EP1263267B1 - Method for starting a discharge lamp - Google Patents

Method for starting a discharge lamp Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1263267B1
EP1263267B1 EP02005924A EP02005924A EP1263267B1 EP 1263267 B1 EP1263267 B1 EP 1263267B1 EP 02005924 A EP02005924 A EP 02005924A EP 02005924 A EP02005924 A EP 02005924A EP 1263267 B1 EP1263267 B1 EP 1263267B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lamp
electrode
ignition
preheated
subphase
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EP02005924A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1263267A3 (en
EP1263267A2 (en
Inventor
Franz Dr. Raiser
Bernhard Reiter
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Osram GmbH
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Patent Treuhand Gesellschaft fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
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Publication of EP1263267A3 publication Critical patent/EP1263267A3/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/26—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
    • H05B41/28—Circuit 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
    • H05B41/295—Circuit 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

Definitions

  • the invention is based on a method according to the preamble of claim 1. It is in particular a method for starting a discharge lamp.
  • Discharge lamps in particular low-pressure discharge lamps, which are referred to below as lamps for short, often have electrodes designed as electrode coils.
  • the preheating is important for the following reason: If an electrode coil is cold then it forms a high cathode case for the emission of electrons, ie in the event that it acts as a cathode. This cathode case causes a strong acceleration of incoming mercury ions. The mercury ions impacting on the electrode coil with high energy lead to rapid wear of the electrode coil and thus to a short lamp life.
  • the preheating is thus a quality feature for a high quality electronic control gear.
  • the circuit implementation of the preheating means a considerable effort, which makes up a significant part of the cost of the operating device.
  • What makes the realization of the preheating circuitry difficult is the fact that the electrode coils to be heated lie on different sides of the lamp. Ie. the circuit parts for heating the two electrode coils must be designed so that they allow a firing voltage to the lamp and this survive unscathed.
  • a control device for gas discharge lamps which allows heating of the electrode coils, which is independent of the operating parameters of the lamp. This is achieved by means of a heating transformer having one primary and two secondary windings. The primary winding is connected via a switch to the output of an inverter. The two secondary windings are each coupled to an electrode coil. Via the switch, a heating current independent of a lamp current be set. The potential separation between the coils is accomplished by the heating transformer. It must be designed so that it withstands the voltage when igniting the lamp.
  • only one of the two electrode coils of a lamp is preheated to reduce the circuit complexity.
  • an electrode coil is only damaged when it is cold and currently acts as a cathode.
  • the ignition will take place when the electrode is currently the cathode which has been preheated, because in this state the voltage necessary for ignition is the lowest.
  • the ignition process itself thus does not lead to any damage to the inventively not preheated electrode coil.
  • It is also a DC ignition possible, in which the non-preheated electrode coil acts as an anode. Also in this case, the ignition does not damage the inventively not preheated electrode coil.
  • the operation of the lamp is divided into two sub-phases.
  • the lamp In the first subphase following the ignition, the lamp is subjected to direct current according to the invention, the non-preheated electrode coil acting as the anode. Since the anode is not exposed to the bombardment of mercury ions, it will not be damaged even if it has not been preheated.
  • the non-damaging electron bombardment heats an anode during operation of the lamp. Ie. the non-preheated electrode coil is heated in the first subphase of operation.
  • the first subphase of the operation ends according to the invention.
  • the lamp is charged with alternating current.
  • the second subphase corresponds to the normal operation of the lamp as prescribed in relevant standards (eg IEC81).
  • the first subphase according to the invention is of such short duration that the Disassembly effects mentioned above do not occur.
  • the non-preheated electrode coil operated as an anode is at a temperature level which allows damage-free operation as a cathode.
  • the preheating according to the invention of only one electrode coil leads to a considerable reduction of the circuit complexity. Since one is in the choice of the electrode coil, which is preheated, is free, one will preheat that electrode coil, which requires the least circuit complexity because of their ground reference. The preheating of the electrode coil without ground reference generally requires a higher circuit complexity. This can be omitted according to the invention.
  • the advantage of the present invention is not only in the reduction of the circuit complexity but also in a reduction of the effort when connecting the lamp.
  • a lamp with two electrode coil has four terminals. If both electrode coils are preheated, four leads must be routed to the lamp. However, if only one electrode coil is preheated according to the invention, then three connection wires suffice. Only the electrode coil, which is preheated, is interconnected at its two terminals. For the non-preheated electrode filament a connection wire is sufficient.
  • FIG. 1 shows the block diagram of an electronic control gear, with which the inventive method can be performed.
  • An AC generator which is designed as a half-bridge inverter, forms the core of the electronic control gear. It consists of the series connection of the electronic half-bridge switches S1 and S2, which are controlled by a control unit CTR are controlled.
  • the series connection of the electronic half-bridge switches S1 and S2 is connected to a DC voltage source UDC for power supply. Reference potential is the potential M, which is connected to the negative pole of the DC voltage source UDC.
  • a freewheeling diode D1 and D2 is connected. They are poled so that in each case the cathode points in the direction of the positive pole of the DC voltage source.
  • the load circuit is connected. It consists of the series connection of a coupling capacitor Cb of an inductance L, a capacitor C and an electronic heating control switch S3.
  • the coupling capacitor Cb serves to decouple the DC component of the source voltage Uq .
  • the inductance L and the capacitance C form a series resonance with the resonance frequency fres .
  • Parallel to the capacitance C is the output of the load circuit to which a lamp Lp is connected. There is also a lamp voltage ULp tapped.
  • the lamp has two coils W1 and W2, each with two connections.
  • the lamp is connected to the capacitance C so that one terminal of the electrode filament W1 is connected to one terminal of the capacitor C and one terminal of the electrode filament W2 is connected to the other terminal of the capacitor C.
  • the other terminal of the electrode coil W1 remains unconnected according to the invention.
  • the other terminal of the electrode coil W2 is connected to the reference potential M.
  • the control unit CTR also controls the heating control switch S3. This does not have to be designed for the ignition voltage of the lamp Lp of several hundred volts. Rather, a voltage rating of 50 volts is sufficient.
  • the control unit CTR preferably contains a microcontroller. Thus, the boot process can be stored in a computer program and possibly easily adapted to other lamp types.
  • the half-bridge switches S1 and S2 are alternately turned on and off at a high preheat frequency.
  • the heating control switch S3 is open.
  • the electrode coil W2 is preheated via the capacitor C.
  • the preheating frequency must be selected to be so high that, via the capacitor C, a sufficiently high preheating current is established, which heats up the electrode filament W2 to a temperature in about one second, which permits a largely damage-free ignition.
  • the heating control switch S3 is closed and the frequency at which the half-bridge switches S1 and S2 are alternately turned on and off is lowered to the resonance frequency of the series resonant circuit consisting of the inductance L and the capacitance C.
  • an ignition voltage builds up on the lamp Lp, which leads to the ignition of the lamp.
  • the half-bridge switch S2 remains open and only the half-bridge switch S1 is switched on and off.
  • the non-preheated electrode coil W1 acts as an anode. It is important to ensure that the value of the capacitance of the coupling capacitor Cb is chosen so large that the voltage at the coupling capacitor Cb does not change significantly during the first subphase of operation.
  • the second subphase of operation begins.
  • the half-bridge switches S1 and S2 are alternately switched on and off again.
  • an alternating current is supplied to the lamp Lp.
  • the heating control switch S3 remains closed during the operating phase. This ensures that no heating current flows through the electrode coil W2 during the operating phase. As a result, an excess temperature of the coil W2 is avoided and increases the efficiency of the operating device. According to the invention, current never flows through the electrode coil W1.

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  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical area

Die Erfindung geht aus von einem Verfahren gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. Es handelt sich dabei insbesondere um ein Verfahren zum Start einer Entladungslampe.The invention is based on a method according to the preamble of claim 1. It is in particular a method for starting a discharge lamp.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Entladungslampen, insbesondere Niederdruckentladungslampen, die im folgenden kurz Lampen genannt werden, besitzen häufig Elektroden, die als Elektroden-Wendeln ausgeführt sind.Discharge lamps, in particular low-pressure discharge lamps, which are referred to below as lamps for short, often have electrodes designed as electrode coils.

Im folgenden wird der Start einer derartigen Lampe beschrieben. Er kann in 3 Phasen unterteilt werden:

  1. 1. Vorheizen - Dazu werden die Elektroden-Wendeln von einem Vorheizstrom durchflossen und dadurch aufgeheizt. Damit wird die Elektronenaustrittsarbeit an den Elektrodenwendeln reduziert.
  2. 2. Zünden - Dazu wird an die Lampe eine Zündspannung angelegt, die in der Lampe eine Gasentladung initiiert. Dabei kann es sich um eine Gleich- oder eine Wechselspannung handeln. Bei elektronischen Betriebsgeräten für Niederdruckentladungslampen ist eine Resonanzzündung üblich, weshalb die Zündspannung dort meist eine Wechselspannung ist.
  3. 3. Betrieb - Nach dem Zünden wird die Lampe mit einem Betriebsstrom beaufschlagt. Der Betriebsstrom muss ein Wechselstrom sein, da es sonst zu einer Entmischung des Gases bzw. Plasmas in der Lampe kommt. Bei üblichen Niederdruckentladungslampen spielen positiv geladene Quecksilber-Ionen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Lichterzeugung. Durch einen Gleichstrom würden sich die Quecksilber-Ionen an der Kathode ansammeln und an der Anode würde kein Licht mehr erzeugt werden. Bei handelsüblichen elektronischen Betriebsgeräten wird die Lampe mit einem Wechselstrom beaufschlagt, dessen Frequenz im Bereich von 30kHz bis 150kHz liegt.
The following describes the start of such a lamp. It can be divided into 3 phases:
  1. 1. Preheating - For this, the electrode coils are flowed through by a preheating current and thereby heated. This reduces the electron work function on the electrode coils.
  2. 2. Ignition - For this purpose, an ignition voltage is applied to the lamp, which initiates a gas discharge in the lamp. It can be a DC or AC voltage. In electronic control gear for low-pressure discharge lamps, a resonance ignition is common, which is why the ignition voltage there is usually an AC voltage.
  3. 3. Operation - After ignition, the lamp is supplied with an operating current. The operating current must be an alternating current, otherwise it would lead to a Demixing of the gas or plasma in the lamp comes. In conventional low-pressure discharge lamps, positively charged mercury ions play an important role in light generation. By a direct current, the mercury ions would accumulate at the cathode and at the anode no light would be generated. In commercially available electronic control gear, the lamp is supplied with an alternating current whose frequency is in the range of 30 kHz to 150 kHz.

Die Vorheizung ist aus folgendem Grund wichtig: Ist eine Elektroden-Wendel kalt dann bildet sie zur Emission von Elektronen, also für den Fall, dass sie als Kathode wirkt, einen hohen Kathodenfall aus. Dieser Kathodenfall bewirkt eine starke Beschleunigung eintreffender Quecksilber-Ionen. Die mit hoher Energie auf der Elektroden-Wendel aufschlagenden Quecksilber-Ionen führen zu einem schnellen Verschleiß der Elektroden-Wendel und somit zu einer kurzen Lebensdauer der Lampe.The preheating is important for the following reason: If an electrode coil is cold then it forms a high cathode case for the emission of electrons, ie in the event that it acts as a cathode. This cathode case causes a strong acceleration of incoming mercury ions. The mercury ions impacting on the electrode coil with high energy lead to rapid wear of the electrode coil and thus to a short lamp life.

Die Vorheizung bildet somit ein Qualitätsmerkmal für ein hochwertiges elektronisches Betriebsgerät. Allerdings bedeutet die schaltungstechnische Realisierung der Vorheizung einen erheblichen Aufwand, der einen wesentlichen Teil der Kosten des Betriebsgeräts ausmacht. Was die schaltungstechnische Realisierung der Vorheizung erschwert ist die Tatsache, dass die zu heizenden Elektroden-Wendeln auf verschiedenen Seiten der Lampe liegen. D. h. die Schaltungsteile zur Heizung der beiden Elektroden-Wendeln müssen so ausgelegt sein, dass sie eine Zündspannung an der Lampe zulassen und diese auch unbeschadet überstehen.The preheating is thus a quality feature for a high quality electronic control gear. However, the circuit implementation of the preheating means a considerable effort, which makes up a significant part of the cost of the operating device. What makes the realization of the preheating circuitry difficult is the fact that the electrode coils to be heated lie on different sides of the lamp. Ie. the circuit parts for heating the two electrode coils must be designed so that they allow a firing voltage to the lamp and this survive unscathed.

In der US 5,656,891 (Luger) ist ein Betriebsgerät für Gasentladungslampen offenbart, das eine Heizung der Elektrodenwendeln ermöglicht, die unabhängig ist vom Betriebsparametern der Lampe. Dies wird erreicht mit Hilfe eines Heiztransformators, der eine Primär und zwei Sekundärwicklungen aufweist. Die Primärwicklung ist über einen Schalter an den Ausgang eines Wechselrichters geschaltet. Die beiden Sekundärwicklungen sind jeweils mit einer Elektrodenwendel gekoppelt. Über den Schalter kann ein Heizstrom unabhängig von einem Lampenstrom eingestellt werden. Die Potenzialtrennung zwischen den Wendeln bewerkstelligt der Heiztransformator. Er muss so aufgebaut sein, dass er der Spannung beim Zünden der Lampe stand hält.In US 5,656,891 (Luger) a control device for gas discharge lamps is disclosed, which allows heating of the electrode coils, which is independent of the operating parameters of the lamp. This is achieved by means of a heating transformer having one primary and two secondary windings. The primary winding is connected via a switch to the output of an inverter. The two secondary windings are each coupled to an electrode coil. Via the switch, a heating current independent of a lamp current be set. The potential separation between the coils is accomplished by the heating transformer. It must be designed so that it withstands the voltage when igniting the lamp.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 bereitzustellen, mit dem eine einfache und kostengünstige Vorheizung der Elektroden-Wendeln einer Entladungslampe möglich ist.It is an object of the present invention to provide a method according to the preamble of claim 1, with which a simple and inexpensive preheating of the electrode coils of a discharge lamp is possible.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1 durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Besonders vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen finden sich in den abhängigen Ansprüchen.This object is achieved by a method having the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Particularly advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

Erfindungsgemäß wird zur Reduzierung des Schaltungsaufwandes nur eine der beiden Elektroden-Wendeln einer Lampe vorgeheizt.According to the invention, only one of the two electrode coils of a lamp is preheated to reduce the circuit complexity.

Wie im Abschnitt zum Stand der Technik ausgeführt, wird eine Elektroden-Wendel nur dann geschädigt, wenn sie kalt ist und momentan als Kathode wirkt. Bei einer Zündung mit Wechselspannung wird die Zündung dann stattfinden, wenn diejenige Elektrode momentan Kathode ist, die vorgeheizt wurde, weil in diesem Zustand die für eine Zündung nötige Spannung am geringsten ist. Der Zündvorgang selbst führt also zu keiner Schädigung der erfindungsgemäß nicht vorgeheizten Elektroden-Wendel. Es ist auch eine Zündung mit Gleichspannung möglich, bei der die nicht vorgeheizte Elektroden-Wendel als Anode wirkt. Auch in diesem Fall führt der Zündvorgang zu keiner Schädigung der erfindungsgemäß nicht vorgeheizten Elektroden-Wendel.As stated in the background section, an electrode coil is only damaged when it is cold and currently acts as a cathode. In the case of an AC ignition, the ignition will take place when the electrode is currently the cathode which has been preheated, because in this state the voltage necessary for ignition is the lowest. The ignition process itself thus does not lead to any damage to the inventively not preheated electrode coil. It is also a DC ignition possible, in which the non-preheated electrode coil acts as an anode. Also in this case, the ignition does not damage the inventively not preheated electrode coil.

