JP2002279889A - Discharge lamps and lighting devices - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: Provided is a discharge lamp which can accurately position a holder and has good mass productivity, and a lighting device using the same. A discharge medium mainly composed of a rare gas is sealed in an elongated light-transmitting airtight container, and at least one of the electrodes is provided with at least one pair of electrodes disposed outside the light-transmitting airtight container. The solid buffer 7B is secured around both ends or one end of the provided discharge lamp main body WB, and the end of the discharge lamp main body WB is surrounded by attaching the cap-shaped holder 8B to the solid buffer 7B. did. Solid buffer 7
B can be press-fitted into an end of the discharge lamp main body WB or molded directly at the end of the discharge lamp main body WB. The holder 8B can be press-fitted to the outside of the solid buffer 7B or can be engaged with the solid buffer 7B by using a locking claw.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a discharge lamp provided with external electrodes and a lighting device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an elongated discharge lamp mainly used for OA equipment and on-vehicle equipment, holders are attached to both ends of the discharge lamp, and the discharge lamp is supported via the holder. Conventionally, as a holder for this, a cap-shaped molded body made of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or polybutylene terephthalate has been used. In order to fix the space between the discharge lamp and the holder, a hot-melt adhesive or a silicone-based adhesive flows into a space between the two and is solidified.

On the other hand, in a fluorescent lamp among discharge lamps, ultraviolet rays are generally generated by the discharge of mercury vapor or a rare gas enclosed therein, and the generated ultraviolet rays irradiate the phosphor layer, so that the phosphor layer is irradiated on the phosphor layer. The contained phosphor is excited to emit visible light. Then, the visible light emitted into the fluorescent lamp passes through the translucent airtight container and is led out to the outside, and can be used for illumination and the like.

By the way, since a discharge lamp using a rare gas discharge mainly containing a rare gas such as xenon does not use mercury, which has a large environmental load, it has little effect on the environment at the time of disposal. There is an advantage that there is no temperature dependency and the luminous flux rising characteristics are excellent. However, discharge lamps mainly comprising a rare gas, it is compared to a discharge lamp filled with mercury problem small amount of light. Therefore, the outer surface of the light-transmissive airtight envelope,
It has been found that a structure in which a pair of band-shaped external electrodes are disposed facing each other along the longitudinal direction so as to be spaced apart from each other increases the light amount, and has been used for reading and the like. Further, it was also found that the amount of light can be increased by using at least one of the pair of electrodes as the external electrode.

[0005]

[0008] However, in the conventional discharge lamp of this kind, the holder is mounted via a gap to the end of the structure on the first discharge lamp, a hot-melt system then within that gap Since the adhesive or the silicone adhesive was poured, the positioning between the discharge lamp and the holder could not be performed accurately.

Also, hot melt adhesives and silicone adhesives have a problem that it takes a long time to cure and the mass productivity is poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a discharge lamp capable of accurately positioning a holder and having good mass productivity, and a lighting device using the same.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge lamp having an elongated light-transmitting airtight container, a discharge medium mainly containing a rare gas sealed in the light-transmitting airtight container, and a light-transmitting airtight container. A discharge lamp body having at least one pair of electrodes disposed outside the light-transmitting airtight container so as to generate a discharge therein; and a discharge lamp body surrounding at least one end of the discharge lamp body. A solid buffer; and a cap-shaped holder surrounding at least one end of the discharge lamp body from the outside of the solid buffer by being engaged with the solid buffer.

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

<Regarding the Discharge Lamp Body> The discharge lamp body includes a light-transmitting airtight container, a discharge medium, and at least one pair of electrodes.

