CA2439033A1 - Device for operating a fluorescent tube - Google Patents
Device for operating a fluorescent tube Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2439033A1 CA2439033A1 CA002439033A CA2439033A CA2439033A1 CA 2439033 A1 CA2439033 A1 CA 2439033A1 CA 002439033 A CA002439033 A CA 002439033A CA 2439033 A CA2439033 A CA 2439033A CA 2439033 A1 CA2439033 A1 CA 2439033A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lamp
- compensation
- fluorescent
- fluorescent lamp
- adapter
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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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
- H05B41/02—Details
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
- H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
- H05B41/26—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
- H05B41/28—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters
- H05B41/295—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters with semiconductor devices and specially adapted for lamps with preheating electrodes, e.g. for fluorescent lamps
Landscapes
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
- Discharge Lamps And Accessories Thereof (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Fastening Of Light Sources Or Lamp Holders (AREA)
- Vessels And Coating Films For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to fluorescent lamps. Normally, a fluorescent lamp consists of a housing which is normally fixed to the ceiling and which has lamp holders attached thereto. A fluorescent tube, which normally has a cylindrical discharge vessel, can be inserted into said holders, and end cap s are placed on the ends thereof, bearing contact pins. The fluorescent tubes are held in the lamp holder by means of said contact pins. Electric current is transmitted from the lamp holder to a spiral-wound filament which is arrange d in the discharge vessel. Normally, a spiral-wound filament is respectively disposed on opposite-lying front faces of the discharge vessel. The fluorescent tubes are generally operated by means of an alternating current. The invention relates to a device which has a first and second compensating adapter. The compensating adapters are respectively provided with connection s for receiving the contact pins of the fluorescent tubes and plug pins for electrical and mechanical connection to the contact elements of the opposite - lying lamp holders. An energy saving device is mounted between the receiving connections and the plug pins of the first or second adapter. The inventive device makes it possible to operate a modern T5 fluorescent tube in a conventional lamp holder.
Description
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_ ~ ~ ao~ ~ ~u ~ l r . ~o v n.~trrv~tr~ l ~.n Jtrnotr l L1EOSAVE GmbH
F500?4FCT(F) ,An apparatus for operating a fluoreacont lamp The invention relates to fluorescent 'amps. Typical7.y, a f7.~.~orescent lamp cons;sts of a housing, usually fixed to the ceiling and provided with lamp sockets. These are adapted to take up a =leerescent iamo comprising, as a ru'~~, a cylindrical discharge vessel closed at the ends by caps which cart?' cont2ct pins. These contact pins serve to regain the fluorescent lamp in the lamp socket, and electric current is passed from the socket to an.
incandesr_ent filama_nt provided in the discharge vessel. As a rule, an incandescent fi7.amen.'_ each is provided at the opposite end races of the discharge vessel.. The fluores~eat lamp normally is operated by an a.c. source.
i5 Ballast connected upstream has been used for a long t;~me to improve the eff-.iciency of fluorescent lamps. It may be either in the form of electronic control gear !EVG - electrical ballast) or magnetic ballasr_.
H)here the fluorescent lamp i.s operated krith ba'_1a=t, e.g. electronic 2~ ballast, the latter has its input end connected tc the a.c. source so as r_o b~ able, at its output end, to supply high frequency rurx~rt to one of the two incandescent filaments.
A circuit arrangement for operating a fluorescent lamp in energy saving fashion is known from DE 198 53 138. This known circuit 25 arrangement is connected between two contact pins of. the fluorescent lamp, bI~ZlG1'1 are disposed at an end face of the discharge body, and ccntact elements of the lamp socker_. These contact elemants of the lamp bracket in turn are conrer_tEd in series urith an a.c. source, a choke, and a starter. At its input end, the known cirouit 30 arrangemenr_ comprises a quadripole whose input r_erminals, together with tha two cont:.ct e1e-nents of a lamp bracket, and the choice, form a series connection which ~:.s connected in parallel with the a.c.
source. The output tern~ina.s of the qua.dripoie .are ele~otrically _~-E38-W1~7~ 1~ ~ 1 ~ E' 3? : P. ~B
connected to the two contact elements a. the opposite side of the lamp socket. The circuit arrangement known from this publ;~ca.t,~en is arrangAd at an end face of the discharge tube between the r_ontact pins cf the fluorescent lamp and the contar_t elements of r_;~.e scryet f ana serves to op~axate a fluorescent lamp destined for the respectv_ve socket, througr, the intermission of the ale~_trical ballast. In the prier art, two cupola-shaped mutually insulated contact shells are p_cnided between a rpspectiwe contact element and a contact pin, and the current supplied to the discharge tube at the socket is tapped 1G ~~ia the contact shel':.s, =on»erted into high freguency current in the ballast, and introduced into the fluorescent lamp at the cor-responding contact pins. The mutually engagi~~g contact qhells and the insulation material located between them must be thin-walled so as to permit the fluorescent lamp still to be fitted into the lamp 1.5 socket provided for this purpose.
It is the cbject of the invention to provide ar. apparar_us for eneray-saving operation of a fluorescent lamp.
To meet this object, the invent,;on suggests an apparatus for operating a fluorescent lamp, comrrisinq the features recited in 20 ci=im 1.
An apparatus including fi=st ana second compensation adapr_ers is proposed by the invention, The corepsnsation adapters each co:~.prise fe.~..ale terminals to accommodate the contact pins of the fluorescent lamp and further comprise plug pins to establish electrical and 25 mechanical connections at the contact elements of the opposed lamp brackets. Ar. energy saving apparatus is connected between thn female texmi.naJ.s and the plug ping of the first or the second compensation adapter.
According to the in~rention, the compensation adapters are designed 3C such that their .female terminals can take up tine contact pins of a T5 fluorescent lamp, whereas the plug ping are receivable in the lamp brar_kets of a lamp socket for a cen~entional fluorescent lamp, especially a TB fiuores~ent lamp. Conventional fluorescent lamps, such as Tq .fluorescent l,a.mps comprise contact pins wh~.ch are spaced ~~-L~FI-='F~13~ 1~~ 1~ L
".5:' :~8i 2~~s~ ~ 17: 5h :~ b~trrotr" ~ ~n~trr~~~r ' CA 02439033 2003-08-20 apart transcsrsely of the longitudinal extension o.f the tubular discharge vessel by a greater distance than the corresponding spacir_a be_ween. the contact pans of T5 fluozescent lamps. The compensation adapters thSss provide for adaptation of conventional contact elements provided at tree lamp bracket to the contact pins of the T5 fluorescent lamp. The spacing between the female terminals o.f.
tha_ r_ompa_n9ation adapters differs from that of the plug pins of the respecti~.~e compensation adapter.
