EP0114370A1 - Method of operating a gas-discharge lamp - Google Patents

Method of operating a gas-discharge lamp Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0114370A1
EP0114370A1 EP83112933A EP83112933A EP0114370A1 EP 0114370 A1 EP0114370 A1 EP 0114370A1 EP 83112933 A EP83112933 A EP 83112933A EP 83112933 A EP83112933 A EP 83112933A EP 0114370 A1 EP0114370 A1 EP 0114370A1
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Prior art keywords
lamp
current
voltage
frequency
resonant circuit
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EP83112933A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ali-Ihsan Söylemez
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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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
    • H05B41/282—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
    • H05B41/2825—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 by means of a bridge converter in the final stage

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating a gas discharge lamp, in particular fluorescent lamp, in that a semiconductor chopper generates a high-frequency alternating voltage from a direct voltage, which is fed into a series resonant circuit formed from a capacitor connected in parallel to the discharge path of the lamp and a choke, which series resonant circuit has the required ignition voltage supplies for the discharge lamp, and in which the lamp current is limited by the choke during rated operation.
  • the frequency difference between the nominal operating frequency for the discharge lamp and the resonance frequency of the unloaded resonant circuit is so small that an oscillating circuit current occurs during the ignition phase, which is five to ten times higher than the nominal operating current.
  • a high resonant circuit current must flow. to generate the ignition voltage on the lamp. All components through which this high resonant circuit current flows during the start-up phase must be dimensioned accordingly for this current.
  • the resonant circuit current in nominal operation is only a fraction of the current during ignition, the components required for nominal operation are oversized.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide a method of the type mentioned in the introduction, in which the current stress on the components in the power section of an electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps is reduced during the ignition phase.
  • This object is achieved in that the frequency of the AC voltage before ignition of the lamp is chosen higher and after ignition of the lamp in nominal operation lower than the resonance frequency of the undamped resonant circuit and that the frequency spacing is chosen so large that the resonant circuit current during the ignition phase at most three times the nominal operating current.
  • a start-up circuit 18 is acted upon, which the high-frequency self-oscillation of a semiconductor chopper; which consists of a transistor half-bridge circuit of the two power MOS FETs 4 and 8, initiates.
  • a rectangular or a trapezoidal high-frequency AC voltage caused by the capacitor 2 with the amplitude + 1/2 U E ' is generated, the oscillation of which is maintained by the feedback by means of the current transformer 7.
  • the resonant circuit connected via the current transformer 7 to the center tap of the transistor half-bridge circuit, consisting of the inductor 12 and the capacitor 13, causes the discharge lamp 16 a voltage increase by resonance, whereby the lamp 16 is ignited. After ignition, the voltage on the lamp collapses to the operating voltage, the operating point being determined by the choke 12 as a function of the amplitude and frequency of the AC voltage.
  • the capacitor 17 prevents possible DC components in the lamp 16.
  • the start-up circuit 18 consists for example of the series connection of a resistor and a capacitor, which are connected in parallel to the capacitor 1.
  • a diac is connected between the center tap of this RC element and the gate of transistor 8.
  • the RC element and the diac thus represent a sawtooth generator, the frequency of which depends on the input voltage. If the input voltage U E is now applied, the capacitor of the starting circuit is charged via the resistor until the voltage at the capacitor reaches the breakdown voltage of the diac, whereupon the latter ignites and emits a short current pulse into the gate circuit of transistor 8. This also charges the gate capacitance of transistor 8.
  • the start-up circuit 18 is shut down, which can be accomplished, for example, by a circuit which prevents a voltage build-up on the capacitor of the RC element, as a result of which the diac does not do the necessary Receives ignition voltage.
  • Zener diodes 6 and 9 and the resistors 5 and 10 serve to ensure that the permissible gate-source voltage of the power MOSFET 4 and 8 cannot be exceeded.
  • the internal gate capacitances of transistors 4 and 8 are respectively charged and discharged directly from transformer windings n 3 and n 2 via resistors 5 and 10.
  • the resonant circuit current consists of the lamp current and the current through the capacitor 13, which also flows via the heating coil 14 or 15. If the discharge path is defective, the conditions are the same as before the ignition, but no ignition can take place. Because of the 5 to 10 times higher currents than the. In operation, the transistors 4 and 8 and the current limiting choke 12 quickly become hot. In order to avoid destruction of these components, the fuse 11, for example a fuse, is provided in the lamp line. If the discharge path is defective, the resonant circuit current rises, the fuse melts within a short time, and the current path of the resonant circuit is thus interrupted without the components being destroyed.
  • the transistor 8 contains only start-up pulses without an oscillating circuit current flowing.
  • the resonant circuit quality Q is increased by reducing the resonant circuit capacitance, which leads to an increase in the resonance frequency of the unloaded resonant circuit. If the frequency change of the alternating voltage between the frequency in the ignition torque and the frequency in the nominal operation is chosen to be correspondingly large, the current through the resonant circuit or through the transistors in the ignition torque can be deliberately limited.
  • the change in frequency of the AC voltage by controlling the transistor half-bridge circuit can be implemented, for example, by an analog or digital control logic.
  • the frequency change can also be in a freely oscillating arrangement, e.g. with the help of a saturation current transformer, which leads to a particularly simple control of the ballast.
  • the subject of the invention reduces the current stress on the components during the ignition phase, without the transistors having to work to limit the current in the active characteristic area. This leads, for example, to a considerable reduction in the size of the resonant circuit choke and allows the use of transistors with a lower pulse load capacity. Furthermore, there is an increase in efficiency in that, when the lamp is in nominal operation, a smaller current flows through the heating coils due to the reduction in the resonant circuit capacity. With the invention it is thus possible to reduce the component costs while at the same time increasing the reliability of an electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps.

Abstract

In a method of operating a gas-discharge lamp, particularly a fluorescent lamp, a radio-frequency a.c. voltage is generated from a d.c. voltage (UE) with the aid of a semiconductor chopper formed from transistors (4, 8), which a.c. voltage is fed into a series resonance circuit. The series resonance circuit consists of a capacitor (13) and an inductor (12) connected in parallel with the discharge path of the lamp (16). The frequency of the a.c. voltage is selected such that before the ignition of the lamp (16) it is higher, and after the ignition of the lamp (16), in normal operation, it is lower, than the resonance frequency of the undamped series resonance circuit consisting of the inductor (12), and the capacitor (13), the frequency separation being selected to be so great that the oscillator current during the ignition phase is at most three times as great as the normal operation current. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Gasentladungslampe, insbesondere Leuchtstofflampe, indem ein Halbleiterzerhacker aus einer Gleichspannung eine hochfrequente Wechselspannung erzeugt, die in einen aus einem parallel zur Entladungsstecke der Lampe geschalteten Kondensator und einer Drossel gebildeten Serienresonanzkreis eingespeist wird, welcher Serienresonanzkreis die erforderliche.Zündspannung für die Entladungslampe liefert, und bei dem der Lampenstrom im Nennbetrieb durch die Drossel begrenzt wird.The invention relates to a method for operating a gas discharge lamp, in particular fluorescent lamp, in that a semiconductor chopper generates a high-frequency alternating voltage from a direct voltage, which is fed into a series resonant circuit formed from a capacitor connected in parallel to the discharge path of the lamp and a choke, which series resonant circuit has the required ignition voltage supplies for the discharge lamp, and in which the lamp current is limited by the choke during rated operation.

Derartige Verfahren sind bekannt, wobei der Frequenzunterschied zwischen der Nennbetriebsfrequenz für die Entladungslampe und der Resonanzfrequenz des unbelasteten Schwingkreises so klein ist, daß während der Zündphase ein Schwingkreisstrom auftritt, der gegenüber dem Nennbetriebsstrom fünf- bis zehnfach überhöht ist. Das hat zur Folge, daß ein hoher Schwingkreisstrom fließen muß,. um die Zündspannung an der Lampe zu erzeugen. Alle Bauelemte, die durch diesen hohen Schwingkreisstrom während der Anlaufphase durchflossen werden, müssen diesem Strom entsprechend dimensioniert sein. Da aber im Nennbetrieb der Schwingkreisstrom nur ein Bruchteil des Stromes beim Zünden beträgt, sind die erforderlichen Bauelemente für den Nennbetrieb überdimensioniert.Such methods are known, the frequency difference between the nominal operating frequency for the discharge lamp and the resonance frequency of the unloaded resonant circuit is so small that an oscillating circuit current occurs during the ignition phase, which is five to ten times higher than the nominal operating current. As a result, a high resonant circuit current must flow. to generate the ignition voltage on the lamp. All components through which this high resonant circuit current flows during the start-up phase must be dimensioned accordingly for this current. However, since the resonant circuit current in nominal operation is only a fraction of the current during ignition, the components required for nominal operation are oversized.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art anzugeben, bei dem die Strombeanspruchung der Bauelemente im Leistungsteil eines elektronischen Vorschaltgerätes für Gasentladungslampen während der Zündphase reduziert wird.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method of the type mentioned in the introduction, in which the current stress on the components in the power section of an electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps is reduced during the ignition phase.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die Frequenz der Wechselspannung vor dem Zünden der Lampe höher und nach dem Zünden der Lampe im Nennbetrieb niedriger als die Resonanzfrequenz des ungedämpften Schwingkreises gewählt wird und daß der Frequenzabstand so groß gewählt wird, daß der Schwingkreisstrom während der Zündphase höchstens dreimal so hoch wie der Nennbetriebsstrom ist.This object is achieved in that the frequency of the AC voltage before ignition of the lamp is chosen higher and after ignition of the lamp in nominal operation lower than the resonance frequency of the undamped resonant circuit and that the frequency spacing is chosen so large that the resonant circuit current during the ignition phase at most three times the nominal operating current.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen sind in den Unteransprüchen angeführt.Advantageous further developments are set out in the subclaims.

Die Vorteile des Gegenstandes der Erfindung werden anhand der folgenden Ausführungsbeispiele erläutert.The advantages of the subject matter of the invention are explained using the following exemplary embodiments.

In der dazugehörenden Zeichnung ist ein Schaltbild eines elektronischen Vorschaltgerätes für Gasentladungslampen dargestellt.In the accompanying drawing, a circuit diagram of an electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps is shown.

Mit einer Gleichspannungsquelle UE, die beispielsweise aus einer gleichgerichteten Netzspannung gespeist wird, wird eine Anlaufschaltung 18 beaufschlagt, welche die hochfrequente Selbstschwingung eines.Halbleiterzerhackers; der aus einer Transistor-Halbbrückenschaltung der beiden Leistungs-MOS-FET 4 und 8 besteht, einleitet. An der Mittenanzapfung der Transistor-Halbbrückenschaltung entsteht eine rechteckförmige bzw. eine durch den Kondensator 2 verursachte trapezförmige hochfrequente Wechselspannung mit der Amplitude + 1/2 UE' deren Schwingung sich durch die Rückkopplung mittels dem Stromübertrager 7 aufrecht erhält. Der über den Stromübertrager 7 an der Mittenanzapfung der Transistor-Halbbrückenschaltung angeschlossene Schwingkreis, bestehend aus der Drossel 12 und dem Kondensator 13, bewirkt an der Entladungslampe 16 eine Spannungsüberhöhung durch Resonanz, wodurch die Lampe 16 gezündet wird. Nach dem Zünden bricht die Spannung an der Lampe auf die Brennspannung zusammen, wobei der Arbeitspunkt abhängig von der Amplitude und Frequenz der Wechselspannung durch die Drossel 12 bestimmt wird. Der Kondensator 17 verhindert mögliche Gleichstromanteile in der Lampe 16.With a DC voltage source U E , which is fed, for example, from a rectified mains voltage, a start-up circuit 18 is acted upon, which the high-frequency self-oscillation of a semiconductor chopper; which consists of a transistor half-bridge circuit of the two power MOS FETs 4 and 8, initiates. At the center tap of the transistor half-bridge circuit, a rectangular or a trapezoidal high-frequency AC voltage caused by the capacitor 2 with the amplitude + 1/2 U E ' is generated, the oscillation of which is maintained by the feedback by means of the current transformer 7. The resonant circuit connected via the current transformer 7 to the center tap of the transistor half-bridge circuit, consisting of the inductor 12 and the capacitor 13, causes the discharge lamp 16 a voltage increase by resonance, whereby the lamp 16 is ignited. After ignition, the voltage on the lamp collapses to the operating voltage, the operating point being determined by the choke 12 as a function of the amplitude and frequency of the AC voltage. The capacitor 17 prevents possible DC components in the lamp 16.

Die Anlaufschaltung 18 besteht beispielsweise aus der Serienschaltung eines Widerstandes und eines Kondensators, die parallel zum Kondensator 1 geschaltet sind. Zwischen die Mittenanzapfung dieses RC-Gliedes und das Gate des Transistors 8 ist ein Diac geschaltet. Somit stellt das RC-Glied und der Diac einen Sägezahn-Generator dar, dessen Frequenz von der Eingangsspannung abhängig ist. Legt man nun die Eingangsspannung UE an, wird der Kondensator der Anlaufschaltung über den Widerstand aufgeladen bis die Spannung am Kondensator die Durchbruchsspannung des Diac erreicht, worauf dieser zündet und einen kurzen Stromimpuls in den Gatekreis des Transistors 8 abgibt. Damit wird auch die Gate-Kapazität des Transistors 8 aufgeladen.The start-up circuit 18 consists for example of the series connection of a resistor and a capacitor, which are connected in parallel to the capacitor 1. A diac is connected between the center tap of this RC element and the gate of transistor 8. The RC element and the diac thus represent a sawtooth generator, the frequency of which depends on the input voltage. If the input voltage U E is now applied, the capacitor of the starting circuit is charged via the resistor until the voltage at the capacitor reaches the breakdown voltage of the diac, whereupon the latter ignites and emits a short current pulse into the gate circuit of transistor 8. This also charges the gate capacitance of transistor 8.

Mit jedem Impuls fließt nun-ein schmaler impulsförmiger Strom über den Kreis, der durch den Transistor 8, die Wicklung n1 des Übertragers 7, eine Sicherung 11, die Drossel 12, die eine Heizwendel 14 der Lampe 16, den Kondensator 13, die zweite Heizwendel 15 der Lampe 16 und den Kondensator 17 gebildet ist. Mit diesen Stromimpulsen über die Wicklung n1 des Übertragers 7 werden in den weiteren Wicklungen n2 und g3 des Übertragers 7 aperiodisch abklingende Spannungen induziert. Durch diese Rückkopplung über die Wicklungen n2 und n3 setzt schlagartig eine hochfrequente Eigenschwingung ein, wenn die Gate-Schwellenspannung am Transistor 8 erreicht ist. Dieser Schwingkreis besteht im wesentlichen aus dem Kondensator 13 und der Drossel 12. Nach Einsetzen der Eigenschwingung wird die Anlaufschaltung 18 stillgelegt, was beispielsweise durch eine Schaltung bewerkstelligt werden kann, die einen Spannungsaufbau am Kondensator des RC-Gliedes verhindert, wodurch der Diac nicht die erforderliche Zündspannung erhält.With each pulse, a narrow pulse-shaped current flows through the circuit, through the transistor 8, the winding n 1 of the transformer 7, a fuse 11, the choke 12, a heating coil 14 of the lamp 16, the capacitor 13, the second Heating coil 15 of the lamp 16 and the capacitor 17 is formed. With these current pulses via the winding n 1 of the transformer 7, aperiodically decaying voltages are induced in the further windings n 2 and g 3 of the transformer 7. This feedback via the windings n 2 and n 3 sets abruptly a high-frequency natural oscillation occurs when the gate threshold voltage at transistor 8 is reached. This resonant circuit consists essentially of the capacitor 13 and the choke 12. After the natural oscillation has started, the start-up circuit 18 is shut down, which can be accomplished, for example, by a circuit which prevents a voltage build-up on the capacitor of the RC element, as a result of which the diac does not do the necessary Receives ignition voltage.

Die Zenerdioden 6 bzw. 9 und die Widerstände 5 bzw. 10 dienen dazu, daß die zulässige Gate-Source-Spannung der Leistungs-MOS-FET 4 bzw. 8 nicht überschritten werden kann.The Zener diodes 6 and 9 and the resistors 5 and 10 serve to ensure that the permissible gate-source voltage of the power MOSFET 4 and 8 cannot be exceeded.

Die internen Gate-Kapazitäten der Transistoren 4 und 8 werden über die Widerstände 5 und 10 jeweils direkt von den Übertragerwicklungen n3 und n2 auf- bzw. entladen.The internal gate capacitances of transistors 4 and 8 are respectively charged and discharged directly from transformer windings n 3 and n 2 via resistors 5 and 10.

Im Nennbetrieb besteht der Schwingkreisstrom aus dem Lampenstrom und dem Strom über den Kondensator 13, der auch über die Heizwendel 14 bzw. 15 fließt. Bei defekter Entladungsstrecke hat man die gleichen Verhältnisse wie vor der Zündung, aber es kann keine Zündung stattfinden. Wegen der 5 bis 10fach höheren Ströme gegenüber dem . Nennbetrieb werden die Transistoren 4 und 8 und die Strombegrenzungsdrossel 12 schnell heiß. Um eine Zerstörung dieser Bauelemente zu vermeiden, ist die Sicherung 11, beispielsweise eine Schmelzsicherung, in der Lampenleitung vorgesehen. Bei defekter Entladungsstrecke steigt der Schwingkreisstrom an, die Sicherung schmilzt innerhalb kurzer Zeit, und der Strompfad des Schwingkreises ist somit unterbrochen, ohne daß die Bauelemente zerstört werden.In rated operation, the resonant circuit current consists of the lamp current and the current through the capacitor 13, which also flows via the heating coil 14 or 15. If the discharge path is defective, the conditions are the same as before the ignition, but no ignition can take place. Because of the 5 to 10 times higher currents than the. In operation, the transistors 4 and 8 and the current limiting choke 12 quickly become hot. In order to avoid destruction of these components, the fuse 11, for example a fuse, is provided in the lamp line. If the discharge path is defective, the resonant circuit current rises, the fuse melts within a short time, and the current path of the resonant circuit is thus interrupted without the components being destroyed.

Die gleiche Wirkung wird erzielt, wenn bei defekter Gasentladungs-Strecke und somit einer zündunfähigen Lampe 16 ein Halbleiterschalter derart eingreift, daß mindestens eine der Heizwendeln 14 bzw. 15 der Lampe 16 durch einen Uberstromstoß zerstört und damit der Serienresonanzkreis zur Erzeugung der Zündspannung stromlos wird.The same effect is achieved when a semiconductor switch intervenes in the event of a defective gas discharge path and thus an incompatible lamp 16 in such a way that at least one of the heating coils 14 and 15 of the lamp 16 is destroyed by an overcurrent surge and the series resonance circuit for generating the ignition voltage is thus de-energized.

In beiden Fällen, wo der Stromkreis unterbrochen ist, enthält der Transistor 8 nur Anlaufimpulse, ohne daß ein Schwingkreisstrom fließt.In both cases, where the circuit is interrupted, the transistor 8 contains only start-up pulses without an oscillating circuit current flowing.

Bei den bisher bekanntgewordenen Verfahren zum Betreiben von Gasentladungslampen ist nun, wie bereits eingangs beschrieben, der Frequenzunterschied zwischen der Nennbetriebsfrequenz und der Resonanzfrequenz des unbelasteten Schwingkreises klein. Deswegen muß ein hoher Schwingkreisstrom fließen, um die Zündspannung an der Lampe zu erzeugen.In the previously known methods for operating gas discharge lamps, the frequency difference between the nominal operating frequency and the resonance frequency of the unloaded resonant circuit is small, as already described at the beginning. Therefore, a high resonant circuit current must flow in order to generate the ignition voltage on the lamp.

Der Vorteil der Erfindung besteht nun darin, daß bei höherem Kennwiderstand des Schwingkreises RK = (L/C)1/2 bzw. höherer Schwingkreisgüte Q = (1/R) (L/C)1/2 sich eine bestimmte Spannungsüberhöhung im Serienresonanzkreis bereits bei einem kleineren Schwingkreisstrom erreichen läßt.The advantage of the invention is that with a higher characteristic resistance of the resonant circuit R K = (L / C) 1/2 or higher resonant circuit quality Q = (1 / R) (L / C) 1/2 there is a certain voltage increase in the series resonant circuit can already be achieved with a smaller resonant circuit current.

Geht man davon aus, daß die Betriebsspannung, die Nennbetriebsfrequenz sowie die Lampenleistung und damit auch die Schwingkreisinduktivität vorgegeben sind, erfolgt die Erhöhung der Schwingkreisgüte Q durch Verkleinerung der Schwingkreiskapazität, was zu einer Erhöhung der Resonanzfrequenz des unbelasteten Schwingkreises führt. Wählt man die Frequenzänderung der Wechselspannung zwischen der Frequenz im Zündmoment und der Frequenz im Nennbetrieb entsprechend groß, so läßt sich der Strom durch den Schwingkreis bzw. durch die Transistoren im Zündmoment gezielt begrenzen.If one assumes that the operating voltage, the nominal operating frequency and the lamp power and thus also the resonant circuit inductance are specified, the resonant circuit quality Q is increased by reducing the resonant circuit capacitance, which leads to an increase in the resonance frequency of the unloaded resonant circuit. If the frequency change of the alternating voltage between the frequency in the ignition torque and the frequency in the nominal operation is chosen to be correspondingly large, the current through the resonant circuit or through the transistors in the ignition torque can be deliberately limited.

Die Frequenzänderung der Wechselspannung durch Steuerung der Transistor-Halbbrückenschaltung läßt sich beispielsweise durch eine analoge oder digitale Steuerlogik realisieren.The change in frequency of the AC voltage by controlling the transistor half-bridge circuit can be implemented, for example, by an analog or digital control logic.

Die Frequenzänderung kann aber auch in einer frei schwingenden Anordnung, z.B. mit Hilfe eines Sättigungsstromwandlers, realisiert werden, was zu einer besonders einfachen Steuerung des Vorschaltgerätes führt.The frequency change can also be in a freely oscillating arrangement, e.g. with the help of a saturation current transformer, which leads to a particularly simple control of the ballast.

Durch den Gegenstand der Erfindung wird die Strombeanspruchung der Bauelemente während der Zündphase reduziert, ohne daß die Transistoren im aktiven Kennlinienbereich strombegrenzend arbeiten müssen. Dies führt beispielsweise zu einer erheblichen Verkleinerung der Abmessungen der Schwingkreisdrossel und erlaubt die Verwendung von Transistoren mit geringerer Impulsbelastbarkeit. Weiterhin ergibt sich eine Steigerung des Wirkungsgrades dadurch, daß im Nennbetrieb der Lampe durch die Verkleinerung der Schwingkreiskapazität ein geringerer Strom durch die Heizwendeln fließt. Mit der Erfindung läßt sich somit eine Senkung der Baulementekosten bei gleichzeitiger Erhöhung der Zuverlässigkeit eines elektronischen Vorschaltgerätes für Gasentladungslampen erreichen.The subject of the invention reduces the current stress on the components during the ignition phase, without the transistors having to work to limit the current in the active characteristic area. This leads, for example, to a considerable reduction in the size of the resonant circuit choke and allows the use of transistors with a lower pulse load capacity. Furthermore, there is an increase in efficiency in that, when the lamp is in nominal operation, a smaller current flows through the heating coils due to the reduction in the resonant circuit capacity. With the invention it is thus possible to reduce the component costs while at the same time increasing the reliability of an electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps.

Claims (10)

1. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Gasentladungslampe, insbesondere Leuchtstofflampe, indem ein Halbleiterzerhacker aus einer Gleichspannung eine hochfrequente Wechselspannung erzeugt, die in einen aus einem parallel zur Entladungsstrecke der Lampe geschalteten Kondensator und einer Drossel gebildeten Serienresonanzkreis eingespeist wird, welcher Serienresonanzkreis die erforderliche Zündspannung für die Entladungslampe liefert, und bei dem der Lampenstrom im Nennbetrieb durch die Drossel begrenzt wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Frequenz der Wechselspannung vor dem Zünden der Lampe (16) höher und nach dem Zünden der Lampe (16) im Nennbetrieb niedriger als die Resonanzfrequenz des ungedämpften Schwingkreises gewählt wird und daß der Frequenzabstand so groß gewählt wird, daß der Schwingkreisstrom während der Zündphase höchstens dreimal so hoch wie der Nennbetriebsstrom ist.1. A method for operating a gas discharge lamp, in particular a fluorescent lamp, in that a semiconductor chopper generates a high-frequency AC voltage from a DC voltage, which is fed into a series resonance circuit formed from a capacitor connected in parallel with the discharge path of the lamp and a choke, which series resonance circuit provides the required ignition voltage for the discharge lamp provides, and in which the lamp current is limited by the inductor in rated operation, characterized in that the frequency of the alternating voltage before the lamp (16) is ignited is higher and after the lamp (16) is ignited in the rated mode is lower than the resonance frequency of the undamped resonant circuit is chosen and that the frequency spacing is chosen so large that the resonant circuit current during the ignition phase is at most three times as high as the nominal operating current. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Frequenzunterschied derart groß gewählt wird, daß der'Strom durch den Schwingkreis bzw. durch Transistoren (4, 8) des Halbleiterzerhackers im Zündmoment der Entladungslampe (16) begrenzt wird..2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the frequency difference is chosen so large that the current is limited by the resonant circuit or by transistors (4, 8) of the semiconductor chopper in the ignition moment of the discharge lamp (16) .. 3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Frequenzänderung durch eine analoge oder digitale Steuerlogik bewirkt wird.3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frequency change is effected by an analog or digital control logic. 4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Frequenzänderung durch eine frei schwingende, mit zeit- und lastabhängigen Elementen versehene und zwischen Ausgangsspannung oder -strom und der Ansteuerung der Transistoren (4, 8) rückgekoppelten Anordnung, vorzugsweise durch einen Sättigungsstromwandler, bewirkt wird.4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frequency change by a freely oscillating, provided with time and load-dependent elements and between output voltage or current and the control of the transistors (4, 8) feedback arrangement, preferably by a saturation current transformer , is effected. 5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Frequenzänderung zur Steuerung der Lampenleistung benutzt wird.5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frequency change is used to control the lamp power. 6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß zum Vorheizen der Lampe (16) eine Wechselspannnungsfrequenz verwendet wird, die derart bemessen ist, daß die zum Zünden der Lampe (16) erforderliche Spannung nicht erreicht wird, und daß der Schwingkreisstrom zunächst über eine Heizwendel (14) der Lampe (16), daran anschließend über den Schwingkreiskondensator (13) und abschließend über die zweite Heizwendel (15) geleitet wird.6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an AC voltage frequency is used for preheating the lamp (16), which is dimensioned such that the voltage required to ignite the lamp (16) is not reached, and that The resonant circuit current is first passed through a heating coil (14) of the lamp (16), then via the resonant circuit capacitor (13) and finally via the second heating coil (15). 7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in den Strompfad der hochfrequenten Wechselspannung zur Unterdrückung von Gleichstromanteilen mindestens ein Kondensator (17) geschaltet wird.7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one capacitor (17) is connected in the current path of the high-frequency AC voltage to suppress DC components. 8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Wechselspannungsabfall am Kondensator (17) zur Erfassung des Wechselstroms zu Überwachungszwecken oder zu einer durch kapazitive Ladungsverschiebung gewonnenen Stromversorgung für die Steuerlogik verwendet wird.8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the alternating voltage drop across the capacitor (17) for detecting the alternating current for monitoring purposes or for a power supply obtained by capacitive charge displacement is used for the control logic. 9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß in mindestens einem Stromkreis der Heizwendeln (14, 15) ein Halbleiterschalter vorgesehen ist, der bei defekter Gasentladungsstrecke mindestens eine Heizwendel (14,15) durch einen Überstromstoß zerstört.9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in at least one circuit of the heating coils (14, 15) a semiconductor switch is provided which destroys at least one heating coil (14,15) by a surge current in the event of a defective gas discharge path. 10. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß in den Strompfad des Schwingkreises eine Schmelzsicherung (11) geschaltet wird.10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a fuse (11) is connected in the current path of the resonant circuit.
EP83112933A 1983-01-14 1983-12-21 Method of operating a gas-discharge lamp Withdrawn EP0114370A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19833301108 DE3301108A1 (en) 1983-01-14 1983-01-14 METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAS DISCHARGE LAMP
DE3301108 1983-01-14

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EP0114370A1 true EP0114370A1 (en) 1984-08-01

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EP83112933A Withdrawn EP0114370A1 (en) 1983-01-14 1983-12-21 Method of operating a gas-discharge lamp

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EP (1) EP0114370A1 (en)
JP (1) JPS59173995A (en)
AU (1) AU2324484A (en)
DE (1) DE3301108A1 (en)
DK (1) DK15284A (en)
ES (1) ES8407286A1 (en)
FI (1) FI840122A (en)

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EP0241279A1 (en) * 1986-04-08 1987-10-14 Actronic Lighting Cc Controller for gas discharge lamps
EP0361748A1 (en) * 1988-09-26 1990-04-04 General Electric Company Power control circuit for discharge lamp and method of operating same
GB2226463A (en) * 1988-12-21 1990-06-27 Sirous Yazdanian Control of fluorescent lights
EP0415490A2 (en) * 1989-08-31 1991-03-06 Philips Patentverwaltung GmbH Circuit arrangement for power supply to a load
WO1996007297A2 (en) * 1994-08-22 1996-03-07 Philips Electronics N.V. Circuit arrangement for a discharge lamp comprising a dc-ac converter and a resonance circuit
WO1996010898A2 (en) * 1994-09-30 1996-04-11 Pacific Scientific Company Improvements in ballast circuit for fluorescent lamps
US5798617A (en) 1996-12-18 1998-08-25 Pacific Scientific Company Magnetic feedback ballast circuit for fluorescent lamp
US5866993A (en) 1996-11-14 1999-02-02 Pacific Scientific Company Three-way dimming ballast circuit with passive power factor correction
US5925986A (en) 1996-05-09 1999-07-20 Pacific Scientific Company Method and apparatus for controlling power delivered to a fluorescent lamp
US5955841A (en) 1994-09-30 1999-09-21 Pacific Scientific Company Ballast circuit for fluorescent lamp
US6037722A (en) 1994-09-30 2000-03-14 Pacific Scientific Dimmable ballast apparatus and method for controlling power delivered to a fluorescent lamp
WO2005072023A1 (en) 2004-01-23 2005-08-04 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. High frequency driver for gas discharge lamp
WO2006056143A1 (en) * 2004-11-29 2006-06-01 Century Concept Ltd. Electronic ballast with preheating and dimming control

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JPS62126598A (en) * 1985-11-27 1987-06-08 松下電器産業株式会社 Fluorescent lamp burner
GB8711131D0 (en) * 1987-05-12 1987-06-17 Emi Plc Thorn Power supply
EP0359860A1 (en) * 1988-09-23 1990-03-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device and method for operating at least one discharge lamp
US6111369A (en) * 1998-12-18 2000-08-29 Clalight Israel Ltd. Electronic ballast
DE102008064447B3 (en) 2008-12-22 2010-08-12 Kunert Fashion Gmbh & Co. Kg Knit garment made of knitwear and method of making the same

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Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0241279A1 (en) * 1986-04-08 1987-10-14 Actronic Lighting Cc Controller for gas discharge lamps
EP0361748A1 (en) * 1988-09-26 1990-04-04 General Electric Company Power control circuit for discharge lamp and method of operating same
GB2226463A (en) * 1988-12-21 1990-06-27 Sirous Yazdanian Control of fluorescent lights
EP0415490A2 (en) * 1989-08-31 1991-03-06 Philips Patentverwaltung GmbH Circuit arrangement for power supply to a load
EP0415490A3 (en) * 1989-08-31 1991-04-03 Philips Patentverwaltung Gmbh Circuit arrangement for power supply to a load
CN1075336C (en) * 1994-08-22 2001-11-21 皇家菲利浦电子有限公司 Circuit arrangement
WO1996007297A2 (en) * 1994-08-22 1996-03-07 Philips Electronics N.V. Circuit arrangement for a discharge lamp comprising a dc-ac converter and a resonance circuit
WO1996007297A3 (en) * 1994-08-22 1996-05-30 Philips Electronics Nv Circuit arrangement for a discharge lamp comprising a dc-ac converter and a resonance circuit
US5955841A (en) 1994-09-30 1999-09-21 Pacific Scientific Company Ballast circuit for fluorescent lamp
WO1996010898A2 (en) * 1994-09-30 1996-04-11 Pacific Scientific Company Improvements in ballast circuit for fluorescent lamps
US5982111A (en) 1994-09-30 1999-11-09 Pacific Scientific Company Fluorescent lamp ballast having a resonant output stage using a split resonating inductor
US6037722A (en) 1994-09-30 2000-03-14 Pacific Scientific Dimmable ballast apparatus and method for controlling power delivered to a fluorescent lamp
WO1996010898A3 (en) * 1994-09-30 1996-07-18 Pacific Scientific Co Improvements in ballast circuit for fluorescent lamps
US5925986A (en) 1996-05-09 1999-07-20 Pacific Scientific Company Method and apparatus for controlling power delivered to a fluorescent lamp
US5866993A (en) 1996-11-14 1999-02-02 Pacific Scientific Company Three-way dimming ballast circuit with passive power factor correction
US5798617A (en) 1996-12-18 1998-08-25 Pacific Scientific Company Magnetic feedback ballast circuit for fluorescent lamp
WO2005072023A1 (en) 2004-01-23 2005-08-04 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. High frequency driver for gas discharge lamp
US7746002B2 (en) 2004-01-23 2010-06-29 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. High frequency driver for gas discharge lamp
WO2006056143A1 (en) * 2004-11-29 2006-06-01 Century Concept Ltd. Electronic ballast with preheating and dimming control
US7728528B2 (en) 2004-11-29 2010-06-01 Century Concept Ltd Electronic ballast with preheating and dimming control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES528867A0 (en) 1984-08-16
ES8407286A1 (en) 1984-08-16
JPS59173995A (en) 1984-10-02
DE3301108A1 (en) 1984-07-19
FI840122A (en) 1984-07-15
FI840122A0 (en) 1984-01-13
AU2324484A (en) 1984-07-19
DK15284D0 (en) 1984-01-13
DK15284A (en) 1984-07-15

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