(About Translucent Airtight Container> A translucent airtight container is formed by sealing both ends of a glass bulb or sealing an opening formed at the base end of a glass bulb with a closed end. It is preferable because it is the easiest to manufacture and the cost is low, but if necessary, it may be made of translucent ceramics etc. The glass may be soft glass, semi-hard glass, hard glass, quartz glass, etc. The "light-transmitting" of the light-transmitting airtight container does not require that the entire light-transmitting airtight container be light-transmitting, and at least is accompanied by discharge. It is only necessary that the portion where visible light emitted from the phosphor layer is to be extracted to the outside is translucent to the light. It is more than twice as long

Further, the transparent airtight container may be either a straight tube or a curved tube. For example, U-shaped
Various shapes such as a U-shape, a double U-shape, an L-shape, a U-shape, an annular shape, and a semi-annular shape can be adopted.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the translucent airtight container may have a flat, square or triangular cross section.

(Discharge Medium) The discharge medium is mainly composed of a rare gas, and emits ultraviolet rays by discharge between the electrodes. As the rare gas, xenon, neon, argon, krypton, helium and the like can be used alone or in any combination. In addition to e.g. KrF noble gas, noble gas halides or halogen as a simple substance it may be added, such as ArCl. As halogen,
It may be used iodine, bromine, chlorine. If the element exists as a vapor in the range of several hundreds to about 1 MPa, discharge is possible.

[0015] (at least for a pair of electrodes) at least one pair of the electrodes, when at least one of the external electrodes, the other may be either internal electrodes and the external electrodes.

The external electrodes are disposed substantially in contact with the outer surface of the translucent airtight vessel. It is preferably made of a conductive thin film. Examples of the conductive thin film include a foil of a conductive metal such as aluminum, silver, and copper, a deposited film of a conductive metal, a plating film, a coating film formed by screen-printing a conductive paste, an ITO film, and a NESA film. Can be used. The thickness of the conductive thin film is not limited, but is generally about 10 to 200 μm, preferably 30 to 100 μm.
Contact resistance range of about m is against the outer surface of the light-transmissive airtight envelope,
Good results are obtained in terms of electrical resistance and the like. When the external electrode is formed of a conductive thin film, the external electrode may be formed in a ribbon shape, or may be formed in a different shape such as a mesh shape or a wavy shape.

However, the external electrode is not limited to the conductive thin film body, but is made of a conductive material such as a coil or a mesh structure, if necessary, and is almost in contact with the outer surface of the translucent airtight container. It can be arranged. In addition,
The phrase that the external electrode is `` approximately in contact with '' the outer surface of the translucent airtight container means that the entire outer electrode is directly or in contact with a dielectric material such as an adhesive on the outer surface of the translucent airtight container. Although it is desirable that the external electrode is indirectly contacted through this, this is not an essential requirement and generally means that the external electrode only needs to be in contact with the outer surface of the translucent airtight container. further,
The external electrode may have a size such that at least a part thereof extends in the longitudinal direction, that is, the axial direction of the light-transmitting airtight container. And in the outer peripheral direction of the translucent airtight container, it can be disposed within an angle range forming the entire periphery or a part of the outer periphery. Furthermore, the external electrode is a coil,
When configured by any of the mesh structure and the transparent conductive film, these configurations are transmitted through the external electrode,
Alternatively, since the light passes through the gap between the external electrodes and is guided to the outside, it can be arranged on the entire periphery of the translucent airtight container. On the other hand, when the external electrode is made of a metal foil, the metal foil is not substantially light-transmitting, so that a part of the outer periphery of the light-transmitting airtight container is not covered with an aperture described later. It is arranged within the angle range to be formed.

When the external electrode is constituted by a coil,
The pitch can be set as desired. Since the pitch of the coil of the external electrode affects the obtained brightness, the pitch of the coil can be appropriately adjusted to achieve a desired brightness distribution in the lamp axis direction. Further, when configuring the external electrodes in the mesh structure, it is possible to use a plain weave metal wire, twill, knitted structure and the like.
However, a punched metal plate may be used if necessary. In the case of using a knitted knitted structure, a thicker cylinder is manufactured in advance, a light-transmitting airtight container is inserted therein, and then both ends of the knitted knitted structure are pulled. It can be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the light-tight container. Further, when configuring the external electrode with a transparent conductive film, ITO film, or the like can be used NESA film. Furthermore, when the external electrode is formed of a metal foil, the metal foil is previously adhered to one surface of a transparent resin sheet described later, and is adhered to the outer surface of the transparent airtight container with an adhesive applied to the transparent resin sheet. it can be arranged by. However, it is also possible to attach the metal foil directly to the outer surface of the translucent airtight container. Further, the width of the external electrode may change in the axial direction of the light-transmitting airtight container.

