DE102008019158B3 - Coding element e.g. adapter plug, for fluorescent lamp of lighting device, has electrical component accommodated in or at insulator body and connected with contact pins to signalize ballast with electrical characteristics - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (18) has two pin connection with an insulator body (21) accommodating a connection pin (10) of a gas discharge lamp (3). A contact (23) is arranged in the insulator body to electrically contact the connection pin of the gas discharge lamp. Contact pins (19, 20) are connected to a lamp holder, which project from the insulator body. An electrical component (26) e.g. electrical resistor (27), is accommodated in or at the insulator body and connected with the contact pins to signalize an electronic ballast with electrical characteristics e.g. resistance value.

Description

The The invention relates to a coding element for a low-pressure gas discharge lamp, such as a fluorescent lamp, preferably with a two-pin connector, and a lighting assembly including ballast and coding element.

It it is known that gas discharge lamps, in particular low-pressure gas discharge lamps, a ballast need, which provides the operating voltage or the operating current of the lamp and regulate the operation of the lamp. The ballast and the Gas discharge lamp need for proper function the arrangement be coordinated. A major problem this occurs is that electronic ballasts, in particular such for Discharge lamps, only in combination with a single lamp type or a few specific lamp types are usable. thats why it often for a given range of specific lamps required, a variety of matching electronic ballasts. The number The ballasts to be provided may increase in that different Application requirements, for example with regard to geometry, Dimmability, multi-lamp operation, cold start capability, etc., are taken into account should.

As a remedy suggests, for example, the DE 10 2005 022 375 A1 to provide the electric lamp with at least one electronic memory element, wherein in this electronic memory element characteristic operating parameters of the electric lamp are stored. The electronic memory element is read by a corresponding arrangement of the ballast to operate the lamp accordingly. For example, the lamp current and / or the lamp power and / or the operating frequency and / or the degree of dimming and / or the helical preheating current and / or a switch-off threshold are stored as characteristic operating parameters of the electric lamp.

Out In practice it is as well known, fluorescent lamps of various types with different To equip filament electrodes whose electrical resistance for the lamp type is characteristic. Electronic ballasts can then start the fluorescent lamp Measure the resistance, then recognize the lamp type and then set the operating parameters of the lamp accordingly. However, this possibility then comes up to their limits when a cold start of the fluorescent lamp is required becomes. While at warm start, provided at each end of a fluorescent lamp Wendel flows through the stream and is thereby heated to the Electron conversion in the gas filling To facilitate, during cold start on a preheat the coil waived. The pins of the fluorescent lamp, which with a Wendelelektrode are often bridged on the outside, d. H. electrically shorted. The ignition occurs by a voltage pulse at at least one end of Wendel. The voltage pulse initiates the gas discharge.

Because the two pins of the fluorescent lamp in this mode short-circuited or contacted only on one side, the helical resistance can not be used as a criterion for detecting the Lamp type can be used. Also different the coil resistances some lamp types are not sufficient to them for type recognition use.

Moreover, from the DE 196 40 625 A1 a two-pin lamp base on a gas discharge lamp and a corresponding socket, wherein the two-pin socket is a coding element for the type or the power of the gas discharge lamp. The lamp cap has an insulator body which receives two terminals of the gas discharge lamp. From the insulator body protrude two pins. The lamp socket is associated with the socket. It is designed to electrically contact the pins of the lamp cap. In the lamp base, an electrical resistance is accommodated, which is connected to two provided on the lamp cap contact pad. The socket has two pick-offs, over which the resistance is measured. The resistor encodes z. B. the rated power of the lamp.

From that It is an object of the invention to provide a way by means of he is a reliable one and simple lamp type detection in fluorescent lamps or other Gas discharge lamps in cold start operation is possible.

According to the invention, a coding element is provided which has an insulator body to receive at least one terminal pin of the gas discharge lamp. At least one electrical component, which has at least one characteristic electrical property, such as a resistance value, a capacitance value, an inductance value or the like, is arranged in the insulator body. The electrical property is used to characterize the lamp type. An associated ballast detects the electrical property of the device at an appropriate time, for example, at the start of the lamp or even from time to time or after the replacement of a lamp and concludes from this on the connected lamp type. The ballast then sets the operating parameters of the lamp hand of an internally stored table according to the lamp type. It is alternatively possible to provide an analog evaluation circuit for determining the electrical property, for. As a resistance bridge or various comparators.