Moreover, length compensation is offered by the compen~ar_ion adapters of the apparatus according to the invention. The length of modern "_'S fluorescent lamps dif'ers from chat of conventio::al fluerascent lamps. Together, the first sad second compensation adapters pr:vide respective adaptation in axial direction, based on the lorgitudina'_ axis of the fluorescent lamp, so as to allow T5 1~ fluorescent lamps yet to be inserted in a lamp sacker made for a conventional fluorescent lamp_ The ttao ccmpensaticn adapters of the appazatus according to the invention th~a bring about an adaptation of the different spacings of the centart elerr,ents at the socket end to the contact pins at the c0 tube end for the electrical connection of the T5 fluorescent lamp to be made to the convent~.o:~al lamp socket, as wAll as axial length compensati on for the r~ec'~anical retention and connection of 'the TS
fluorescent lamp to be achieved in the lamp socket destined for conventional fluorescent lamps.
25 Therefore, 'the apparatus a:cording to the invention permits T5 fluorescent lamps which axe more efxicient than conventional fluorescent lamps to be operated in a conventional lamp socket_ An energy saving means, in norm of ballast for instance. is connected to at least one of the compensation adapters. Consequently, only the 3i7 compensation adapters need to be connected at r_hp end faces to the commercially available TS fluorescent lamps, and the unit thus obtained be installed in the lamp socket to replace a conventional fluorescent lamp, such as a T5 fluorescent la:~,p. In view of such little expenditure, all the widely used fluoresr_ent lamps with T8 35 fluorescent :ubes may be changed over in simple manner and at low ~~-slr~-?r3t~1? 1?: I~ 4' ~~ ; P. ~E7 cost_ It is not necessary to loosen the screws and open the housing o.f t1-.e old lamp socket and remo~Je electrical parts. Noz is it necFssary, fcr a changeover from a T8 to a T5 fluorescent tube, to J.oosen the scr~wS and detach the who p las,p socket from the ceiling in order to replace it by a. TSyfluorescent tube with a TSylamp soc:ce .
After the ch.a.ngeover, a conventional lamp socker_ with a T5 flv ores,~ent lamp offers an esthetica'.:ly pleasant appearance if t'ae compensation adapter is a substantially cylindrical member extending in axial direction of the fluorescent lamp, in accordance with a preferred further development cf the instant invention. Ldir_h this preferred further development, the ballast may be designed as an electrical ball..=_st incorporated in the cylindrical member.
With a view to modular expansion and adaptation to fluerestaut J.amps of different light Afficiency it is to be preferred to position the ballast cu the c=rcumferenti.~l surface cf the cylindrical member and connect it by a plug connection to the female terminals and the plug pins. With tt-.is preferred further development, identical compensation .adapters may :,e used for a great variety of T5 fluorescenr_ lamps, while the ballast alone will be adapted ~o the corresponding power characteristic of the fluorescent Lamp and cennectc-d to at least one of the comp~rsar_ion adapters by a plug connection.
Mounting ballast on a compensation .adapter of such design is particu.la.rly easy if the ballast is detachably fixed on the first or second compensation adapter. With this preferred modification even faulty ballast, if any, can be exchanged readily without the need for removing the fluorescent lamp jointly with the compensation adapters from the lamp pocket.
The preferred further develcpm.ent presented ir. claim 5 provides an apparatus for operating a T5 fluorescent lamp in a conventional lamp socl~et in moist places or rooms with high .rates of contamination. As a xule, lamp sockets intended for such usage are equipped with am ular seals at the opposed lamp brackets, the seal engaging the '.5-t3r~-,'-?~10=: 1?: i~ G' a~:; P. ~1 - S -periphery of the eon~rentional fluorescent lamp. Hereby, the contact area between the contact elements and the contact pins ber_omes sealed. Such sealing may be obtained also in connection with the compensar_icr. adapters if the first and second compensation adapters are designed along the lines of the geometric dimensions of a TS
fluorescent lamp.
In accordance with a prezerred further development, and eQpecially for use of the apparatus in centamina:ed or h~.:mid rooms, it is suggested that the first ar.d second compensation adapters each ?D comprise a receptacle surrounding the peripheral end of the T5 fluo=esr_ent lamp. This receptacle serves to provide seaJ.ing between the end zone of the circum.ferential surface of the T5 fJ.uorescent lamp and the compensatier, adapter. Preferably, a seal may be arranged between the inner circum-ferential surface of the 1F re~reptacle and the circumferential surface of the fluores~sent lamp.
the seal preferably being connected to the compensation adapter.
Zt proved to be advantageous, when starting the fluorescent lamp, to ser_ an operating temperature as quickly as possible at the two filaments disposed at the face ends. On the one hand, r_h3t i.nczeases 20 the lifetime of the fluorescent lamp. And, on the other hand, interference currents can be prevented which would be transmitted to the electric circuit and so-netimes may lead to disturbances of sensitive ~lectrioal equipment. Furthermore, a starter may be dispensed with in consideration of this hot M art of the fJ.uorescent 25 lamp with simultaneous heating of the filaments at both ends. In this respect, the apparatus according to the invention preferably is deveJ.oped further in that one of the compensation ad.apte.rs comprises a sicnal transmitter and the other compensation adapter comprises an associated signal receiver. Thus the pulses needed for heating the 30 filament at the other end can be transmitted via the signal transmitter and receiver, bypassing the fluorescent lamp. In other words, it is possible to send a signal from the input end to the output end, and this signal will lead r_o direct seating of the fiJ.a.ment at tl~e output end without the need for opera:ing the 35 fluorescent lamp.
1; 05-?~t7, 1?:1~ 9l:::
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_ 6 _ Zn the case cf an alternative embodiment it is suggested to intez:connect r_he compensation adapters in ele~strically conductive manner. Such a connection, preferabJ.y, is obtained by way of a eflector disposed between the first and second compensation adapters se as to align the light radiation emitted from the fluorescent lamp in a preFerred way and make the electrical connec'.ion betTaeen t'.~.e two compensation adapters.