Beim der Zündung folgenden Betrieb wird jedoch eine nicht vorgeheizte Elektroden-Wendel immer dann geschädigt, wenn sie momentan Kathode ist. Erfindungsgemäß wird deshalb der Betrieb der Lampe in zwei Subphasen unterteilt. In der auf die Zündung folgenden ersten Subphase wird die Lampe erfindungsgemäß mit Gleichstrom beaufschlagt, wobei die nicht vorgeheizte Elektroden-Wendel als Anode wirkt. Da die Anode nicht dem Bombardement der Quecksilber-Ionen ausgesetzt ist, wird sie auch dann nicht geschädigt, wenn sie nicht vorgeheizt wurde. Durch den nicht schädigenden Elektronenbeschuss wird eine Anode im Betrieb der Lampe aufgeheizt. D. h. die nicht vorgeheizte Elektroden-Wendel wird in der ersten Subphase des Betriebs aufgeheizt. Hat diese Elektroden-Wendel eine Temperatur erreicht, die auch einen nicht schädigenden Betrieb als Kathode zulässt, endet erfindungsgemäß die erste Subphase des Betriebs. In der darauffolgenden zweiten Subphase des Betriebs wird die Lampe mit Wechselstrom beaufschlagt. Die zweite Subphase entspricht dem Normalbetrieb der Lampe, wie er in einschlägigen Normen (z. B. IEC81) vorgeschrieben ist. Die erfindungsgemäße erste Subphase ist von so kurzer Dauer, dass die oben erwähnten Entmischungseffekte nicht auftreten. Nach maximal 2 Sekunden ist die als Anode betriebene nicht vorgeheizte Elektroden-Wendel auf einem Temperaturniveau, das einen schädigungsfreien Betrieb als Kathode erlaubt.However, in the ignition following operation, a non-preheated electrode coil is damaged whenever it is currently the cathode. Therefore, according to the invention, the operation of the lamp is divided into two sub-phases. In the first subphase following the ignition, the lamp is subjected to direct current according to the invention, the non-preheated electrode coil acting as the anode. Since the anode is not exposed to the bombardment of mercury ions, it will not be damaged even if it has not been preheated. The non-damaging electron bombardment heats an anode during operation of the lamp. Ie. the non-preheated electrode coil is heated in the first subphase of operation. If this electrode coil has reached a temperature which also permits non-damaging operation as a cathode, the first subphase of the operation ends according to the invention. In the subsequent second subphase of operation, the lamp is charged with alternating current. The second subphase corresponds to the normal operation of the lamp as prescribed in relevant standards (eg IEC81). The first subphase according to the invention is of such short duration that the Disassembly effects mentioned above do not occur. After a maximum of 2 seconds, the non-preheated electrode coil operated as an anode is at a temperature level which allows damage-free operation as a cathode.

Wie bereits erwähnt, führt das erfindungsgemäße Vorheizen von nur einer Elektroden-Wendel zu einer erheblichen Reduzierung des Schaltungsaufwandes. Da man in der Wahl der Elektroden-Wendel, die vorgeheizt wird, frei ist, wird man diejenige Elektroden-Wendel vorheizen, die wegen ihres Massebezugs den geringsten Schaltungsaufwand erfordert. Die Vorheizung der Elektroden-Wendel ohne Massebezug erfordert im allgemeinen einen höheren Schaltungsaufwand. Dieser kann aber erfindungsgemäß entfallen.As already mentioned, the preheating according to the invention of only one electrode coil leads to a considerable reduction of the circuit complexity. Since one is in the choice of the electrode coil, which is preheated, is free, one will preheat that electrode coil, which requires the least circuit complexity because of their ground reference. The preheating of the electrode coil without ground reference generally requires a higher circuit complexity. This can be omitted according to the invention.

Der Vorteil der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt aber nicht nur in der Reduzierung des Schaltungsaufwandes sondern auch in einer Reduzierung des Aufwandes beim Anschluss der Lampe. Üblicherweise hat eine Lampe mit zwei Elektroden-Wendel vier Anschlüsse. Werden beide Elektroden-Wendeln vorgeheizt, so müssen vier Anschlussdrähte zur Lampe verlegt werden. Wird jedoch erfindungsgemäß nur eine Elektroden-Wendel vorgeheizt, so genügen drei Anschlussdrähte. Nur die Elektroden-Wendel, die vorgeheizt wird, wird an ihren zwei Anschlüssen verschaltet. Für die nicht vorgeheizte Elektroden-Wendel genügt ein Anschlussdraht.The advantage of the present invention is not only in the reduction of the circuit complexity but also in a reduction of the effort when connecting the lamp. Usually, a lamp with two electrode coil has four terminals. If both electrode coils are preheated, four leads must be routed to the lamp. However, if only one electrode coil is preheated according to the invention, then three connection wires suffice. Only the electrode coil, which is preheated, is interconnected at its two terminals. For the non-preheated electrode filament a connection wire is sufficient.

Die Beschreibung der Erfindung ist weitgehend auf eine Lampe beschränkt. Der erfinderische Gedanke kann jedoch auch auf den erfindungsgemäßen Start mehrerer Lampen ausgedehnt werden.The description of the invention is largely limited to a lamp. However, the inventive idea can also be extended to the launch of several lamps according to the invention.

Beschreibung der ZeichnungenDescription of the drawings

Im folgenden soll die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert werden. Die Figur zeigt das Prinzipschaltbild eines elektronischen Betriebsgeräts, mit dem das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren durchgeführt werden kann.In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiments. The figure shows the block diagram of an electronic control gear, with which the inventive method can be performed.

Ein Wechselspannungsgenerator der als Halbbrückenwechselrichter ausgeführt ist, bildet das Kernstück des elektronischen Betriebsgeräts. Er besteht aus der Serienschaltung der elektronischen Halbbrückenschalter S1 und S2, die von einer Steuereinheit CTR angesteuert werden. Die Serienschaltung der elektronischen Halbbrückenschalter S1 und S2 ist zur Energieversorgung an eine Gleichspannungsquelle UDC angeschlossen. Bezugspotenzial ist das Potenzial M, das mit dem Minuspol der Gleichspannungsquelle UDC verbunden ist. Parallel zu jedem Halbbrückenschalter S1 und S2 ist eine Freilaufdiode D1 und D2 geschaltet. Sie sind so gepolt, dass jeweils die Kathode in Richtung des Pluspols der Gleichspannungsquelle weist. An der Verbindungsstelle der elektronischen Schalter S1 und S2 befindet sich der Ausgang des Wechselspannungsgenerators, wo die Quellspannung Uq anliegt. Zwischen Quellspannung Uq und Bezugspotenzial M ist der Lastkreis geschaltet. Er besteht aus der Serienschaltung eines Koppelkondensators Cb einer Induktivität L, einer Kapazität C und einem elektronischen Heizsteuer-Schalter S3. Der Koppelkondensator Cb dient zum Abkoppeln des Gleichanteils der Quellspannung Uq. Die Induktivität L und die Kapazität C bilden eine Serienresonanz mit der Resonanzfrequenz fres aus. Parallel zur Kapazität C liegt der Ausgang des Lastkreises, an dem eine Lampe Lp angeschlossen ist. Dort wird auch eine Lampenspannung ULp abgegriffen.An AC generator which is designed as a half-bridge inverter, forms the core of the electronic control gear. It consists of the series connection of the electronic half-bridge switches S1 and S2, which are controlled by a control unit CTR are controlled. The series connection of the electronic half-bridge switches S1 and S2 is connected to a DC voltage source UDC for power supply. Reference potential is the potential M, which is connected to the negative pole of the DC voltage source UDC. Parallel to each half-bridge switch S1 and S2, a freewheeling diode D1 and D2 is connected. They are poled so that in each case the cathode points in the direction of the positive pole of the DC voltage source. At the junction of the electronic switches S1 and S2 is the output of the AC voltage generator, where the source voltage Uq is applied. Between source voltage Uq and reference potential M, the load circuit is connected. It consists of the series connection of a coupling capacitor Cb of an inductance L, a capacitor C and an electronic heating control switch S3. The coupling capacitor Cb serves to decouple the DC component of the source voltage Uq . The inductance L and the capacitance C form a series resonance with the resonance frequency fres . Parallel to the capacitance C is the output of the load circuit to which a lamp Lp is connected. There is also a lamp voltage ULp tapped.

Die Lampe besitzt zwei Wendeln W1 und W2, die jeweils zwei Anschlüsse haben. Die Lampe ist mit der Kapazität C so verbunden, dass ein Anschluss der Elektroden-Wendel W1 mit einem Anschluss der Kapazität C verbunden ist und ein Anschluss der Elektroden-Wendel W2 mit dem anderen Anschluss der Kapazität C verbunden ist. Der andere Anschluss der Elektroden-Wendel W1 bleibt erfindungsgemäß unbeschaltet. Der andere Anschluss der Elektroden-Wendel W2 ist mit dem Bezugspotenzial M verbunden.The lamp has two coils W1 and W2, each with two connections. The lamp is connected to the capacitance C so that one terminal of the electrode filament W1 is connected to one terminal of the capacitor C and one terminal of the electrode filament W2 is connected to the other terminal of the capacitor C. The other terminal of the electrode coil W1 remains unconnected according to the invention. The other terminal of the electrode coil W2 is connected to the reference potential M.

Die Steuereinheit CTR steuert auch den Heizsteuer-Schalter S3. Dieser muss nicht für die Zündspannung der Lampe Lp von mehreren hundert Volt ausgelegt werden. Vielmehr genügt eine Spannungsfestigkeit von maximal 50 Volt. Bevorzugt enthält die Steuereinheit CTR einen Mikrokontroller. Damit kann der Startvorgang in einem Computerprogramm abgelegt werden und ggf. einfach an andere Lampentypen angepasst werden.The control unit CTR also controls the heating control switch S3. This does not have to be designed for the ignition voltage of the lamp Lp of several hundred volts. Rather, a voltage rating of 50 volts is sufficient. The control unit CTR preferably contains a microcontroller. Thus, the boot process can be stored in a computer program and possibly easily adapted to other lamp types.

Zum Vorheizen werden die Halbbrückenschalter S1 und S2 abwechselnd mit einer hohen Vorheizfrequenz ein- und ausgeschaltet. Der Heizsteuer-Schalter S3 ist geöffnet. Dadurch wird die Elektroden-Wendel W2 über die Kapazität C vorgeheizt. Die Vorheizfrequenz muss so hoch gewählt werden, dass über die Kapazität C sich ein ausreichend hoher Vorheizstrom einstellt, der in ca. einer Sekunde die Elektroden-Wendel W2 auf eine Temperatur aufheizt, die eine weitgehend schädigungsfreie Zündung erlaubt.For preheating, the half-bridge switches S1 and S2 are alternately turned on and off at a high preheat frequency. The heating control switch S3 is open. As a result, the electrode coil W2 is preheated via the capacitor C. The preheating frequency must be selected to be so high that, via the capacitor C, a sufficiently high preheating current is established, which heats up the electrode filament W2 to a temperature in about one second, which permits a largely damage-free ignition.

Nach der Vorheizphase wird der Heizsteuer-Schalter S3 geschlossen und die Frequenz mit der die Halbbrückenschalter S1 und S2 abwechselnd ein- und ausgeschaltet werden, wird bis zur Resonanzfrequenz des Serienschwingkreises, bestehend aus der Induktivität L und der Kapazität C, abgesenkt. An der Lampe Lp baut sich dadurch eine Zündspannung auf, die zur Zündung der Lampe führt.After the preheating phase, the heating control switch S3 is closed and the frequency at which the half-bridge switches S1 and S2 are alternately turned on and off is lowered to the resonance frequency of the series resonant circuit consisting of the inductance L and the capacitance C. As a result, an ignition voltage builds up on the lamp Lp, which leads to the ignition of the lamp.

Nach der Zündung beginnt die erste Subphase des Betriebs. Dazu bleibt der Halbbrückenschalter S2 geöffnet und nur der Halbbrückenschalter S1 wird ein- und ausgeschaltet. Dadurch wird ein Gleichstrom der Lampe Lp zugeführt, wobei erfindungsgemäß die nicht vorgeheizte Elektroden-Wendel W1 als Anode wirkt. Es ist darauf zu achten, dass der Wert der Kapazität des Koppelkondensators Cb so groß gewählt wird, dass sich die Spannung am Koppelkondensator Cb während der ersten Subphase des Betriebs nicht wesentlich ändert.After ignition, the first subphase of operation begins. For this purpose, the half-bridge switch S2 remains open and only the half-bridge switch S1 is switched on and off. Thereby, a direct current of the lamp Lp is supplied, according to the invention, the non-preheated electrode coil W1 acts as an anode. It is important to ensure that the value of the capacitance of the coupling capacitor Cb is chosen so large that the voltage at the coupling capacitor Cb does not change significantly during the first subphase of operation.

Nach maximal 2 Sekunden beginnt die zweite Subphase des Betriebs. Dabei werden wieder die Halbbrückenschalter S1 und S2 abwechselnd ein- und ausgeschaltet. Dadurch wird ein Wechselstrom der Lampe Lp zugeführt.After a maximum of 2 seconds, the second subphase of operation begins. In this case, the half-bridge switches S1 and S2 are alternately switched on and off again. As a result, an alternating current is supplied to the lamp Lp.

Der Heizsteuer-Schalter S3 bleibt während der Betriebsphase geschlossen. Damit wird erreicht, dass während der Betriebsphase kein Heizstrom durch die Elektroden-Wendel W2 hindurch fließt. Dadurch wird eine Übertemperatur der Wendel W2 vermieden und der Wirkungsgrad des Betriebsgeräts erhöht. Durch die Elektroden-Wendel W1 hindurch fließ erfindungsgemäß nie Strom.The heating control switch S3 remains closed during the operating phase. This ensures that no heating current flows through the electrode coil W2 during the operating phase. As a result, an excess temperature of the coil W2 is avoided and increases the efficiency of the operating device. According to the invention, current never flows through the electrode coil W1.

Claims (3)

  1. Method for starting a discharge lamp having two preheatable electrode filaments, which can be subdivided into the following three phases:
    - preheating
    - ignition
    - operation,
    characterized in that in the preheating phase only one electrode filament is preheated, and the operation phase is divided into two subphases, direct current flowing through the discharge lamp in the first subphase, and alternating current in the second subphase, the non-preheated electrode filament functioning as an anode in the first subphase.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first subphase has a duration of between 0.1 second and 2 seconds.
  3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that direct or alternating current are present at the lamp during the ignition phase.
EP02005924A 2001-05-28 2002-03-14 Method for starting a discharge lamp Expired - Fee Related EP1263267B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE10126011 2001-05-28
DE10126011A DE10126011A1 (en) 2001-05-28 2001-05-28 Procedure for starting a discharge lamp

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EP1263267A3 EP1263267A3 (en) 2005-06-01
EP1263267B1 true EP1263267B1 (en) 2007-05-02

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EP (1) EP1263267B1 (en)
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1874645B (en) * 2005-05-31 2010-09-29 电灯专利信托有限公司 Device for safely connecting lamp to equipment site
US7560868B2 (en) * 2007-05-11 2009-07-14 Osram Sylvania, Inc. Ballast with filament heating and ignition control
US8217583B2 (en) * 2010-07-21 2012-07-10 Grenergy Opto, Inc. Gas-discharge lamp controller utilizing a novel reheating frequency generation mechanism
US8471475B1 (en) * 2010-07-23 2013-06-25 Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc. Modular dimming ballast with decoupled half-bridge topology
US8847512B1 (en) * 2010-10-29 2014-09-30 Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc. Program start ballast having resonant filament heating circuit with clamped quality factor
US9237636B1 (en) 2014-05-12 2016-01-12 Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc. Self-clamped resonant filament heating circuit

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DE2854829A1 (en) * 1978-12-19 1980-07-10 Nemectron Gmbh Ignition circuit for low pressure fluorescent tube - superimposes alternating heating current component on DC with solid state cut=out switch and compensates for mains fluctuations
US5170099A (en) * 1989-03-28 1992-12-08 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Discharge lamp lighting device
DE4014355A1 (en) * 1989-06-27 1991-01-03 Siemens Ag Electronic operating circuit for discharge lamp - has short-circuit switch for auxiliary sec. winding of heating transformer
US5656891A (en) * 1994-10-13 1997-08-12 Tridonic Bauelemente Gmbh Gas discharge lamp ballast with heating control circuit and method of operating same
DE19509832A1 (en) * 1995-03-17 1996-09-19 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Method and circuit arrangement for operating a discharge lamp
JP3736171B2 (en) * 1998-03-31 2006-01-18 東芝ライテック株式会社 Light bulb shaped fluorescent lamp and lighting fixture
JP2002500819A (en) * 1998-04-02 2002-01-08 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Circuit device
ATE245337T1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2003-08-15 Tridonicatco Gmbh & Co Kg ELECTRONIC BALLAST FOR AT LEAST ONE LOW PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP

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US6696791B2 (en) 2004-02-24
EP1263267A3 (en) 2005-06-01
DE50210057D1 (en) 2007-06-14
US20020175629A1 (en) 2002-11-28
CA2383335A1 (en) 2002-11-28
DE10126011A1 (en) 2002-12-05
EP1263267A2 (en) 2002-12-04

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