[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

EP0676121B1 - Ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps in parallel - Google Patents

Ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps in parallel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0676121B1
EP0676121B1 EP93924069A EP93924069A EP0676121B1 EP 0676121 B1 EP0676121 B1 EP 0676121B1 EP 93924069 A EP93924069 A EP 93924069A EP 93924069 A EP93924069 A EP 93924069A EP 0676121 B1 EP0676121 B1 EP 0676121B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
discharge lamps
gas discharge
lamp
choke
inverter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93924069A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0676121A1 (en
Inventor
Andreas SCHÖLL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH
Original Assignee
Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=6476455&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0676121(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH filed Critical Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH
Publication of EP0676121A1 publication Critical patent/EP0676121A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0676121B1 publication Critical patent/EP0676121B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • H05B41/2827—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 using specially adapted components in the load circuit, e.g. feed-back transformers, piezoelectric transformers; using specially adapted load circuit configurations
    • 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
    • H05B41/36—Controlling
    • H05B41/38—Controlling the intensity of light
    • H05B41/382—Controlling the intensity of light during the transitional start-up phase

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps operated in parallel according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • ballast technology it has been assumed in ballast technology that two separate resonant circuits are also required for two-lamp operation. This is because it has been assumed that when a common resonant circuit is used for both lamps, after the one lamp has been ignited, the resonant circuit voltage breaks down and is no longer sufficient to ignite the second lamp. As a rule, it can be assumed that both lamps are not lit at the same time.
  • the invention has for its object to simplify the known ballast.
  • the ballast according to the invention works with only a single resonant circuit despite the conceptual obstacle described above.
  • the cause apparently lies in the effect of the balancing transformer.
  • the current flowing through this lamp and the associated winding of the balancing transformer causes a voltage in the other winding which is superimposed on the voltage supplied by the resonant circuit (normally the voltages are compensated for by the two windings of the balancing transformer the opposite direction).
  • the above-described superimposition of the voltages on the lamp which has not yet ignited causes the lamp to also ignite.
  • the ignition of the lamp can be controlled by monitoring the lamp current. If it is found that after the first lamp has been ignited, the second Lamp does not ignite, so, as before, the frequency of the inverter can be lowered to near the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit, with the result that the ignition voltage on the second lamp, which has not yet ignited, is increased. This then usually leads to the ignition of the second lamp.
  • ballast If more than one pair of lamps is to be operated in parallel with a ballast, it is possible to provide for all lamp pairs either a common balancing transformer with a corresponding number of winding pairs with oppositely acting windings or a separate one for each lamp pair Balancing transformer with two opposing windings.
  • ballast An exemplary embodiment of a ballast according to the invention is described below with reference to the single drawing.
  • the ballast shown in the drawing has a bridge rectifier G, which is connected to the network.
  • the DC voltage generated by the rectifier G is fed to an inverter W R , which has an asymmetrical output.
  • the inverter W R is supplied with a DC voltage U DC generated by the rectifier G.
  • the inverter W R contains two switch elements connected in opposite directions in a known manner. The switching frequency can be changed. In this way, the inverter W R generates an AC voltage of variable frequency at its output.
  • a series resonance circuit is connected to the output of the inverter W R and consists of a choke L R and a resonance capacitor C R.
  • the alternating voltage dropping across the resonance capacitor C R is supplied to two pairs of lamps L 1 , L 2 and L 3 , L 4 to be supplied via an isolating capacitor C T.
  • the isolating capacitor C T can also be provided between the inverter W R and the choke L R. It is drawn in dashed lines in the drawing and is drawn with C T with a dash above.
  • a first balancing transformer T S1 is provided, which has two windings W S1 , W S2 acting in opposite directions. One end of these two windings is connected via the isolating capacitor C T to the connection point of the choke L R and the resonant capacitor C R. The other end of each of the two windings W S1 , W S2 is connected to an electrode of one of the two lamps L 1 , L 2 . The other electrode of the two lamps L 1 , L 2 is connected to ground via a resistor R 1 , R 2 .
  • the current flowing through the lamp L 1 generates a voltage drop U L1 across the resistor R 1 , which is used as a measured variable for the lamp current. Via the resistor R 2, a voltage UL drops 2, which is used as a measured variable for the lamp current of the lamp L2.
  • the lamps L 1 and L 2 are heated directly, the two heating filaments being connected by heating capacitors C H1 and C H2 .
  • a separate balancing transformer T S2 with two windings W ' S3 , W S4 acting in opposite directions is also provided.
  • the two windings are connected together at one end, and the connection point of the two windings is connected via the separating capacitor C T to the connection point of the inductor L R and the resonant capacitor C R.
  • the other ends of the two windings W S3 , W S4 are each connected to one electrode of the two lamps L 3 , L 4 .
  • the other electrodes of the two lamps L 3 , L 4 are directly connected here.
  • the connection point is connected to a connection point of two balancing capacitors C S1 , C S2 , which are connected in series between ground and the DC voltage potential U DC of the inverter W R.
  • the heating filaments of lamps L 3 , L 4 are heated by means of a heating transformer T H1 , T H2 .
  • a heating transformer T H1 , T H2 For this purpose, an input winding W H1, W H4 of the two heating transformers is supplied with a heating voltage U H.
  • the heating transformer T H1 has two output windings W H2 , W H3 , one of which is connected to a heating coil of the lamp L 3 .
  • the heating transformer T H2 has two output windings W H5, W H6 , each of which is connected to one of the two heating filaments of the lamp L 4 .
  • the frequency of the inverter W R is chosen so that it is relatively far above the resonance frequency of the choke L R and the resonant capacitor C R formed series resonant circuit. In this case, the voltage drop across the resonance capacitor C R is relatively small, so that none of the lamps can ignite. In this state, however, the heating filaments of the lamps are preheated (this applies in particular to lamps L 1 , L 2 ). After preheating the heating diapers, the frequency of the inverter W R is lowered, with the result that the voltage across the resonance capacitor increases the closer the frequency of the inverter W R approaches the resonance frequency of the series resonant circuit. When the voltage across the resonant capacitor C R is sufficiently high, one lamp of each pair of lamps ignites first.
  • the current flowing through the lamp induces in the winding of the corresponding balancing transformer associated with the other lamp a voltage which is superimposed on the ignition voltage of the other lamp, with the result that the other lamp also ignites. If the other lamp is not ignited, which can be determined, for example, in the case of lamps L 1 , L 2 by the voltages U L1 , U L2 , the frequency of the inverter W R is reduced further, so that it is even more the resonance frequency of the series resonance circuit is approaching. In this way, the ignition of the second lamp is ultimately forced.
  • ballast according to the invention it is essential that only a single series resonance circuit is provided for the two lamps of each lamp pair or for both lamp pairs. This measure allows the ballast according to the invention to be manufactured more easily and cheaply than previously.
  • a single balancing transformer (not shown) with four windings can be provided in the present case, two of which each act in opposite directions.

