhaust pipe at one end. -Hg
Amalgam is also included.

Here, the glass bulb 1 has a pipe diameter of 16 mm and a pipe length.
540mm soda lime glass tube. Phosphor layer 2 is composed of three-wavelength light-emitting phosphor particles, and 1% by weight of γ-alumina as a binder for the phosphor particles.
A phosphor mixture prepared by mixing and preparing 0.5% equivalent of lanthanum, 1% equivalent of boron, and an aqueous binder is applied.
It is formed by baking. The three-wavelength light emitting phosphor is, for example, a blue phosphor (SrCaBa) _5.
(PO ₄ ) ₃ Cl: Eu or BaMg ₂ Al ₁₆ O ₂₇ : Eu, Mn, LaPO ₄ : Ce, Tb as green phosphor, Y ₂ O as red phosphor
₃ : Eu and the like, but are not limited thereto.

The above-mentioned fluorescent lamp exhibited not only good luminous flux rising characteristics at the initial lighting but also almost no change in luminous flux rising characteristics even after 2 months from turning off. The luminous flux maintenance ratio and the prevention of early blackening were also good.

In the construction of the above-mentioned fluorescent lamp, γ-alumina (or α-alumina) as a binder component is added in an amount of 0.5
Even if the amount of lanthanum is changed in the range of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight and the content of boric acid is changed in the range of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, the binder component is changed to γ-alumina (or Similar results were obtained when using a fluorescent lamp made of α-alumina) -lanthania, γ-alumina (or α-alumina) -boric acid, and a glass tube bent into a saddle shape to make a compact fluorescent lamp. Was done.

Third Embodiment FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing a main part of a compact fluorescent lamp according to this embodiment. In FIG. 3, 4
Is a glass bulb formed by connecting three glass tubes bent in a U-shape to form one discharge path, and a phosphor layer is provided on the inner surface of the glass bulb 4. Here, the phosphor layer is composed of a three-wavelength phosphor and zirconia having a primary particle diameter of about 10 nm by 2% by weight based on the phosphor (Example 3a);
H ₂ BO primary particle diameter of 1 wt% zirconia of about 10nm
₃ solution containing 3% by weight (Example 3b), 2% by weight
Has a primary particle size of about 10 nm and a surface area of 100 m ² / g
It is formed with a binder obtained by adding 3% by weight of an H ₂ BO ₃ solution to zirconia (Example 3c).

Reference numeral 5 denotes a cover provided with a base 6 at one end and a holder (not shown) for fixing and mounting the curved glass bulb 4 at the other end. Further, 7 is mounted on the other end side of the cover 5 by engagement or the like, and a light-transmitting glove sealing the curved glass bulb 4 is mounted. 8 is mounted in a space formed by the holder and the cover 5. It is a lighting circuit.

A rare gas is sealed in the bent glass bulb 4 and a pair of electrodes are electrically connected to the base 6 and sealed at both ends thereof.
Also, a predetermined amount of Bi-S is placed in the exhaust thin tube 4a disposed on the end side.
An n-Hg amalgam is sealed, and an indium-plated auxiliary amalgam is attached near the electrode.

Here, the bent glass bulb 4 is formed by bending a lead glass tube having a tube diameter of 10 mm and a tube length of 250 mm into a U-shape and joining three tubes in a triangular cross section.
0 mA, lamp current 65 V. When the curved tube type fluorescent lamp is turned on at an ambient temperature of 25 ° C., the temperature of the glass bulb becomes 130 ° C.

The bulb-type fluorescent lamp having the above configuration was mounted on a corresponding inverter lighting circuit, and the relative luminous flux values when the inverter was turned on were measured. As a result, the tendency shown in FIG. 4 was recognized. In FIG. 4, curve C is Example 3a, curve D is Example 3b, curve E is Example 3c, curve a
Represents the comparison example 3a, and the curve b represents the case of the compact fluorescent lamp of the comparison example 3b. Comparative Example 3a is the same as Example 3a except that the amount of binder is γ-alumina.
2% by weight, Comparative Example 3b is the same as in Example 3b,
Except that the amount of binder was 1% by weight as γ-alumina, it was constituted under the same conditions.

