JP2007005254A - Discharge lamp lighting device as well as lighting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting device of discharge lamp capable of suppressing flash at the start of a discharge lamp and a lighting apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: In the lighting device, a delay time from the start of a discharge lamp La until the shut-down state of a feedback circuit 4 is released is shortened greatly compared with a conventional one, and furthermore, the light control reference value SB (shut-down signal SB') until start of the discharge lamp La is established at a voltage level lower than the light control reference value at the time of a rated starting. Thereby, the difference of light control reference values SB (difference between the voltage level of shut-down signal SB' and the voltage level of light control reference value SB) around starting at the time of light control start becomes smaller compared with the conventional one, thereby, the discharge lamp La can be controlled to a prescribed light control level promptly after starting of the discharge lamp La, and a flash in which the output of light of the discharge lamp La becomes large instantaneously immediately after starting can be suppressed sufficiently and uncomfortable feeling felt by human eyes can be alleviated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dimmable discharge lamp lighting device in which the lamp power of the discharge lamp is variable, and a lighting fixture equipped with the discharge lamp lighting device.

  Conventionally, dimmable discharge lamp lighting devices (dimming ballasts) with variable lamp power (light output) of the discharge lamp have been provided, but the lamp power is lower than rated immediately after the discharge lamp is started. When dimming lighting with, the difference between the light output at the start of the discharge lamp (at the start of discharge) and the light output at the time of dimming lighting is flashed and felt to the human eye, which may give a sense of incongruity become. Such a sense of incongruity (flash) becomes more prominent as the light control level immediately after the start is lower. On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a demand for a discharge lamp lighting device capable of controlling the light output to a lower level in order to save energy and produce effects by lighting. Proposals have been made.

  FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a conventional example for the purpose of solving the above problem (see Patent Document 1). This conventional example includes a pair of switching elements S1 and S2 connected in series between both poles of a DC power supply 101, and a discharge lamp via a choke coil 104 and a coupling capacitor 105 between both ends of the high-side switching element S1. (Fluorescent lamp) half-bridge inverter circuit 102 to which 103 is connected, preheating capacitor 106 connected between the filaments of the discharge lamp 103, voltage detection circuit 108 for detecting the voltage across the coupling capacitor 105, and voltage A feedback circuit 107 that adjusts the oscillation frequency of the inverter circuit 102 so that the voltage value detected by the detection circuit 108 matches the target value, and a protection circuit 109 that detects an abnormality in the discharge lamp 103 and stops the operation of the inverter circuit 102. And a dimming start control circuit 1 for controlling the dimming start of the discharge lamp 103 Has a 0 and.

In this conventional example, the operation of the feedback circuit 107 is prohibited until the discharge lamp 103 starts (end of the preheating period) based on the voltage value detected by the dimming start control circuit 110 by the voltage detection circuit 108, and the discharge lamp By allowing the operation of the feedback circuit 107 to start dimming after 103 starts, the flash immediately after the start is suppressed, and the uncomfortable feeling is alleviated.
JP 2001-284091 A

  By the way, in the above conventional example, the start of starting the discharge lamp 103 is detected from the detection voltage of the voltage detection circuit 108, that is, the voltage across the coupling capacitor 105, but the discharge lamp 103 is preheated, started, rated lighting, dimming. Since each control of lighting is performed by changing the drive frequency of the inverter circuit 102 (switching frequency of the switching elements S1 and S2) using the resonance action of the choke coil 104 and the preheating capacitor 106, the coupling capacitor It was necessary to set the capacitance value of 105 to a large value that does not contribute to the resonance effect. Therefore, when the start of the discharge lamp 103 is detected based on the voltage across the coupling capacitor 105, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection circuit 108 after the start of the discharge lamp 103 exceeds the threshold value for determining the start of the start. As a result, the timing at which the operation prohibition state of the feedback circuit 107 is released is also delayed, and there is a problem that the flash cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a discharge lamp lighting device having a resonance circuit including a choke coil L2, a coupling capacitor C3, and a resonance capacitor C4 connected in parallel to the coupling capacitor C3 and the discharge lamp La. Since the coupling capacitor C3 also contributes to the resonance action, the voltage across the coupling capacitor C3 includes a large ripple component as in the conventional example, and the voltage detection circuit that detects the voltage across the coupling capacitor C3 is used. A capacitance component for smoothing is required. However, since the capacitance component is not only a smoothing element but also a delay element, the flash cannot be sufficiently suppressed as in the conventional example.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a discharge lamp lighting device and a lighting fixture that can suppress flashing at the start of the discharge lamp.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention provides a DC / AC conversion means for converting a DC input into an arbitrary AC output and supplying it to a discharge lamp, and an AC output supplied to the discharge lamp is a dimming standard. Feedback means for controlling the DC / AC conversion means so as to be a value corresponding to the value, start detection means for detecting the start of the discharge lamp based on the impedance change of the discharge lamp before and after the start, and the light output of the discharge lamp A dimming reference value setting unit that sets the dimming reference value according to a dimming level to be instructed, and a feedback stop unit that stops the operation of the feedback unit until the start of the discharge lamp is detected by the start detection unit The feedback means controls the DC / AC conversion means when the dimming reference value is lower than the value corresponding to the AC output supplied to the discharge lamp, and stops the feedback. The stage stops the operation of the feedback means by giving a stop signal instead of the dimming reference value, and the stop signal is more than a value corresponding to the dimming level when the discharge lamp is rated-lit. It is low and is set to a value higher than the value corresponding to the AC output in the preceding preheating period in which the filament of the discharge lamp is preheated before starting.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the start detection means lowers the sensitivity for detecting the start of the discharge lamp when the dimming level is relatively low.