Further details, advantages, and features of the instant inirention will become apparent from the description below of an ar~bodi?nent in conjunction with the drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view, partly in section, of a fluorescent lamp retained in a lamp bracket, with a compensation adapter according to a first embodiment connected in between:
Fig. 2 is a tee plan «iew, partly in section, of a fluorescent lamp retained in a lamp bracket, with a compensation adapter according to a Second embcdiment connected in between;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view, partly in section, of a fluorescent lamp rer_ained in first and second compensation adapters according tc another embodiment;
Fie. 4 is a top plan view, partly in section, of a fluorescent lamp re=ained it first and second compensation .adapters according to another embodiment; and Fig. 5 is an illustration, partly in section, of another embodiment of a. compensation adapter, including pos-sibilities of sealing the contact zones.
Fig. 1 is a daagramrnatic presentation of a lateral portion of a modern T5 fluorescent lamp 1 (page 9, last paragraph) at which r_her~
are two contact pi;~s 2, 3. Likewise shown is a compensation adapter 9 as well as a lamp bracket 5 The contact pins 2, 3 are partJ.y received in respective female terminals 6, 7. ThP contact pins 2, 3 are arranged in the female terminals 5 and 7, respectively, in such a way that a respecti~re electrical contact is made between the contact pit, aru the female terminal.
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Plug pins 8, 9 preferably made of solid material are provided at a side of the compensation .adapter remote from the fluorescent lamp 1.
Fortions of the p':.ug pins 9, ° protruding from the firsr_ compensation adapter 9 are disposed in respective contact elements 10, 11 of the lamp bracket 5. The p'~ug pins ~, 9 are inserted in the ccntact elements i0, 11 in, such manner that an electrical contact is made between the respective plug pins B and ~ and the associated contact elements 10 and 11 respectively.
The arrangement shown in fig. 1, with the separation in space of the female terminals 5, 7 and the plug pins 8, 9 at opposite ends of the compensation, adapte:, has the advantage that this embodiment can be manvfacturad easily and at low cost. Depending on the specific application and in respect of its extension in length, r_he compensation adapter S, moreover, can sae designed so as to balance d~.f'erent spaces between the end of the fluorescent lamp 1 and the lamp bracket 5.
p.ccording to fig. 1, the plug pins &, ° each are connected to a contact 12, 13 of an energy saving means 14. The energy saving means 14 may be any embodiment of electrical ballast (EVG) of known type.
2~~ The female termir_a1s 6, 7 both are connected Le another contact of the energy savinc means. The contacts 12, 13, 15 are con7.ected to electriclelectronic components which are ind;cated schematically by blocks 15a, 16b, and 15c ~~;~ fig. 1. During operation of the fluorescent lamp 1, the energy saving means 14 is supplied with current from an a.c. source (not shown) through contacts 12, 13 and it. in turn, supplies high freguency current to the female terminals F. ? thro~~g5 the further contact 15, As regards the elec-tric/~lectroni~ components used, the energy saving means may be adapted individually, depending en the electric power of the fluorescent lamp 1. This means that, for example, a modern T5 fJ.uorescent lamp of 54 w or 80 w may be used.
An embodiment according to fig. 2 provides for the compensation adapter 4 to be formed with three plug pin receptacles 20, 21, 22 which are connected to the plug pir_s 10, 1' a.nd the female terminals 6, 7, respectively, se as to allow the co~.p~nsation adapter. 4 t o be _~-t~tP-~t3t7~ 1~~ 13 E' 3?:~: P.?
g _ operated in combination T,~ith different energy saving means 19. Three plug pins ~~, 24. 25 of the energy saving means 14 are inserted in the plug pin receptacles 20, 21, 22. The plug connection formed by the plug pin receptacles 20, i1, 22 and the plug ping 23, 24, c5 ber_ween the compensation adapter 4 and r_he Energy saving mear:s 19 preferably is designed such that the arrangeaent shown i.n fig. 2 is suitable for use in a humid space environmenr_. To this en.d, suita:cle plug pin receptacles must be provided and requisite sealing measures taken. The component parts (Electric/electror.ic co_nponents, ~cnna_a ring members, plug connection elementsi o.f the energy saving means 14 may be cast tctally or in part i:, sheathing material, such as resin, in order to meet the requirements of humid space environments.
An esseatiaJ. advantage of the ?rranaement according to fig. 2 i5 resides in the fact that different energy saving means may be plugged into o built-in compensation adapter, depending on the electric power of the fluorescent lamp I. The TS fluorescent lamps have 3 uniform outward configuration, especially as regards the length and diameter of the discharge tube, yet they may differ as to their eJ.ectric power. The embodiment according to fig. 2 offers the oppcrtunity to mounr_ the various TS lamps, irrespective of their particular electric power, in a lamp bracket of con~~entional design by meana of a star:dardized compensation adapter. In accordance with the electric power which, fox instance, may be 35 W, 54 w, or BO W, an energy saving module tuned to the particular electric power is plugged on subsequently.
When a modern T5 fluorescent lamp is utilized by means of an arrangement as shown in fig. 2 in a conventional lamp bracket it is advantageous to switch on the fluorescent lamp 1 upon ignition by a hot start. In the i.J.lustration of fig. 3 a first compensation adapter 4 is provided su~~h as represented in figs. 2 and 3. A second compensation adapter 30 is provided at the other end face of the fluorescent lamp. It is designed like the first cor.:pensation adapter 4, including female term.i.naJ.s 31, 32 to acr_ommodate the contact reins 33, 34 ~9isposed at the other end o.f the ~luor2scent lamp 1 and plug 1.-_~~_=~D3 .?: 1~ D 9~ .. P. ~5 pins 36, 37 for mechanical and electrical connec:ion in cont,ct ele_nerts 37, 3p of the second lamp bracket 39 belonging to the con~.,ention3l lamp socket and located opposite the lamp bracket 5.
As shourn in fig. 3, the plug pins 2, 3 and 33, 34, respectively, a.ce co:~nect~d to a respective incandescent filament 40, 41. The incandescent filaments 91, 42 are used for preheating the gas/gas min;~ure inside the discharge space 42 of the fluorescent lamp 1 prior to st.arr_ing the fluorescent lamp 1. when ,p=eheating should bAgin a light emitting m ans 93 emits a light signal to make sure 1G the gas is preheated simultaneously at both ends_ To emit the light signal., the light emitting means 43 receives a pulse which may be generated by the components of the energy saving means 19. The light signal emitted is received by a photosensitive means 44. As a con-sequence of the receipt of the light signal, preheating of the incandescent filament 40 is carried out simultaneously with that of the incand~soent filament 41. The light signals transmitted make sure that preheating of the gas is effected simultaneously at bor_h incandescent filaments 40, 41 prior to the start of the fluorescent lam: 1.
The light emitting means 43, for instance, is a pl~.otodiode, especially .~.n infrared photodiode. The light emitting means 44 should emit light of a wavelength which differs from the wavelength of the light cahi~:h is radiated .after ignition of the gas in the discharge space 36. As regards sensititrity, the photosensitive means 39 is tuned r_o the Light radiated by the light emitting means.
Fig. 4 shows another embodiment. In this embodiment a reflector 95 extends between the t:ao compensation adapters 4, 30. The reflector 45 hire is connected at the ends to the respective r_ompensation adapters 9. 30 and, in the embodiment shown, it comprises an electric linQ 96 at its rear remote from the fluorescent lamp 1 to effect signal transmission from the first conpensa.tion adapter 4 to the second compensation adapter 30. This is to be seen as an alnerna~ive embodiment to the light ~mittina and photosensitive means 33, 34 illustrated in fig. 3. Contrary to the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the embodiment according to fig. 4 is to be preferred _.,-~1F-,'-?~ll~= 1?:1~ ~' P~. P. arm when the fluorescent la.m.p is operated in an en~rircnment where particles, such as dust or drops of moisture are contained in. the air that render the optical transmission oz signals difficult and affect light ~=ransmitting surfaces.
Fig. 5, finally, illustrates an embodiment of a compensation adapter 30 which comprises suitable sealing measures to guarantee trouble-yree operation in a humid space environment. This embodiment, comprises a receptacle 47 surreun~ding the fluorescent lamp 1 and a seal,;ng ring 48 which is pasiticned bet~~reen the latter and the inner i3 circumferential surface cf the receptacle 47, In this manner moist air is prevented from entering the c~ntac~t zoZe between the ccntact pins _'~3, 34 and the ~emale terminals 3i, 32. A sealing sleeve 49 cooperating with the outer circumferential surface oz the compensation adapter 30 seals the contact zone between the contact 15 elements 3~, 3B and the plug pins 35, 36 from ambient air. This sealing sleeve 49 is ma~;able in axial direction, based on the longi-tudinal axis of the fluorescent lamp 1, and may be displaced in per se known manner along the letup bracket 39. Once the fluorescent lamp 1 ~.aith '.he two compensation adapters 4, 30 has been introduced into 20 the respecti~.re lamp brackets 5, 39 the sealing s"peeves 49 are pushed toward each ether from the ends. hereby, the front end of tha respecti~fe sealing sleetes 49 comes to abut against the cuter circum~exantial surface of the ccmpensation adapters 4, 30. Finally the s~.3ling sleeve 49 is fi;;ed with respect tc the lamp brar_ket 4, 25 39.
The Features of the invention disclosed in the specification above and in the drawings m.ay be of significance for implementing the invention in its various embodiments, both individually aa~d in any combination.
1..-08-?~t3~ I?: I3 D ~~?'; P.3~
Fluorronic GmbH
F6CQ34FCT (P) List o~ reference numerals 1 ~-uorES~-enr lamp J z COnt?Ct pin 3 cor,r.act pin 4 Fist CCmpenSatiOn adapter ia.mp bracket 6 female termina'_ 7.0 7 f~=~nal.e term-aal pl,~g pin 9 plug gin contact ~lem.ent ?7. co~,tact element 1J 17 C~nt~rt ~3 contact 7.z ener3y sa~fi.ng means i5 contzct i6~ bn~~r.
i6b b~.or_1C
16c block pJ.ug pin recrptac7.e 2i plug pin r~~earaCl~
plug pin re~entacle i5 2. plug pin plug pin p_ug pin second r_ampensatior. adapt=
?1 female ~_ex'minal 3G ~C female terminal 1J-DB-?~3t7~ 1?~1~ t7 91'; P.~i47 -3' tOril:a~~~. yin ~4 C7nr?=t D1n 35 plwg din ~6 plug pin .7 cc:utar_r_ element 36 ccntar_t element ?. lar,p hracY.et 4C incano=scenC fi.J.ument 41 ir.can~iesCent filament ~,2 dis=harge space u3 light ~mitr_ing means 44 nhctesens~.ti~~e means 45 refie:tor 45 electric 1? r.e 1S 4~ receptacle 43 sea 43 sealinc sled.;~
=~-G1B-2~7t'1? 12~ 1~ ~ ~?':: P.41
_ ~ ~ ao~ ~ ~u ~ l r . ~o v n.~trrv~tr~ l ~.n Jtrnotr l L1EOSAVE GmbH
F500?4FCT(F) ,An apparatus for operating a fluoreacont lamp The invention relates to fluorescent 'amps. Typical7.y, a f7.~.~orescent lamp cons;sts of a housing, usually fixed to the ceiling and provided with lamp sockets. These are adapted to take up a =leerescent iamo comprising, as a ru'~~, a cylindrical discharge vessel closed at the ends by caps which cart?' cont2ct pins. These contact pins serve to regain the fluorescent lamp in the lamp socket, and electric current is passed from the socket to an.
incandesr_ent filama_nt provided in the discharge vessel. As a rule, an incandescent fi7.amen.'_ each is provided at the opposite end races of the discharge vessel.. The fluores~eat lamp normally is operated by an a.c. source.
i5 Ballast connected upstream has been used for a long t;~me to improve the eff-.iciency of fluorescent lamps. It may be either in the form of electronic control gear !EVG - electrical ballast) or magnetic ballasr_.
H)here the fluorescent lamp i.s operated krith ba'_1a=t, e.g. electronic 2~ ballast, the latter has its input end connected tc the a.c. source so as r_o b~ able, at its output end, to supply high frequency rurx~rt to one of the two incandescent filaments.
A circuit arrangement for operating a fluorescent lamp in energy saving fashion is known from DE 198 53 138. This known circuit 25 arrangement is connected between two contact pins of. the fluorescent lamp, bI~ZlG1'1 are disposed at an end face of the discharge body, and ccntact elements of the lamp socker_. These contact elemants of the lamp bracket in turn are conrer_tEd in series urith an a.c. source, a choke, and a starter. At its input end, the known cirouit 30 arrangemenr_ comprises a quadripole whose input r_erminals, together with tha two cont:.ct e1e-nents of a lamp bracket, and the choice, form a series connection which ~:.s connected in parallel with the a.c.
source. The output tern~ina.s of the qua.dripoie .are ele~otrically _~-E38-W1~7~ 1~ ~ 1 ~ E' 3? : P. ~B
connected to the two contact elements a. the opposite side of the lamp socket. The circuit arrangement known from this publ;~ca.t,~en is arrangAd at an end face of the discharge tube between the r_ontact pins cf the fluorescent lamp and the contar_t elements of r_;~.e scryet f ana serves to op~axate a fluorescent lamp destined for the respectv_ve socket, througr, the intermission of the ale~_trical ballast. In the prier art, two cupola-shaped mutually insulated contact shells are p_cnided between a rpspectiwe contact element and a contact pin, and the current supplied to the discharge tube at the socket is tapped 1G ~~ia the contact shel':.s, =on»erted into high freguency current in the ballast, and introduced into the fluorescent lamp at the cor-responding contact pins. The mutually engagi~~g contact qhells and the insulation material located between them must be thin-walled so as to permit the fluorescent lamp still to be fitted into the lamp 1.5 socket provided for this purpose.
It is the cbject of the invention to provide ar. apparar_us for eneray-saving operation of a fluorescent lamp.
To meet this object, the invent,;on suggests an apparatus for operating a fluorescent lamp, comrrisinq the features recited in 20 ci=im 1.
An apparatus including fi=st ana second compensation adapr_ers is proposed by the invention, The corepsnsation adapters each co:~.prise fe.~..ale terminals to accommodate the contact pins of the fluorescent lamp and further comprise plug pins to establish electrical and 25 mechanical connections at the contact elements of the opposed lamp brackets. Ar. energy saving apparatus is connected between thn female texmi.naJ.s and the plug ping of the first or the second compensation adapter.
According to the in~rention, the compensation adapters are designed 3C such that their .female terminals can take up tine contact pins of a T5 fluorescent lamp, whereas the plug ping are receivable in the lamp brar_kets of a lamp socket for a cen~entional fluorescent lamp, especially a TB fiuores~ent lamp. Conventional fluorescent lamps, such as Tq .fluorescent l,a.mps comprise contact pins wh~.ch are spaced ~~-L~FI-='F~13~ 1~~ 1~ L
".5:' :~8i 2~~s~ ~ 17: 5h :~ b~trrotr" ~ ~n~trr~~~r ' CA 02439033 2003-08-20 apart transcsrsely of the longitudinal extension o.f the tubular discharge vessel by a greater distance than the corresponding spacir_a be_ween. the contact pans of T5 fluozescent lamps. The compensation adapters thSss provide for adaptation of conventional contact elements provided at tree lamp bracket to the contact pins of the T5 fluorescent lamp. The spacing between the female terminals o.f.
tha_ r_ompa_n9ation adapters differs from that of the plug pins of the respecti~.~e compensation adapter.
Moreover, length compensation is offered by the compen~ar_ion adapters of the apparatus according to the invention. The length of modern "_'S fluorescent lamps dif'ers from chat of conventio::al fluerascent lamps. Together, the first sad second compensation adapters pr:vide respective adaptation in axial direction, based on the lorgitudina'_ axis of the fluorescent lamp, so as to allow T5 1~ fluorescent lamps yet to be inserted in a lamp sacker made for a conventional fluorescent lamp_ The ttao ccmpensaticn adapters of the appazatus according to the invention th~a bring about an adaptation of the different spacings of the centart elerr,ents at the socket end to the contact pins at the c0 tube end for the electrical connection of the T5 fluorescent lamp to be made to the convent~.o:~al lamp socket, as wAll as axial length compensati on for the r~ec'~anical retention and connection of 'the TS
fluorescent lamp to be achieved in the lamp socket destined for conventional fluorescent lamps.
25 Therefore, 'the apparatus a:cording to the invention permits T5 fluorescent lamps which axe more efxicient than conventional fluorescent lamps to be operated in a conventional lamp socket_ An energy saving means, in norm of ballast for instance. is connected to at least one of the compensation adapters. Consequently, only the 3i7 compensation adapters need to be connected at r_hp end faces to the commercially available TS fluorescent lamps, and the unit thus obtained be installed in the lamp socket to replace a conventional fluorescent lamp, such as a T5 fluorescent la:~,p. In view of such little expenditure, all the widely used fluoresr_ent lamps with T8 35 fluorescent :ubes may be changed over in simple manner and at low ~~-slr~-?r3t~1? 1?: I~ 4' ~~ ; P. ~E7 cost_ It is not necessary to loosen the screws and open the housing o.f t1-.e old lamp socket and remo~Je electrical parts. Noz is it necFssary, fcr a changeover from a T8 to a T5 fluorescent tube, to J.oosen the scr~wS and detach the who p las,p socket from the ceiling in order to replace it by a. TSyfluorescent tube with a TSylamp soc:ce .
After the ch.a.ngeover, a conventional lamp socker_ with a T5 flv ores,~ent lamp offers an esthetica'.:ly pleasant appearance if t'ae compensation adapter is a substantially cylindrical member extending in axial direction of the fluorescent lamp, in accordance with a preferred further development cf the instant invention. Ldir_h this preferred further development, the ballast may be designed as an electrical ball..=_st incorporated in the cylindrical member.
With a view to modular expansion and adaptation to fluerestaut J.amps of different light Afficiency it is to be preferred to position the ballast cu the c=rcumferenti.~l surface cf the cylindrical member and connect it by a plug connection to the female terminals and the plug pins. With tt-.is preferred further development, identical compensation .adapters may :,e used for a great variety of T5 fluorescenr_ lamps, while the ballast alone will be adapted ~o the corresponding power characteristic of the fluorescent Lamp and cennectc-d to at least one of the comp~rsar_ion adapters by a plug connection.
Mounting ballast on a compensation .adapter of such design is particu.la.rly easy if the ballast is detachably fixed on the first or second compensation adapter. With this preferred modification even faulty ballast, if any, can be exchanged readily without the need for removing the fluorescent lamp jointly with the compensation adapters from the lamp pocket.
The preferred further develcpm.ent presented ir. claim 5 provides an apparatus for operating a T5 fluorescent lamp in a conventional lamp socl~et in moist places or rooms with high .rates of contamination. As a xule, lamp sockets intended for such usage are equipped with am ular seals at the opposed lamp brackets, the seal engaging the '.5-t3r~-,'-?~10=: 1?: i~ G' a~:; P. ~1 - S -periphery of the eon~rentional fluorescent lamp. Hereby, the contact area between the contact elements and the contact pins ber_omes sealed. Such sealing may be obtained also in connection with the compensar_icr. adapters if the first and second compensation adapters are designed along the lines of the geometric dimensions of a TS
fluorescent lamp.