Next, in order to bring the external electrode into contact with the outer surface of the translucent airtight container, an adhesive is previously applied to the contact surface of the external electrode, and the external electrode is adhered to the translucent airtight container with the adhesive. be able to. However, an adhesive may be applied to a portion of the translucent airtight container where the external electrode is to be contacted, and the external electrode may be adhered thereon. Furthermore, without using an adhesive or an adhesive, the external electrode may be simply brought into contact with the portion to be contacted, and the light-transmitting resin sheet to which the adhesive has been applied may be wound over the entire periphery of the light-transmitting airtight container. Good.

Further, the arrangement of at least a pair of electrodes will be described. That is, the electrode arrangement can be arbitrarily selected from the various embodiments described below.

1. Internal / External Electrode Configuration The internal / external electrode configuration is an electrode configuration in which an internal electrode and an external electrode are paired. In addition, this arrangement is divided into a short internal electrode and a long internal electrode extending along the longitudinal direction of the translucent airtight container. In order to seal the internal electrode at the end or intermediate portion of the light-transmitting airtight container, various known sealing means such as a flare seal, a bead seal, and a pinch seal can be appropriately selected and used.

(1) Electrode arrangement using short internal electrodes In this electrode arrangement, short electrodes similar to those used for a normal internal electrode type fluorescent lamp are used.

(1-1) An electrode arrangement in which a single internal electrode is arranged at one end of a light-transmitting airtight container, and a single external electrode is arranged on the outer surface of the light-transmitting airtight container. (1-2) Light transmission An electrode arrangement in which a pair of internal electrodes are arranged at both ends of the airtight container and a single external electrode is arranged on the outer surface of the translucent airtight container.In this electrode arrangement, both the pair of internal electrodes form one pole of the lighting circuit. And a configuration in which an external electrode is connected to the other pole of the lighting circuit, and a pair of lighting circuits are prepared and one pole of each lighting circuit is separately connected to the internal electrode, and the external electrode is connected to the other pole of the pair of lighting circuits. And the same potential.

(1-3) Electrode arrangement in which internal electrodes are arranged at both ends of the light-transmitting airtight container and a pair of external electrodes are arranged on the outer surface of the light-transmitting airtight container. In this electrode arrangement, the internal electrode and the external electrode are arranged. Are opposed to each other on a one-to-one basis.

(1-4) An internal electrode is arranged at both ends and a middle of the light-transmitting airtight container, and a single external electrode is commonly opposed. (1-5) Both ends and a middle of the light-transmitting airtight container each arranged internal electrode, in the electrode arrangement the electrode arrangement using the internal electrodes of the electrode arrangement to place the external electrode facing the inner electrode to the outer surface (2) elongate translucent discharge vessel, light-transmissive airtight to An internal electrode is used that extends over substantially the entire length of the container. A structure in which both ends of the internal electrode penetrate both ends of the translucent airtight container and are led out to the outside, and only one end of the internal electrode penetrates one end of the translucent airtight container and is led out to the outside. However, there is a structure in which the other end is located inside the vicinity of the other end of the translucent airtight container.

2 External electrode type arrangement In this arrangement, a pair of external electrodes are arranged on the outer surface of the translucent airtight container so as to be spaced apart and opposed to each other. One or more pairs of external electrodes can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the translucent airtight container. In the case of the aperture type, the external electrodes must be arranged so as not to substantially prevent the projection of light from the aperture.