  The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the start detection means increases the sensitivity of detecting the start of the discharge lamp when the dimming level is relatively low.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the start detection means includes a temperature sensing element for detecting the ambient temperature, and the discharge lamp is started when the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensing element is relatively low. It is characterized by lowering the sensitivity for detecting.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the start detection means includes a temperature sensing element that detects the ambient temperature, and the discharge lamp starts when the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensing element is relatively high. It is characterized by lowering the sensitivity for detecting.

  The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 2 or 3, the start detection means does not change the sensitivity at the beginning of the preceding preheating period.

  In order to achieve the above object, a seventh aspect of the invention comprises the discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a discharge lamp lighting device, and an appliance main body for holding the discharge lamp. Features.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the delay time from when the discharge lamp is started to when the feedback means is released from the stopped state is significantly shortened as compared with the conventional example, and the time until the discharge lamp is started. Because the light control reference value (stop signal) is set to a voltage level lower than the light control reference value at the rated start, the difference between the light control reference value before and after the start of light control start (the stop signal and the light control reference) (Level difference in value) is smaller than that of the conventional example, so that it can be controlled to a predetermined dimming level immediately after starting the discharge lamp. As a result, the light output of the discharge lamp instantaneously It is possible to sufficiently suppress the flashing light, reducing the sense of discomfort felt by human eyes.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction (false detection) that the start detection means cannot be detected even though the discharge lamp is started.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the lower the dimming level at the time of dimming start, the higher the sensitivity of the start detection means, and the time difference from when the discharge lamp starts discharging until the start detection is detected by the start detection means. By making the length longer, it is possible to improve the stability of the lighting maintenance immediately after the start of the discharge lamp and to suppress the flash by relatively delaying the operation start timing of the feedback means.

  According to the invention of claim 4, when the ambient temperature is low, by reducing the sensitivity of the start detection means, there is a problem (false detection) that the start detection means cannot be detected even though the discharge lamp is started. Occurrence can be prevented.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the light emission efficiency of the discharge lamp at a high temperature by providing a temperature characteristic in which the output decreases when the ambient temperature is high.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if the output of the DC power source becomes unstable at the beginning of the preceding preheating period, it is possible to prevent the start detection means from erroneously detecting the start of starting the discharge lamp.

  Hereinafter, embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a discharge lamp lighting device for a fluorescent lamp will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the technical idea of the present invention can also be applied to a discharge lamp lighting device for lighting a discharge lamp other than a fluorescent lamp.

(Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, the inverter circuit unit 1 that converts a DC output (DC voltage / DC current) of a DC power source E into a high-frequency AC output (AC voltage / AC current) and supplies it to the discharge lamp La; A start detector 2 that detects the start of the discharge lamp La based on the impedance change before and after the start, and a dimming level indicated by the dimming signal SA (for example, a ratio of lamp power when the rated lamp power is 100%) ) And a dimming reference value setting unit 3 for setting the dimming reference value SB according to the inverter, and the inverter so that the AC output supplied from the inverter circuit unit 1 to the discharge lamp La becomes a value corresponding to the dimming reference value SB. From the start of power supply to the inverter circuit unit 1 from the feedback circuit unit 4 that controls the drive frequency of the circuit unit 1 and the DC power source E until the start of the discharge lamp La is detected by the start detection unit 2 And a stop circuit section 5 for stopping the operation of the feedback circuit section 4 during the preceding preheating period in which the filament of the discharge lamp La is preheated and in the starting period in which the starting voltage is applied to the discharge lamp La. .

  The inverter circuit unit 1 includes a pair of switching elements Q2 and Q3, which are formed of field effect transistors and connected in series between both poles of the DC power supply E, and a coupling capacitor C3 having one end connected to a connection point between the switching elements Q2 and Q3. The resonance inductor L2 connected in series to the other end of the coupling capacitor C3 and one end of one filament of the discharge lamp La, the resonance capacitor C4 connected in parallel to the discharge lamp La, and the inductor L2 are coupled. A DC blocking capacitor C5 having one end connected to the connection point of the capacitor C3 and the other end connected to one end of the primary winding of the preheating transformer T3, and the other end of the primary winding of the DC power source E. A preheating transformer T3 connected to the negative electrode and having a pair of secondary windings connected in series to each filament of the discharge lamp La, and a switching element Q , Q3, a detection resistor R1 connected in series, a control circuit 1a for driving and controlling the switching elements Q2, Q3, and a resistor R12 connected between the control circuit 1a and the negative electrode of the DC power supply E, The control circuit 1a comprises a so-called half-bridge type inverter circuit that converts a direct current output of the direct current power source E into a desired high frequency alternating current output by switching the pair of switching elements Q2 and Q3 at a high frequency.

  The control circuit 1a comprises an integrated circuit (IC) for driving an inverter, and a drive signal (square pulse) output to the gates of the switching elements Q2 and Q3 in accordance with the magnitude of current flowing out from a terminal to which a resistor R12 is connected. (Hereinafter referred to as “driving frequency”), and the driving frequency is increased as the current increases. Here, the AC output (lamp power) of the inverter circuit unit 1 has a characteristic of decreasing as the driving frequency increases, and the lamp power is reduced by increasing the driving frequency from the frequency corresponding to the rated lamp power. Thus, the discharge lamp La can be dimmed. Further, the control circuit 1a switches the switching element Q2 at a driving frequency sufficiently higher than the resonance frequency at the time of no load (when the discharge lamp La is extinguished) in a predetermined preceding preheating period from the time when power supply from the DC power supply E is started. , Q3 is driven to cause a preheating current to flow through the filament of the discharge lamp La via the preheating transformer T3, and when the preceding preheating period ends, the drive frequency is brought close to the resonance frequency at the time of no load to increase the output voltage, The start-up voltage is applied to the discharge lamp La to start, and after the start, the drive frequency is changed in a range higher than the resonance frequency at the time of lighting according to the dimming reference value SB.

  The start detection unit 2 includes a resistor R2 having one end connected to the positive electrode of the DC power source E and the other end connected to the non-power source side of one filament of the discharge lamp La whose power source side is connected to the inductor L2, and the resistor R2. Two resistors R3 and R4 connected in series between both poles of the DC power supply E, a capacitor C6 connected across the resistor R4, and a comparator CP1 that compares the voltage across the capacitor C6 with the reference voltage Vr are provided. . Since the impedance of the discharge lamp La is relatively high until the discharge lamp La is started, the voltage drop across the resistor R4 becomes relatively large and the voltage across the capacitor C6 exceeds the reference voltage Vr. The start detection signal) becomes H level. When the discharge lamp La is started, the impedance of the discharge lamp La is reduced and the voltage drop at the resistor R4 is also reduced. Since the voltage across the capacitor C6 is lower than the reference voltage Vr, the output of the comparator CP1 (start detection signal) is reduced. L level.

  The dimming reference value setting unit 3 sets, for example, a dimming reference value SB composed of a DC voltage corresponding to the dimming level indicated by the dimming signal SA given from the outside. Is connected to the negative electrode and a switch element Q4 composed of an NPN-type bipolar transistor to which a dimming signal SA is input to the base, and a voltage dividing resistor R5 connected in series to divide a constant voltage (for example, DC 12V). R6, R7, a resistor R8 connected in series to the connection point of the voltage dividing resistors R5, R6 and the collector of the switch element Q4, a smoothing capacitor C8 connected in parallel to the voltage dividing resistor R7, and a non-inverting input terminal An operational amplifier OP3 (voltage follower circuit) connected to the high potential side of the capacitor C8, and both ends of the capacitor C8 output via the operational amplifier OP3. Pressure is dimming reference value SB. Here, the dimming signal SA is composed of a square pulse train that is pulse-width modulated so that the on-duty ratio is substantially inversely proportional to the dimming level. That is, the on-duty ratio of the dimming signal SA decreases as the dimming level increases, and the on-duty ratio of the dimming signal SA increases as the dimming level decreases. Thus, the voltage drop of the voltage dividing resistor R7 (the voltage across the capacitor C8) decreases as the ON period of the switch element Q4 per unit time, that is, the on-duty ratio of the dimming signal SA increases. The dimming reference value SB at the voltage level corresponding to the level is output.

  The feedback circuit unit 4 includes a resistor R9 and a capacitor C7 connected in parallel between the output terminal of the dimming reference value setting unit 3 and the negative electrode of the DC power supply E, and a capacitor C9 between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal. The voltage across the detection resistor R1 connected to the inverting input terminal (detection voltage proportional to the current flowing through the switching elements Q2 and Q3) Vx and the voltage across the capacitor C7 input to the non-inverting input terminal (dimming reference value) An operational amplifier OP1 for amplifying the difference from SB), and a diode D1 having a cathode connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 via a resistor R13 and an anode connected to a connection point between the control circuit 1a and the resistor R12. . That is, if the input voltage (dimming reference value SB or stop signal SB ′) at the non-inverting input terminal is higher than the input voltage (detection voltage Vx) at the inverting input terminal, the diode D1 does not conduct, and therefore flows out of the control circuit 1a. Although the current (drive frequency) is determined only by the resistance value of the resistor R12 and the feedback circuit unit 4 does not operate, the input voltage (dimming reference value SB) of the non-inverting input terminal is the input voltage (detection voltage Vx) of the inverting input terminal. ), The diode D1 becomes conductive, and the current flowing out from the control circuit 1a increases by the amount corresponding to the difference between the dimming reference value and the detection voltage Vx, so that the drive frequency increases and the lamp power decreases, As a result, the discharge lamp La is dimmed at the dimming level set by the dimming reference value.

  The stop circuit unit 5 is connected in series with each other and voltage dividing resistors R10, R11, and R14 that divide a constant voltage (for example, DC 12V), and a non-inverting input terminal is connected to a connection point between the voltage dividing resistors R10 and R11. The operational amplifier OP2 (voltage follower circuit) is provided, and the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the dimming reference value setting unit 3. The output terminal of the start detection unit 2 is connected to the connection point of the voltage dividing resistors R11 and R14. When the start detection signal of the start detection unit 2 is at the H level, the constant voltage is supplied to the three voltage dividing resistors R10, R11, The voltage V1 divided by R14 is input as a stop signal SB ′ to the feedback circuit unit 4 via the operational amplifier OP2. When the start detection signal of the start detection unit 2 is at L level, the constant voltage is divided into two voltage dividing resistors R10. , R11 divided voltage V2 (<V1) is input to the feedback circuit unit 4 through the operational amplifier OP2 as the stop signal SB ′. Here, the stop signal SB ′ (= V1) when the start detection unit 2 does not detect start (when the start detection signal is at the H level) is dimmed as shown in FIGS. The level is set to a value lower than the dimming reference value SB0 when the level is set to 100% (rated lighting) and higher than the detection voltage Vx0 in the preceding preheating period (Vx0 <V1 <SB0). The stop signal SB ′ (= V2) when the start detection unit 2 detects the start (when the start detection signal is at the L level) is based on the dimming reference value SB corresponding to the lower limit value of the dimming level. Is also set to a low value.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 2 (a) is a dimming start for starting the discharge lamp La with the dimming level set to less than 100%, and FIG. 2 (b) is a dimming level set to 100% (rated lighting). (C) shows a dimming reference value SB and a stop signal SB ′, a detection voltage Vx and a dimming reference value SB, or a stop signal in each case of the dimming start of the conventional example. 4 is a time chart showing SB ′ and the output of the inverter circuit section 1 respectively.

  First, the operation at the time of dimming start will be described. The control circuit 1a is configured to switch the switching elements Q2, Q2 at a driving frequency sufficiently higher than the resonance frequency during no load (when the discharge lamp La is extinguished) in a predetermined preceding preheating period from the time when power supply from the DC power supply E is started. By driving Q3, a preheating current is passed through the filament of the discharge lamp La through the preheating transformer T3. That is, in the preceding preheating period, the start detection signal of the start detection unit 2 is at the H level, so that the stop signal unit SB ′ of the voltage V1 is output from the stop circuit unit 5, while the dimming reference value setting unit 3 outputs 100 Although the dimming reference value SB corresponding to the dimming level of less than% is output, the voltage V1 of the stop signal SB ′ has a higher voltage level, so the feedback circuit unit 4 has a relatively high voltage level stop. Since the signal SB ′ is input, and the voltage V1 of the stop signal SB ′ is set to a value higher than the detection voltage Vx in the preceding preheating period, the output of the operational amplifier OP1 is the voltage of the stop signal SB ′. Since the diode D1 does not conduct, the feedback circuit unit 4 is stopped because it coincides with V1 (see FIG. 2A).

  When the preceding preheating period ends, the control circuit 1a increases the output voltage by bringing the driving frequency close to the resonance frequency at the time of no load, and starts the discharge lamp La by applying a starting voltage. When the discharge lamp La starts, the start detection signal of the start detection unit 2 becomes L level, so that the stop signal SB ′ of the voltage V2 is output from the stop circuit unit 5, and the voltage V2 of the stop signal SB ′ is dimmed. Since the voltage level is lower than the reference value SB, the dimming reference value SB having a relatively high voltage level is input to the feedback circuit unit 4. As a result, the stop state of the feedback circuit unit 4 is released, and the feedback circuit unit 4 feedback-controls the drive frequency of the inverter circuit unit 1 so that the detection voltage Vx matches the dimming reference value SB, whereby the discharge lamp La The dimming lights up at the set dimming level.

  On the other hand, at the rated start, the dimming reference value SB is always higher than the stop signal SB ′ as shown in FIG. 2B, and therefore the dimming reference value SB is input to the feedback circuit unit 4. Furthermore, since the dimming reference value SB at the rated start is higher than the detection voltage Vx in the preceding preheating period, the output of the operational amplifier OP1 coincides with the dimming reference value SB, and the diode D1 does not conduct. The feedback circuit unit 4 is stopped. When the preceding preheating period ends and the discharge lamp La starts, the start detection signal of the start detection unit 2 becomes L level and the stop signal SB ′ of the voltage V2 is output from the stop circuit unit 5, but the stop Since the voltage level of the voltage V2 of the signal SB ′ is lower than that of the dimming reference value SB, the dimming reference value SB having a relatively high voltage level is input to the feedback circuit unit 4. However, since the dimming reference value SB is set to a value when the dimming level is 100% (rated lighting), the feedback circuit unit 4 stops because the diode D1 does not conduct even after the discharge lamp La is started. It will be in a state (refer to Drawing 2 (b)).

  Thus, according to this embodiment, the capacitors C5, C6, C7, and C8 included in the start detection unit 2, the dimming reference value setting unit 3, and the feedback circuit unit 4 are similar to the coupling capacitor C3 in the conventional example. There is no need to use a large-capacity capacitor, and the delay time from when the discharge lamp La is started to when the stopped state of the feedback circuit unit 4 is released is significantly shortened compared to the conventional example, and the discharge lamp La Since the dimming reference value SB (stop signal SB ′) until the start of the dimming is set to a voltage level lower than the dimming reference value at the rated start, the dimming reference value SB before and after starting at the dimming start (The difference between the voltage level of the stop signal SB ′ and the voltage level of the dimming reference value SB) is smaller than that of the conventional example, so that the discharge lamp La is controlled to a predetermined dimming level immediately after starting the discharge lamp La. Can, as a result, can reduce the sense of discomfort felt by human eyes can be sufficiently suppressed light output of the discharge lamp La is momentarily larger flash immediately after the start.

  By the way, the voltage level of the stop signal SB ′ given to the feedback circuit unit 4 instead of the dimming reference value SB in the preceding preheating period is set according to the dimming reference value SB, that is, the voltage level of the dimming reference value SB is low. If the voltage level of the stop signal SB ′ is lowered as much as possible, the flashing immediately after the start of the discharge lamp La can be more sufficiently suppressed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a voltage dividing resistor R15 and a comparator CP2 are added to the stop circuit unit 5, and the voltage dividing resistor R15 is inserted between the voltage dividing resistor R14 and the negative electrode of the DC power supply E, and the dimming reference The voltage across the capacitor C8 of the value setting unit 3 is compared with the reference voltage Vr2 by the comparator CP2, and when the voltage across the capacitor C8 is higher than the reference voltage Vr2, the constant voltage is converted into four voltage dividing resistors R10, R11, R14, The voltage V1 ′ (> V1) divided by R15 is output as a stop signal SB ′ via the operational amplifier OP2, and when the voltage across the capacitor C8 is lower than the reference voltage Vr2, the constant voltage is divided into three voltage dividing resistors R10, If the voltage V1 divided by R11 and R14 is output as the stop signal SB ′ via the operational amplifier OP2, it stops when the voltage level of the dimming reference value SB is relatively low. It can be lowered voltage level of the No. SB '. Note that the switching of the voltage level of the stop signal SB 'is not limited to two steps as described above, and flashing can be further suppressed by finely switching to three or more steps.

  Further, a hot cathode type discharge lamp La such as a fluorescent lamp is difficult to start when the ambient temperature is low (it is difficult to start discharge, and it is difficult to shift to a stable discharge state after the start of discharge), so the ambient temperature is low. Sometimes, it is desirable to lengthen the time from the start to the dimming lighting state by relatively increasing the voltage level of the stop signal SB ′.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a negative characteristic thermistor NTC is inserted between the voltage dividing resistor R14 in the stop circuit unit 5 and the negative electrode of the DC power supply E, and the resistance value of the negative characteristic thermistor NTC increases as the ambient temperature decreases. Thus, when the ambient temperature is low, the voltage level of the stop signal SB ′ can be relatively increased. If the voltage level of the stop signal SB 'is increased, the difference from the dimming reference value SB increases, so that it is possible to lengthen the time until the discharge lamp La starts and shifts to the dimming lighting state. Note that the temperature detection by the negative characteristic thermistor NTC should originally detect the ambient temperature of the discharge lamp La, but there is no particular problem because a normal lighting fixture has a discharge lamp lighting device disposed in the vicinity of the discharge lamp La. .

(Embodiment 2)
The present embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the start detection unit 2, and the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustration and description thereof are omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the start detection unit 2 includes a voltage dividing resistor R16 and a comparator CP3, and inserts the voltage dividing resistor R16 between the voltage dividing resistor R4 and the negative electrode of the DC power source E, and a dimming reference value. The voltage across the capacitor C8 of the setting unit 3 is compared with the reference voltage Vr3 by the comparator CP3. When the voltage across the capacitor C8 is higher than the reference voltage Vr3, the voltage corresponding to the impedance of the discharge lamp La is two voltage dividing resistors. When the voltage across the capacitor C8 is lower than the reference voltage Vr3, the voltage corresponding to the impedance of the discharge lamp La is the voltage of one voltage dividing resistor R4. It becomes relatively low as it falls.

  Thus, in general, when the discharge lamp La decreases the lamp current and lowers the dimming level, the lamp voltage rises, that is, the impedance rises. Therefore, when the dimming level (the voltage across the capacitor C8) is low, the comparator CP1. The voltage (detection level) input to the non-inverting input terminal is relatively lowered, in other words, the sensitivity of the start detection unit 2 is decreased, and the reference value (reference voltage Vr) for determining the start of the start and the detection after the start By increasing the difference from the level, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction (incorrect detection) in which the start detection unit 2 cannot be detected even though the discharge lamp La is started.

  Note that the reference voltage Vr3 is input to the inverting input terminal of the comparator CP3 and the voltage across the capacitor C8 is input to the non-inverting input terminal. In contrast to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the voltage across the capacitor C8 is the reference voltage Vr3. Is higher than the voltage corresponding to the impedance of the discharge lamp La as a voltage drop of one voltage dividing resistor R4, and conversely, when the voltage across the capacitor C8 is lower than the reference voltage Vr3, the discharge lamp The voltage corresponding to the impedance of La is made relatively high as the voltage drop across the two voltage dividing resistors R4 and R16 until the start detection unit 2 detects the start after the discharge lamp La starts discharging. The time difference may be longer. In other words, the lower the dimming level at the time of dimming start, the more difficult it is for the discharge lamp La to shift to a stable lighting state after the start. Therefore, the voltage (detection) input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP1 when the dimming level is low Level) is relatively increased, in other words, the sensitivity of the start detection unit 2 is increased, and the operation start timing of the feedback circuit unit 4 is relatively delayed, so that the stability of lighting maintenance immediately after the start of the discharge lamp La is improved. And the flash can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 3)
The present embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the start detection unit 2, and the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustration and description thereof are omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the start detector 2 has a temperature sensing element (negative characteristic thermistor NTC) inserted between the voltage dividing resistors R3 and R4, and the voltage drop of the voltage dividing resistor R4 as the ambient temperature decreases, that is, The voltage input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP1 (the voltage across the capacitor C6) is reduced.

  In general, in a region where the dimming level is very low, the impedance of the discharge lamp La may increase when the ambient temperature is low as compared with the normal temperature (for example, 10 ° C. to 30 ° C.). Is low, the voltage input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP1 (the voltage across the capacitor C6) is reduced, in other words, the sensitivity of the start detection unit 2 is reduced and the discharge lamp La is started. However, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction (false detection) that the start detection unit 2 cannot detect.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 7 shows a schematic circuit configuration of the present embodiment. However, since the basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The start detection unit 2 has a temperature sensing element (negative characteristic thermistor NTC1) inserted between the voltage dividing resistor R4 and the negative electrode of the DC power supply E, and inputs to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP1 as the ambient temperature rises. The voltage (the voltage across the capacitor C6) is configured to decrease.

  In the dimming reference value setting unit 3, a series circuit of a temperature sensing element (negative characteristic thermistor NTC2) and a resistor R15 is connected in parallel to the voltage dividing resistor R7 so that the voltage across the capacitor C8 decreases as the ambient temperature increases. It is configured.

  Usually, the luminous efficiency of a discharge lamp such as a fluorescent lamp decreases at a high temperature. In general lighting fixtures, since the discharge lamp lighting device is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge lamp, the heat generated from the discharge lamp lighting device during rated lighting increases the temperature of the discharge lamp and decreases the light emission efficiency. In consideration of this point, there has also been proposed a discharge lamp lighting device having such a temperature characteristic that the output decreases when the ambient temperature is high. In the present embodiment, a series circuit of a negative characteristic thermistor NTC2 and a resistor R15 is added to the dimming reference value setting unit 3, and the voltage across the capacitor C8 is decreased as the ambient temperature increases, as described above. It has a temperature characteristic that the output decreases when the ambient temperature is high. On the other hand, when such temperature characteristics are provided, when the ambient temperature is high, the light control level (light control reference value) is lower than the light control level (light control reference value) assumed at room temperature. That is, since the impedance of the discharge lamp La becomes higher at a higher temperature than at a normal temperature, the voltage input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP1 (the voltage across the capacitor C6) decreases as the ambient temperature increases. In other words, the detection sensitivity of the start detection unit 2 is lowered to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction (false detection) in which the start detection unit 2 cannot be detected even though the discharge lamp La is started.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 8 shows a schematic circuit configuration of the present embodiment. However, since the basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the configuration of the start detection unit 2, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  A voltage dividing resistor R15, switch elements Q5, Q6, and Q7, resistors R16, R17, and R18, a capacitor C10, and a comparator CP2 are added to the start detection unit 2. A voltage dividing resistor R15 is inserted between the voltage dividing resistor R4 and the negative electrode of the DC power source E, and a collector and an emitter of a switch element Q5 made of an NPN-type bipolar transistor are connected to both ends of the voltage dividing resistor R15. The collector of the switch element Q6 made of a bipolar transistor is connected to the base of the switch element Q5, and the emitter of the switch element Q6 is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power source E. The collector of the switch element Q7 made of an NPN-type bipolar transistor is connected to the base of the switch element Q6, the emitter of the switch element Q7 is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply E, and the collectors of the switch elements Q6 and Q7 are respectively connected to resistors. A constant voltage (for example, 12V) is applied via R17 and R18. Further, a capacitor C10 is connected between the base of the switch element Q7 and the negative electrode of the DC power supply E, and the output terminal of the comparator CP2 is connected to the base of the switch element Q7 via a resistor R16. The comparator CP2 compares the dimming reference value (the voltage across the capacitor C8) of the dimming reference value setting unit 3 with the reference value Vr2, and if the dimming reference value is larger than the reference value Vr2, the dimming reference value Is smaller than the reference value Vr2, an H level signal is output.

  When the output of the comparator CP2 is at the H level, the switch element Q7 is turned on, the switch element Q6 is turned off, and the switch element Q5 is turned on. Therefore, the voltage input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP1, that is, the discharge lamp La The voltage corresponding to the impedance is relatively low due to the voltage drop of one voltage dividing resistor R4. On the other hand, when the output of the comparator CP2 is L level, the switch element Q7 is turned off, the switch element Q6 is turned on, and the switch element Q5 is turned off, so that the voltage input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP1, that is, the discharge lamp The voltage corresponding to the impedance of La becomes relatively high due to the voltage drop of the two voltage dividing resistors R4 and R15.

  In the start detection unit 2 of the present embodiment, at the time of dimming start with a low dimming level, immediately after the start of the preceding preheating period, the switch element Q7 is output by the output of the comparator CP2 (H level) by the delay circuit of the resistor R16 and capacitor C10. The turn-on timing is slightly delayed, the switch element Q6 is kept on immediately after the start of the preceding preheating period, and the switch element Q6 is turned off after a while. That is, since the dimming level is low at the beginning of the preceding preheating period, the switch element Q5 remains off even if the output of the comparator CP2 is at the H level. If the switch element Q7 is turned on slightly after the start of the preceding preheating period, the switch element Q6 is turned off and the switch element 5 is turned on, and the voltage (detection level) input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP1 is relatively set. In other words, the sensitivity of the start detection unit 2 is reduced.

  That is, when the DC power source E is obtained from the AC power source using a converter such as a boost chopper circuit, the output voltage of the converter at the start of operation (preceding preheating period) becomes unstable and the impedance of the discharge lamp La In this embodiment, as described above, the non-inverted input of the comparator CP1 at the beginning of the preceding preheating period, as described above, may be erroneously detected. Since the voltage input to the terminal (the voltage across the capacitor C6) is not lowered and the voltage across the capacitor C6 is lowered during the preceding preheating period (the detection sensitivity of the start detection unit 2 is lowered), Even if the output of the DC power source E becomes unstable in the initial stage, the start detection unit 2 prevents erroneous start detection of the discharge lamp La.

  By the way, the discharge lamp lighting device 11 according to any of the first to fifth embodiments described above is used in, for example, a ceiling-mounted lighting fixture 10 as shown in FIG. The lighting fixture 10 has a disk shape, and a discharge lamp lighting device 11 is disposed at substantially the center of the lower surface and is attached to the ceiling. The lighting fixture 10 is attached to the lower surface of the fixture main body 12 and is held by the fixture main body 12. A ring-shaped discharge lamp (fluorescent lamp) La and a shade 13 covering the discharge lamp lighting device 11.

It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows Embodiment 1 of the discharge lamp lighting device which concerns on this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of starting same as the above. It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows the other light control reference value setting part and stop circuit part in the same as the above. It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows the other light control reference value setting part and stop circuit part in the same as the above. It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows the light control reference value setting part in the Embodiment 2 of the discharge lamp lighting device which concerns on this invention, a stop circuit part, and a starting detection part. It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows the starting detection part in Embodiment 3 of the discharge lamp lighting device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows Embodiment 4 of the discharge lamp lighting device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows Embodiment 5 of the discharge lamp lighting device which concerns on this invention. Embodiment of the lighting fixture which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is sectional drawing, (b) is a perspective view. It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows the conventional discharge lamp lighting device. It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows the other conventional discharge lamp lighting device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inverter circuit part 2 Start detection part 3 Dimming reference value setting part 4 Feedback circuit part 5 Stop circuit part La Discharge lamp E DC power supply

Claims (7)

  DC / AC conversion means for converting the DC input into arbitrary AC output and supplying it to the discharge lamp, and DC / AC conversion means so that the AC output supplied to the discharge lamp has a value corresponding to the dimming reference value. Feedback control means for controlling, start detection means for detecting start of the discharge lamp based on a change in impedance of the discharge lamp before and after the start, and setting the dimming reference value according to the dimming level for instructing the light output of the discharge lamp And a feedback stop means for stopping the operation of the feedback means only until the start of the discharge lamp is detected by the start detection means. The feedback means has a dimming reference value for the discharge lamp. The DC / AC converter is controlled when the value is lower than the value corresponding to the AC output supplied to the feedback, and the feedback stop means gives a stop signal instead of the dimming reference value. The stop signal is lower than a value corresponding to the dimming level when the discharge lamp is lit at a rated level, and the pre-heating for preheating the filament of the discharge lamp before starting is performed. A discharge lamp lighting device, characterized in that it is set to a value higher than the value corresponding to the AC output during the preheating period.   2. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the start detection means lowers the sensitivity of detecting the start of the discharge lamp when the dimming level is relatively low.   The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the start detection means increases the sensitivity of detecting the start of the discharge lamp when the dimming level is relatively low.   The start detection means includes a temperature sensing element for detecting the ambient temperature, and lowers the sensitivity for detecting the start of the discharge lamp when the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensing element is relatively low. The discharge lamp lighting device according to 1.   The start detection means comprises a temperature sensing element for detecting the ambient temperature, and lowers the sensitivity for detecting the start of the discharge lamp when the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensing element is relatively high. The discharge lamp lighting device according to 1.   4. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the start detection means does not change the sensitivity at the initial stage of the preceding preheating period.   An illumination fixture comprising: the discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a discharge lamp lighting device; and a fixture main body for holding the discharge lamp.

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