In accordance with a prezerred further development, and eQpecially for use of the apparatus in centamina:ed or h~.:mid rooms, it is suggested that the first ar.d second compensation adapters each ?D comprise a receptacle surrounding the peripheral end of the T5 fluo=esr_ent lamp. This receptacle serves to provide seaJ.ing between the end zone of the circum.ferential surface of the T5 fJ.uorescent lamp and the compensatier, adapter. Preferably, a seal may be arranged between the inner circum-ferential surface of the 1F re~reptacle and the circumferential surface of the fluores~sent lamp.
the seal preferably being connected to the compensation adapter.
Zt proved to be advantageous, when starting the fluorescent lamp, to ser_ an operating temperature as quickly as possible at the two filaments disposed at the face ends. On the one hand, r_h3t i.nczeases 20 the lifetime of the fluorescent lamp. And, on the other hand, interference currents can be prevented which would be transmitted to the electric circuit and so-netimes may lead to disturbances of sensitive ~lectrioal equipment. Furthermore, a starter may be dispensed with in consideration of this hot M art of the fJ.uorescent 25 lamp with simultaneous heating of the filaments at both ends. In this respect, the apparatus according to the invention preferably is deveJ.oped further in that one of the compensation ad.apte.rs comprises a sicnal transmitter and the other compensation adapter comprises an associated signal receiver. Thus the pulses needed for heating the 30 filament at the other end can be transmitted via the signal transmitter and receiver, bypassing the fluorescent lamp. In other words, it is possible to send a signal from the input end to the output end, and this signal will lead r_o direct seating of the fiJ.a.ment at tl~e output end without the need for opera:ing the 35 fluorescent lamp.
1; 05-?~t7, 1?:1~ 9l:::
G7 P . J?
_ 6 _ Zn the case cf an alternative embodiment it is suggested to intez:connect r_he compensation adapters in ele~strically conductive manner. Such a connection, preferabJ.y, is obtained by way of a eflector disposed between the first and second compensation adapters se as to align the light radiation emitted from the fluorescent lamp in a preFerred way and make the electrical connec'.ion betTaeen t'.~.e two compensation adapters.
Further details, advantages, and features of the instant inirention will become apparent from the description below of an ar~bodi?nent in conjunction with the drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view, partly in section, of a fluorescent lamp retained in a lamp bracket, with a compensation adapter according to a first embodiment connected in between:
Fig. 2 is a tee plan «iew, partly in section, of a fluorescent lamp retained in a lamp bracket, with a compensation adapter according to a Second embcdiment connected in between;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view, partly in section, of a fluorescent lamp rer_ained in first and second compensation adapters according tc another embodiment;
Fie. 4 is a top plan view, partly in section, of a fluorescent lamp re=ained it first and second compensation .adapters according to another embodiment; and Fig. 5 is an illustration, partly in section, of another embodiment of a. compensation adapter, including pos-sibilities of sealing the contact zones.
Fig. 1 is a daagramrnatic presentation of a lateral portion of a modern T5 fluorescent lamp 1 (page 9, last paragraph) at which r_her~
are two contact pi;~s 2, 3. Likewise shown is a compensation adapter 9 as well as a lamp bracket 5 The contact pins 2, 3 are partJ.y received in respective female terminals 6, 7. ThP contact pins 2, 3 are arranged in the female terminals 5 and 7, respectively, in such a way that a respecti~re electrical contact is made between the contact pit, aru the female terminal.
-O8-ulE'1? 1:? ~ 1 ~ ~ '~ ~ .; P .
Plug pins 8, 9 preferably made of solid material are provided at a side of the compensation .adapter remote from the fluorescent lamp 1.
Fortions of the p':.ug pins 9, ° protruding from the firsr_ compensation adapter 9 are disposed in respective contact elements 10, 11 of the lamp bracket 5. The p'~ug pins ~, 9 are inserted in the ccntact elements i0, 11 in, such manner that an electrical contact is made between the respective plug pins B and ~ and the associated contact elements 10 and 11 respectively.
The arrangement shown in fig. 1, with the separation in space of the female terminals 5, 7 and the plug pins 8, 9 at opposite ends of the compensation, adapte:, has the advantage that this embodiment can be manvfacturad easily and at low cost. Depending on the specific application and in respect of its extension in length, r_he compensation adapter S, moreover, can sae designed so as to balance d~.f'erent spaces between the end of the fluorescent lamp 1 and the lamp bracket 5.
p.ccording to fig. 1, the plug pins &, ° each are connected to a contact 12, 13 of an energy saving means 14. The energy saving means 14 may be any embodiment of electrical ballast (EVG) of known type.
2~~ The female termir_a1s 6, 7 both are connected Le another contact of the energy savinc means. The contacts 12, 13, 15 are con7.ected to electriclelectronic components which are ind;cated schematically by blocks 15a, 16b, and 15c ~~;~ fig. 1. During operation of the fluorescent lamp 1, the energy saving means 14 is supplied with current from an a.c. source (not shown) through contacts 12, 13 and it. in turn, supplies high freguency current to the female terminals F. ? thro~~g5 the further contact 15, As regards the elec-tric/~lectroni~ components used, the energy saving means may be adapted individually, depending en the electric power of the fluorescent lamp 1. This means that, for example, a modern T5 fJ.uorescent lamp of 54 w or 80 w may be used.
An embodiment according to fig. 2 provides for the compensation adapter 4 to be formed with three plug pin receptacles 20, 21, 22 which are connected to the plug pir_s 10, 1' a.nd the female terminals 6, 7, respectively, se as to allow the co~.p~nsation adapter. 4 t o be _~-t~tP-~t3t7~ 1~~ 13 E' 3?:~: P.?
g _ operated in combination T,~ith different energy saving means 19. Three plug pins ~~, 24. 25 of the energy saving means 14 are inserted in the plug pin receptacles 20, 21, 22. The plug connection formed by the plug pin receptacles 20, i1, 22 and the plug ping 23, 24, c5 ber_ween the compensation adapter 4 and r_he Energy saving mear:s 19 preferably is designed such that the arrangeaent shown i.n fig. 2 is suitable for use in a humid space environmenr_. To this en.d, suita:cle plug pin receptacles must be provided and requisite sealing measures taken. The component parts (Electric/electror.ic co_nponents, ~cnna_a ring members, plug connection elementsi o.f the energy saving means 14 may be cast tctally or in part i:, sheathing material, such as resin, in order to meet the requirements of humid space environments.
An esseatiaJ. advantage of the ?rranaement according to fig. 2 i5 resides in the fact that different energy saving means may be plugged into o built-in compensation adapter, depending on the electric power of the fluorescent lamp I. The TS fluorescent lamps have 3 uniform outward configuration, especially as regards the length and diameter of the discharge tube, yet they may differ as to their eJ.ectric power. The embodiment according to fig. 2 offers the oppcrtunity to mounr_ the various TS lamps, irrespective of their particular electric power, in a lamp bracket of con~~entional design by meana of a star:dardized compensation adapter. In accordance with the electric power which, fox instance, may be 35 W, 54 w, or BO W, an energy saving module tuned to the particular electric power is plugged on subsequently.
When a modern T5 fluorescent lamp is utilized by means of an arrangement as shown in fig. 2 in a conventional lamp bracket it is advantageous to switch on the fluorescent lamp 1 upon ignition by a hot start. In the i.J.lustration of fig. 3 a first compensation adapter 4 is provided su~~h as represented in figs. 2 and 3. A second compensation adapter 30 is provided at the other end face of the fluorescent lamp. It is designed like the first cor.:pensation adapter 4, including female term.i.naJ.s 31, 32 to acr_ommodate the contact reins 33, 34 ~9isposed at the other end o.f the ~luor2scent lamp 1 and plug 1.-_~~_=~D3 .?: 1~ D 9~ .. P. ~5 pins 36, 37 for mechanical and electrical connec:ion in cont,ct ele_nerts 37, 3p of the second lamp bracket 39 belonging to the con~.,ention3l lamp socket and located opposite the lamp bracket 5.
As shourn in fig. 3, the plug pins 2, 3 and 33, 34, respectively, a.ce co:~nect~d to a respective incandescent filament 40, 41. The incandescent filaments 91, 42 are used for preheating the gas/gas min;~ure inside the discharge space 42 of the fluorescent lamp 1 prior to st.arr_ing the fluorescent lamp 1. when ,p=eheating should bAgin a light emitting m ans 93 emits a light signal to make sure 1G the gas is preheated simultaneously at both ends_ To emit the light signal., the light emitting means 43 receives a pulse which may be generated by the components of the energy saving means 19. The light signal emitted is received by a photosensitive means 44. As a con-sequence of the receipt of the light signal, preheating of the incandescent filament 40 is carried out simultaneously with that of the incand~soent filament 41. The light signals transmitted make sure that preheating of the gas is effected simultaneously at bor_h incandescent filaments 40, 41 prior to the start of the fluorescent lam: 1.
The light emitting means 43, for instance, is a pl~.otodiode, especially .~.n infrared photodiode. The light emitting means 44 should emit light of a wavelength which differs from the wavelength of the light cahi~:h is radiated .after ignition of the gas in the discharge space 36. As regards sensititrity, the photosensitive means 39 is tuned r_o the Light radiated by the light emitting means.
Fig. 4 shows another embodiment. In this embodiment a reflector 95 extends between the t:ao compensation adapters 4, 30. The reflector 45 hire is connected at the ends to the respective r_ompensation adapters 9. 30 and, in the embodiment shown, it comprises an electric linQ 96 at its rear remote from the fluorescent lamp 1 to effect signal transmission from the first conpensa.tion adapter 4 to the second compensation adapter 30. This is to be seen as an alnerna~ive embodiment to the light ~mittina and photosensitive means 33, 34 illustrated in fig. 3. Contrary to the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the embodiment according to fig. 4 is to be preferred _.,-~1F-,'-?~ll~= 1?:1~ ~' P~. P. arm when the fluorescent la.m.p is operated in an en~rircnment where particles, such as dust or drops of moisture are contained in. the air that render the optical transmission oz signals difficult and affect light ~=ransmitting surfaces.
Fig. 5, finally, illustrates an embodiment of a compensation adapter 30 which comprises suitable sealing measures to guarantee trouble-yree operation in a humid space environment. This embodiment, comprises a receptacle 47 surreun~ding the fluorescent lamp 1 and a seal,;ng ring 48 which is pasiticned bet~~reen the latter and the inner i3 circumferential surface cf the receptacle 47, In this manner moist air is prevented from entering the c~ntac~t zoZe between the ccntact pins _'~3, 34 and the ~emale terminals 3i, 32. A sealing sleeve 49 cooperating with the outer circumferential surface oz the compensation adapter 30 seals the contact zone between the contact 15 elements 3~, 3B and the plug pins 35, 36 from ambient air. This sealing sleeve 49 is ma~;able in axial direction, based on the longi-tudinal axis of the fluorescent lamp 1, and may be displaced in per se known manner along the letup bracket 39. Once the fluorescent lamp 1 ~.aith '.he two compensation adapters 4, 30 has been introduced into 20 the respecti~.re lamp brackets 5, 39 the sealing s"peeves 49 are pushed toward each ether from the ends. hereby, the front end of tha respecti~fe sealing sleetes 49 comes to abut against the cuter circum~exantial surface of the ccmpensation adapters 4, 30. Finally the s~.3ling sleeve 49 is fi;;ed with respect tc the lamp brar_ket 4, 25 39.
The Features of the invention disclosed in the specification above and in the drawings m.ay be of significance for implementing the invention in its various embodiments, both individually aa~d in any combination.
1..-08-?~t3~ I?: I3 D ~~?'; P.3~
Fluorronic GmbH
F6CQ34FCT (P) List o~ reference numerals 1 ~-uorES~-enr lamp J z COnt?Ct pin 3 cor,r.act pin 4 Fist CCmpenSatiOn adapter ia.mp bracket 6 female termina'_ 7.0 7 f~=~nal.e term-aal pl,~g pin 9 plug gin contact ~lem.ent ?7. co~,tact element 1J 17 C~nt~rt ~3 contact 7.z ener3y sa~fi.ng means i5 contzct i6~ bn~~r.
i6b b~.or_1C
16c block pJ.ug pin recrptac7.e 2i plug pin r~~earaCl~
plug pin re~entacle i5 2. plug pin plug pin p_ug pin second r_ampensatior. adapt=
?1 female ~_ex'minal 3G ~C female terminal 1J-DB-?~3t7~ 1?~1~ t7 91'; P.~i47 -3' tOril:a~~~. yin ~4 C7nr?=t D1n 35 plwg din ~6 plug pin .7 cc:utar_r_ element 36 ccntar_t element ?. lar,p hracY.et 4C incano=scenC fi.J.ument 41 ir.can~iesCent filament ~,2 dis=harge space u3 light ~mitr_ing means 44 nhctesens~.ti~~e means 45 refie:tor 45 electric 1? r.e 1S 4~ receptacle 43 sea 43 sealinc sled.;~
=~-G1B-2~7t'1? 12~ 1~ ~ ~?':: P.41
Claims (9)
1. An apparatus for operating a T5 fluorescent lamp, provided with respective contact pins at its front ends,in a lamp socket for conventional fluorescent lamps, especially T6 fluorescent lamps having opposed lamp brackets (5) which include contact elements (10, 11), comprising:
- a first compensation adapter (4) having first female terminals (6, 7) to be connected electrically to a respective one of contact pins (2, 3) disposed at an end face of the T5 fluorescent lamp (1) and also having first plug pins (8, 9) to be connected electrically to one each of the lamp brackets (5), - a second compensation adapter (30) having second female terminals (31, 32) to be connected electrically to a respective one of contact pins (33, 34) disposed at the other end face of the T5 fluorescent lamp (1) and also having second plug pins (35, 35) to be connected electrically to the other lamp bracket (39), and - an energy saving means (14), preferably a ballast, connected between the female terminals (6, 7; 31, 32) and the plug pins (35, 36) of the first and/or second compensation adapter(s).
- a first compensation adapter (4) having first female terminals (6, 7) to be connected electrically to a respective one of contact pins (2, 3) disposed at an end face of the T5 fluorescent lamp (1) and also having first plug pins (8, 9) to be connected electrically to one each of the lamp brackets (5), - a second compensation adapter (30) having second female terminals (31, 32) to be connected electrically to a respective one of contact pins (33, 34) disposed at the other end face of the T5 fluorescent lamp (1) and also having second plug pins (35, 35) to be connected electrically to the other lamp bracket (39), and - an energy saving means (14), preferably a ballast, connected between the female terminals (6, 7; 31, 32) and the plug pins (35, 36) of the first and/or second compensation adapter(s).
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the compensation adapter (4, 30) is embodied by an essentially cylindrical member extending in axial direction of the fluorescent lamp.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the energy saving means (14) is arranged at the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member and connected by an electrical plug-in connection to the female terminals (6, 7) and the plug pins (8, 9).
4. The apparatus as claimed is claim 3, characterized in that the energy saving means (14) is detachably attached to the first or second compensation adapter (4).
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the first and second compensation adapters (4; 30) are embodied by cylindrical members having circular cross sectional areas, and that the diameter of the cylindrical member corresponds substantially to the diameter of the T8 Fluorescent lamp.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first and second compensation adapters (4; 30) each comprise a receptacle (47) surrounding the peripheral end of the T5 fluorescent lamp (5).
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that a signal transmitter means (43) is provided at one of the com-pensation adapters and an associated signal receiver means (44) is provided at the other compensation adapter (3; 30).
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the signal transmitter means and the signal receiver means are embodied by optical transmitter and receiver means (43, 44).
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that a reflector (45) extends between the first and second compensa-tion adapters, establishing an electrical connection between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE10109927.4 | 2001-02-20 | ||
| DE10109927 | 2001-02-20 | ||
| DE10127459A DE10127459A1 (en) | 2001-02-20 | 2001-06-07 | Device for operating a fluorescent tube |
| DE10127459.9 | 2001-06-07 | ||
| PCT/DE2001/004139 WO2002067290A1 (en) | 2001-02-20 | 2001-11-02 | Device for operating a fluorescent tube |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2439033A1 true CA2439033A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
Family
ID=26008656
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002439033A Abandoned CA2439033A1 (en) | 2001-02-20 | 2001-11-02 | Device for operating a fluorescent tube |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1364389A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2004529459A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1494731A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR0116905A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2439033A1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2003128317A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002067290A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB0600233D0 (en) * | 2006-01-06 | 2006-02-15 | Erg Ltd | An adapter set for fluorescent tubes |
| WO2008017199A1 (en) * | 2006-07-31 | 2008-02-14 | Shenzhen Sanye Lighting Technology Co., Ltd. | A fluorescent lamp system for converting t8 type fluorescent lamp to t5 |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4163176A (en) * | 1977-10-07 | 1979-07-31 | Gte Sylvania Incorporated | Energy saving fluorescent lamp |
| US4608624A (en) * | 1985-01-22 | 1986-08-26 | Gte Products Corporation | Projection lamp unit with separable lamp capsule |
| EP0274107A3 (en) * | 1987-01-08 | 1990-08-22 | Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH | Electric lamp |
| DE19512307A1 (en) * | 1995-04-01 | 1996-10-02 | Werner Reinig | Straight fluorescent tube with built-in electronic ballast |
| DE19524386B4 (en) * | 1995-07-04 | 2005-10-13 | Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH | Rod-shaped electric light |
| US5904415A (en) * | 1996-06-25 | 1999-05-18 | H. E. Williams, Inc. | Fluorescent bulb connector assembly |
| DE19900889B4 (en) * | 1999-01-12 | 2004-04-15 | Suresh Hiralal Shah | Kit for converting luminaires with straight fluorescent lamps with a base on both sides, from inductive to electronic operation |
| DE19955072B4 (en) * | 1999-01-31 | 2004-08-26 | Holzer, Walter, Prof. Dr.h.c. Ing. | Adapter for converting lights with inductive ballasts to electronic operation |
| DE10038218A1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-01-10 | Reinig Werner | Control unit for energy conserving operation of fluorescent lamp has three terminal control unit |
| US6459215B1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2002-10-01 | General Electric Company | Integral lamp |
-
2001
- 2001-11-02 BR BR0116905-0A patent/BR0116905A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-11-02 CN CNA018230768A patent/CN1494731A/en active Pending
- 2001-11-02 RU RU2003128317/09A patent/RU2003128317A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-11-02 JP JP2002566522A patent/JP2004529459A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-11-02 CA CA002439033A patent/CA2439033A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-11-02 EP EP01273767A patent/EP1364389A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-11-02 WO PCT/DE2001/004139 patent/WO2002067290A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| RU2003128317A (en) | 2005-03-27 |
| BR0116905A (en) | 2004-02-10 |
| JP2004529459A (en) | 2004-09-24 |
| EP1364389A1 (en) | 2003-11-26 |
| WO2002067290A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
| CN1494731A (en) | 2004-05-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |