Patent ID: 6504305
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: H05B,Y02B

Abstract:
A fluorescent lamp, comprising:a first electrode pin; a second electrode pin; current suppression means; and a filament electrically connected to the first electrode pin and the second electrode pin via the current suppression means, wherein the first electrode pin and the second electrode pin are configured so as to be respectively connectable to a power supply-side socket and a starter-side socket of a lighting apparatus, when the fluorescent lamp is in a first connection state, in which the first electrode pin is connected to the power supply-side socket and the second electrode pin is connected to the starter-side socket with a current flowing in a starter for the fluorescent lamp connected to the starter-side socket, the fluorescent lamp operates in a first power mode, in which the fluorescent lamp consumes a first power, when the fluorescent lamp is in a second connection state, the first electrode pin is connected to the starter-side socket and the second electrode pin is connected to the power supply-side socket with no current flowing in the starter, the fluorescent lamp operates in a second power mode, in which the fluorescent lamp consumes a second power which is lower than the first power, and the current suppression means employs at least two connection lines which respectively connect the filament to the first electrode pin and the filament to the second electrode pin, and are continuous under all operating conditions.