DE102008059484A1 - Integrated gas discharge lamp for an ignition transformer and an ignition capacitor comprises integrated ignition electronics designed to generate an asymmetric ignition pulse - Google Patents

Abstract

Integrated gas discharge lamp (5) comprises integrated ignition electronics designed to generate an asymmetric ignition pulse. The voltage ratio between the first lamp electrode close to the base and the second lamp electrode arranged away from the base ranges from 22:1 to 5:4.

Description

Technical area

The The invention is based on an integrated gas discharge lamp the genus of the main claim, with in the socket integrated ignition electronics, which has an ignition transformer, a starting capacitor, and having a controlled switching element.

State of the art

From the US 5 036 256 a circuit arrangement with a symmetrical pulse ignition is known, which is an ignition transformer 20 and a controlled switching element SG has. The secondary winding of the ignition transformer is divided into two, and one half of the secondary winding acts on one electrode of the gas discharge lamp. The symmetrical pulse ignition is very effective, but has the disadvantage that the gas discharge lamp burner should then also be socketed symmetrically, so that flashovers when igniting the lamp can be avoided.

From the DE 198 03 189 A1 is a gas discharge lamp with an integrated ignitor known that realizes a single-ended pulse ignition. The ignition transformer transformer has a secondary winding which acts on an electrode of the gas discharge lamp. This ignition scheme is very often applied to single-ended gas discharge lamps, since the entire ignition voltage is applied to one electrode, and at the other electrode in the ignition torque is applied very little voltage. This electrode is the base remote electrode and is connected via a so-called return conductor with the ignition or operating electronics. This topology has the disadvantage that at the base near electrode, which is also often referred to as 'hot' electrode, the entire ignition voltage is obtained, resulting in higher losses due to capacitive effects and corona discharges.

task

It The object of the invention is to provide an integrated gas discharge lamp, the one integrated in the socket ignition with a Ignition transformer, a firing capacitor and to provide a controlled switching element, the aforementioned Disadvantages avoids.

Presentation of the invention

The Solution of the problem is inventively with an integrated gas discharge lamp with integrated into the socket Ignition electronics, an ignition transformer, a Firing capacitor, and having a controlled switching element, the integrated ignition electronics for generating an asymmetric Ignition pulse is designed, and the voltage ratio between the sockelahen first lamp electrode and the base remote second lamp electrode from 22: 1 to 5: 4 is enough.

The Duration of the first half-cycle of the asymmetrical ignition pulse is preferably in a range between 10 ns and 100 μs, in particular between 40 ns and 1 us. The generatable by the asymmetric ignition pulse Voltage is at the socket near the first lamp electrode while 4 kV-25 kV, which can be generated by the asymmetric ignition pulse Voltage is at the socket remote second lamp electrode while 0.5 kV-8 kV. This represents a safe and reliable Ignition of the gas discharge lamp burner safe.

Of the Ignition transformer has preferably a two-part Secondary winding on, with a first part of the first Lamp electrode associated with, associated with a second part of the second lamp electrode is and for the turns ratio nS1: nS2 following Equation applies: nS2 = 0.04 ... 0.8 · nS1. This provides a balance Relationship between the voltage at the first socket close Lamp electrode and the second sockelfernen lamp electrode safe. The ignition transformer has preferably 1-4 Primary turns on and 40-380 secondary turns. With these numbers of turns, a gas discharge lamp burner can be safe and be reliably ignited.

The Ignition electronics has in a preferred embodiment a threshold switch whose switching voltage is between 350 V and 1300 V is located. Furthermore, the ignition electronics in the preferred embodiment, two inductors on, each between a lamp electrode and a high-voltage side Secondary connection of the ignition transformer switched and a torch capacitor between the two lamp electrodes is switched, wherein the burner capacitor has a capacity less than 22 pF, and preferably a capacity between 3 pF and 15 pF. These measures provide sure that high-frequency interference, the breakthrough Discharge arc of gas discharge lamp burner of integrated Gas discharge lamp arise, if possible at the place of their formation be damped and so no more danger to the represent upstream electronics.