Landscapes

  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)

Abstract

A ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps in parallel has a rectifier (G) to be connected to the a.c. mains and a converter (WR) connected downstream thereof. A series resonant circuit (LR, CR) is connected to the output of the converter. To the pair of lamps (L1, L2) is allocated a balancing transformer (TS1) having two counteraction windings (WS1, WS2). The two windings are interconnected at one end. The connection point is connected to that of the choke (LR) and of the resonant capacitor (CR) of the series resonant circuit. The other end of the two windings are connected to one electrode of the two lamps (L1, L2).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Vorschaltgerät für mindestens ein parallel betriebenes Gasentladungslampen-Paar gemäß Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps operated in parallel according to the preamble of claim 1.

Gemäß Figur 6 der EP 0 490 329 Al der Anmelderin ist ein Vorschaltgerät für zwei parallel betriebene Gasentladungslampen bekannt, bei dem dem Wechselrichter zwei Serienresonanzkreise nachgeschaltet sind, von denen je einer einer der beiden Gasentladungslampen zugeordnet ist.According to FIG. 6 of EP 0 490 329 A1 by the applicant, a ballast for two gas discharge lamps operated in parallel is known, in which two series resonance circuits are connected downstream of the inverter, one of which is assigned to one of the two gas discharge lamps.

Bisher ist man in der Vorschaltgeräte-Technik davon ausgegangen, daß bei einem 2-Lampenbetrieb auch zwei separate Schwingkreise erforderlich sind. Dies deshalb, weil man angenommen hat, daß bei Verwendung eines gemeinsamen Schwingkreises für beide Lampen nach dem Zünden der einen Lampe die Schwingkreisspannung zusammenbricht und nicht mehr zur Zündung der zweiten Lampe ausreicht. In der Regel kann davon ausgegangen werden, daß beide Lampen nicht zum gleichen Zeitpunkt zündwillig sind.So far, it has been assumed in ballast technology that two separate resonant circuits are also required for two-lamp operation. This is because it has been assumed that when a common resonant circuit is used for both lamps, after the one lamp has been ignited, the resonant circuit voltage breaks down and is no longer sufficient to ignite the second lamp. As a rule, it can be assumed that both lamps are not lit at the same time.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, daß bekannte Vorschaltgerät zu vereinfachen.The invention has for its object to simplify the known ballast.

Die Aufgabe ist durch die im Kennzeichen des Anspruches 1 angegebenen Merkmale gelöst.The object is achieved by the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Es war überraschend, daß das erfindungsgemäße Vorschaltgerät trotz des oben beschriebenen gedanklichen Hinderungsgrundes mit nur einem einzigen Schwingkreis funktioniert. Die Ursache liegt offenbar in der Wirkung des Symmetriertransformators. Wenn die eine Lampe gezündet hat, so verursacht der durch diese Lampe und die zugeordnete Wicklung des Symmetriertransformators fließende Strom in der anderen Wicklung eine Spannung, die sich mit der vom Schwingkreis gelieferten Spannung überlagert (normalerweise kompensieren sich die Spannungungen durch die beiden Wicklungen des Symmetriertransformators wegen der Gegensinnigkeit). Durch die vorstehend geschilderte Überlagerung der Spannungen an derjenigen Lampe, die noch nicht gezündet hat, wird diese veranlaßt, ebenfalls zu zünden.It was surprising that the ballast according to the invention works with only a single resonant circuit despite the conceptual obstacle described above. The cause apparently lies in the effect of the balancing transformer. When one lamp has ignited, the current flowing through this lamp and the associated winding of the balancing transformer causes a voltage in the other winding which is superimposed on the voltage supplied by the resonant circuit (normally the voltages are compensated for by the two windings of the balancing transformer the opposite direction). The above-described superimposition of the voltages on the lamp which has not yet ignited causes the lamp to also ignite.

Das Zünden der Lampe kann durch Überwachung des Lampenstromes kontrolliert werden. Wenn festgestellt wird, daß nach dem Zünden der ersten Lampe die zweite Lampe nicht zündet, so kann, wie bisher auch, die Frequenz des Wechselrichters bis in die Nähe der Resonanzfrequenz des Resonanzkreises abgesenkt werden, mit der Folge, daß die Zündspannung an der zweiten Lampe, die noch nicht gezündet hat, erhöht wird. Dies führt dann in der Regel auch zur Zündung der zweiten Lampe.The ignition of the lamp can be controlled by monitoring the lamp current. If it is found that after the first lamp has been ignited, the second Lamp does not ignite, so, as before, the frequency of the inverter can be lowered to near the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit, with the result that the ignition voltage on the second lamp, which has not yet ignited, is increased. This then usually leads to the ignition of the second lamp.

Wenn mit einem Vorschaltgerät mehr als ein Lampenpaar im Parallelbetrieb betrieben werden soll, so besteht die Möglichkeit, für alle Lampen-Paare entweder einen gemeinsamen Symmetriertransformator mit einer entsprechenden Anzahl von Wicklungs-Paaren mit gegensinnig wirkenden Wicklungen vorzusehen oder aber für jedes Lampen-Paar einen separaten Symmetriertransformator mit zwei gegensinnig wirkenden Wicklungen.If more than one pair of lamps is to be operated in parallel with a ballast, it is possible to provide for all lamp pairs either a common balancing transformer with a corresponding number of winding pairs with oppositely acting windings or a separate one for each lamp pair Balancing transformer with two opposing windings.

Dies ist Gegenstand der Ansprüche 2 und 3.This is the subject of claims 2 and 3.

Weitere Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Ansprüchen 3 bis 9 angegeben.Further refinements of the invention are specified in claims 3 to 9.

Ein Ausfürungsbeispiel für ein erfindungsgemäßes Vorschaltgerät wird nachfolgend anhand der einzigen Zeichnung beschrieben.An exemplary embodiment of a ballast according to the invention is described below with reference to the single drawing.

Das in der Zeichnung dargestellte Vorschaltgerät weist einen Brückengleichrichter G auf, der mit dem Netz verbunden ist. Die von dem Gleichrichter G erzeugte Gleichspannung wird einem Wechselrichter WR zugeführt, der einen asymmetrischen Ausgang aufweist. Der Wechselrichter WR wird mit einer vom Gleichrichter G erzeugten Gleichspannung UDC versorgt. Der Wechselrichter WR enthält in bekannter Weise zwei gegensinnig geschaltete Schalterelemente. Die Schaltfrequenz ist veränderbar. Auf diese Weise erzeugt der Wechselrichter WR an seinem Ausgang eine Wechselspannung variabler Frequenz.The ballast shown in the drawing has a bridge rectifier G, which is connected to the network. The DC voltage generated by the rectifier G is fed to an inverter W R , which has an asymmetrical output. The inverter W R is supplied with a DC voltage U DC generated by the rectifier G. The inverter W R contains two switch elements connected in opposite directions in a known manner. The switching frequency can be changed. In this way, the inverter W R generates an AC voltage of variable frequency at its output.

Mit dem Ausgang des Wechselrichters WR ist ein Serienresonanzkreis verbunden, der aus einer Drossel LR und einem Resonanzkondensator CR besteht.A series resonance circuit is connected to the output of the inverter W R and consists of a choke L R and a resonance capacitor C R.

Die über dem Resonanzkondensator CR abfallende Wechselspannung wird über einen Trennkondensator CT zwei zu versorgenden Lampen-Paaren L1,L2 und L3,L4 zugeführt. Der Trennkondensator CT kann auch zwischen dem Wechselrichter WR und der Drossel LR vorgesehen werden. Er ist in der Zeichnung in gestrichelten Linien eingezeichnet und mit CT mit oben einem Strich eingezeichnet.The alternating voltage dropping across the resonance capacitor C R is supplied to two pairs of lamps L 1 , L 2 and L 3 , L 4 to be supplied via an isolating capacitor C T. The isolating capacitor C T can also be provided between the inverter W R and the choke L R. It is drawn in dashed lines in the drawing and is drawn with C T with a dash above.

Für das erste Lampen-Paar L1, L2 ist ein erster Symmetriertransformator TS1 vorgesehen, der zwei gegensinnig wirkende Wicklungen WS1, WS2 hat. Das eine Ende dieser beiden Wicklungen ist über den Trennkondensator CT mit dem Verbindungspunkt der Drossel LR und des Resonanzkondensators CR verbunden. Das andere Ende jeder der beiden Wicklungen WS1, WS2 ist mit einer Elektrode einer der beiden Lampen L1, L2 verbunden. Die andere Elektrode der beiden Lampen L1, L2 ist über je einen Widerstand R1, R2 mit Masse verbunden. Der durch die Lampe L1 fließende Strom erzeugt an dem Widerstand R1 einen Spannungsabfall UL1, die als Meßgröße für den Lampenstrom verwendet wird. Über den Widerstand R2 fällt eine Spannung UL2 ab, die als Meßgröße für den Lampenstrom der Lampe L2 verwendet wird.For the first pair of lamps L 1 , L 2 , a first balancing transformer T S1 is provided, which has two windings W S1 , W S2 acting in opposite directions. One end of these two windings is connected via the isolating capacitor C T to the connection point of the choke L R and the resonant capacitor C R. The other end of each of the two windings W S1 , W S2 is connected to an electrode of one of the two lamps L 1 , L 2 . The other electrode of the two lamps L 1 , L 2 is connected to ground via a resistor R 1 , R 2 . The current flowing through the lamp L 1 generates a voltage drop U L1 across the resistor R 1 , which is used as a measured variable for the lamp current. Via the resistor R 2, a voltage UL drops 2, which is used as a measured variable for the lamp current of the lamp L2.

Die Lampen L1 und L2 sind direkt geheizt, wobei die beiden Heizwendeln durch Heizkondensatoren CH1 bzw. CH2 verbunden sind.The lamps L 1 and L 2 are heated directly, the two heating filaments being connected by heating capacitors C H1 and C H2 .

Für das zweite Lampen-Paar L3, L4 ist ebenfalls ein separater Symmetriertransformator TS2 mit zwei gegensinnig wirkenden Wicklungen W'S3, WS4 vorgesehen. Auch hier sind die beiden Wicklungen an einem Ende miteinander verbunden, und der Verbindungspunkt der beiden Wicklungen ist über den Trennkondensator CT mit dem Verbindungspunkt der Drossel LR und dem Resonanzkondensator CR verbunden. Die anderen Enden der beiden Wicklungen WS3, WS4 sind mit je einer Elektrode der beiden Lampen L3, L4 verbunden. Die anderen Elektroden der beiden Lampen L3, L4 sind hier direkt miteinander verbunden. Der Verbindungspunkt ist mit einem Verbindungspunkt von zwei Symmetrierkondensatoren CS1, CS2 verbunden, die zwischen Masse und dem Gleichspannungspotential UDC des Wechselrichters WR in Serie geschaltet sind.For the second pair of lamps L 3 , L 4 , a separate balancing transformer T S2 with two windings W ' S3 , W S4 acting in opposite directions is also provided. Again, the two windings are connected together at one end, and the connection point of the two windings is connected via the separating capacitor C T to the connection point of the inductor L R and the resonant capacitor C R. The other ends of the two windings W S3 , W S4 are each connected to one electrode of the two lamps L 3 , L 4 . The other electrodes of the two lamps L 3 , L 4 are directly connected here. The connection point is connected to a connection point of two balancing capacitors C S1 , C S2 , which are connected in series between ground and the DC voltage potential U DC of the inverter W R.

Im Gegensatz zu den Lampen L1, L2 werden die Heizwendeln der Lampen L3, L4 mittels eines Heiztransformators TH1, TH2 geheizt. Dazu wird eine Eingangswicklung WH1, WH4 der beiden Heiztransformatoren einer Heizspannung UH zugeführt. Der Heiztransformator TH1 weist zwei Ausgangswicklungen WH2, WH3 auf, von denen jeweils einer mit einer Heizwendel der Lampe L3 verbunden ist. Der Heiztransformator TH2 weist zwei Ausgangswicklungen WH5,WH6 auf, die mit jeweils einer der beiden Heizwendeln der Lampe L4 verbunden sind.In contrast to lamps L 1 , L 2 , the heating filaments of lamps L 3 , L 4 are heated by means of a heating transformer T H1 , T H2 . For this purpose, an input winding W H1, W H4 of the two heating transformers is supplied with a heating voltage U H. The heating transformer T H1 has two output windings W H2 , W H3 , one of which is connected to a heating coil of the lamp L 3 . The heating transformer T H2 has two output windings W H5, W H6 , each of which is connected to one of the two heating filaments of the lamp L 4 .

Nach dem Einschalten des Vorschaltgerätes wird die Frequenz des Wechselrichters WR so gewählt, daß sie relativ weit über der Resonanzfrequenz des von der Drossel LR und dem Resonanzkondensator CR gebildeten Serienresonanzkreises liegt. In diesem Fall ist der Spannungsabfall über dem Resonanzkondensator CR relativ gering, so daß keine der Lampen zünden kann. In diesem Zustand werden die Heizwendeln der Lampen jedoch vorgewärmt (dies gilt insbesondere für die Lampen L1, L2). Nach dem Vorwärmen der Heizwindeln wird die Frequenz des Wechselrichters WR abgesenkt mit der Folge, daß die Spannung an dem Resonanzkondensator umso mehr steigt, je näher die Frequenz des Wechselrichters WR sich der Resonanzfrequenz des Serienresonanzkreises nähert. Wenn die Spannung an dem Resonanzkondensator CR genügend hoch ist, zündet eine Lampe jedes Lampen-Paares zuerst. Der durch die Lampe fließende Strom induziert in der der anderen Lampe zugeordneten Wicklung des entsprechenden Symmetriertransformators eine Spannung, die sich der Zündspannung der anderen Lampe überlagert, mit der Folge, daß auch die andere Lampe zündet. Erfolgt keine Zündung der anderen Lampe, was beispielsweise im Falle der Lampen L1, L2 durch die Spannungen UL1, UL2 festgestellt werden kann, so wird die Frequenz des Wechselrichters WR noch weiter abgesenkt, so daß sie sich noch mehr der Resonanzfrequenz des Serienresonanzkreises nähert. Auf diese Weise wird letztendlich auch die Zündung der jeweils zweiten Lampe erzwungen.After switching on the ballast, the frequency of the inverter W R is chosen so that it is relatively far above the resonance frequency of the choke L R and the resonant capacitor C R formed series resonant circuit. In this case, the voltage drop across the resonance capacitor C R is relatively small, so that none of the lamps can ignite. In this state, however, the heating filaments of the lamps are preheated (this applies in particular to lamps L 1 , L 2 ). After preheating the heating diapers, the frequency of the inverter W R is lowered, with the result that the voltage across the resonance capacitor increases the closer the frequency of the inverter W R approaches the resonance frequency of the series resonant circuit. When the voltage across the resonant capacitor C R is sufficiently high, one lamp of each pair of lamps ignites first. The current flowing through the lamp induces in the winding of the corresponding balancing transformer associated with the other lamp a voltage which is superimposed on the ignition voltage of the other lamp, with the result that the other lamp also ignites. If the other lamp is not ignited, which can be determined, for example, in the case of lamps L 1 , L 2 by the voltages U L1 , U L2 , the frequency of the inverter W R is reduced further, so that it is even more the resonance frequency of the series resonance circuit is approaching. In this way, the ignition of the second lamp is ultimately forced.

Wesentlich ist, daß für die zwei Lampen jedes Lampenpaares bzw, für beide Lampenpaare nur ein einziger Serienresonanzkreis vorgesehen ist. Diese Maßnahme erlaubt es, daß erfindungsgemäße Vorschaltgerät einfacher und billiger als bisher herzustellen.It is essential that only a single series resonance circuit is provided for the two lamps of each lamp pair or for both lamp pairs. This measure allows the ballast according to the invention to be manufactured more easily and cheaply than previously.

Statt der in der Zeichnung dargestellten zwei Symmetriertransformatoren kann auch ein einziger Symmetriertransformator (nicht dargestellt) mit im vorliegenden Fall vier Wicklungen vorgesehen werden, von denen jeweils zwei gegensinnig wirkend sind.Instead of the two balancing transformers shown in the drawing, a single balancing transformer (not shown) with four windings can be provided in the present case, two of which each act in opposite directions.

Claims (9)

  1. Ballast for at least one pair (L1, L2) of gas discharge lamps operated in parallel, comprising a rectifier (6) to be connected to the a.c. mains, an inverter (WR) connected downstream of the rectifier, a balancing transformer (TS1) having two oppositely effective windings (WS1, WS2) which at one end are connected with one another and of which in each case the other end is connected with an electrode of one of the two gas discharge lamps (L1, L2), the other electrodes of the two gas discharge lamps (L1, L2) being connected with one another,
    characterized in that,
    there is connected downstream of the output of the inverter (WR) for both gas discharge lamps (L1, L2) only a series oscillation circuit formed by a choke (LR) and a resonance capacitor (CR), and in that the interconnection point of the two windings (WS1, WS2) of the balancing transformer (TS1) is connected, with regard to a.c. current, with the interconnection point of the choke (LR) and the resonance capacitor (CR).
  2. Ballast according to claim 1,
    characterized in that,
    for the supply of a further pair (L3, L4) of gas discharge lamps operated in parallel there is provided for each lamp pair (L1, L2; L3, L4) a separate balancing transformer (TS1; TS2) having two oppositely effective windings (WS1, WS2; WS3, WS4) which are in each case connected with one another at one end and the other end of which is in each case connected with one electrode of the two discharge lamps (L1, L2; L3, L4) of the lamp pair concerned, the other electrodes of the two gas discharge lamps being connected with one another, in that there is connected downstream of the output of the inverter (WR) for both lamp pairs (L1, L2; L3, L4) only a series oscillation circuit formed by a choke (LR) and further resonance capacitor (CR), and in that the interconnection point of the two windings (WS1, WS2; WS3, WS4) of each balancing transformer (TS1, TS2) is connected, with regard to a.c. current, with the interconnection point of the choke (LR) and the resonance capacitor (CR).
  3. Ballast according to claim 1,
    characterized in that,
    for the supply of further pairs (L3, L4) of gas discharge lamps operated in parallel there is provided for all lamp pairs a single balancing transformer with a number of winding pairs, having oppositely effective windings, equal to the total number of the lamp pairs, which winding pairs are at one end all connected with one another and of which in each case the other end is connected with an electrode of one of the two gas discharge lamps of the associated lamp pair, the other electrodes of the two gas discharge lamps of the associated lamp pair being connected with one another, in that there is connected downstream of the output of the inverter (WR) for all lamp pairs only a series oscillation circuit formed by a choke (LR) and a further resonance capacitor (CR), and in that the interconnection point of the windings of the common balancing transformer is connected, with regard to a.c. current, with the interconnection point of the choke (LR) and the resonance capacitor (CR).
  4. Ballast according to any proceeding claim,
    characterized in that,
    an output terminal of the inverter (WR) is at a reference potential (ground), and in that the end of the resonance capacitor (CR) away from the choke (LR) is likewise at the reference potential (ground).
  5. Ballast according to claim 1,
    characterized in that,
    the other electrodes of the two gas discharge lamps of the or each lamp pair (L1, L2), which other electrodes are connected with one another, are connected directly or through intermediate resistances with the reference potential (ground).
  6. Ballast according to claim 4,
    characterized in that,
    the other electrodes of the two gas discharge lamps of the or each lamp pair (L3, L4), which other electrodes are connected with one another, are connected with the interconnection point of two series-connected balancing capacitors (CS1, CS2) directly or through intermediate resistances, in that the terminal of one balancing capacitor (CS2), away from the interconnection point, is at the reference potential (ground), and in that the terminal of the other balancing capacitor (CS1), away from the interconnection point, is at the supply d.c. voltage potential (UDC) of the inverter (WE).
  7. Ballast according to any proceeding claim,
    characterized in that,
    the interconnection point between the two oppositely effective windings of the or each balancing transformer is connected with the interconnection point of the choke (LR) and the resonance capacitor (CR) via an isolation capacitor (CT).
  8. Ballast according to any proceeding claim,
    characterized in that,
    the choke (LR) is directly connected with the inverter (WR).
  9. Ballast according to any of claims 1 to 7,
    characterized in that,
    the choke (LR) is connected with the inverter (WR) via an isolation capacitor (CT).
EP93924069A 1992-12-23 1993-10-28 Ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps in parallel Expired - Lifetime EP0676121B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4243955 1992-12-23
DE4243955A DE4243955B4 (en) 1992-12-23 1992-12-23 Ballast for at least one parallel-operated pair of gas discharge lamps
PCT/EP1993/002995 WO1994015444A1 (en) 1992-12-23 1993-10-28 Ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps in parallel

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0676121A1 EP0676121A1 (en) 1995-10-11
EP0676121B1 true EP0676121B1 (en) 1997-01-22

Family

ID=6476455

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93924069A Expired - Lifetime EP0676121B1 (en) 1992-12-23 1993-10-28 Ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps in parallel

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0676121B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE148297T1 (en)
AU (1) AU5371594A (en)
DE (2) DE4243955B4 (en)
ES (1) ES2097550T3 (en)
FI (1) FI111791B (en)
NO (1) NO308690B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1994015444A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA939579B (en)

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE69524593T2 (en) * 1995-09-27 2002-08-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Eindhoven Ballast with balancing transformer for fluorescent lamps
AU3437097A (en) * 1996-06-25 1998-01-14 W.L. Gore & Associates Gmbh Flexible water and oil resistant composites
DE19625389A1 (en) * 1996-06-25 1998-01-02 Gore W L & Ass Gmbh Flexible composite
DE19715342C1 (en) * 1997-04-12 1998-12-17 Vossloh Schwabe Gmbh Ballast for independent parallel operation of low pressure gas discharge lamps
DE19715341C1 (en) * 1997-04-12 1998-10-15 Vossloh Schwabe Gmbh Electronic ballast with automatic restart
US6069455A (en) 1998-04-15 2000-05-30 Electro-Mag International, Inc. Ballast having a selectively resonant circuit
US6310444B1 (en) * 2000-08-10 2001-10-30 Philips Electronics North America Corporation Multiple lamp LCD backlight driver with coupled magnetic components
DE10049842A1 (en) 2000-10-09 2002-04-11 Tridonic Bauelemente Operating circuit for gas discharge lamps, has additional DC supply line for each gas discharge lamp for preventing unwanted lamp extinction
DE10134966A1 (en) 2001-07-23 2003-02-06 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp
US7309964B2 (en) 2004-10-01 2007-12-18 Au Optronics Corporation Floating drive circuit for cold cathode fluorescent lamp
DE102007054805A1 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-05-20 Tridonicatco Schweiz Ag Circuit arrangement for operating gas discharge lamps, for example HID lamps
US9030119B2 (en) 2010-07-19 2015-05-12 Microsemi Corporation LED string driver arrangement with non-dissipative current balancer
DE102010063867A1 (en) * 2010-12-22 2012-06-28 Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg Ignition control and ignition detection of gas discharge lamps
WO2012151170A1 (en) 2011-05-03 2012-11-08 Microsemi Corporation High efficiency led driving method

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3412942C2 (en) * 1984-04-06 1986-02-20 Trilux-Lenze Gmbh + Co Kg, 5760 Arnsberg Electronic ballast for several fluorescent lamps
DK339586D0 (en) * 1986-07-16 1986-07-16 Silver Gruppen Prod As ELECTRONIC BALLAST
US4902942A (en) * 1988-06-02 1990-02-20 General Electric Company Controlled leakage transformer for fluorescent lamp ballast including integral ballasting inductor
JPH03116689A (en) * 1989-09-29 1991-05-17 Toshiba Lighting & Technol Corp Discharge lamp lighting device
US5081401A (en) * 1990-09-10 1992-01-14 Motorola, Inc. Driver circuit for a plurality of gas discharge lamps
DE4039161C2 (en) * 1990-12-07 2001-05-31 Zumtobel Ag Dornbirn System for controlling the brightness and operating behavior of fluorescent lamps

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO952517D0 (en) 1995-06-22
DE4243955B4 (en) 2010-11-18
ZA939579B (en) 1994-08-11
FI952655A (en) 1995-05-31
DE4243955A1 (en) 1994-06-30
DE59305294D1 (en) 1997-03-06
NO952517L (en) 1995-06-22
ATE148297T1 (en) 1997-02-15
WO1994015444A1 (en) 1994-07-07
FI111791B (en) 2003-09-15
NO308690B1 (en) 2000-10-09
FI952655A0 (en) 1995-05-31
ES2097550T3 (en) 1997-04-01
EP0676121A1 (en) 1995-10-11
AU5371594A (en) 1994-07-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1286572B1 (en) Ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp
EP0763276B1 (en) Switching power supply for the operation of electric lamps
EP0676121B1 (en) Ballast for at least one pair of gas discharge lamps in parallel
EP0347427B1 (en) Circuit arrangement for operating a gas discharge lamp on a direct current source
DE69816950T2 (en) CIRCUIT
DE3218535A1 (en) HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATOR, ESPECIALLY FOR THE SUPPLY OF A X-RAY TUBE
DE69706397T2 (en) Supply circuit for discharge lamps with symmetrical resonance circuit
DE69017940T2 (en) Inverter for feeding two gas and / or steam discharge lamps.
DE69616483T2 (en) CIRCUIT
DE69513646T2 (en) Circuit for operating discharge lamps with preheated filaments
EP1058488B1 (en) Ignition circuit for a lamp
EP0634087B2 (en) Electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp
DE69109333T2 (en) Switching arrangement.
DE2360263B2 (en) Circuit arrangement for igniting a gas and / or vapor discharge lamp
EP0391360B1 (en) Ballast for a direct heated discharge lamp
DE69008836T2 (en) Circuit arrangement, suitable for igniting a high-pressure discharge lamp.
DE69120888T2 (en) Self-adjusting start circuit
EP0429028A2 (en) Ballast for a plurality of discharge lamps
DE4245092B4 (en) Starter circuit for use with parallel driven gas-discharge lighting units - has inverter coupled to series resonance circuit with transformer having symmetrical windings coupled to lamps
EP1483945B1 (en) Ignition circuit for a high pressure discharge lamp
EP0155729B1 (en) Circuit device for the ac operation of high-pressure discharge lamps
EP0922376A1 (en) Electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps
EP0314178B1 (en) Ignition circuit for high-pressure met2l vapour discharge lamps
EP0596152A1 (en) AC ballast for electric discharge lamps
EP0158072A1 (en) Electronic ballast for multiple fluorescent lamps

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19950202

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19960304

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 148297

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19970215

Kind code of ref document: T

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: A. BRAUN, BRAUN, HERITIER, ESCHMANN AG PATENTANWAE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19970306

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2097550

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19970421

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFA

Owner name: TRIDONIC BAUELEMENTE GMBH

Free format text: TRIDONIC BAUELEMENTE GMBH#SCHMELZHUETTERSTRASSE 34#6850 DORNBIRN (AT) -TRANSFER TO- TRIDONIC BAUELEMENTE GMBH#SCHMELZHUETTERSTRASSE 34#6850 DORNBIRN (AT)

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20101030

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20111027

Year of fee payment: 19

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R008

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20121025

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20121128

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20121031

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20121127

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20121026

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R039

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20121121

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20121031

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20121228

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: V1

Effective date: 20130501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R040

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130501

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121028

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20131027

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: EUG

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK07

Ref document number: 148297

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20131028

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20140108

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20131029

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20131027

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20131029

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: H05B0041290000

Ipc: H05B0041282000

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: H05B0041290000

Ipc: H05B0041282000

Effective date: 20140527

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R040

Ref document number: 59305294

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130724