[0027] (Other structures of the discharge lamp main body) phosphor layer for one phosphor layer, the discharge medium used in the case of the wavelength converting ultraviolet light to emit visible light by discharge. Then, it is disposed on the inner surface side of the light-transmissive airtight envelope. The phosphor layer may be disposed over the entire circumference of the inner surface side of the light-transmissive airtight envelope, it may be arranged so as to form an aperture which extends in a slit shape along the longitudinal direction . The “inner side of the translucent airtight container” is defined as a mode in which the phosphor layer is formed directly on the inner surface of the translucent airtight container, and the indirect fluorescent light is applied to the inner surface of the translucent airtight container via a protective film. It is meant to include any of the embodiments for forming a body layer. Also, "aperture"
It refers to an optical opening for light extraction formed in the light-transmitting airtight container so as to collectively emit radiation generated inside the light-transmitting airtight container from the portion to the outside.

Next, a single phosphor or a mixture of plural phosphors can be used. It is possible to use a white-light-emitting three-wavelength light-emitting phosphor obtained by mixing red, green, and blue light-emitting phosphors. However, if necessary, in order to obtain a discharge lamp of each emission color of R (red), G (green) and B (blue) as the discharge lamp, a phosphor of each single color emission may be used. By using one or a plurality of discharge lamps of each single color emission, white light can be obtained by additive color mixing. Further, the phosphor layer may have a single layer configuration or a multilayer configuration.
In the latter case, the type of phosphor may be different for each layer. Further, a third layer made of another substance that is not a phosphor, for example, a conductive layer, a discharge state improving layer mainly composed of a metal oxide, or the like may be interposed between the phosphor layers.

2. About a protective film etc. If necessary, a protective film or an electron emitting material film made of alumina fine particles or the like can be formed on the inner surface of the translucent airtight container. When forming a protective film, a protective film may be formed between the phosphor layer and the inner surface of the translucent airtight container, or a protective film may be formed on the inner surface of the phosphor layer on the discharge space side. Is also good.
In addition, it is possible to form an electron emitting material film, and in this case, it is effective to avoid or reduce the occurrence of dark characteristics of the fluorescent lamp.

3. Regarding Reflection Film A reflection film can be provided between the phosphor layer and the inner surface of the light-transmitting airtight container facing the phosphor layer. As the constituent material of the reflective film, for example, fine particles of TiO ₂ or Al ₂ O ₃ can be used. Adjust the dispersion of these materials and apply them to the inner surface of the translucent airtight container except for the aperture,
By baking, a reflective film can be formed.

Thus, by forming the reflection film,
Visible light generated from the phosphor layer and transmitted directly through the light-transmitting airtight container to be emitted to the outside can be reflected and led out of the aperture. Thus, the brightness of the aperture can be further increased.

4. The light-transmitting insulating coating to protect the external electrodes mechanically, and the connection between the external electrodes and the external lead wire in order to secure, in order to improve the insulation of the further addition discharge lamp if necessary, A translucent insulating coating can be provided outside the external electrode. The translucent insulating coating is preferably transparent. The light-transmitting insulating coating may be heat-shrinkable or may be applied by dipping for the workability of the arrangement. However, it may be wrapped around the translucent insulating sheet.

5. Lighting Circuit Since fluorescent lamps use dielectric barrier discharge, lighting circuits generally include a power supply that outputs a high-frequency AC voltage with a waveform such as a square wave or a sine wave, or a pulse voltage with a high repetition frequency. A configuration in which a voltage is directly applied between the opposed electrodes without using an external current limiting impedance can be used. The pulse voltage can be obtained by, for example, half-wave rectification of a high-frequency AC voltage having a rectangular wave or a sine wave. Further, the lighting circuit can be constituted by an inverter.

<Regarding the Solid Buffer> The solid buffer is made of a material having cushioning properties and moldability, such as silicone rubber, and is molded in advance, that is, before the holder is mounted on the discharge lamp body, to form the solid buffer body. It is fixed to surround the at least one end portion. The phrase "solid buffer" has "buffering property" means that the solid buffer has soft elasticity and therefore has a property of absorbing an externally applied impact. In addition, the solid buffer “has moldability”
Means that it can be molded alone before mounting the holder. However, the present invention allows not only to be mounted directly on the end of the discharge lamp by molding, but also to form a molded product of a solid buffer and then mount it on the end of the discharge lamp. In this case, the outer diameter of the discharge lamp body is D
And _LO, when the inner diameter of the solid buffer body before mounting was D _KI, if such relation D _LO ≧ D _KI is established, solid by simply press-fitted into the discharge lamp main body when mounting the solid cushion since cushion is embracing the end of the discharge lamp main body is deformed elastically by the slightly elastic, it is possible to reliably attach the solid cushion.

Further, as described above, the fact that the solid buffer is provided at at least one end of the discharge lamp body means that it may be provided at either one end or both ends of the discharge lamp. are doing.

Further, even when there is a lead wire led out from the electrode of the discharge lamp body, the solid buffer can be disposed without any trouble. That is, solid buffer body, or molded into the end portion of the discharge lamp main body so as this example leads through the solid cushion, from outside and leads cut to form a cut in preformed solid cushion it may be or mounted on an end portion of the discharge lamp so as to derive the.

<About the Holder> The holder has a cap shape and is attached to at least one end of the discharge lamp body by engaging with a solid buffer. And, that the holder “has a cap shape” means that the holder is a structure that can be attached to the end of the discharge lamp body while surrounding the end of the discharge lamp main body, and the specific structure and shape are as follows. Not limited. However, in general, there is a configuration in which there is a cylindrical side surface portion enclosing the end of the discharge lamp body from the outside and a rear surface portion covering the end surface of the discharge lamp body, in other words, a bottomed cylindrical shape. it is preferred that has a configuration. In addition, the "be engaged with the solid buffer body" is,
It means that the holder is in a fixed relationship by engaging the solid buffer. For example, in order to mount the holder on the end of the discharge lamp, the holder can be configured to be mounted on the end of the discharge lamp only by press-fitting the holder around the solid buffer. For this purpose, the outer diameter in a state surrounding the end portion of the discharge lamp solid cushion and D _KO, when the inner diameter of the holder was D _HI, configured such that the relationship of D _KO ≧ D _HI is satisfied If this is the case, the solid buffer is slightly deformed mainly by merely pressing the holder into the solid buffer, so that the holder can be securely engaged. Alternatively, by forming a suitable engaging claw to the holder, when pressed by the engaging claw is engaged with a solid cushion, with is engaged with the holder to a solid cushion, the falling Can be prevented. If desired further may be used in combination of both means described above.

The holder may be formed of any material. Preferably, the holder is made of an insulating material such as polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate or polyamide, or a conductive material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Such a metal can be used.

Further, as described above, the fact that the holder is provided at at least one end of the discharge lamp body means that the holder may be provided at either one end or both ends of the discharge lamp. . If you are disposed at both ends of the holder, the discharge lamp main body can be supported at both ends. Further, if it is provided only at one end, it may be supported in a cantilever manner.

[0040] Furthermore, even if the lead wire derived from the electrode of the discharge lamp main body can be disposed without hindrance the holder. That is, for example, a slit for leading a lead wire may be formed in the holder, and the holder may be engaged with the solid buffer so that the lead wire enters the slit. Further, the lead wire may be led out from between the solid buffer and the holder.

Furthermore, the holder may have a split-type structure such as splitting, for example, so that the solid buffer is wrapped and engaged with the solid buffer by fitting.

[0042] In the present invention <operation of the present invention>, a discharge lamp in advance surrounds the end of the body in advance a solid cushion, so is engaged with the holder to a solid cushion, discharge solid buffer body lamp body The contact area between them and the holder increases, and the adhesive strength increases.
Therefore, when supporting the holder, the holder can be formed to satisfy the required tensile strength and torsional strength.

Further, since a uniform stress acts on the discharge lamp body and the holder by the solid buffer, the shape of the holder is stabilized, and the positions of the discharge lamp body and the holder are accurately determined.

Further, when the material of the holder is made of synthetic resin, the insulation from the outside is excellent. On the other hand, when metal is used, the holder contributes to heat radiation of the heat generated by the discharge lamp body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge lamp in which an elongated translucent airtight container, a discharge medium mainly composed of a rare gas sealed in the translucent airtight container, and a discharge in the translucent airtight container. At least one discharge lamp body having a pair of electrodes disposed outside the translucent airtight container;
And a holder provided on the inner surface side of the cap body and a solid buffer lined by molding, and mounted around at least one end of the discharge lamp body.

The present invention defines a configuration in which the solid buffer and the holder are integrated in advance. To advance integrating the solid cushion and holder, or molding them simultaneously, after forming either previously housed in a mold towards member molded from later this integral And can be molded. For example, silicone rubber can be used for the solid buffer, and polycarbonate can be used for the holder, for example.

Thus, in the present invention, the number of steps for attaching the holder to the discharge lamp body is reduced.

The discharge lamp of the invention of claim 3, claim 1
Or the discharge buffer according to 2, wherein the solid buffer is made of silicone rubber.

Silicone rubber is a silicone exhibiting rubber-like elasticity. It has excellent moldability and cushioning properties, and also has excellent heat resistance and weather resistance. It is a substance suitable as a solid buffer.

Further, since silicone rubber having a desired hardness is easily obtained, solid buffers having various hardnesses can be used so as to meet the necessity of adhesive strength.

Thus, according to the present invention, a discharge lamp having a holder which is easy to manufacture and has excellent durability can be obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting device, comprising: a lighting device main body; a fluorescent lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7 disposed on the lighting device main body; and a lighting circuit for energizing the fluorescent lamp. ; Characterized by having;

In the present invention, the term "illumination device" is a broad concept including all devices utilizing the light emission of a fluorescent lamp. For example, a reading device and a scanner, a copier, a facsimile or a multifunction machine having the same are provided. And a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device including the same, and a device incorporating the liquid crystal display device. Devices incorporating a liquid crystal display device include, for example, devices incorporating a liquid crystal display device such as personal computers, navigation devices, personal digital assistants, and liquid crystal television receivers,
And instrument panel lighting devices for vehicles such as automobiles, decorative lighting fixtures, indicator lights, and sign lights.

The “illumination device main body” refers to the remaining portion of the illumination device excluding the discharge lamp and the lighting circuit.

[0055]

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

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a discharge lamp body according to the first embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a developed view of the external electrode and the transparent resin sheet viewed from the external electrode side.

In each of the figures, the discharge lamp main body WB includes a light-transmitting airtight container 1, a phosphor layer 2, a pair of external electrodes 3, 3,
An aperture 4 and a translucent resin sheet 5 are provided.

The translucent airtight container 1 has an outer diameter of 8 mm and an inner diameter of 7 mm.
mm, an effective length of 272 mm, is formed by pinching and sealing the open end of an elongated glass tube 1a having one end closed and the other end opened, and includes a pinch seal portion 1b and an exhaust tip off portion 1c. ing. After the evacuation, a rare gas containing xenon as a main component is sealed in the translucent airtight container 1 at a pressure of 93 kPa as a discharge medium.

The phosphor layer 2 is mainly composed of a phosphor of a three-wavelength emission type, and is adhered to the inner surface of the translucent airtight container 1 except for an aperture 4 described later. Also, the phosphor layer 2
Is formed by applying a phosphor dispersion liquid by flowing down into the inside of the glass tube 1a and baking it.

Each of the pair of external electrodes 3, 3 is made of aluminum foil, and has a meandering and corrugated shape as shown in FIG. 3, but as a whole, it is simply shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Are attached to the outer surface of the light-transmitting airtight container 1 by being attached in parallel to the outer surface of the container 1 at a distance. And
The external electrode 2 is previously adhered to one surface of a light-transmitting resin sheet 5 described later, and is wound around the outer periphery of the light-transmitting airtight container 1 so as to form a predetermined surface of the light-transmitting airtight container 1. Located at the location.

The external electrode 3 has a corrugated electrode main portion 3.
a, a terminal connecting portion 3b and a terminal 3c. The electrode main portion 3a is configured to extend in a wave shape over most of the translucent airtight container 1 in the longitudinal direction. The terminal connection part 3b is provided so as to be connected to one end of the electrode main part 3a,
It is formed in a rectangular shape so as to increase the contact area with the terminal 3c. The terminal 3c is bonded to the terminal connection portion 3b with a conductive adhesive, and the translucent resin sheet 5
From the outside. The terminal 3 c is bent so as to conform to the shape of the end of the translucent airtight container 1.

The aperture 4 has an angle of 70 ° and is formed in a portion of the translucent airtight container 1 where the phosphor layer 2 is not formed as described above. Therefore, in the portion of the aperture 4 of the light-transmitting airtight container 1, the inside of the light-transmitting airtight container 1 looks transparent through the glass bulb 1a.

The translucent resin sheet 5 is made of PET,
The translucent airtight container 1 has a length that covers substantially the entire length, and has a width that covers the entire periphery of the translucent airtight container 1 including the upper side of the aperture 4 with respect to the circumferential direction. As described above, a pair of external electrodes 3, 3 are adhered to one surface at a predetermined interval, and an acrylic adhesive is applied thereon to adhere to the outer surface of the translucent airtight container 1. As a result, the pair of external electrodes 3 are disposed on both sides of the aperture 4, and the translucent resin sheet 5 is also adhered on the aperture 4.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional front view showing one end of the discharge lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a main part of an enlarged partial cutaway showing the other end.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged front view of an enlarged main portion showing the other end.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional plan view of the main part, similarly showing the other end.

In each figure, 6 is a power supply harness, 7A,
7B is a solid buffer, and 8A and 8B are holders.

[0071] feeding the harness 6 is composed of a power supply wire 6a and a connector 6b. Feed wire 6a comprises a pair of insulated conductors, the tip of each lead is a discharge lamp body W
B is connected to a pair of external electrodes 3 and terminals 3 c of the external electrodes 3.
The connector 6b is the other end of each lead is connected.

Each of the solid buffers 7A and 7B is made of a molded silicone rubber, and is fixed to both ends of the discharge lamp body WB by press fitting. In FIG. 1, a fixed solid buffer 7A is fixed to the right end of the discharge lamp main body WB, and a solid buffer 7B is fixed to the left end of the discharge lamp body WB. Further, the solid buffer 7B has a cut 7a formed in the cylindrical portion thereof. Then, they are led to the outside through between the feed wire 6a cuts 7a feeding harness 6.

Each of the holders 8A and 8B is made of polycarbonate, has a cap-like shape, and has an engaging claw 8 which faces inward to the inner peripheral edge of the open end of the cylindrical portion.
a is formed. In FIG. 1, the holder 8A
The right end of the discharge lamp main body WB and the holder 8B
Similarly the left end of each solid cushion. 7A, 7B
And the locking claw 8a is
A, 7B, the solid buffer 7
A, and engaged to 7B, surrounding the opposite ends of the discharge lamp main body WB. Further, a slit 8b is formed in the cylindrical portion of the holder 8B, and the power supply wire 6a is led out through the slit 8b.

FIG. 8 is a partially sectional front view of an enlarged main part showing the other end of the discharge lamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view, partly in section, of an enlarged main part.

In each figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 6 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the solid buffer 7B is different. That is, the solid buffer 7B is directly formed and fixed to the end of the discharge lamp body WB.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual sectional view showing an image reading apparatus as one embodiment of the illumination device of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes an image reading optical system;
Is a signal processing device, 13 is a document placing surface, 14 is a lighting circuit,
15 is a case.

In this embodiment, the image reading optical system 11 includes a fluorescent lamp 11a, a mirror 11b, and an integrated lens 11.
c and the charge-coupled device 11d are main components. Although not shown, a fluorescent lamp, a cellphonic lens, and a charge-coupled device may be main components. The fluorescent lamp 11a has the structure shown in FIGS. Then, the light emitted from the aperture is radiated through the document placing surface 13 toward a document (not shown). Light reflected from the document is reflected by a mirror 11b in a predetermined direction, collected by an integrated lens 11c, and received by a charge-coupled device 11d, that is, a CCD.