The fluorescent lamps of Examples 3a, 3b, and 3c not only exhibit good luminous flux rising characteristics at the initial lighting, but also exhibit almost no luminous flux rising characteristics, for example, two months after being turned off. No change was observed. The luminous flux maintenance ratio and the prevention of early blackening were also good.

In the above structure, when a part of zirconia having a primary particle diameter of about 10 nm is substituted with boric acid as a binder of the phosphor layer, the primary particle diameter of the binder is about 10 nm or the surface area is BET. Similar results were obtained with zirconia at a value of 100 m ² / g.

As a modification of this embodiment, when the amount of mercury adhering to the phosphor layer is 0 μg / cm ² when the amount of zirconia equivalent to 1.5% by weight is used as the binder of the phosphor layer (curve F). And zirconia 0.5 as a binder of the phosphor layer
The amount of mercury adhering to the phosphor layer M
Glass bulb diameter 28m at 0.01μg / cm ² (curve G)
Fig. 5 shows the results of tests and evaluations on the relationship between the lighting time (seconds) and the relative light output (%) at the time of relighting for a straight tube fluorescent lamp with a m and a tube length of 580mm. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the smaller the amount of attached mercury, the better the luminous flux rising characteristics.

The amount of mercury adhering per unit phosphor surface area is a value determined by disassembling a straight tube fluorescent lamp manufactured under the same specifications and conditions and having passed the same conditions until relighting.

Further, the glass bulb tube diameter is 30 mm, the tube length is 580 mm.
As a result of testing and evaluating the relationship between the lighting time (sec) and the relative light output (%) at the time of relighting under the same conditions as above, the amount of mercury adhering per unit phosphor surface area When the mhg was in the range of 0.005 μg / cm ^{2 to} 0.01 μg / cm ² , good luminous flux rising characteristics were observed.

Further, in the above configuration, the surface of the phosphor is made of crystalline calcium phosphate fine particles, α-alumina fine particles,
Alternatively, when the particles are dusted with boric acid having a purity of 99.5% or more, the amount of mercury adhering to the surface of the phosphor layer is reduced, and the luminous flux rising characteristics are further improved.

Fourth Embodiment A straight tube type fluorescent lamp according to this embodiment has basically the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1 described above, and therefore, the essential configuration thereof will be described with reference to FIG. . That is, the structure includes a straight tube-shaped glass bulb 1, a phosphor layer 2 provided on the inner surface of the glass bulb 1, and bases 3a and 3b. A rare gas is sealed in the glass bulb 1, and a pair of electrodes (not shown) are electrically connected and sealed to the bases 3a and 3b at both ends thereof. Zinc amalgam (Zn-Hg) for quantitative filling from exhaust pipe
Is movably sealed in the valve.

Here, the glass bulb 1 has a tube diameter of 16 mm and a tube length.
540mm soda lime glass tube. The phosphor layer 2 has a purity of 0.1 to 5% by weight with respect to the phosphor particles.
It is formed by applying and baking a phosphor mixture prepared by mixing and preparing three-wavelength light-emitting phosphor particles having a surface coated with boric acid of 9.5% or more, an aqueous binder and a γ-alumina binder. Incidentally, the three examples of wavelength-emitting fluorescent substance, for example, as a blue phosphor _{(SrCaBa) 5 (PO 4)} 3 Cl: Eu or _{BaMg 2 Al 16 O 27: LaP} Eu, Mn, as a green phosphor
O ₄ : Ce, Tb, and Y ₂ O ₃ : Eu as the red phosphor may be, but not limited to, these.

The fluorescent lamp exhibited not only a good luminous flux rising characteristic at the initial lighting, but also little change in the luminous flux rising characteristic, for example, two months after the light was turned off. The luminous flux maintenance ratio and the prevention of early blackening were also good.

In the structure of the fluorescent lamp described above, instead of applying a high-purity boric acid layer on the surface of the phosphor particles, 0.1 to 3% by weight of crystalline lanthanum, boric acid, calcium phosphate, or Similar results were obtained when fine particles such as zirconia were used and when the glass bulb 1 was bent into a saddle shape to make a compact fluorescent lamp.

