Low pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp with electrode shield mounted on current supply conductors

Abstract

A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp comprises a discharge vessel ( ) and a first and a second end portion ( ). The discharge vessel ( ) encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion ( ) supports an electrode ( ) arranged in the discharge space. Current supply conductors ( ′) extend from the electrodes ( ) through the end portions ( ) so as to project from the discharge vessel ( ). An electrode shield ( ) encompasses at least one of the electrodes ( ). According to the invention, the electrode shield ( ) is mounted on the current supply conductors ( ′). Preferably, the electrode shield is clamped to the current supply conductors. The electrode shield is preferably provided with recesses to accommodate the current supply conductors. Preferably, the current supply conductors are flattened at the location where the electrode shield is mounted on the current supply conductors. Preferably, the electrode shield ( ) is made from a ceramic material. The lamp according to the invention can be readily manufactured and exhibits a comparatively low mercury consumption.