EP0707438A2 - Ballast for at least one discharge lamp - Google Patents

Ballast for at least one discharge lamp Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0707438A2
EP0707438A2 EP95116198A EP95116198A EP0707438A2 EP 0707438 A2 EP0707438 A2 EP 0707438A2 EP 95116198 A EP95116198 A EP 95116198A EP 95116198 A EP95116198 A EP 95116198A EP 0707438 A2 EP0707438 A2 EP 0707438A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heating
inverter
lamp
circuit
switch
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95116198A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0707438B1 (en
EP0707438A3 (en
Inventor
Siegfried Luger
Thomas Marinelli
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Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH
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Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH
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Priority claimed from DE19501695A external-priority patent/DE19501695B4/en
Application filed by Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH filed Critical Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH
Publication of EP0707438A2 publication Critical patent/EP0707438A2/en
Publication of EP0707438A3 publication Critical patent/EP0707438A3/en
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/36Controlling
    • H05B41/38Controlling the intensity of light
    • H05B41/39Controlling the intensity of light continuously
    • H05B41/392Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor
    • H05B41/3921Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor with possibility of light intensity variations
    • H05B41/3925Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor with possibility of light intensity variations by frequency variation
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/26Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
    • H05B41/28Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters
    • H05B41/295Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters with semiconductor devices and specially adapted for lamps with preheating electrodes, e.g. for fluorescent lamps
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/26Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
    • H05B41/28Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters
    • H05B41/295Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters with semiconductor devices and specially adapted for lamps with preheating electrodes, e.g. for fluorescent lamps
    • H05B41/298Arrangements for protecting lamps or circuits against abnormal operating conditions
    • H05B41/2981Arrangements for protecting lamps or circuits against abnormal operating conditions for protecting the circuit against abnormal operating conditions
    • H05B41/2985Arrangements for protecting lamps or circuits against abnormal operating conditions for protecting the circuit against abnormal operating conditions against abnormal lamp operating conditions

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for operating a gas discharge lamp with such a ballast.
  • the gas discharge lamp is generally operated on a series resonant circuit, the resonant circuit capacitor generally lying parallel to the discharge path of the gas discharge lamp.
  • the electrodes of the lamp are designed as heating coils through which the current of the resonant circuit flows when the lamp is not ignited.
  • the frequency is changed in relation to the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit in such a way that the voltage across the resonance capacitor and thus above the gas discharge lamp does not cause the gas discharge lamp to ignite. In this way, a substantially more constant current flows through the lamp electrodes designed as filaments, so that they are preheated.
  • the frequency is set in the vicinity of the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit, whereby the voltage across the resonance capacitor increases so that the gas discharge lamp ignites.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of providing a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp, so that reliable operation which is gentle on the lamp is always ensured.
  • an inverter which has two series switches connected to a DC voltage source and connected in push-pull mode, with a load circuit consisting of a series resonance circuit and the lamp and a heating circuit for the power supply to the inverter the lamp filament is connected.
  • the heating circuit also has a further controllable switch for controlling the heating current. Furthermore, the heating circuit is also connected in parallel to one of the two switches of the inverter.
  • the object is achieved according to claim 16 in that when the gas discharge lamp is preheated, the inverter is operated at the maximum clock frequency, while the clock for the additional controllable switch is selected such that the gas discharge lamp is operated with the maximum permissible heating power.
  • the series resonant circuit can operate unaffected and thus undamped. Furthermore, it is possible by means of the method according to the invention, depending on the Inverters determine the dimming level of the gas discharge lamp to set the required heating voltage. In addition, when using different lamps on one and the same ballast, it is possible to provide the heating power required for the lamp selected in each case without influencing the operating conditions of the lamp.
  • the further switch is switched so that the lamp is only supplied with heating current when it has to be heated due to its operating state. This means that only as much energy as is absolutely necessary for heating the lamp is used.
  • Claims 2-4 relate advantageously to configurations of the ballast according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows the essential parts of an exemplary embodiment of a ballast for a gas discharge lamp.
  • This initially has an inverter, which consists of the controllable switches S1 and S2, which are controlled in a push-pull manner by means of an inverter control circuit 1. This means that one switch is switched on and the other is switched off.
  • the two inverter switches S1 and S2 are connected in series between a positive supply voltage and ground.
  • the load circuit is connected to the common node of the two inverter switches S1, S2.
  • This consists of a series resonance circuit, which is composed of a resonance circuit coil L1 and a resonance circuit capacitor C3.
  • the resonant circuit capacitor C3 has one terminal connected to ground.
  • the other connection of the coupling capacitor C2 is connected to one of two cathodes, a gas discharge lamp LA.
  • the two cathodes of the gas discharge lamp LA each have two connections, between each of which a heating coil is provided for heating the respective cathode.
  • the electrode of the gas discharge lamp LA which is not connected to the coupling capacitor C2 is connected to ground with a connection K3.
  • a heating transformer T which has two windings T1 and T3 on the primary side and two windings T2 and T4 on the secondary side.
  • the one winding T1 on the primary side is connected with its one connection to the connecting node of the two inverter switches S1 and S2 and with its second connection it is connected to the second winding T3 on the primary side.
  • This is again connected to a connection of a further controllable switch S3.
  • the second connection of the further controllable switch S3 is in turn connected to a resistor R1, which on the other hand is connected to ground. This results in a series connection of the two primary-side windings of the heating transformer, the further controllable switch S3 and the resistor R1, which are connected in parallel to the inverter switch S2.
  • the further controllable switch S3 is in turn operated by a switching controller 2 assigned to it.
  • the two windings T2 and T4 on the secondary side of the heating transformer T are connected in series with respective diodes D3 and D4 to one of the two electrodes of the gas discharge lamp LA.
  • the winding T2 is connected via the diode D3 to the heating coil connections K3 and K4 of the one electrode and the winding T4 is connected via the diode D4 to the heating coil connections K1 and K2 of the second electrode.
  • a diode D1 with its anode is connected to the connection node between the further switch S3 and the secondary winding T3, the cathode of which is connected to the positive supply voltage.
  • a diode D2 is connected in parallel to the inverter switch S2, the anode connection of which is connected to ground. This diode can be omitted when using FET transistors, provided that the transistors used have already integrated a diode circuit.
  • control signals for the inverter switch S1 are shown in curve I, which periodically change between levels L and H.
  • the period length is PO, the signal being at level H over the duration tO.
  • the inverter switch S1 is closed as long as it is driven with the H level.
  • the second inverter switch S2 switches, as already explained, alternating with the switch S1.
  • the lamp is dimmed, i.e. the more the period PO deviates from the resonance frequency of the series resonance circuit, the more the lamp is dimmed, i.e. the darker it is.
  • such an operation alone would have the consequence that the lamp would age to an increased extent.
  • control circuit 2 of the further controlled switch S3 is coupled to the inverter control circuit 1 via a coupling 3. According to FIG. 3, this is done in such a way that the further controllable switch S3 is only switched on when the inverter switch S1 is also switched on. is. This corresponds to the synchronization of the control signals according to curve I and the control signals for switch S3 according to curves II to VIII.
  • Curves I and II are identical, so that switches S1 and S3 switch in common mode and are simultaneously switched on and off. It follows from this that when the switch S1 is switched on, a primary-side current simultaneously flows through the windings T1 and T3 of the heating transformer T via the closed further controllable switch S3 and the resistor R1 from the positive supply voltage connection to ground. Since, according to curve II in FIG. 3, there is an interrupted current, ie no direct current, a voltage is induced with the same clock rate on the secondary side of the heating transformer, ie in the windings T2 and T4, according to the laws of magnetic induction.
  • the gas discharge lamp LA can ultimately be dimmed by changing the clock frequency of the inverter.
  • the cycle period can be reduced at the further switch S3 until it reaches a maximum heating power at the highest dimming level. This corresponds to curve II, in which, as already mentioned above, switches S3 and S1 operate in common mode.
  • Another alternative and also additionally applicable option for setting the heating power is to change the switching period in which the switch S3 is switched on. While in curves II to VII the switch S3 is switched on for as long as the switch S1, and only the time in which the switch S3 is switched off is varied, according to curve VIII the switch S3 is switched on significantly shorter. This also reduces the heating current that can be achieved by the heating coil.
  • curves 1 and 3 show the maximum and minimum heating current in recommended by the manufacturer of a gas discharge lamp Dependence on the degree of dimming is shown.
  • Curve 2 shows the heating current that can be achieved with the circuit and control method described above. It is thus clear from FIG. 4 that a heating current for the gas discharge lamp is easily adjustable, which is just above the minimally required heating current.
  • FIG. 5 shows a representation which shows the adjustable heating current as a function of the number of switch-on pulses omitted with respect to the switch S1, i.e. which represents a correspondingly extended period. If the number of missed switch-on pulses is 0 - as in II of Figure 2 - a maximum heating current can be achieved. This value can be reduced almost continuously.
  • FIG. 6 there is a maximum heating voltage, a maximum heating output being achievable with this voltage, as is also shown in FIG. 6.
  • a continuous change in the heating power can thus be set, as shown.
  • FIG. 3 a circuit variant of the heating transformer T is shown.
  • the circuit arrangements described above are initially purely a controller, in which the dependency between the switching frequency PO of the inverter and the switching frequency of the further controllable switch S3 is predetermined. Nevertheless, regulation is of course also conceivable.
  • the lamp current is measured in a manner known per se and supplied to the control circuits 1 and 2 (not shown).
  • a voltage proportional to the heating current can be measured at the resistor R1 and the value of the heating current via a heating current detector 4 as a signal Inverter control circuits are supplied. In this way, the heating current can be set directly as a function of the lamp current by means of regulation.
  • This arrangement also has the advantage that it is also possible to detect when there is a filament break, that is to say the lamp is defective and when the lamp has been removed from the arrangement. Through this detection via the heating current detector 4 and the forwarding of the information to the inverter control circuit 1, the lamp voltage can be reduced immediately by changing the inverter frequency. Likewise, a reinsertion of the lamp LA is detected, so that the inverter can be operated in such a way that the lamp LA automatically ignites after the insertion.

Landscapes

  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Discharge Lamp (AREA)

Abstract

The circuit has inverter switches (S1,S2) coupled in series, and operated in an alternating mode using signals from a control circuit (1). The switches connect with the load circuit that has series resonance stage having a coil (L1) and capacitor (C3). The circuit connects to the lighting tube via a coupling capacitor (C1). The other electrode of the lamp is connected to a heating transformer (T) that has a pair of primaries (T1,T3) and a pair of secondaries (T2,T4). A switch (S3) in the supply line controls the generation of the heating current.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Vorschaltgerät für mindestens eine Gasentladungslampe gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1, und ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Gasentladungslampe mit einem derartigen Vorschaltgerät.The invention relates to a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for operating a gas discharge lamp with such a ballast.

Üblicherweise werden heutzutage bei hochwertigen Vorschaltgeräten für Gasentladungslampen die Lampenelektroden vorgeheizt, bevor die Zündspannung zwischen diesen angelegt wird. Es hat sich gezeigt, daß durch diese Maßnahme die Lampenlebensdauer in erheblichem Maße verlängert wird.In today's high-quality ballasts for gas discharge lamps, the lamp electrodes are usually preheated before the ignition voltage is applied between them. It has been shown that the lamp life is considerably extended by this measure.

Wie z.B. in der EP 0 594 880 A1 beschrieben, wird die Gasentladungslampe in der Regel an einem Serienschwingkreis betrieben, wobei der Schwingkreiskondensator in der Regel parallel zur Entladungsstrecke der Gasentladungslampe liegt. Die Elektroden der Lampe sind als Heizwendeln ausgebildet, durch die der Strom des Schwingkreises bei nicht gezündeter Lampe fließt. Im Vorheizbetrieb wird die Frequenz gegenüber der Resonanzfrequenz des Resonanzkreises so verändert, daß die über dem Resonanzkondensator und damit über der Gasentladungslampe liegende Spannung keine Zündung der Gasentladungslampe verursacht. Auf diese Weise fließt ein im wesentlichen konstanterer Strom durch die als Wendeln ausgeführten Lampenelektroden, so daß diese vorgeheizt werden. Nach Ablauf der Vorheizphase wird die Frequenz in die Nähe der Resonanzfrequenz des Resonanzkreises eingestellt, wodurch die Spannung über dem Resonanzkondensator sich so erhöht, daß die Gasentladungslampe zündet.Such as. described in EP 0 594 880 A1, the gas discharge lamp is generally operated on a series resonant circuit, the resonant circuit capacitor generally lying parallel to the discharge path of the gas discharge lamp. The electrodes of the lamp are designed as heating coils through which the current of the resonant circuit flows when the lamp is not ignited. In the preheating mode, the frequency is changed in relation to the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit in such a way that the voltage across the resonance capacitor and thus above the gas discharge lamp does not cause the gas discharge lamp to ignite. In this way, a substantially more constant current flows through the lamp electrodes designed as filaments, so that they are preheated. After the preheating phase, the frequency is set in the vicinity of the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit, whereby the voltage across the resonance capacitor increases so that the gas discharge lamp ignites.

Bei hochwertigen Vorschaltgeräten ist es heutzutage üblich, auch einen Dimmbetrieb für die Gasentladungslampe vorzusehen. Es hat sich nunmehr gezeigt, daß bei starker Dimmung ein vorzeitiges Altern der Gasentladungslampe einsetzt. Aus diesem Grunde ist es erforderlich eine Anordnung vorzusehen, bei der die Elektroden der Gasentladungslampe auch im gezündeten Betrieb beheizbar sind. Insbesondere ist es vorteilhaft, die Beheizung der Elektroden in Abhängigkeit vom Dimmgrad einzustellen, d.h. je stärker die Lampe gedimmt ist - also umso dunkler sie ist - desto stärker muß sie beheizt werden.With high-quality ballasts, it is common today to provide dimming for the gas discharge lamp. It has now been shown that premature aging of the gas discharge lamp begins with strong dimming. For this reason, it is necessary to provide an arrangement in which the electrodes of the gas discharge lamp can also be heated in ignited operation. In particular, it is advantageous to set the heating of the electrodes as a function of the degree of dimming, i.e. the more the lamp is dimmed - the darker it is - the more it needs to be heated.

Hierfür ist aus der EP 0 589 081 A1, von der im Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1 ausgegangen wird, eine geeignete Schaltungsanordnung beschrieben. Diese weist im Resonanzkreis die Primärwicklung eines Heiztransformators auf, dessen Sekundärwicklungen parallel zu den Anschlüssen der Heizwendeln angeschlossen sind. Auf diese Weise ist es möglich auch im gezündeten Betrieb die Heizwendeln mit Energie zu versorgen. Des weiteren ist parallel zur Primärwicklung des Heiztransformators ein steuerbarer Schalter vorgesehen, der bei Bedarf die Primärwicklung überbrückt und somit gleichzeitig das Beheizen der Heizwendeln unterbindet.A suitable circuit arrangement is described for this from EP 0 589 081 A1, from which the preamble of claim 1 is based. This points in Resonance circuit on the primary winding of a heating transformer, the secondary windings are connected in parallel to the connections of the heating coils. In this way, it is possible to supply the heating coils with energy even in ignited operation. Furthermore, a controllable switch is provided parallel to the primary winding of the heating transformer, which bridges the primary winding if necessary and thus simultaneously prevents the heating of the heating coils.

Diese Anordnung weist jedoch den Nachteil auf, daß durch das Vorsehen der Primärwicklung des Heiztransformators im Serienresonanzkreis dieser zumindest solange wie ein Beheizen der Wendeln erforderlich ist, d.h. der zur Primärwicklung parallel geschaltete Schalter geöffnet ist, den Resonanzkreis bedämpft. Dies führt zu einer Verstimmung des Resonanzkreises, so daß ein sicheres Zünden und somit ein zuverlässiger Betrieb nicht mehr uneingeschränkt gewährleistet ist.However, this arrangement has the disadvantage that the provision of the primary winding of the heating transformer in the series resonant circuit means that the latter is at least required for as long as heating the filaments, i.e. the switch connected in parallel to the primary winding is open, dampens the resonance circuit. This leads to a detuning of the resonance circuit, so that reliable ignition and thus reliable operation can no longer be guaranteed without restriction.

Somit liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Vorschaltgerät für mindestens eine Gasentladungslampe vorzusehen, so daß stets ein zuverlässiger, die Lampe schonender Betrieb gewährleistet ist.The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp, so that reliable operation which is gentle on the lamp is always ensured.

Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß Patentanspruch 1 dadurch gelöst, daß ein Wechselrichter, der zwei in Serie liegende, an eine Gleichspannungsquelle angeschlossene und im Gegentakt geschaltete Schalter aufweist, wobei an den Wechselrichter ein Lastkreis, der aus einem Serienresonanzkreis und der Lampe besteht und einen Heizkreis zur Stromversorgung der Lampenwendeln angeschlossen ist. Der Heizkreis weist weiterhin einen weiteren steuerbaren Schalter zur Steuerung des Heizstromes auf. Des weiteren ist der Heizkreis ebenfalls zu einem der beiden Schalter des Wechselrichters parallel geschaltet.This object is achieved according to claim 1 in that an inverter which has two series switches connected to a DC voltage source and connected in push-pull mode, with a load circuit consisting of a series resonance circuit and the lamp and a heating circuit for the power supply to the inverter the lamp filament is connected. The heating circuit also has a further controllable switch for controlling the heating current. Furthermore, the heating circuit is also connected in parallel to one of the two switches of the inverter.

Weiterhin wird die Aufgabe gemäß Patentanspruch 16 dadurch gelöst, daß beim Vorheizen der Gasentladungslampe der Wechselrichter mit maximaler Taktfrequenz betrieben wird, während dabei der Takt für den zusätzlichen steuerbaren Schalter so gewählt wird, daß die Gasentladungslampe mit der maximal zulässigen Heizleistung betrieben wird.Furthermore, the object is achieved according to claim 16 in that when the gas discharge lamp is preheated, the inverter is operated at the maximum clock frequency, while the clock for the additional controllable switch is selected such that the gas discharge lamp is operated with the maximum permissible heating power.

Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Schaltungsanordnung ist gewährleistet, daß der Serienresonanzkreis unbeeinflußt und somit ungedämpft arbeiten kann. Weiterhin ist es mittels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ermöglicht, in Abhängigkeit vom über den Wechselrichter bestimmten Dimmgrad der Gasentladungslampe die jeweils notwendige Heizspannung einzustellen. Zusätzlich ist es bei der Verwendung unterschiedlicher Lampen an ein und demselben Vorschaltgerät möglich, die für die jeweils gewählte Lampe notwendige Heizleistung zur Verfügung zu stellen, ohne dabei die Betriebsbedingungen der Lampe zu beeinflussen.With the circuit arrangement according to the invention it is ensured that the series resonant circuit can operate unaffected and thus undamped. Furthermore, it is possible by means of the method according to the invention, depending on the Inverters determine the dimming level of the gas discharge lamp to set the required heating voltage. In addition, when using different lamps on one and the same ballast, it is possible to provide the heating power required for the lamp selected in each case without influencing the operating conditions of the lamp.

Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

So ist es insbesondere für die Energiebilanz des erfindungsgemäßen Vorschaltgeräts vorteilhaft, daß der weitere Schalter so geschaltet ist, daß die Lampe nur dann mit Heizstrom versorgt wird, wenn diese aufgrund ihres Betriebszustandes beheizt werden muß. Somit wird nur soviel Energie wie unbedingt notwendig für das Beheizen der Lampe verbraucht.So it is particularly advantageous for the energy balance of the ballast according to the invention that the further switch is switched so that the lamp is only supplied with heating current when it has to be heated due to its operating state. This means that only as much energy as is absolutely necessary for heating the lamp is used.

Die Ansprüche 2-4 betreffen vorteilhaft Ausgestaltungen des erfindungsgemäßen Vorschaltgeräts.Claims 2-4 relate advantageously to configurations of the ballast according to the invention.

Gemäß der Unteransprüche 5-8, sind Ausgestaltungen vorgesehen, die sicherstellen, daß die Steuerung des zusätzlichen Schalters unter Berücksichtigung der Ansteuerung des Wechselrichters möglichst einfach gehalten ist und gleichzeitig variabel bleibt, um die notwendige Heizleistung möglichst genau einstellen zu können.According to subclaims 5-8, configurations are provided which ensure that the control of the additional switch is kept as simple as possible while taking into account the control of the inverter and at the same time remains variable in order to be able to set the necessary heating power as precisely as possible.

Gemaß der Unteransprüche 9-14 sind Ausgestaltungen des Heizkreises angegeben, die den vorteilhaften Einsatz eines Heiztransformators verwenden und ebenfalls einen möglichst einfachen und sicheren Schaltungsaufbau gewährleisten.According to subclaims 9-14, configurations of the heating circuit are specified which use the advantageous use of a heating transformer and also ensure the simplest and most reliable circuit design possible.

Gemäß Unteranspruch 17 ist ein Betreiben der Gasentladungslampe innerhalb des zulässigen Betriebsbereiches für die Heizleistung gewährleistet.According to subclaim 17, operation of the gas discharge lamp is guaranteed within the permissible operating range for the heating power.

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen im einzelnen näher erläutert.The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines elektronischen Vorschaltgerätes,
  • Fig. 2 Steuersignale der Schalter S1 und S3 gemäß Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 eine Variante des in Fig. 1 vorgesehenen Heiztransformators,
  • Fig. 4 ein Beispiel eines einstellbaren Heizstromes in Abhängigkeit vom Dimmgrad,
  • Fig. 5 eine Darstellung des effektiven Heizstroms in Abhängigkeit von der Pulsanzahl und
  • Fig. 6 eine Darstellung der effektiven Heizspannung bzw. Heizleistung in Abhängigkeit von der Pulsanzahl.
Show it:
  • 1 shows an embodiment of an electronic ballast,
  • 2 control signals of the switches S1 and S3 of FIG. 1,
  • 3 shows a variant of the heating transformer provided in FIG. 1,
  • 4 shows an example of an adjustable heating current as a function of the degree of dimming,
  • Fig. 5 shows the effective heating current as a function of the number of pulses and
  • 6 shows the effective heating voltage or heating power as a function of the number of pulses.

In Figur 1 sind die wesentlichen Teile eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Vorschaltgerätes für eine Gasentladungslampe dargestellt. Dieses weist zunächst einen Wechselrichter auf, der aus den steuerbaren Schaltern S1 und S2 besteht, die mittels einer Wechselrichtersteuerschaltung 1 im Gegentakt angesteuert werden. Somit sind im Wechsel jeweils ein Schalter ein und der andere ausgeschaltet. Die beiden Wechselrichterschalter S1 und S2 sind in Serienschaltung zwischen einer positiven Versorgungsspannung und Masse geschaltet. Am gemeinsamen Knotenpunkt der beiden Wechselrichterschalter S1, S2 ist der Lastkreis angeschlossen. Dieser besteht aus einem Serienresonanzkreis, der sich aus einer Resonanzkreis-Spule L1 und einem Resonanzkreis-Kondensator C3 zusammensetzt. Der Resonanzkreis-Kondensator C3 ist mit seinem einen Anschluß mit Masse verbunden. An dem Verbindungsknoten zwischen dem Resonanzkreis-Kondensator C3 und der Resonanzkreis-Spule L1 ist der eine Anschluß eines Koppelkondensators C2 angeschlossen. Der andere Anschluß des Koppelkondensators C2 ist mit einer von zwei Kathoden, einer Gasentladungslampe LA verbunden. Die beiden Kathoden der Gasentladungslampe LA weisen jeweils zwei Anschlüsse auf, zwischen denen jeweils eine Heizwendel für das Beheizen der jeweiligen Kathode vorgesehen ist. Die nicht am Koppelkondensator C2 angeschlossene Elektrode der Gasentladungslampe LA ist mit einem Anschluß K3 mit Masse verbunden.FIG. 1 shows the essential parts of an exemplary embodiment of a ballast for a gas discharge lamp. This initially has an inverter, which consists of the controllable switches S1 and S2, which are controlled in a push-pull manner by means of an inverter control circuit 1. This means that one switch is switched on and the other is switched off. The two inverter switches S1 and S2 are connected in series between a positive supply voltage and ground. The load circuit is connected to the common node of the two inverter switches S1, S2. This consists of a series resonance circuit, which is composed of a resonance circuit coil L1 and a resonance circuit capacitor C3. The resonant circuit capacitor C3 has one terminal connected to ground. One connection of a coupling capacitor C2 is connected to the connection node between the resonant circuit capacitor C3 and the resonant circuit coil L1. The other connection of the coupling capacitor C2 is connected to one of two cathodes, a gas discharge lamp LA. The two cathodes of the gas discharge lamp LA each have two connections, between each of which a heating coil is provided for heating the respective cathode. The electrode of the gas discharge lamp LA which is not connected to the coupling capacitor C2 is connected to ground with a connection K3.

Weiterhin ist ein Heiztransformator T vorgesehen, der zwei primärseitige Wicklungen T1 und T3 sowie zwei sekundärseitige Wicklungen T2 und T4 aufweist. Die eine primärseitige Wicklung T1 ist mit ihrem einem Anschluß an dem Verbindungsknoten der beiden Wechselrichterschalter S1 und S2 angeschlossen und mit ihrem zweiten Anschluß mit der zweiten primärseitigen Wicklung T3 verbunden. Diese ist wiederum mit einem Anschluß eines weiteren steuerbaren Schalters S3 verbunden. Der zweite Anschluß des weiteren steuerbaren Schalters S3 ist wiederum mit einem Widerstand R1 verbunden, der andererseits an Masse angeschlossen ist. Somit ergibt sich eine Serienschaltung aus den beiden primärseitigen Wicklungen des Heiztransformators, dem weiteren steuerbaren Schalter S3 und dem Widerstand R1, die parallel zum Wechselrichterschalter S2 geschaltet sind.Furthermore, a heating transformer T is provided which has two windings T1 and T3 on the primary side and two windings T2 and T4 on the secondary side. The one winding T1 on the primary side is connected with its one connection to the connecting node of the two inverter switches S1 and S2 and with its second connection it is connected to the second winding T3 on the primary side. This is again connected to a connection of a further controllable switch S3. The second connection of the further controllable switch S3 is in turn connected to a resistor R1, which on the other hand is connected to ground. This results in a series connection of the two primary-side windings of the heating transformer, the further controllable switch S3 and the resistor R1, which are connected in parallel to the inverter switch S2.

Der weitere steuerbare Schalter S3 wird wiederum von einer ihm zugeordneten Schaltsteuerung 2 betrieben.The further controllable switch S3 is in turn operated by a switching controller 2 assigned to it.

Die beiden sekundärseitigen Wicklungen T2 und T4 des Heiztransformators T sind über Serienschaltungen mit jeweiligen Dioden D3 und D4 jeweils mit einer der beiden Elektroden der Gasentladungslampe LA verbunden. Somit ist die Wicklung T2 über die Diode D3 mit den Heizwendelanschlüsssen K3 und K4 der einen Elektrode und die Wicklung T4 über die Diode D4 mit den Heizwendelanschlüssen K1 und K2 der zweiten Elektrode verbunden.The two windings T2 and T4 on the secondary side of the heating transformer T are connected in series with respective diodes D3 and D4 to one of the two electrodes of the gas discharge lamp LA. Thus, the winding T2 is connected via the diode D3 to the heating coil connections K3 and K4 of the one electrode and the winding T4 is connected via the diode D4 to the heating coil connections K1 and K2 of the second electrode.

Schließlich ist an dem Verbindungsknoten zwischen dem weiteren Schalter S3 und der Sekundärwicklung T3 eine Diode D1 mit ihrer Anode angeschlossen, deren Kathode mit der positiven Versorgungsspannung verbunden ist. Schließlich ist parallel zum Wechselrichterschalter S2 eine Diode D2 geschaltet, deren Anodenanschluß mit Masse verbunden ist. Diese Diode kann bei Verwendung von FET-Transistoren entfallen, sofern die verwendeten Transistoren eine Diodenschaltung bereits integriert haben.Finally, a diode D1 with its anode is connected to the connection node between the further switch S3 and the secondary winding T3, the cathode of which is connected to the positive supply voltage. Finally, a diode D2 is connected in parallel to the inverter switch S2, the anode connection of which is connected to ground. This diode can be omitted when using FET transistors, provided that the transistors used have already integrated a diode circuit.

Nachfolgend wird ein vorteilhafter Betrieb der zuvor beschriebenen Schaltungsanordnung anhand der Figuren 1 und 2 beschrieben.An advantageous operation of the circuit arrangement described above is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In Figur 2 sind in Kurve I Steuersignale für den Wechselrichterschalter S1 dargestellt, die periodisch zwischen Pegeln L und H wechseln. Die Periodenlänge beträgt PO, wobei das Signal über die Dauer tO auf dem Pegel H liegt. Nunmehr sei angenommen, daß der Wechselrichterschalter S1 geschlossen ist, solange er mit dem Pegel H angesteuert wird. Gleichzeitig schaltet der zweite Wechselrichterschalter S2, wie zuvor bereits erläutert, im Wechsel zum Schalter S1.In FIG. 2, control signals for the inverter switch S1 are shown in curve I, which periodically change between levels L and H. The period length is PO, the signal being at level H over the duration tO. Now it is assumed that the inverter switch S1 is closed as long as it is driven with the H level. At the same time, the second inverter switch S2 switches, as already explained, alternating with the switch S1.

Der Vollständigkeit halber sei erwähnt, daß sich in dem angeschlossenen Serienresonanzkreis eine Schwingung der Periodendauer der Steuersignale an den Wechselrichterschaltern ausbildet, wobei dann, wenn die Periodendauer PO in der Nähe der Resonanzfrequenz des Serienresononzkreises liegt, die Gasentladungslampe LA zündet.For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that an oscillation of the period of the control signals at the inverter switches forms in the connected series resonance circuit, when the period PO is close is the resonance frequency of the series resonance circuit, the gas discharge lamp LA ignites.

Durch ein Erhöhen der Schaltfrequenz des Wechselrichters über die Resonanzfrequenz des Resonanzkreises erfolgt ein Dimmen der Lampe, d.h. umso stärker die Periode PO von der Resonanzfrequenz des Serienresonanzkreises abweicht, desto stärker ist die Lampe gedimmt, d.h. umso dunkler ist sie. Ein derartiger Betrieb allein hätte, wie bereits zuvor erwähnt, zur Folge, daß die Lampe in erhöhtem Maße altern würde.By increasing the switching frequency of the inverter above the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit, the lamp is dimmed, i.e. the more the period PO deviates from the resonance frequency of the series resonance circuit, the more the lamp is dimmed, i.e. the darker it is. As already mentioned, such an operation alone would have the consequence that the lamp would age to an increased extent.

Daher ist vorgesehen, die Steuerschaltung 2 des weiteren gesteuerten Schalters S3 über eine Kopplung 3 mit der Wechselrichtersteuerschaltung 1 zu koppeln. Dies erfolgt gemäß Figur 3 in der Form, daß der weitere steuerbare Schalter S3 nur eingeschaltet ist, wenn auch der Wechselrichterschalter S1 eingeschaltet. ist. Dies entspricht der Synchronisation der Steuersignale gemäß der Kurve I und der Steuersignale für den Schalter S3 gemäß der Kurven II bis VIII.It is therefore provided that the control circuit 2 of the further controlled switch S3 is coupled to the inverter control circuit 1 via a coupling 3. According to FIG. 3, this is done in such a way that the further controllable switch S3 is only switched on when the inverter switch S1 is also switched on. is. This corresponds to the synchronization of the control signals according to curve I and the control signals for switch S3 according to curves II to VIII.

Die Kurven I und II sind identisch, so daß die Schalter S1 und S3 im Gleichtakt schalten und dabei gleichzeitig ein- bzw. ausgeschaltet sind. Hieraus ergibt sich, daß dann, wenn der Schalter S1 eingeschaltet ist, gleichzeitig ein primärseitiger Strom durch die Wicklungen T1 und T3 des Heiztransformators T über den geschlossenen weiteren steuerbaren Schalter S3 und den Widerstand R1 vom positiven Versorgungsspannungsanschluß nach Masse fließt. Da es sich gemäß Kurve II in Fig. 3 um einen unterbrochenen Strom, d.h. kein Gleichstrom, handelt, wird gemäß der Gesetzmäßigkeiten der magnetischen Induktion auf die Sekundärseite des Heiztransformators, d.h. in die Wicklungen T2 und T4, mit dem gleichen Takt eine Spannung induziert, die einen Strom zur Folge hat, der wie beschrieben, die daran angeschlossenen Heizwicklungen durchfließt und somit zu einem Beheizen der Elektroden der Gasentladungslampe LA führt. Sobald der weitere steuerbare Schalter S3 geöffnet wird, wird der Stromfluß durch die Wicklungen T1 und T3 unterbrochen, so daß sich aufgrund der bekannten physikalischen Gesetzmäßigkeiten ein abrupter Spannungsanstieg am Verbindungsknoten zwischen dem Schalter S3 und der Wicklung T3 ergibt. Dieser Spannungsanstieg wird durch die Diode D1 auf den Wert der positiven Versorgungsspannung begrenzt. In den Schaltphasen, in denen der Schalter S3 geöffnet ist, ergibt sich somit durch das Entladen der in dem Heiztransformator gespeicherten Energie eine Entmagnetisierung. Auch die Dioden D3 und D4 sind zur Entmagnetisierung des Heiztransformators T notwendig.Curves I and II are identical, so that switches S1 and S3 switch in common mode and are simultaneously switched on and off. It follows from this that when the switch S1 is switched on, a primary-side current simultaneously flows through the windings T1 and T3 of the heating transformer T via the closed further controllable switch S3 and the resistor R1 from the positive supply voltage connection to ground. Since, according to curve II in FIG. 3, there is an interrupted current, ie no direct current, a voltage is induced with the same clock rate on the secondary side of the heating transformer, ie in the windings T2 and T4, according to the laws of magnetic induction. which results in a current which, as described, flows through the heating windings connected to it and thus leads to heating of the electrodes of the gas discharge lamp LA. As soon as the further controllable switch S3 is opened, the current flow through the windings T1 and T3 is interrupted, so that, due to the known physical laws, there is an abrupt voltage increase at the connection node between the switch S3 and the winding T3. This voltage rise is limited by the diode D1 to the value of the positive supply voltage. In the switching phases in which the switch S3 is open, the discharge of the energy stored in the heating transformer thus results in demagnetization. Diodes D3 and D4 are also necessary for demagnetizing the heating transformer T.

Wie bereits zuvor erwähnt, kann durch Veränderung der Taktfrequenz des Wechselrichters letztendlich die Gasentladungslampe LA gedimmt werden. Um die Lebensdauer einer Gasentladungslampe jedoch nicht unnötig zu vermindern, ist es hierbei notwendig, entsprechend dem Dimmgrad, die Heizleistung der Elektrodenheizung anzupassen. Dies kann gemäß der Kurven II bis VII in Fig. 2 dadurch erfolgen, daß nicht bei jedem Einschalten des Wechselrichterschalters S1 der weitere gesteuerte Schalter S3 ebenfalls eingeschaltet ist. Vielmehr können längere Taktperioden P1 bis P5 beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, wobei die Periodendauern P1 bis P5 ein ganzzahliges Vielfaches der Taktperiode des Wechselrichterschalters S1 sind.As already mentioned above, the gas discharge lamp LA can ultimately be dimmed by changing the clock frequency of the inverter. However, in order not to unnecessarily reduce the service life of a gas discharge lamp, it is necessary to adapt the heating power of the electrode heater in accordance with the degree of dimming. This can be done according to curves II to VII in FIG. 2 in that the further controlled switch S3 is not also switched on each time the inverter switch S1 is switched on. Rather, longer clock periods P1 to P5 can be provided, for example, the period durations P1 to P5 being an integer multiple of the clock period of the inverter switch S1.

Mit anderen Worten, bei ungedimmten bzw. schwachgedimmtem Betrieb der Lampe ist keine, bzw. nur eine geringe Heizleistung notwendig, so daß beispielsweise für den weiteren gesteuerten Schalter S3 eine Schaltperiode P5 gemäß Kurve VII vorgesehen sein könnte. Zusätzlich besteht die Möglichkeit, daß im ungedimmten Betrieb die Wärmeentwicklung der Elektroden so groß ist, daß kein zusätzliches Beheizen der Elektroden notwendig ist. In diesem Fall bleibt der weitere steuerbare Schalter S3 geöffnet, so daß keine Energie für zusätzliche Heizleistung verbraucht wird, wodurch die Anordnung mit dem größt möglichen Wirkungsgrad arbeitet. Es ist somit ein aufbringen von Heizleistung erst dann notwendig, wenn durch das Dimmen die eigene Wärmeerzeugung nicht ausreichend ist.In other words, with undimmed or weakly dimmed operation of the lamp, no or only a low heating power is necessary, so that, for example, a switching period P5 according to curve VII could be provided for the further controlled switch S3. In addition, there is the possibility that in undimmed operation the heat development of the electrodes is so great that no additional heating of the electrodes is necessary. In this case, the further controllable switch S3 remains open, so that no energy is consumed for additional heating power, as a result of which the arrangement operates with the greatest possible efficiency. It is therefore only necessary to apply heating power when dimming does not generate enough heat.

Einhergehend mit einer stärkeren Dimmung der Gasentladungslampe LA muß zum Vorsehen einer höheren Heizleistung, d.h. eines häufiger wiederkehrenden Heizstroms, die Taktperiode am weiteren Schalter S3 vermindert werden, bis sie beim höchsten Dimmgrad zu einer maximalen Heizleistung gelangt. Diese entspricht der Kurve II, bei der, wie bereits oben erwähnt, die Schalter S3 und S1 im Gleichtakt arbeiten.Along with a stronger dimming of the gas discharge lamp LA, in order to provide a higher heating power, i.e. of a more frequently recurring heating current, the cycle period can be reduced at the further switch S3 until it reaches a maximum heating power at the highest dimming level. This corresponds to curve II, in which, as already mentioned above, switches S3 and S1 operate in common mode.

Eine weitere alternativ und auch zusätzlich anwendbare Möglichkeit die Heizleistung einzustellen, besteht darin, die Schaltdauer in der der Schalter S3 eingeschaltet ist, zu verändern. Während in den Kurven II bis VII der Schalter S3 genauso lang eingeschaltet ist wie der Schalter S1, und nur die Zeit in der der Schalter S3 ausgeschaltet ist, variiert wird, ist gemäß Kurve VIII der Schalter S3 deutlich kürzer eingeschaltet. Dies verringert gleichzeitig den erzielbaren Heizstrom durch die Heizwendel.Another alternative and also additionally applicable option for setting the heating power is to change the switching period in which the switch S3 is switched on. While in curves II to VII the switch S3 is switched on for as long as the switch S1, and only the time in which the switch S3 is switched off is varied, according to curve VIII the switch S3 is switched on significantly shorter. This also reduces the heating current that can be achieved by the heating coil.

In der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 4 ist mit den Kurven 1 und 3 der maximale und minimale vom Hersteller einer Gasentladungslampe empfohlene Heizstrom in Abhängigkeit vom Dimmgrad dargestellt. Mit der Kurve 2 ist der mit der zuvor beschriebenen Schaltung und Ansteuerweise erzielbare Heizstrom dargestellt. Aus Figur 4 wird somit deutlich, daß ein Heizstrom für die Gasentladungslampe gut einstellbar ist, der knapp oberhalb des minimal notwendigen Heizstromes liegt.In the illustration according to FIG. 4, curves 1 and 3 show the maximum and minimum heating current in recommended by the manufacturer of a gas discharge lamp Dependence on the degree of dimming is shown. Curve 2 shows the heating current that can be achieved with the circuit and control method described above. It is thus clear from FIG. 4 that a heating current for the gas discharge lamp is easily adjustable, which is just above the minimally required heating current.

In Figur 5 ist eine Darstellung gezeigt, die den einstellbaren Heizstrom in Abhängigkeit von der Anzahl der gegenüber dem Schalter S1 ausgelassenen Einschaltimpulse, d.h. der entsprechend ganzzahlig verlängerten Periodendauer darstellt. Wenn die Anzahl der ausgelassenen Einschaltimpulse gleich 0 ist - wie in II der Figur 2 - ist ein maximaler Heizstrom erzielbar. Dieser Wert ist nahezu kontinuierlich absenkbar.FIG. 5 shows a representation which shows the adjustable heating current as a function of the number of switch-on pulses omitted with respect to the switch S1, i.e. which represents a correspondingly extended period. If the number of missed switch-on pulses is 0 - as in II of Figure 2 - a maximum heating current can be achieved. This value can be reduced almost continuously.

Weiterhin ergibt sich gemäß Figur 6 eine maximale Heizspannung, wobei mit dieser Spannung, wie ebenfalls in Figur 6 dargestellt ist, eine maximale Heizleistung erzielbar ist. Entsprechend der kontinuierlichen Veränderbarkeit von Heizstrom und Heizspannung ist folglich, wie dargestellt, ein kontinuierliches Verändern der Heizleistung einstellbar.Furthermore, according to FIG. 6, there is a maximum heating voltage, a maximum heating output being achievable with this voltage, as is also shown in FIG. 6. Corresponding to the continuously changeable heating current and heating voltage, a continuous change in the heating power can thus be set, as shown.

Dies zeigt, daß mit einfachen Mitteln im wesentlichen unabhängig vom Betrieb der Gasentladungslampe die Heizleistung einstellbar ist. Dies führt dazu, daß die zuvor erläuterte Schaltung nicht allein zum Anpassen des Dimmgrades sondern für die Anpassung der Heizleistung beim Einsatz unterschiedlicher Lampen an deren Erfordernisse sowohl beim Vorheizen als auch im Dimmbetrieb verwendbar ist.This shows that the heating power can be adjusted using simple means, essentially independently of the operation of the gas discharge lamp. This leads to the fact that the circuit explained above can be used not only to adjust the degree of dimming but also to adapt the heating power when using different lamps to their requirements both during preheating and in dimming operation.

Gemäß Figur 3 ist eine Schaltungsvariante des Heiztransformators T dargestellt. Hierbei sind primärseitig nicht zwei in Serie geschaltete Wicklungen sondern eine einzige über einen Kern gewickelte Wicklung T1' vorgesehen, die die sekundärseitigen Wicklungen T2 und T4 betreiben.According to Figure 3, a circuit variant of the heating transformer T is shown. In this case, there are not two windings connected in series on the primary side, but rather a single winding T1 'wound over a core, which windings operate the secondary-side windings T2 and T4.

Bei den zuvor beschriebenen Schaltungsanordnungen handelt es sich zunächst um eine reine Steuerung, bei der die Abhängigkeit zwischen der Schaltfrequenz PO des Wechselrichters und der Schaltfrequenz des weiteren steuerbaren Schalters S3 vorgegeben ist. Gleichwohl ist selbstverständlich auch eine Regelung denkbar. In einem solchen Fall wird der Lampenstrom in an sich bekannter Weise gemessen und den Steuerschaltungen 1 und 2 zugeführt (nicht dargestellt). Zusätzlich kann eine dem Heizstrom proportionale Spannung am Widerstand R1 gemessen werden und der Wert des Heizstromes über einen Heizstromdetektor 4 als Signal den Wechselrichtersteuerschaltungen zugeführt werden. Auf diese Weise ist der Heizstrom direkt in Abhängigkeit des Lampenstroms mittels Regelung einstellbar.The circuit arrangements described above are initially purely a controller, in which the dependency between the switching frequency PO of the inverter and the switching frequency of the further controllable switch S3 is predetermined. Nevertheless, regulation is of course also conceivable. In such a case, the lamp current is measured in a manner known per se and supplied to the control circuits 1 and 2 (not shown). In addition, a voltage proportional to the heating current can be measured at the resistor R1 and the value of the heating current via a heating current detector 4 as a signal Inverter control circuits are supplied. In this way, the heating current can be set directly as a function of the lamp current by means of regulation.

Diese Anordnung hat weiterhin den Vorteil, daß zusätzlich erfaßbar wird, wenn ein Wendelbruch vorliegt, also die Lampe defekt ist und wenn die Lampe aus der Anordnung entfernt wurde. Durch dieses Erfassen über den Heizstromdetektor 4 und das Weiterleiten der Infromation an die Wechselrichtersteuerschaltung 1 kann dem sogleich die Lampenspannung mittels Verändern der Wechselrichterfrequenz vermindert werden. Gleichfalls wird ein Wiedereinsetzen der Lampe LA erfaßt, so daß der Wechselrichter so betreibbar ist, daß die Lampe LA nach dem Einsetzen automatisch zündet.This arrangement also has the advantage that it is also possible to detect when there is a filament break, that is to say the lamp is defective and when the lamp has been removed from the arrangement. Through this detection via the heating current detector 4 and the forwarding of the information to the inverter control circuit 1, the lamp voltage can be reduced immediately by changing the inverter frequency. Likewise, a reinsertion of the lamp LA is detected, so that the inverter can be operated in such a way that the lamp LA automatically ignites after the insertion.

Claims (17)

Vorschaltgerät für mindestens eine Gasentladungslampe mit - einem Wechselrichter, der zwei in Serie liegende an eine Gleichspannungsquelle angeschlossene und im Gegentakt geschaltete Schalter (S1, S2) aufweist, - einem am dem Wechselrichter angeschlossenen Lastkreis, der einen Serienresonanzkreis (L1, C1) und die Lampe (LA) enthält, und - einen ebenfalls an den Wechselrichter angeschlossenen Heizkreis (T, S3, R1) zur Stromversorgung der Lampenwendeln, der einen weiteren steuerbaren Schalter (S3) zur Steuerung des Heizstromes enthält,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Heizkreis zu einem der beiden Schalter des Wechselrichters parallel geschaltet ist.
Ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp an inverter which has two switches (S1, S2) connected in series to a DC voltage source and connected in push-pull, - A load circuit connected to the inverter, which contains a series resonance circuit (L1, C1) and the lamp (LA), and a heating circuit (T, S3, R1) also connected to the inverter for powering the lamp filaments, which contains a further controllable switch (S3) for controlling the heating current,
characterized,
that the heating circuit is connected in parallel to one of the two switches of the inverter.
Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der weitere steuerbare Schalter (S3) so geschaltet ist, daß die Lampe (LA) nur dann mit Heizstrom versorgt wird, wenn der Wechselrichter-Schalter (S2), zu dem der Lastkreis parallel geschaltet liegt, geöffnet ist.
Ballast according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the further controllable switch (S3) is switched so that the lamp (LA) is only supplied with heating current when the inverter switch (S2), to which the load circuit is connected in parallel, is open.
Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Lastkreis parallel zu einem Schalter des Wechselrichters liegt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Heizkreis (T, S3, R1) parallel dem Schalter des Wechselrichters geschaltet ist, zu dem auch der Lastkreis (L1, C1, LA) parallel liegt.
Ballast according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the load circuit is parallel to a switch of the inverter,
characterized,
that the heating circuit (T, S3, R1) is connected in parallel to the switch of the inverter, to which the load circuit (L1, C1, LA) is also connected in parallel.
Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Heizkreis (T, S3, R1) parallel zu dem Schalter (S1) geschaltet ist, der mit dem Schalter (S2) des Wechselrichters, zu dem der Lastkreis (L1, C1, LA) parallel liegt, in Serie geschaltet ist.
Ballast according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that the heating circuit (T, S3, R1) is connected in parallel to the switch (S1), which is connected in series with the switch (S2) of the inverter to which the load circuit (L1, C1, LA) lies in parallel.
Vorschaltgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Schaltperiode des weiteren steuerbaren Schalters (S3) um ein ganzzahlig Vielfaches der Taktperiode des Wechselrichters veränderbar ist.
Ballast according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized,
that the switching period of the further controllable switch (S3) can be changed by an integral multiple of the clock period of the inverter.
Vorschaltgerät nach einem Ansprüche 1 bis 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Zeitabschnitt in dem der weitere steuerbare Schalter (S3) die Heizvorrichtung mit Heizstrom versorgt, kürzer ist, als der Zeitabschnitt in dem der Wechselrichterschalter (S2), zu dem der Lastkreis parallel liegt, geöffnet ist.
Ballast according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized,
that the period in which the further controllable switch (S3) supplies the heating device with heating current is shorter than the period in which the inverter switch (S2), to which the load circuit is parallel, is open.
Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Zeitabschnitt, in dem der weitere steuerbare Schalter (S3) den Heizkreis mit Strom versorgt, einstellbar ist.
Ballast according to claim 6,
characterized,
that the time period in which the further controllable switch (S3) supplies the heating circuit with current is adjustable.
Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Einstellung des Zeitraumes und/oder der Schaltperiode in Abhängigkeit des Stromes im Lastkreis (L1, C1, LA) erfolgt.
Ballast according to claim 7,
characterized,
that the period and / or the switching period is set as a function of the current in the load circuit (L1, C1, LA).
Vorschaltgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Heizkreis einen Heiztransformator (T) aufweist, der primärseitig mit einem der beiden Wechselrichter-Schalter (S1, S2) parallel geschaltet ist und sekundärseitig mit den Lampenwendeln verbunden ist.
Ballast according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized,
that the heating circuit has a heating transformer (T) which is connected in parallel on the primary side to one of the two inverter switches (S1, S2) and is connected on the secondary side to the lamp filaments.
Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 9,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Heiztransformator (T) für jede Lampenwendel eine eigene sekundärseitige Wicklung (T2,T4) aufweist und primärseitig eine gemeinsame Wicklung (T1') oder den sekundärseitigen Wicklungen (T2,T4) entsprechende Wicklungen (T1,T3) aufweist, die in Serienschaltung miteinander verbunden sind.
Ballast according to claim 9,
characterized,
that the heating transformer (T) has its own secondary-side winding (T2, T4) for each lamp filament and has a common winding (T1 ') on the primary side or the windings (T1, T3) corresponding to the secondary-side windings (T2, T4), which are connected in series with one another are connected.
Vorschaltgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 9 und 10,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der weitere steuerbare Schalter (S3) mit der Primärseite des Heiztransformators (T) in Serienschaltung verbunden ist.
Ballast according to one of claims 9 and 10,
characterized,
that the further controllable switch (S3) is connected to the primary side of the heating transformer (T) in series connection.
Vorschaltgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß in Serie mit dem weiteren steuerbaren Schalter (S3) eine Impedanz, vorzugsweise ein ohmscher Widerstand liegt, wobei der Spannungsabfall über dieser Impedanz als Detektionssignal für einen fließenden Heizstrom und damit für einen Heizwendelbruch bzw. das Fehlen bzw. einem Gasdefekt der Lampe (LA) verwendet ist.
Ballast according to one of claims 1 to 11,
characterized,
that in series with the further controllable switch (S3) there is an impedance, preferably an ohmic resistance, the voltage drop across this impedance being a detection signal for a flowing heating current and thus for a heating coil break or the absence or a gas defect of the lamp (LA) is used.
Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 12,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Spannungsabfall über diese Impedanz als Detektionssignal für das Wiedereinsetzen einer Lampe verwendet ist.
Ballast according to claim 12,
characterized,
that the voltage drop across this impedance is used as a detection signal for reinstalling a lamp.
Vorschaltgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß eine Schaltungsanordnung zum Entmagnetisieren des Heiztransformators (T) vorgesehen ist, die den Heiztransformator (T) entmagnetisiert, wenn dieser keinen Heizstrom den Lampenwendeln zuführt.
Ballast according to one of claims 9 to 12,
characterized,
that a circuit arrangement for demagnetizing the heating transformer (T) is provided which demagnetizes the heating transformer (T) when it does not supply any heating current to the lamp filaments.
Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Vorschaltgerätes nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß mit dem weiteren steuerbaren Schalter nach Zünden der Lampe die Heizung bis auf weiteres abgeschaltet wird.
Method for operating a ballast according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that with the further controllable switch after ignition of the lamp, the heating is switched off until further notice.
Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Gasentladungslampe mit einem Vorschaltgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15,
bei dem beim Vorheizen der Lampenelektroden, die Schalter (S1, S2) des Wechselrichters mit maximaler Taktfrequenz betrieben werden und
bei dem zum Zünden der Gasentladungslampe (LA) die Taktfrequenz bis in die Nähe der Resonanzfrequenz des Serienresonanzkreises (L1, C3) abgesenkt wird,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß beim Vorheizen der weitere steuerbare Schalter (S3) mit einer Taktfrequenz betrieben wird, die das Heizen mit maximal zulässiger Heizleistung ermöglicht.
Method for operating a gas discharge lamp with a ballast according to one of claims 1 to 15,
in which, when the lamp electrodes are preheated, the switches (S1, S2) of the inverter are operated at the maximum clock frequency and
in which, to ignite the gas discharge lamp (LA), the clock frequency is reduced to near the resonance frequency of the series resonance circuit (L1, C3),
characterized,
that when preheating the further controllable switch (S3) is operated at a clock frequency which enables heating with the maximum permissible heating power.
Verfahren nach Anspruch 16,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß nach dem Zünden der Gasentladungslampe (LA) die Taktfrequenz des weiteren steuerbaren Schalters (S3) in Abhängigkeit von einem Dimmzustand der Gasentladungslampe (LA) eingestellt wird, so daß die Heizleistung zwischen der für die Gasentladungslampe (LA) maximal zulässigen und der minimal notwendigen Heizleistung liegt.
A method according to claim 16,
characterized,
that after the ignition of the gas discharge lamp (LA), the clock frequency of the further controllable switch (S3) is set as a function of a dimming state of the gas discharge lamp (LA), so that the heating power between that for the Gas discharge lamp (LA) is the maximum permitted and the minimum required heating power.
EP95116198A 1994-10-13 1995-10-13 Ballast for at least one discharge lamp Expired - Lifetime EP0707438B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4436705 1994-10-13
DE4436705 1994-10-13
DE19501695A DE19501695B4 (en) 1994-10-13 1995-01-20 Ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp with preheatable lamp filaments
DE19501695 1995-01-20

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0707438A2 true EP0707438A2 (en) 1996-04-17
EP0707438A3 EP0707438A3 (en) 1997-07-30
EP0707438B1 EP0707438B1 (en) 1999-09-29

Family

ID=25941035

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95116198A Expired - Lifetime EP0707438B1 (en) 1994-10-13 1995-10-13 Ballast for at least one discharge lamp

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5656891A (en)
EP (1) EP0707438B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE185231T1 (en)
ES (1) ES2138129T3 (en)
FI (1) FI113148B (en)

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EP0853445A1 (en) * 1997-01-03 1998-07-15 Oy Helvar Controllable or dimmable electronic ballast provided with a lamp power measurement
WO2000069226A1 (en) * 1999-05-06 2000-11-16 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Circuit arrangement
WO2000072640A1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2000-11-30 Tridonic Bauelemente Gmbh Electronic ballast for at least one low-pressure discharge lamp
WO2000072642A1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2000-11-30 Tridonic Bauelemente Gmbh Electronic ballast for at least one low-pressure discharge lamp
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EP1316243B1 (en) * 2000-08-31 2006-05-31 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Gas-discharge lamp type recognition based on built-in lamp electrical properties
EP1675442A2 (en) * 2004-12-27 2006-06-28 Osram-Sylvania Inc. Ballast with filament heating control circuit
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WO2011061053A1 (en) * 2009-11-17 2011-05-26 Osram Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Electronic ballast and method for operating at least one discharge lamp
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US5703441A (en) * 1995-11-02 1997-12-30 General Electric Company Multi-function filament-heater power supply for an electronic ballast for long-life dimmerable lamps
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EP0853445A1 (en) * 1997-01-03 1998-07-15 Oy Helvar Controllable or dimmable electronic ballast provided with a lamp power measurement
WO2000069226A1 (en) * 1999-05-06 2000-11-16 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Circuit arrangement
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WO2000072640A1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2000-11-30 Tridonic Bauelemente Gmbh Electronic ballast for at least one low-pressure discharge lamp
EP1316243B1 (en) * 2000-08-31 2006-05-31 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Gas-discharge lamp type recognition based on built-in lamp electrical properties
EP1519638A1 (en) * 2003-09-29 2005-03-30 Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH Method for operating a low pressure discharge lamp
EP1675442A2 (en) * 2004-12-27 2006-06-28 Osram-Sylvania Inc. Ballast with filament heating control circuit
EP1675442A3 (en) * 2004-12-27 2007-12-19 Osram-Sylvania Inc. Ballast with filament heating control circuit
WO2007039010A1 (en) * 2005-10-06 2007-04-12 Tridonicatco Gmbh & Co. Kg Dynamic coil heating
DE102007011646B4 (en) 2007-03-09 2019-03-21 Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg Externally configurable control circuit for control gear for lamps
WO2011061053A1 (en) * 2009-11-17 2011-05-26 Osram Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Electronic ballast and method for operating at least one discharge lamp
NL2007337C2 (en) * 2011-09-02 2013-03-05 Nedap Nv OPERATING DEVICE FOR A GAS DISCHARGE LAMP.
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5656891A (en) 1997-08-12
FI954815A0 (en) 1995-10-10
ES2138129T3 (en) 2000-01-01
FI954815A (en) 1996-04-14
EP0707438B1 (en) 1999-09-29
ATE185231T1 (en) 1999-10-15
EP0707438A3 (en) 1997-07-30
FI113148B (en) 2004-02-27

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