The Coding element is mounted between the ballast and the lamp and allows thus the operation of a variety of different lamp types one and the same ballast. The lamp type detection can be done by compo nents of the electronic ballast or optionally also be provided by an external control unit. The electronic ballast or the external control unit then contains a measuring circuit, the the for the lamp type characteristic electrical property value of Measure component can. Furthermore, the electronic ballast or the External control unit at least one memory element in the reference values For this electrical property value and associated lamp operating parameters are stored. By comparing the measured value with the reference value can the electronic ballast or the external control unit the for the set appropriate lamp type appropriate operating parameters and operate the lamp accordingly. With a smaller variety of lamps The resistor can also be detected with an analog circuit. This is especially true if the resistors or other electrical components only a few lamp types should differ and be in their electrical Characteristics or characteristic values differ accordingly strongly.

The in the insulator body accommodated electrical component preferably has only two connections on and is for example as a resistor, capacitor or coil or a series or parallel connection of at least two of these elements educated. The electrical property can be the resistance that Capacity, the inductance, one Resonant frequency, a phase shift, a corner frequency, a Be a voltage, a current, a time delay or the like, that of the at least one component or interconnection such components is determined.

The Coding element is designed as a coding plug.

at rod-shaped Lamps is only at one end of a coding element required. It is possible then to provide a modified lamp socket, for example can be matched to the geometry of the coding, but no longer compatible with the otherwise existing base geometry of the lamp cap is. In this case, the lamp can be mounted with Coding element only in one orientation in the lamp be used. This can in many cases simplify the wiring, because it is through structural measures or pin positions, pin shapes or by the socket shape determines at which end of the lamp the lamp type detection takes place.

Also for others Lamps, for example compact fluorescent lamps, can be advantageous be to make the socket so that they only have a lamp with coding element can hold. With that you can excluded in applications that require a lamp type detection be that a lamp without coding element is used. It also gives first of all greater flexibility in the Design of the coding elements, because the socket side can also be adjusted.

The Coding element can be designed as a flat cylinder or as a disc be such that the lamp or lamp base geometry in the radial direction not changed become. It is in the coding element thus in a certain sense Sense of an extension the gas discharge lamp.

Preferably the coding element forms the number, arrangement and geometry the pins of the gas discharge lamp. His contact pins replace, as seen from the lamp socket, the pins of the gas discharge lamp. It can previously used for Fluorescent lamps provided lamp holders continue to be used.

Becomes the coding element permanently connected to the lamp, can subsequent changes and possible Be confused.

Further Details of advantageous embodiments The invention are the subject of the description, the drawing or of claims. The Description limited to essential aspects of the invention and other conditions. The The drawing discloses further details and is to be consulted. Show it:

1 a lighting system in a schematic representation of a ballast and a gas discharge lamp with coding element;

2 one end of the gas discharge lamp after 1 with a coding element in a first embodiment, in a schematic representation, and

3 to 6 Further embodiments of the coding element, in a schematic representation development.

1 illustrates a lighting device 1 to which an electronic ballast 2 and a gas discharge lamp 3 belong. The gas discharge lamp 3 Here is a fluorescent lamp, for example, a straight (or curved) tube 4 having as a discharge vessel. At their ends are helical electrodes 5 . 6 provided, whose beginning and end by a lamp base 7 . 8th through to pins 19 . 11 . 12 are guided.

For contacting the gas discharge lamp 3 serve versions 13 . 14 , as they are usually intended for fluorescent lamps with two-pin base. These versions 13 . 14 are each via one or more lines 15 . 16 . 17 with the electronic ballast 2 connected.

The electronic ballast 2 is set up for the lamp cold start. It has no means for preheating the electrodes 5 . 6 on. Rather, the electrodes 5 . 6 over the wires 15 . 16 for ignition with a voltage pulse applied, which then the gas discharge between the electrodes 5 . 6 initiates.