Fifth Embodiment This embodiment relates to a compact fluorescent lamp having the configuration shown in FIG. That is, a glass bulb 4 formed by connecting three glass tubes bent in a U-shape to form one discharge path, and a phosphor layer (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the W-shaped glass bulb 4 A cover 5 having a base 6 at one end and a holder (not shown) for fixing and mounting the curved glass bulb 4 at the other end;
A light-transmitting glove 7 mounted on the other end of the cover 5 by engagement or the like to cover the curved glass bulb 4 and a lighting circuit 8 mounted in a space formed by the holder and the cover 5 Structure.

The bent glass bulb 4 is filled with a rare gas, and a pair of electrodes are electrically connected to and sealed at the both ends of the glass bulb 4. A predetermined amount of Bi-Sn-
Hg amalgam is enclosed. Here, the bent glass bulb 4 is formed by bending a lead glass tube having a tube diameter of 10 mm and a tube length of 120 mm into a U-shape, and joining the three tubes in a triangular cross section. An alumina layer 9 having a thickness of about 1 μm is formed on the inner wall surface of the glass tube, as shown in FIG. This alumina layer 9
Functions as a protective film for preventing coloration of the glass tube 4 due to the reaction between mercury and glass by ultraviolet rays, preventing a decrease in luminous flux maintenance rate, and preventing a decrease in the strength of the glass tube 4.

The phosphor layer 10 comprises three-wavelength luminescent phosphor particles in which the surface is coated with 0.1 to 3% by weight of crystalline lanthanum fine particles 10b corresponding to the phosphor particles 10a.
It is formed by applying and baking a phosphor mixture prepared by mixing and preparing an aqueous binder and a γ-alumina binder 10c.

The above-mentioned fluorescent lamp exhibited not only a good luminous flux rising characteristic in the initial lighting, but also little change in the luminous flux rising characteristic, for example, two months after the light was turned off. That is, after the light is turned off, the mercury that has contributed to the discharge / emission is suppressed by the crystalline lanthania fine particles 10b from being adsorbed on the fluorescent layer 10 and remains in the glass tube 4 forming the discharge space. It is considered that the luminous flux rises quickly even at times.

The amount of mercury in the glass tube 4 due to the above-mentioned staying off depends on the rise of the luminous flux at the time of starting the lighting, and as shown in FIG. At both the time point (curve G) and the one-month stay-off time (curve G ′), the time (rise) until the luminous flux reached 80% was 30 seconds or less. On the other hand, in the case of the fluorescent lamp according to the reference example, the time (rise) until the luminous flux reaches 80% at the time when the light emission is stopped 0 (curve d) is slightly longer than 30 seconds, and the time when the light emission is stopped for one month. (Curve d ') is 2
More than a minute.

[0108] Such an effect is effective for a fluorescent lamp having a diameter of 20 mm or less at which the effect of releasing mercury from the fluorescent layer 10 is large and the tube wall load is large, since the arc tube temperature immediately rises at the start of lighting.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it can be selected as appropriate according to its use, such as the material and shape of the glass bulb, the type of phosphor, and the specifications of the fluorescent lamp.

[0085]

According to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluorescent lamp exhibiting good rising characteristics.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluorescent lamp exhibiting good rising characteristics.

According to the invention of claims 6 to 9,
Since a zirconia-based material having a small amount of hydroxyl groups is used as a binder for the phosphor layer, the phenomenon of temporary shortage of mercury in the initial stage of lighting of the fluorescent lamp is eliminated, so that good startup characteristics are exhibited.

According to the tenth aspect, by bending the glass bulb, a three-dimensional and more compact light source or a light source capable of providing substantially uniform illumination in a plane is provided.

According to the eleventh and twelfth aspects of the invention,
Because of the light bulb shape, a light source of a low power type that replaces the incandescent light bulb is provided.

According to the thirteenth aspect, since the fluorescent lamp is used as a light source, it is easy to handle and a high-quality light source for indoor lighting and backlight is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of a fluorescent lamp according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship among an amount of mercury adhering per unit phosphor surface area, a relighting time, and a relative light output in the fluorescent lamp according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of a fluorescent lamp according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram comparing lighting start-up characteristics of a fluorescent lamp according to a third embodiment and a fluorescent lamp of a comparative example.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship among the amount of mercury adhering per unit phosphor surface area, relighting time, and relative light output in the fluorescent lamp according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view schematically showing an inner wall portion of a glass tube of a fluorescent lamp according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing a comparison between fluorescent lamp luminous flux rising characteristics according to a fifth embodiment and a reference example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,4 ... Glass bulb 2,5 ... Phosphor layer 3a, 3b, 6 ... Base 4a ... Exhaust tube 4b ... Alumina layer 7 ... Globe 8 ... Lighting circuit 9 ... Silica layer 10 ... ... Phosphor layer 10a ... Phosphor particles 10b ... Crystalline fine particles attached to the phosphor particles

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Mitsuru Shiozaki 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation (72) Inventor Kunihiko Raft 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation (72) Takashi Yoto Inventor 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Toshiba Lighting Corporation (72) Inventor Takeo Yasuda 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation F term (reference) 5C043 AA20 CC09 CD10 DD28 EB08 EC03 EC06 EC20

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A glass bulb in which a discharge medium containing amalgam and a rare gas exhibiting a mercury vapor pressure lower than that of pure mercury is enclosed; discharge generating means for generating a discharge in the glass bulb; phosphor particles and the phosphor 0.5 for particles
A phosphor layer formed on the inner surface of a glass bulb comprising a binder mainly composed of alumina in an amount of about 1.5% by weight. 2. The fluorescent lamp according to claim 1, wherein the surface area of the alumina in the binder is at least 20 m ² / g in BET value. 3. The fluorescent lamp according to claim 1, wherein the alumina in the binder contains α-alumina as a main component and has a primary particle diameter of 50 nm or less. 4. The binder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of lanthania and boric acid in an amount of 0.1 to 1 with respect to the phosphor particles.
The fluorescent lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluorescent lamp is contained in an amount of 0.0% by weight. 5. A glass bulb in which a discharge medium containing amalgam and a rare gas exhibiting a mercury vapor pressure lower than that of pure mercury is enclosed; discharge generating means for generating a discharge in the glass bulb; phosphor particles and the phosphor 0.5 for particles
A phosphor layer formed on the inner surface of a glass bulb, comprising a binder containing about 3.0% by weight of alumina, 0.1% to 5.0% by weight of lanthanum and / or 0.1% to 5.0% by weight of boric acid. A fluorescent lamp. 6. A glass bulb in which a discharge medium containing amalgam and a rare gas exhibiting a mercury vapor pressure lower than that of pure mercury is enclosed; discharge generating means for generating a discharge in the glass bulb; and phosphor particles and zirconia. A phosphor layer formed on the inner surface of a glass bulb containing a binder contained therein. 7. The fluorescent lamp according to claim 6, wherein the content of zirconia is 0.2 to 2.0% by weight based on the phosphor particles. 8. The binder according to claim 6, wherein the binder is a mixture of zirconia and boric acid, and the content of boric acid is 0.5% by weight or less based on the phosphor particles. Fluorescent lamp. 9. The zirconia in the binder has a surface area of BET.
The fluorescent lamp according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the fluorescent lamp has a value of not less than 20 m ² / g and a primary particle diameter of not more than 50 nm. 10. The glass bulb has at least one bent portion, and has a tube inner diameter of 12 mm or less and a discharge path length of 200 mm.
10 mm or more.
The fluorescent lamp according to any one of the above. 11. A fluorescent lamp according to claim 10, a cover body provided with a base for holding the fluorescent lamp, and a lighting device for lighting the fluorescent lamp housed in the cover body.
A bulb-type fluorescent lamp comprising: 12. The amalgam has a characteristic that a mercury vapor pressure at 25 ° C. is 0.2 Pa or less, and the fluorescent lamp is turned on at a temperature of 100 ° C. or more at an ambient temperature of 25 ° C. A bulb-shaped fluorescent lamp as described. 13. A fluorescent lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a fixture main body for holding the fluorescent lamp; and a lighting device for lighting a fluorescent lamp housed in the fixture main body. A lighting device, comprising: