EP1063870B1 - Improvements to discharge lamp starting modules in car headlamps - Google Patents

Improvements to discharge lamp starting modules in car headlamps Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1063870B1
EP1063870B1 EP00401446A EP00401446A EP1063870B1 EP 1063870 B1 EP1063870 B1 EP 1063870B1 EP 00401446 A EP00401446 A EP 00401446A EP 00401446 A EP00401446 A EP 00401446A EP 1063870 B1 EP1063870 B1 EP 1063870B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
discharge lamp
transformer
module according
starting module
permanent magnet
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EP00401446A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1063870A1 (en
Inventor
René Tran
Jean Marc Nicolai
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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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
    • H05B41/02Details
    • H05B41/04Starting switches
    • H05B41/042Starting switches using semiconductor devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to priming modules for discharge lamps especially for a motor vehicle.
  • such a priming module comprises a transformer 1 whose secondary winding 1a is connected in series with the discharge lamp (referenced 3) and whose primary winding 1b is as for him mounted in series with a switching element 2 (thyristor spark gap IGBT).
  • a capacitor 4 is connected in parallel with the branch comprising the spark gap 2 and primary winding 1 b.
  • Such a transformer is for example described in the EP-A-0515958.
  • the transformer comprises a core magnet made of soft ferrite and a secondary winding composed of thin sheet turns so that the core does not saturate in any mode of operation.
  • EP-A-0 740 494 is a circuit for supplying a discharge lamp comprising a transformer whose core consists of two cores of different characteristics joined for example by an adhesive.
  • One of these nuclei is made of a material of low permeability, such as iron powder or permalloy, with high saturation magnetization, while that the other core is formed of ferrite with low saturation magnetization.
  • JP-A-10270270 discloses a transformer for ignition of internal combustion engines, including primary windings and coaxial secondary surrounding a magnetic core at each end of which is arranged a magnet in such a way that the magnetic flux generated by these magnets is opposed to the magnetic flux generated by the primary winding.
  • the spark gap 2 and the transformer 1 allow to generate a pulse of ignition between the electrodes of the discharge lamp high voltage (of the order of 12 to 15 KV).
  • the transformer 1 does not intervene in the operation of the discharge lamp only through its winding secondary 1a which plays the role of a self-inductance.
  • Transformers of priming modules used for discharge lamps motor vehicles are generally dimensioned (electrically and mechanically) so that their secondary winding 1a has a high saturation level (saturation current intensity generally higher at 4 amps).
  • An object of the invention is to solve this problem.
  • the invention proposes a discharge lamp priming module particular for a motor vehicle comprising a high-voltage transformer which comprises a ring-shaped magnetic circuit on which a primary winding is wound in series with a switching element and a secondary winding mounted in series with the discharge lamp, the module further comprising means for modification of the magnetic characteristics to achieve on the transformer a complementary magnetization to push back the saturation level of the secondary winding of said transformer.
  • the invention also relates to a discharge lamp for a motor vehicle, characterized in that its base incorporates a priming module according to a Claims 1 to 5.
  • FIG. 2 shows the transformer 1 of a priming module according to a possible embodiment of the invention.
  • This transformer 1 is a toroidal type transformer.
  • It comprises a ring 5 made of a magnetic material, for example ferrite, on which are wound on the one hand the primary winding 1b and secondly the secondary winding 1a.
  • This ring 5 is not completely closed on itself but presents a gap separation 6, in which a permanent magnet 8 is arranged.
  • This permanent magnet 8 is oriented to move the hysteresis curve of the ring 5. This displacement of the hysteresis curve of the ring 5 allows to increase the current value for which saturation of the magnetic circuit is reached.
  • the permanent magnet 8 can be attached to an end wafer of the ring 5 or, as shown in FIG. 2, be disposed substantially in the middle of the gap 6 without being in contact with the ring 5.
  • an element 7 which is in one non-magnetic and electrically insulating material extending through said air gap 6.
  • FIG. 3 shows the intensity curve of a current pulse I generated in the secondary winding 1a by a given circuit in the case of a transformer 1 without permanent magnet.
  • Figure 3 also shows the intensity curve of a current pulse generated in the secondary winding 1a by the same circuit in case the transformer 1 has a permanent magnet correctly oriented.
  • Figure 3 also shows the intensity curve of a current pulse generated in the secondary winding 1a by the same circuit in the case where the transformer 1 comprises a permanent magnet oriented in the wrong way.
  • the duration of the peak of current t is elongated (from t1 to t2) which facilitates the priming of the lamp.
  • this one keying means which, during assembly, to know the meaning according to which he must position the magnet 8 on the transformer 1.
  • the magnet 8 is of a particular shape that prevents mounting it in the wrong way.
  • a permanent magnet introduced into the magnetic ring of the transformer can be used to increase the value of the current for which a saturation of the magnetic circuit is obtained.
  • the increase in the value of the current for which we obtain saturation of the magnetic circuit can also be achieved by the power supply a complementary winding 9 wound on the ring 5 (winding represented in dashed lines in Figure 2).
  • the power supply of winding 9 can be realized from permanently or transiently.
  • the transformer structures that come to be described are particularly advantageous when one wishes to integrate the boot module for example, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, in the base 10 of a discharge lamp or as illustrated in Figure 6, in a connecting box 11 for receiving a discharge lamp.
  • the transformer toric 1 extends in the base 10 perpendicularly to the lamp 3.
  • the transformer 1 is received in a central zone of the housing 11, its axis being for example merged with the axis of the connection zone 12 in which the base of the discharge lamp is intended to be received.
  • the housing 11 further comprises a lateral bulge 13 in which the switching element 2 and the capacitor 4 are received.
  • the invention is also advantageously applicable in the case where wants to integrate the boot module with an electronic module realizing all or part of the control functions of the power supply of a discharge lamp.
  • FIG. 7a This is illustrated in Figure 7a on which a ballast is shown integrated in a connection box 15 for receiving a discharge lamp 3.
  • a transformer is integrated in this housing with the switching element 2, the capacitor 4 and a control electronics 14.
  • FIG. 7b illustrates the case where the ballast or a part thereof is integrated in a module 16 which is remote from the connection box 17 on which the lamp 3 is plugged and to which said module 16 is connected.

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  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Description

La présente invention est relative aux modules d'amorçage de lampes à décharge notamment pour véhicule automobile.The present invention relates to priming modules for discharge lamps especially for a motor vehicle.

Classiquement, ainsi qu'illustré sur la Figure 1, un tel module d'amorçage comprend un transformateur 1 dont l'enroulement secondaire 1a est monté en série avec la lampe à décharge (référencée par 3) et dont l'enroulement primaire 1b est quant à lui monté en série avec un élément de commutation 2 (éclateur thyristor IGBT). Un condensateur 4 est monté en parallèle à la branche comportant l'éclateur 2 et l'enroulement primaire 1 b. Un tel transformateur est par exemple décrit dans le document EP-A-0 515 958.Conventionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, such a priming module comprises a transformer 1 whose secondary winding 1a is connected in series with the discharge lamp (referenced 3) and whose primary winding 1b is as for him mounted in series with a switching element 2 (thyristor spark gap IGBT). A capacitor 4 is connected in parallel with the branch comprising the spark gap 2 and primary winding 1 b. Such a transformer is for example described in the EP-A-0515958.

Dans EP-A-515958, le transformateur comporte un noyau magnétique en ferrite doux et un enroulement secondaire composé de tours de feuille mince de telle sorte que le noyau ne sature dans aucun mode de fonctionnement.In EP-A-515958, the transformer comprises a core magnet made of soft ferrite and a secondary winding composed of thin sheet turns so that the core does not saturate in any mode of operation.

On connaít également par le document DE-A-197 51 548 un transformateur pour l'amorçage d'une lampe à décharge dont le noyau en matériau non conducteur est refermé sur lui-même ou comporte un entrefer.Also known from DE-A-197 51 548 a transformer for priming a discharge lamp having a core of non-conductive material is closed on itself or has a gap.

On connaít aussi par le document EP-A-0 740 494 un circuit pour l'alimentation d'une lampe à décharge comportant un transformateur dont le noyau est constitué de deux noyaux de caractéristiques différentes réunis par exemple par un adhésif. L'un de ces noyaux est en un matériau de faible perméabilité, tel qu'une poudre de fer ou du permalloy, avec une magnétisation à saturation élevée, tandis que l'autre noyau est formé de ferrite avec une faible magnétisation à saturation.Also known from EP-A-0 740 494 is a circuit for supplying a discharge lamp comprising a transformer whose core consists of two cores of different characteristics joined for example by an adhesive. One of these nuclei is made of a material of low permeability, such as iron powder or permalloy, with high saturation magnetization, while that the other core is formed of ferrite with low saturation magnetization.

On connaít enfin du document JP-A-10270270 un transformateur pour l'allumage des moteurs à combustion interne, comportant des enroulements primaire et secondaire coaxiaux entourant un noyau magnétique à chaque extrémité duquel est disposé un aimant de telle manière que le flux magnétique généré par ces aimants soit opposé au flux magnétique généré par l'enroulement primaire.Finally, JP-A-10270270 discloses a transformer for ignition of internal combustion engines, including primary windings and coaxial secondary surrounding a magnetic core at each end of which is arranged a magnet in such a way that the magnetic flux generated by these magnets is opposed to the magnetic flux generated by the primary winding.

Lors du démarrage de la lampe, l'éclateur 2 et le transformateur 1 permettent de générer entre les électrodes de la lampe à décharge une impulsion d'amorçage haute tension (de l'ordre de 12 à 15 KV).When starting the lamp, the spark gap 2 and the transformer 1 allow to generate a pulse of ignition between the electrodes of the discharge lamp high voltage (of the order of 12 to 15 KV).

Par la suite, et notamment en régime nominal, le transformateur 1 n'intervient dans le fonctionnement de la lampe à décharge que par l'intermédiaire de son enroulement secondaire 1a qui joue le rôle d'une self-inductance.Subsequently, and in particular at rated speed, the transformer 1 does not intervene in the operation of the discharge lamp only through its winding secondary 1a which plays the role of a self-inductance.

Les transformateurs des modules d'amorçage utilisés pour les lampes à décharge de véhicules automobiles sont généralement dimensionnés (électriquement et mécaniquement) de façon à ce que leur enroulement secondaire 1a présente un niveau de saturation élevé (intensité de courant de saturation en général supérieure à 4 ampères).Transformers of priming modules used for discharge lamps motor vehicles are generally dimensioned (electrically and mechanically) so that their secondary winding 1a has a high saturation level (saturation current intensity generally higher at 4 amps).

On souhaite toutefois pouvoir miniaturiser ces modules d'amorçage et leurs transformateurs pour les intégrer soit dans les embases des lampes à décharge, soit dans des connecteurs destinés à recevoir des embases de lampes à décharge ou encore dans un module électronique compact réalisant tout ou partie des fonctions du circuit de commande (appelé "ballast"), que celles-ci soient intégrées ou non.It is hoped, however, to be able to miniaturize these priming modules and their transformers to integrate them either into the bases of discharge lamps or in connectors intended to receive bases of discharge lamps or else in a compact electronic module fulfilling all or some of the functions of the control circuit (called "ballast"), whether these are integrated or not.

Or, la miniaturisation d'un transformateur de module d'amorçage se traduit par la nécessité d'avoir des niveaux de saturation beaucoup plus faibles (de l'ordre de 1,5 ampères) pour l'enroulement secondaire.However, the miniaturization of a boot module transformer results in the need to have much lower levels of saturation (of the order of 1.5 amps) for the secondary winding.

Il en résulte des pics de courant très élevés (supérieurs à 20 ampères)qui sont dus en particulier aux transitions générées par l'amorçage de la lampe pendant la phase d'allumage.This results in very high current peaks (greater than 20 amperes) which are due in particular to the transitions generated by the priming of the lamp during the ignition phase.

Ces pics de courant élevés posent un problème de dimensionnement pour les différents composants du "ballast", c'est à dire pour les composants du circuit d'alimentation autres que ceux du circuit d'amorçage.These high current peaks pose a design problem for different components of the "ballast", ie for the components of the circuit other than those of the priming circuit.

Un but de l'invention est de résoudre ce problème.An object of the invention is to solve this problem.

L'invention propose quant à elle un module d'amorçage de lampe à décharge notamment pour véhicule automobile comportant un transformateur haute tension qui comprend un circuit magnétique en forme d'anneau sur lequel sont bobinés un enroulement primaire monté en série avec un élément de commutation et un enroulement secondaire monté en série avec la lampe à décharge, le module comportant en outre des moyens de modification des caractéristiques magnétiques pour réaliser sur le transformateur une aimantation complémentaire pour repousser le niveau de saturation de l'enroulement secondaire dudit transformateur.The invention proposes a discharge lamp priming module particular for a motor vehicle comprising a high-voltage transformer which comprises a ring-shaped magnetic circuit on which a primary winding is wound in series with a switching element and a secondary winding mounted in series with the discharge lamp, the module further comprising means for modification of the magnetic characteristics to achieve on the transformer a complementary magnetization to push back the saturation level of the secondary winding of said transformer.

L'invention est avantageusement complétée par les différentes caractéristiques suivantes, prises seules ou selon toutes leurs combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • les moyens d'aimantation complémentaire comportent un aimant permanent disposé dans le circuit magnétique.
  • cet aimant permanent est disposé dans un entrefer du circuit magnétique du transformateur.
  • l'aimant permanent comporte des moyens de détrompage.
  • les moyens d'aimantation complémentaire comprennent un troisième enroulement bobiné sur le circuit magnétique, alimenté de façon permanente ou transitoire.
The invention is advantageously completed by the following different characteristics, taken alone or in all their technically possible combinations:
  • the complementary magnetization means comprise a permanent magnet arranged in the magnetic circuit.
  • this permanent magnet is disposed in an air gap of the magnetic circuit of the transformer.
  • the permanent magnet comprises polarizing means.
  • the complementary magnetization means comprise a third winding wound on the magnetic circuit, fed permanently or transiently.

L'invention concerne également une lampe à décharge pour véhicule automobile, caractérisée en ce que son embase intègre un module d'amorçage selon une des revendications 1 à 5.The invention also relates to a discharge lamp for a motor vehicle, characterized in that its base incorporates a priming module according to a Claims 1 to 5.

Elle propose également un connecteur pour lampe à décharge de véhicule automobile, caractérisé en ce qu'il intègre un module d'amorçage selon une des revendications 1 à 5.It also offers a connector for vehicle discharge lamp characterized in that it incorporates a priming module according to one of the claims 1 to 5.

Elle propose en outre un module électronique réalisant tout ou partie des fonctions de commande de l'alimentation de la lampe à décharge, caractérisé en ce qu'il intègre un module d'amorçage selon une des revendications 1 à 5.It also proposes an electronic module realizing all or part of the functions for controlling the supply of the discharge lamp, characterized in that integrates a priming module according to one of claims 1 to 5.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront encore de la description qui suit et qui doit être lue en regard des dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la Figure 1, déjà analysée, est une représentation schématique d'un module d'amorçage de lampe à décharge de véhicule automobile ;
  • la Figure 2 est une représentation schématique d'un transformateur d'un module d'amorçage conforme à un mode de réalisation possible pour l'invention ;
  • la Figure 3 est un graphe sur lequel on a porté un exemple d'impulsion de courant traversant l'enroulement secondaire d'un transformateur dans le cas où ce transformateur comporte un aimant permanent correctement orienté, dans le cas où il ne comporte pas d'aimant permanent et dans le cas où il comporte un aimant permanent orienté dans le mauvais sens ;
  • la Figure 4 et la Figure 5 illustrent l'intégration d'un transformateur du type de celui représenté sur la Figure 2 dans une embase de lampe ;
  • la Figure 6 illustre l'intégration d'un module d'amorçage conforme à un mode de réalisation possible de l'invention dans un connecteur de lampe à décharge
  • les Figures 7a et 7b illustrent l'intégration d'un module d'amorçage conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention dans un module électronique déporté ou non par rapport à la lampe à décharge.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows and which should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1, already analyzed, is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle discharge lamp priming module;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a transformer of a priming module according to a possible embodiment for the invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a graph on which an example of a current pulse passing through the secondary winding of a transformer has been carried in the case where this transformer comprises a correctly oriented permanent magnet, in the case where it does not include permanent magnet and in the case where it comprises a permanent magnet oriented in the wrong direction;
  • Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate the integration of a transformer of the type shown in Figure 2 into a lamp base;
  • Figure 6 illustrates the integration of a boot module according to a possible embodiment of the invention into a discharge lamp connector.
  • Figures 7a and 7b illustrate the integration of a priming module according to an embodiment of the invention in an electronic module remote or not with respect to the discharge lamp.

On a représenté sur la Figure 2 le transformateur 1 d'un module d'amorçage conforme à un mode de réalisation possible de l'invention.FIG. 2 shows the transformer 1 of a priming module according to a possible embodiment of the invention.

Ce transformateur 1 est un transformateur de type torique. This transformer 1 is a toroidal type transformer.

Il comporte un anneau 5 en un matériau magnétique, par exemple en ferrite, sur lequel sont bobinés d'une part l'enroulement primaire 1b et d'autre part l'enroulement secondaire 1a.It comprises a ring 5 made of a magnetic material, for example ferrite, on which are wound on the one hand the primary winding 1b and secondly the secondary winding 1a.

Cet anneau 5 n'est pas totalement refermé sur lui-même mais présente une séparation d'entrefer 6, dans laquelle est disposé un aimant permanent 8.This ring 5 is not completely closed on itself but presents a gap separation 6, in which a permanent magnet 8 is arranged.

Cet aimant permanent 8 est orienté de façon à déplacer la courbe d'hystérésis de l'anneau 5. Ce déplacement de la courbe d'hystérésis de l'anneau 5 permet d'augmenter la valeur de courant pour lequel on atteint une saturation du circuit magnétique.This permanent magnet 8 is oriented to move the hysteresis curve of the ring 5. This displacement of the hysteresis curve of the ring 5 allows to increase the current value for which saturation of the magnetic circuit is reached.

Il est par exemple dimensionné pour faire passer cette intensité de courant de saturation de 1,5 à 4 ampères, pour un volume d'encombrement du transformateur identique.It is for example sized to pass this current intensity of saturation from 1.5 to 4 amperes, for a volume of space of the transformer identical.

L'aimant permanent 8 peut être accolé à une tranche d'extrémité de l'anneau 5 ou, comme représenté sur la Figure 2, être disposé sensiblement au milieu de l'entrefer 6 sans être en contact avec l'anneau 5.The permanent magnet 8 can be attached to an end wafer of the ring 5 or, as shown in FIG. 2, be disposed substantially in the middle of the gap 6 without being in contact with the ring 5.

Il est par exemple maintenu dans l'entrefer 6 par un élément 7 qui est en un matériau amagnétique et isolant électriquement et qui s'étend à travers ledit entrefer 6.It is for example maintained in the gap 6 by an element 7 which is in one non-magnetic and electrically insulating material extending through said air gap 6.

A titre d'illustration, on a représenté sur la Figure 3 la courbe d'intensité d'une impulsion de courant I générée dans l'enroulement secondaire 1 a par un circuit donné dans le cas d'un transformateur 1 sans aimant permanent.By way of illustration, FIG. 3 shows the intensity curve of a current pulse I generated in the secondary winding 1a by a given circuit in the case of a transformer 1 without permanent magnet.

On a également représenté sur cette même Figure 3 la courbe d'intensité d'une impulsion de courant générée dans l'enroulement secondaire 1a par le même circuit dans le cas où le transformateur 1 comporte un aimant permanent correctement orienté.Figure 3 also shows the intensity curve of a current pulse generated in the secondary winding 1a by the same circuit in case the transformer 1 has a permanent magnet correctly oriented.

On a enfin également représenté sur cette Figure 3 la courbe d'intensité d'une impulsion de courant générée dans l'enroulement secondaire 1a par le même circuit dans le cas où le transformateur 1 comporte un aimant permanent orienté dans le mauvais sens.Lastly, Figure 3 also shows the intensity curve of a current pulse generated in the secondary winding 1a by the same circuit in the case where the transformer 1 comprises a permanent magnet oriented in the wrong way.

On constate sur cette Figure 3 que la présence d'un aimant permanent positionné correctement permet de fortement atténuer le pic de courant qui est généré en l'absence de cet aimant.It can be seen in this Figure 3 that the presence of a permanent magnet positioned correctly can greatly mitigate the peak current that is generated in the absence of this magnet.

On constate également que ce pic est au contraire fortement augmenté si l'aimant permanent n'est pas correctement orienté. It can also be seen that this peak is, on the contrary, greatly increased if the permanent magnet is not correctly oriented.

Dans le cas d'un aimant correctement orienté, la durée du pic de courant t est allongée (de t1 à t2) ce qui facilite l'amorçage de la lampe.In the case of a correctly oriented magnet, the duration of the peak of current t is elongated (from t1 to t2) which facilitates the priming of the lamp.

Pour éviter que l'aimant soit orienté dans le mauvais sens, on prévoit sur celui-ci des moyens de détrompage qui permettent, lors du montage, de connaítre le sens selon lequel il doit positionner l'aimant 8 sur le transformateur 1.To avoid that the magnet is oriented in the wrong direction, it is expected on this one keying means which, during assembly, to know the meaning according to which he must position the magnet 8 on the transformer 1.

Par exemple, l'aimant 8 est d'une forme particulière qui empêche de le monter dans le mauvais sens.For example, the magnet 8 is of a particular shape that prevents mounting it in the wrong way.

D'autres moyens qu'un aimant permanent introduit dans l'anneau magnétique du transformateur peuvent être utilisés pour augmenter la valeur du courant pour lequel on obtient une saturation du circuit magnétique.Other means that a permanent magnet introduced into the magnetic ring of the transformer can be used to increase the value of the current for which a saturation of the magnetic circuit is obtained.

En particulier, l'augmentation de la valeur du courant pour lequel on obtient une saturation du circuit magnétique peut également être réalisée par l'alimentation d'un enroulement 9 complémentaire bobiné sur l'anneau 5 (enroulement représenté en pointillés sur la Figure 2). L'alimentation de l'enroulement 9 peut être réalisée de façon permanente ou transitoire.In particular, the increase in the value of the current for which we obtain saturation of the magnetic circuit can also be achieved by the power supply a complementary winding 9 wound on the ring 5 (winding represented in dashed lines in Figure 2). The power supply of winding 9 can be realized from permanently or transiently.

Comme on l'aura compris, les structures de transformateurs qui viennent d'être décrites sont particulièrement avantageuses lorsque l'on souhaite intégrer le module d'amorçage par exemple, ainsi qu'illustré sur les Figures 4 et 5, dans l'embase 10 d'une lampe à décharge ou encore ainsi qu'illustré sur la Figure 6, dans un boítier de connexion 11 destiné à recevoir une lampe à décharge.As will be understood, the transformer structures that come to be described are particularly advantageous when one wishes to integrate the boot module for example, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, in the base 10 of a discharge lamp or as illustrated in Figure 6, in a connecting box 11 for receiving a discharge lamp.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur les Figures 4 et 5, le transformateur torique 1 s'étend dans l'embase 10 perpendiculairement à la lampe 3.In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the transformer toric 1 extends in the base 10 perpendicularly to the lamp 3.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur la Figure 6, le transformateur 1 est reçu dans une zone centrale du boítier 11, son axe étant par exemple confondu avec l'axe de la zone 12 de connexion dans laquelle l'embase de la lampe à décharge est destinée à être reçue. Le boítier 11 comporte en outre un renflement latéral 13 dans lequel sont reçus l'élément de commutation 2 et le condensateur 4.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the transformer 1 is received in a central zone of the housing 11, its axis being for example merged with the axis of the connection zone 12 in which the base of the discharge lamp is intended to be received. The housing 11 further comprises a lateral bulge 13 in which the switching element 2 and the capacitor 4 are received.

L'invention trouve également avantageusement application dans le cas où l'on souhaite intégrer le module d'amorçage à un module électronique réalisant tout ou partie des fonctions de commande de l'alimentation d'une lampe à décharge.The invention is also advantageously applicable in the case where wants to integrate the boot module with an electronic module realizing all or part of the control functions of the power supply of a discharge lamp.

C'est ce qu a été illustré sur la Figure 7a sur laquelle on a représenté un ballast intégré dans un boítier de connexion 15 destiné à recevoir une lampe à décharge 3. Un transformateur est intégré dans ce boítier avec l'élément de commutation 2, le condensateur 4 et une électronique de commande 14. This is illustrated in Figure 7a on which a ballast is shown integrated in a connection box 15 for receiving a discharge lamp 3. A transformer is integrated in this housing with the switching element 2, the capacitor 4 and a control electronics 14.

Sur la Figure 7b, on a illustré le cas où le ballast ou une partie de celui-ci est intégrée dans un module 16 qui est déporté par rapport au boítier de connexion 17 sur lequel la lampe 3 est enfichée et auquel ledit module 16 est relié.FIG. 7b illustrates the case where the ballast or a part thereof is integrated in a module 16 which is remote from the connection box 17 on which the lamp 3 is plugged and to which said module 16 is connected.

Claims (8)

  1. Starting module for a discharge lamp (3) in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a high-voltage transformer (1) which comprises a magnetic circuit (5) on which there are wound a primary winding (1b) connected in series with a switching element and a secondary winding (1a) connected in series with a discharge lamp (3), the module also comprising means (8, 9) of modifying the magnetic characteristics in order to produce on the transformer (1) a complementary magnetisation in order to push back the saturation level of the secondary winding (1a) of the said transformer (1), and in that the magnetic circuit (5) is a ring (5).
  2. Starting module according to Claim 1, characterised in that the complementary magnetisation means (8, 9) comprise a permanent magnet (8) disposed in the magnetic circuit (5).
  3. Starting module according to Claim 2, characterised in that this permanent magnet (8) is disposed in an air gap (6) of the magnetic circuit (5) of the transformer (1).
  4. Starting module according to one of Claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the permanent magnet (8) comprises positive location means.
  5. Starting module according to Claim 1, characterised in that the complementary magnetisation means (8, 9) comprise a third winding (9) wound on the magnetic circuit (5), supplied continuously or transiently.
  6. Discharge lamp (3) for a motor vehicle, characterised in that its base (10) includes a starting module according to one of the preceding claims.
  7. Connector (15) for a motor vehicle discharge lamp (3), characterised in that it includes a starting module according to one of Claims 1 to 5.
  8. Electronic module (16) for controlling a discharge lamp (3), characterised in that it includes a starting module according to one of Claims 1 to 5.
EP00401446A 1999-06-21 2000-05-24 Improvements to discharge lamp starting modules in car headlamps Expired - Lifetime EP1063870B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9908057 1999-06-21
FR9908057A FR2795281B1 (en) 1999-06-21 1999-06-21 IMPROVEMENTS IN MODULES OF PRIMING DISCHARGE LAMPS OF MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECTORS

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1063870A1 EP1063870A1 (en) 2000-12-27
EP1063870B1 true EP1063870B1 (en) 2004-09-29

Family

ID=9547238

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00401446A Expired - Lifetime EP1063870B1 (en) 1999-06-21 2000-05-24 Improvements to discharge lamp starting modules in car headlamps

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US6366023B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1063870B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4484324B2 (en)
DE (1) DE60014247T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2228422T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2795281B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRM20020594A1 (en) * 2002-11-25 2004-05-26 Sisti Lighting S P A De PERFECTED DEVICE FOR IGNITION AND POWER SUPPLY
DE102004042462A1 (en) * 2004-08-31 2006-03-02 Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH Method for operating a high-pressure discharge lamp, operating device for a high-pressure discharge lamp and high-pressure discharge lamp with an operating device
DE202005007484U1 (en) * 2005-05-11 2006-09-21 Vogt Electronic Components Gmbh Ignition transformer and light socket for a discharge lamp
ITRN20130039A1 (en) * 2013-09-27 2015-03-28 Demos Fuochi IGNITION DEVICE FOR DISCHARGE LAMPS.
CN103559981B (en) * 2013-11-20 2018-05-22 戴珊珊 AC permanent-magnet gain transformer and its Regulation Control method

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3754541A (en) * 1969-11-04 1973-08-28 Hitachi Ltd Ignition system for internal combustion engine
US3766456A (en) * 1970-06-04 1973-10-16 D Carow Rotating electrical machine
US4194239A (en) * 1978-07-05 1980-03-18 Krishnaswamy Jayaram Electrical invertor apparatus
DE4117288A1 (en) * 1991-05-27 1992-12-03 Hella Kg Hueck & Co HIGH VOLTAGE IGNITION TRANSMITTER FOR IGNITING AND OPERATING AC HIGH PRESSURE GAS DISCHARGE LAMPS IN MOTOR VEHICLES
DE19515510A1 (en) 1995-04-27 1997-02-20 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Circuit arrangement for the pulse operation of discharge lamps
JPH10270270A (en) * 1997-03-28 1998-10-09 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Ignition transformer
DE19751548C2 (en) * 1997-11-20 2001-03-15 Vogt Electronic Ag Ignition transformer for a discharge lamp

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2228422T3 (en) 2005-04-16
FR2795281A1 (en) 2000-12-22
FR2795281B1 (en) 2001-08-17
DE60014247T2 (en) 2005-10-27
JP2001010404A (en) 2001-01-16
US6366023B1 (en) 2002-04-02
EP1063870A1 (en) 2000-12-27
JP4484324B2 (en) 2010-06-16
DE60014247D1 (en) 2004-11-04

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