Compact fluorescent lamp with built-in operating circuit

Abstract

A compact fluorescent lamp comprises at least one discharge tube (2) convoluted to have discharge tube legs substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. At least two of the discharge tube legs include lead-in-wires (6). The lamp also comprises a plastic cap (4) which is a hollow body defined by a cover wall (42) receiving the discharge tube legs through holes (26) formed therein and a side wall (44). A bonding material is applied between the discharge tube legs and an inside portion of the cover wall (42) of the plastic cap (4). The bonding material requires a heat treatment for setting. A ballast circuitry is located at least partly on a circuit board (22). A plastic insert piece (12) is disposed in the plastic cap for holding the circuit board (22) substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis at a distance from the discharge tube legs. The lamp further comprises a base housing (28) which includes a base shell (30) and connects to the side wall (44) of the plastic cap (4).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.