In the lamp socket 14 Electrical contacts are provided which the pins 11 . 12 electrically with each other and with the line 15 connect. Suffice a single line to make the connection between the pins 11 . 12 and the ballast 2 ,

At the other end of the gas discharge lamp 3 is between the lamp socket 13 and the gas discharge lamp 3 a coding element 18 arranged, its construction out 2 evident. This illustrates the coding element 18 schematically in the manner of a longitudinal section. The coding element 18 has two pins 19 . 20 on, preferably in diameter and length with the pins 9 . 10 to match. In addition, they are preferably arranged so that the pin 9 and the contact pin 19 aligned with each other. In addition, preferably the pin are aligned 10 and the contact pin 20 , However, in alternative embodiments, the contact pins can alternatively be designed and arranged differently in size and position than the connection pins 9 . 10 ,

The contact pins 19 . 20 are on a Isolierstoffkörper 21 mounted, which is formed in the present embodiment as a housing. It has openings for receiving the connection pins 9 . 10 on, thus in the interior 22 protrude. In the insulating body 21 is at least an electrical contact 23 arranged for contacting the terminal pin 10 serves. Preferably, another electrical contact 24 provided the pin 9 contacted. The two contacts 23 . 24 are through an electrical bridge 25 connected together, causing the electrode 5 bridged and thus no longer preheatable.

The contact 23 is directly with the contact pin 20 connected. This contact pin is used to power the gas discharge lamp 3 , He is over the socket 13 and the line 16 with the ballast 2 connected.

In the coding element 18 is also an electrical component 26 for example in the form of an electrical resistance 27 arranged, one end of which is connected to the contact pin 20 and the other end with the contact pin 19 connected is. The contact pin 19 is over the socket 13 and the line 17 with the electronic ballast 2 connected and serves there only as a signal input.

The resistance of the resistor 27 indicates the type of the connected gas discharge lamp 3 , This is done by a vote between the manufacturer of the ballast 2 and the manufacturer of the gas discharge lamp 3 and / or the coding element 18 ensured. Under certain circumstances, the resistance values used to identify the type of lamp can be those resistance values that have heretofore been found on the electrodes of fluorescent lamps for type indication. Then the resistance of the resistor is correct 27 with the resistance of the electrode 5 match. In conventional fluorescent lamps, however, the filament resistances are often closely adjacent or overlap even within the scope of specimen scattering and measurement accuracy. If this is the case, the coil resistors are not sufficient as the only characteristic for the lamp type identification. The invention helps overcome this deficiency by deliberately choosing the resistance value in the coding element for each type of lamp.

Thus, in one embodiment, the resistance value in the coding element is correct 18 coincide with the coil resistance. Then you can continue to use the already common methods of assignment resistance value lamp type, but if necessary, must use other criteria for exact lamp type determination, because the coil resistance is generally not a unique type identifier.

In another embodiment, the resistance value in the coding element 18 chosen so that the assignment coil resistance lamp type within the measurement accuracy and the relevant lamp types is unique, so that further criteria do not have to be used. In this case, the resistance values can even be chosen so that they are completely different from the coil resistors, so that a confusion is excluded.

The electronic ballast 2 contains a power output stage 28 , which is a driver circuit for the gas discharge lamp 3 forms. The power output stage 28 For example, by an electronic bridge circuit, a half-bridge inverter or the like and optionally other components, such as a current limiting reactor or other current-limiting components or circuits, coupling capacitors and monitoring circuits for monitoring the operation of the gas discharge lamp 3 educated. The power output stage 28 is from a control circuit 29 operated, for example, to the gas discharge lamp 3 discharged current and / or the voltage controlled or regulated, with which the gas discharge lamp is acted upon. In addition, the control circuit 29 differentiate between different operating modes, such as ignition, dimming or normal operation and the power output stage 28 induce the gas discharge lamp 3 to control accordingly.

The control circuit 29 takes on the type of the connected gas discharge lamp 3 Consideration. This is a measuring circuit 30 provided over the wires 16 . 17 to the contact pins 19 . 20 and thus to the component 26 connected. The measuring circuit 30 determines the value of a characteristic electrical property of the device 26 , In the present exemplary embodiment, the measuring circuit measures 30 for example, the resistance value of the electrical resistance 27 , This can be done at initial startup, after lamp replacement, at each lamp start or alternatively also continuously or at certain intervals. For example, the measurement circuit sets 30 one between the lines 16 . 17 falling voltage to the resistor 27 and measures the resulting power. Alternatively, the measuring circuit 30 a current through the resistor 27 send and measure the falling voltage. Also it is possible the resistance 27 for determining a discharge or charging time of a capacitor in the measuring circuit 30 to use. Alternative ways to measure a value of resistance 27 that z. B. from the DE 19640625 A1 are known, can also be applied.

The measuring circuit 30 is with an allocation device 31 connected, which may be formed for example by a microcontroller and memory. The assignment circuit 31 contains several data records, which can be organized in the form of a table, for example. In the simplest case, a resistance value R1 is assigned a data set D1, a resistance value R2, a data set D2, etc. The data set D1, D2, D3 characterizes at least one operating parameter of a specific lamp type assigned to the resistance value R1, R2 or R3. For example, the operating parameter may be the operating current of the respective lamp type. In this case, the resistance value R1 would be assigned a first operating current, which is characterized by the data set D1, the resistance value R2, a second operating current, which is characterized by the data set D2, and so on.

Other parameters that can be stored by the records D1, D2, D3, etc., are ignition voltage, time duration, number or frequency of ignition pulses, maximum number of ignition pulses, operating current, operating frequency of the inverter of the power amplifier 28 , Operating voltage, operating current or operating voltage limits, etc.

The lighting device described so far 1 works as follows: It is assumed that the lighting device 1 to 1 initially not in operation. When it is put into operation, the measuring circuit is first of all 30 activated. This determines the value of the resistor 27 which has the value R1, for example. The assignment circuit then selects 31 the record D1, which is assigned to the resistance R1. This data set D1 is typical or characteristic of the type of the connected gas discharge lamp 3 , The data set D1 is sent to the control circuit 29 passed, which now the operation of the power amplifier 28 the type of gas discharge lamp 3 set up accordingly. This is thus automatically ignited properly and supplied with the correct operating current and the correct operating voltage.

A manual influence or setting on the ballast 2 not necessary. Will the ballast 2 in another configuration, for example together with another gas discharge lamp 3 and according to another coding element 18 used, the ballast turns 2 on it automatically.

The coding element 18 can be designed as an adapter. It is sufficient if it at one end of the gas discharge lamp 3 is provided. Alternatively, it may be at both ends of the gas discharge lamp 3 be provided. The ballast 2 then indicates at least one of the lampholders 13 . 14 a measuring circuit. However, it can also be at both ends of the lamp 3 effective measuring circuits are provided.

As the 3 to 6 show, the component needs 26 not necessarily a resistance. For example, according to 3 a capacitor 32 be provided, which is the contact pins 19 . 20 connects with each other. Otherwise, the previous description applies on the basis of the already introduced reference numerals accordingly.

As 4 shows, instead of the capacitor 32 also a coil 33 Find application. Again, the previous description is based on the same reference numerals accordingly.

In the embodiments according to 3 and 4 measures the measuring circuit 30 the capacitance or the inductance of the capacitor 32 or the coil 33 , The measuring circuit 30 can use any known method for capacity determination or for determining inductance. Instead of direct inductance or capacitance determination, the measuring circuit 30 also in a different way from the capacitor 32 or the coil 33 to be influenced. For example, the measuring circuit in its operation by the capacitance value or the inductance value of the capacitor 32 or the coil 33 in a characteristic way, e.g. B. with respect to a frequency, a phase position, a charging time, a discharge time, etc. are influenced. This influence can in turn be used for lamp type identification.

Another embodiment illustrates 5 , There is instead of a single component 26 an interconnection of components in the form of a parallel resonant circuit consisting of the coil 33 and the capacitor 32 intended. The measuring circuit 30 is here designed to measure the resonant frequency or any other characteristic value of this resonant circuit, for example a phase shift at a given frequency. Otherwise, the previous description again applies accordingly.

6 converts the embodiment 5 from, instead of the parallel resonant circuit, a series resonant circuit is provided, which in turn from the capacitor 32 and de coil 33 consists. The measuring circuit 30 serves to determine any characteristic property of the series resonant circuit.

Especially for the cold start of fluorescent lamps is an electronic ballast 2 provided that with a coding element 18 cooperates. This coding element 18 is between the lamp socket 13 and the fluorescent lamp 3 connected. It can be fixed with the fluorescent lamp 3 be connected or designed as an adapter. It contains a bridge for the electrical connection of the pins 9 . 10 the fluorescent lamp, which low impedance with a contact pin 20 the coding element are connected. An electrical component 26 connects the pins 19 . 20 of the coding component 18 , A measuring circuit 30 of the electronic ballast 2 or a separate controller measures an electrical characteristic, such as the electrical resistance of this device 26 and directs the operation of the ballast 2 accordingly. In this way, a lamp type detection can be made easily and reliably.

1

lighting device

2

ballast

3

Gas discharge lamp

4

pipe

5, 6

electrodes

7, 8th

lamp base

9 10, 11, 12

pins

13 14

versions

15 16, 17

cables

18

Coding element, Coding element as an intermediate connector

19 20

contact pins

21

insulating

22

inner space

23 24

contacts

26

module

27

resistance

28

power output stage

29

control circuit

30

measuring circuit

31

assignment circuit

32

capacitor

33

Kitchen sink

Claims (15)

Coding element ( 18 ) for a low pressure gas discharge lamp ( 2 ), preferably with two-pin connection, with an insulator body ( 21 ), which is adapted to at least one pin ( 10 ) of the gas discharge lamp ( 3 ), with a contact means ( 23 ), which in the insulator body ( 21 ) is arranged and adapted to the pin ( 10 ) of the gas discharge lamp ( 3 ) to contact electrically, with at least two pins ( 19 . 20 ) for connection to a lamp socket, which consists of the insulator body ( 21 ) and of which at least one for the power supply of the gas discharge lamp ( 3 ), and with at least one electrical component ( 26 ) in or on the insulator body ( 21 ) and with both pins ( 19 . 20 ) is connected to its electrical property to be connected ballast ( 2 ) to signal the lamp type, wherein the coding element is designed as an intermediate connector. Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that in the insulator body ( 21 ) an electric bridge ( 25 ) is provided which the pins ( 9 . 10 ) of the gas discharge lamp ( 3 ) electrically short circuits. Coding element as intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact means ( 23 ) directly with one of the contact pins ( 10 ) connected is. Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the component ( 26 ) has only two connections. Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the terminals with one of the contact pins ( 19 ) and the other connector with the other contact pin ( 20 ) connected is. Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the component ( 26 ) an electrical resistance ( 27 ). Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the component ( 26 ) a capacitor ( 32 ). Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the component ( 26 ) a coil ( 33 ). Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two components ( 32 . 33 ) are provided, which are connected together in series. Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two components ( 32 . 33 ) are provided, which are connected in parallel. Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the components ( 32 . 33 ) form a circuit with frequency-dependent impedance. Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulator body ( 21 ) has a disc or cylinder shape and on one side with openings for receiving the pins ( 9 . 10 ) of the gas discharge lamp ( 3 ) and on the opposite side with the contact pins ( 19 . 20 ) is provided. Coding element as an intermediate plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning of the contact pins ( 19 . 20 ) the positioning of the pins ( 9 . 10 ), wherein the contact pins ( 10 . 20 ) preferably to the pins ( 9 . 10 ) are arranged in alignment. Lighting arrangement with at least one gas discharge lamp, which with the coding element as an intermediate plug ( 18 ) according to claim 1, and with at least one ballast ( 2 ), which has at least one electrical property between the contact pins ( 10 . 20 ) and by means of which the operation of the gas discharge lamp ( 3 ) controls. Lighting arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the ballast ( 2 ) has a Vorga device, the operating data (D1, D2, D3) for different types of gas discharge lamps ( 3 ) are given, wherein the operating data electrical characteristics of the components ( 26 ) of different coding elements ( 18 ), and wherein the ballast ( 2 ) a selection device ( 31 ) having the operating data for operating the gas discharge lamp ( 3 ) selected by the electrical characteristic of the device ( 26 ) of the connected coding element ( 18 ) are specified.