The signal processing device 12 processes the output signal of the light receiving means 11b to form an image signal.

The lighting circuit 14 lights the fluorescent lamp 11a at a high frequency.

The case 15 houses the above components inside.

[0083] Then, image and reading optical system 11, relatively scanning the document placement surface 13. That is, in the process in which one or both are driven and moved by the driving mechanism (not shown) in the opposite direction, the charge-coupled device 11d sequentially receives reflected light from the document surface in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction. go. The image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment is applicable to OA equipment such as a copying machine, an image scanner, and a facsimile.

[0084]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a discharge medium mainly composed of a rare gas is sealed in an elongated light-transmitting airtight container, at least one of which is disposed outside the light-transmitting airtight container. at least surrounding the at least one end portion of the discharge lamp main body having a pair of electrodes affixed to a solid cushion, that surrounds the end portion of the discharge lamp main body by fastening the holder forms a cap-like to solid cushion As a result, the contact area between the discharge lamp body and the holder is increased through the solid buffer and the adhesive strength is increased, so that the required tensile strength and torsional strength are satisfied and the shape of the holder is stabilized. The position of the discharge lamp and the holder is accurately determined, and a discharge lamp with good mass productivity can be provided.

[0085] According to the invention of claim 2, enclosing a discharge medium mainly a noble gas into the elongated light-transmissive airtight envelope,
At least one of the at least one end portion of the discharge lamp main body having at least a pair of electrodes disposed outside the light-transmissive airtight envelope, comprising a cap body and lined on the inner surface of the cap member by molding a solid cushion By mounting the holder, it is possible to provide a discharge lamp in which the number of steps for mounting the holder is reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the solid buffer is made of silicone rubber, it is possible to provide a discharge lamp having a holder which is easy to manufacture and has excellent durability.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the discharge lamp according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the discharge lamp is provided in a lighting apparatus main body, and a lighting circuit for energizing the discharge lamp. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a lighting device having the effects of claims 1 to 3.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a discharge lamp body according to a first embodiment of the discharge lamp of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the external electrode and the transparent resin sheet viewed from the external electrode side.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional front view showing one end of the discharge lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cutaway front view showing the other end of the same.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional front view showing the same other end.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional plan view of the same main part, showing the other end portion.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional front view showing the other end of the discharge lamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged plan view of an enlarged main part of the same.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing an image reading device as one embodiment of the illumination device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Translucent airtight container 1b ... Pinch seal part 1c ... Exhaust tip off part 3 ... External electrode 3c ... Terminal 4 ... Aperture 5 ... Translucent resin sheet 6 ... Power supply harness 6a ... Power supply wire 7B ... Solid buffer 7a ... notches 8B ... holders 8a ... locking claws 8b ... slits WB ... discharge lamp body

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An elongated light-transmitting airtight container, a discharge medium mainly composed of a rare gas sealed in the light-transmitting airtight container, and at least one of a light-transmitting airtight container so as to generate a discharge in the light-transmitting airtight container. A discharge lamp body provided with at least a pair of electrodes disposed outside the airtight container; a solid buffer body surrounding at least one end of the discharge lamp body; and being fixed to the solid buffer body. A cap-shaped holder which surrounds at least one end of the discharge lamp body from outside the solid buffer. Wherein the elongated light-transmissive airtight envelope, at least one of light-transmissive airtight to generate discharge in the light-transmissive airtight discharge medium consisting of encapsulated mainly noble gas into the container and the light-transmitting airtight container A discharge lamp body having at least a pair of electrodes disposed outside the container; a cap body; and a solid buffer lined by molding on the inner surface side of the cap body, surrounding at least one end of the discharge lamp body. discharge lamp, characterized in that it comprises a; holder and that is mounted Te. 3. A solid buffer body, according to claim 1 or 2 discharge lamp according to characterized in that it consists of silicone rubber. 4. A lighting device main body; and a discharge lamp according to claim 1 disposed on the lighting device main body;
A lighting circuit for energizing the discharge lamp;