Patent ID: 6707246
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp comprising a discharge vessel (10), said discharge vessel (10) enclosing a discharge space (18) containing a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner, and said discharge vessel (10) comprising:tubular end portions (11; 11â€²), which each have a longitudinal axis (12; 12â€²), electrodes (20; 20â€²) arranged in the discharge space (18) for generating and maintaining a discharge in the discharge space (18), a main amalgam disposed for controlling the mercury pressure in the discharge space except for a starting period, and at least an auxiliary amalgam (27) provided on a carrier (25; 25â€²) in one of said tubular end portions of the discharge vessel (10) in the proximity of at least one of the electrodes (20; 20â€²), characterized in that the carrier (25; 25â€²) is supported on a body formed of electrically insulating material extending in said one of said tubular end portions and is electrically insulated with respect to the electrode (20; 20â€²), at least a major part (25A) of the carrier (25; 25â€²) is arranged in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis (12; 12â€²), and the auxiliary amalgam extends substantially in two mutually orthogonal directions, substantially planar and transverse to said longitudinal axis, and is disposed substantially in line with said at least one of the electrodes in a direction parallel with said longitudinal axis, whereby during the starting period the lamp has a relatively short run-up time.