If the ignition electronics has a return capacitor, which is connected between the low-voltage side secondary terminals of the ignition transformer, and has a capacity of 68 pF to 22 nF, then any filtered until the input of the ignition circuit reaching disturbances. In a preferred embodiment, the ignition electronics can have a return conductor throttle, which forms a low-pass filter together with the return capacitor. This further enhances the filtering effect and filters out high frequency noise from the gas discharge lamp burner.

If the ignition electronics has a current-compensated choke, which is connected in the input of the ignition electronics, so becomes the electromagnetic compatibility of the circuit further improved. To filter out high voltage peaks, points the ignition electronics preferably a TVS diode on between the input terminals of the ignition electronics switched is.

Around Ensure that the return line is not touched can be when a voltage is applied to it, the gas discharge lamp prefers a pedestal on when inserted into a reflector at the same time with the mechanical fixation at the same time the electrical Contacting accomplished.

Further advantageous developments and refinements of the invention integrated gas discharge lamp result from further dependent Claims and from the following description.

Short description of the drawing (s)

Further Advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings in which the same or the same function Elements are provided with identical reference numerals. Showing:

1 a sectional view of an integrated gas discharge lamp according to the invention in a first embodiment,

2 an exploded view of the mechanical components of the integrated gas discharge lamp in the first embodiment,

3 a sectional view of an integrated gas discharge lamp according to the invention in a second embodiment,

4 a perspective view of an integrated gas discharge lamp according to the invention in a second embodiment,

5 a view of the interface headlight / gas discharge lamp,

6 a detailed view of the electrical contact,

7 a detailed view of the mechanical contact,

8th a sectional view of a third embodiment of the integrated gas discharge lamp,

9 a perspective view of an integrated gas discharge lamp according to the invention in a fourth embodiment,

10 a perspective view of an ignition transformer of the integrated gas discharge lamp,

11 a perspective view of the upper part of the ignition transformer,

12 a perspective view of the lower part of the ignition transformer,

13 a perspective view of the lower part of the ignition transformer with visible secondary winding,

14 an exploded view of the ignition transformer in a second round embodiment,

15 a sectional view of the ignition transformer in a second round embodiment,

16 an exploded view of the ignition transformer in a third round embodiment with two-winding primary winding,

17 a sectional view of the ignition transformer in a third round embodiment with two-winding primary winding,

18a a schematic diagram of a single-ended pulse ignition according to the prior art,

18b a schematic diagram of a symmetrical Impulsekündgerätes according to the prior art,

19 a schematic diagram of an asymmetric Impulszündgerätes,

20 a schematic diagram of an extended circuit of the integrated gas discharge lamp,

21 a sectional view of the gas discharge lamp burner of the integrated gas discharge lamp with the base construction,

22 a diagram of the operating frequency of the gas discharge lamp burner over its burning time,

23 a circuit topology for a straightened discharge arc operation in a first embodiment;

24 a circuit topology for a straightened discharge arc operation in a second embodiment,

25 a circuit topology for a straightened discharge arc operation in a third embodiment,

26 a circuit topology for a simplified operation of a DC-DC converter,

27 a graph showing the functional relationship between the normalized nominal burn power and the cumulative weighted burn time of the gas discharge lamp burner,

28 a graphical representation of the weight function γ,

29 a graphic representation of the function α,

30 a graphical representation of the normalized nominal luminous flux as a function of the normalized cumulative burning time of the gas discharge lamp burner.

Preferred embodiment the invention

Mechanical integration

1 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , A lamp burner 50 is from a metal clip 52 held on 4 retaining plates 53 is appropriate. The retaining plates 53 are in a lamp base 70 poured or injected. The lamp base 70 is preferably made of plastic, and is produced via an injection molding process or via a casting process. To improve the electrical shielding, the plastic of the lamp base can 70 be electrically conductive or metallized. Particularly advantageous is a metallization of the lamp cap on the outside, consequently on that of the ignition and operating electronics 910 . 920 opposite side. In addition to a metallization and the encapsulation of metallic conductors or Metalli rule braid is possible, so that in the wall of the lamp cap 70 located electrically conductive skin arises. If no conductive or metallized plastic is used, then the plastic base with an electrically conductive housing 72 made of a conductive material such. B. metal enclosed. The metal can z. As a corrosion-protected sheet iron or even a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum, magnesium or brass. At the burner end of the electrically conductive housing 72 sits a sealing ring 71 , in and again referred to as O-ring, which accomplishes a seal towards the reflector. By this measure, a dense headlight system can be constructed without having to install the lamp completely in a sealed headlight. Due to the fact that the lamp is located on the outside of the headlight, the cooling of an ignition and operating electronics located in the base 910 . 920 significantly better and easier than with a conventional construction, where the gas discharge lamp 5 is installed in a dense headlight, where only a slight cooling convection can take place. The approximately stationary air within the described, dense headlamp causes a so-called heat accumulation, which leads to significantly higher temperatures of the operating electronics, as in the proposed embodiment, in which the lamp is on the side facing away from the light exit surface side into the open, for example in the engine compartment ,

The base 70 will be on the lamp burner 50 opposite side of a base plate 74 completed. The base plate 74 preferably consists of a thermally and electrically good conductive material such. As aluminum or magnesium. To make a mechanical connection with the socket 70 and an electrical connection to the electrically conductive housing 72 manufacture, this points to the lamp burner 50 opposite side several tabs 722 on when assembling the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 on the base plate 74 be crimped, and so make the necessary connections. Among other things, this type of connection technology become lamp burners 50 , Ignition electronics 910 and operating electronics 920 inseparable from each other. This has the advantage for the motor vehicle manufacturer that the entire integrated gas discharge lamp 5 The lower complexity leads to reduced costs and a likelihood of confusion between components with the same function but different design, such as different product versions, is eliminated. For the end customer, such as the vehicle owner, this results in the advantage that the reduced complexity significantly simplifies and speeds up the replacement of a defective integrated gas discharge lamp over the prior art, facilitates troubleshooting and less knowledge and skills required to perform a lamp replacement. Of the Loss of cables and connectors between components also reduces costs, increases reliability and reduces weight.

The base plate is preferably made of die-cast aluminum or die-cast magnesium. This is an inexpensive as well as mechanically and electrically high-quality variant. An electrically good conductive connection between the at least superficially electrically conductive lamp base 70 or the electrically conductive housing 72 and also electrically conductive base plate 74 is particularly required for good electromagnetic shielding. This shield prevents the interference of adjacent electrical or electronic assemblies. In addition, the shield ensures that the modules have no negative impact on the function of the ignition and operating electronics 910 . 920 to have. Between the base plate 74 and the pedestal 70 is a sealing ring 73 arranged, providing a water and airtight connection between the base 70 and the base plate 74 guaranteed.

In an alternative embodiment, the base is 70 as well as the base plate 74 designed such that both parts are latched into one another and in latching position at the same time one or more points of contact between the electrically conductive housing 72 and the base plate 74 exist to generate a good connection for the electrical shielding. Again, between the base and base plate, a sealing ring is arranged, the tightness of the base on the gas discharge lamp burner 50 guaranteed side away.

Inside the pedestal 70 Two levels are provided, which accommodate the ignition and operating electronics. A first smaller level, the lamp burner 50 is closest, takes the ignition electronics 910 with the ignition transformer 80 on. On the design of the ignition transformer 80 will be discussed later. A second larger level takes the for the operation of the discharge lamp burner 50 necessary operating electronics 920 on. The ignition and the operating electronics can be located on any suitable type of circuit board, also called circuit board. Conventional PCBs, metal-core PCBs, LTCC technology PCBs, thick-layered, oxidized or coated metal plates, MID or MID hot-stamping PCBs, or any other suitable technology for producing temperature-resistant printed circuit boards are possible. The electronic components and components that make up the ignition and operating electronics can each be located on the top and bottom as well as inside the two printed circuit boards. In the 1 are for convenience except the transformer 80 no further electronic components or components, shown on the circuit board. If the circuit board for the ignition electronics 910 and the circuit board for the operating electronics 920 Made of the same material, they can be advantageously manufactured on the same benefit. In this case, bridges can be fitted between the boards, which when separating and placing in the lamp base 70 serve as electrical connections between the boards. As bridges, for example, single wires, ribbon cables or rigid-flexible circuit boards can be used. The electrical connection of the two printed circuit boards is designed so that it survives a change in distance between the two circuit boards of the ignition and operating electronics by thermal expansion, in particular by a thermal cycle stress, unscathed. For this purpose, for example, the wires are to be provided with sufficient length and appropriate installation within the housing. Alternatively, for example, one or more male and female headers may be used which are sized and arranged to permit thermal expansion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gas discharge lamp burner of the two circuit boards and still provide electrical connection in all cases. For this purpose, for example, the pins of the pin header are arranged perpendicular to the respective circuit board surface and the insertion length of the sockets dimensioned so that they provide more path for the pins available, as they require due to the thermal expansion within the sockets.

The circuit board for the ignition electronics 910 has on the side facing the operating electronics on an electrically conductive shielding surface to keep disturbances that come about by the high voltage in the ignition electronics, as far as possible to keep away from the operating electronics. In the case of a metallic or metal core board, this surface is inherently present, in the case of other board materials, preferably a copper surface or the like is applied to this side. If a metal core board is used, so can the ignition transformer with this 80 be cooled due to the proximity to the gas discharge lamp burner 50 is exposed to a particularly high thermal load. An electrically conductive shielding surface between the ignition electronics 910 and the operating electronics 920 Alternatively, it can be done by a metallic sheet, which is introduced between the two circuit boards and advantageously electrically conductive with the electrically conductive housing 72 connected is. Should this shielding also for cooling the ignition transformer 80 serve, it is advantageous if the metallic sheet also has a good thermal connection, for example by a heat conducting foil or thermal paste to the electrically conductive housing 72 having.

The printed circuit board for the operating electronics 920 is between the pedestal 70 and the base plate 74 trapped. The printed circuit board for the operating electronics 920 has on its circumference in each case on the top and bottom of a circumferential ground trace, so-called ground rings, which are electrically conductively connected to each other due to vias. These vias are commonly referred to as vias, and are electrical contacts that pass through the circuit board. These mass rings set by the entrapment between the pedestal 70 and the base plate 74 an electrical contact to the base plate 74 ago, whereby the ground connection of the operating electronics 920 to the electrically conductive housing 72 over the flanged tabs 722 is guaranteed.

2 shows an exploded view of the mechanical components of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 in the first embodiment. Here the pedestal is square, but in principle it can also have many other suitable shapes. Particularly favorable further embodiments would be round, hexagonal, octagonal or rectangular. In order to determine the outer contour of the embodiment, a cut is made in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 performed by the electronics housing housing part, and the resulting outer contour considered, with roundings on the edges of the housing are negligible. In the case of in 1 and 2 shown first embodiment, depending on whether the selected interface is closer to the ignition electronics 910 or closer to the operating electronics 920 located, two squares. The first embodiment is therefore a quadratic embodiment. The first resulting outer contour near the ignition electronics 910 is smaller than the second, which is essentially due to the fact that the circuit board of the ignition electronics 920 has smaller dimensions than that of the operating electronics 910 , However, this need not necessarily be the case and an embodiment in the two outer contours have the same size and consequently there is only a single outer contour is possible. Also, the two geometries of the outer contours need not be identical in the different areas. In particular, in the field of ignition electronics small, round and larger in the field of operating electronics, hexagonal outer contour appears as a particularly advantageous embodiment.

The board for the operating electronics 920 is, as already stated above, between the base 70 and the base plate 74 trapped. The sealing ring 73 comes like the PCB for the operating electronics 920 between the pedestal 70 and the base plate 74 to lie, and is outside the PCB for the operating electronics 920 arranged.

3 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the ignition electronics 910 and the operating electronics 920 in a common plane on a printed circuit board as a total operating electronics 930 arranged. By this measure, the base of the gas discharge lamp according to the invention 5 flat fail, whereby a headlamp these gas discharge lamp 5 also uses less depth shows. The ignition transformer 80 sits in the middle under the gas discharge lamp burner 50 , This is the center of the ignition transformer 80 preferably in the longitudinal axis of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 , The power supply for the near-base gas discharge lamp burner electrode protrudes into the central part of the ignition transformer. The ignition transformer is not mounted on the circuit board, but sits with his gas discharge lamp burner remote end at about the same height as the gas discharge lamp burner side facing away from the circuit board. The circuit board of the total operating electronics 930 is omitted at this point, so that the ignition transformer 80 into the circuit board of the overall operating electronics 930 is used. To improve the electromagnetic compatibility, the housing, for example, by webs of aluminum sheet or mu-metal, be provided with walls and chambers and thereby carried an electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic shielding of different circuit parts against each other and against the environment. The shielding can also be achieved by other measures, in particular the formation of cavities in the base plate 74 as well as in the lamp base 70 within the scope of the injection molding process easily feasible.

The remaining cavities within the housing of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , in particular to the ignition transformer 80 and on both sides of the total operating electronics 930 , are filled with potting compound. This has several advantages, such as electrical flashovers, in particular by the high voltage generated by the ignition transformer safely prevented, ensuring a good cooling of the electronics, as well as a mechanically very robust unit created that very well withstand environmental influences such as moisture and high accelerations. However, in particular for reducing the weight, only a partial casting, for example in the region of the ignition transformer 80 , will be realized.

8th shows a third embodiment of the integrated gas discharge lamp according to the invention 5 , The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the base plate 74 provided with cooling fins on its outside. It is also conceivable that even the lamp base 70 and the electrically conductive housing 72 each be provided with cooling fins. In addition, the function of the circuit board of the operating electronics 920 also met by the base plate, as this has on its inside electrically non-conductive areas, such as areas of anodized aluminum, which are provided with conductive structures, such as printed conductors in thick-film technology, and electrically conductive with the components of the overall operating electronics, for example by soldering, are connected. By this measure, the operating electronics 920 cooled particularly well, as it is applied directly to a heat sink. The cooling fins are preferably designed such that a natural convection in the installed position of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 is favored. Should the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 can be operated in different mounting positions, the cooling surface can also be configured accordingly and z. B. from round, hexagonal, square or rectangular fingers, so that a natural convection can take place in several directions in space. The ignition electronics 910 As with the first embodiment, it fits on an overlying printed circuit board, and is compatible with the operating electronics 920 electrically connected by suitable measures. This can be accomplished by spring contacts or plug contacts, but also by running in the base tracks or on the inside of the base printed conductors, with the ignition electronics 910 and the operating electronics 920 get connected.

9 shows a fourth embodiment of the integrated gas discharge lamp according to the invention 5 , The fourth embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, therefore, only the differences from the second embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the base plate 74 realized by a on the inside, and thus, as in the previous embodiment also on one side, stocked metal core board. The base plate 74 is, however, how on the 4 It is easy to see, no longer a plate but a base cup with raised side walls. Hereinafter, the base plate is therefore referred to for clarity as a socket cup. The base cup may also consist of a thermally highly conductive material. Particularly suitable are metal alloys that are good, z. B. by deep drawing, can be reshaped. Also suitable is a thermally well conductive plastic that can be brought into shape by injection molding. The base 70 with the reference ring 702 and the reference knobs 703 consists in this embodiment essentially of a hexagonal plate on which the burner is fixed relative to the reference ring. The base cup houses the total operating electronics 930 , which fits on its own circuit board or on the inner bottom of the base cup. At the power supply lines 56 . 57 of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 Plug contacts are attached when assembling the base cup and the socket 70 engage in corresponding mating contacts of the base cup and establish a reliable contact.

Are the base cup and the pedestal 70 made of metal, so the two parts can be connected by crimping like a coffee can or tin can. But you can also, as in the 9 shown, only a plurality of flaps of the base cup are crimped onto the base to produce a mechanically and electrically good connection. For the preparation of the compound but also the known soldering and welding methods can be used.

Are the base cup and the pedestal 70 made of plastic, so the connection can preferably be made by ultrasonic welding. This results in a reliable and firm connection, which in the case of a conductive plastic also leads to a conductive connection. But the connection can also be done by appropriate locking, this is then the base cup or the base 70 provide corresponding locking lugs or depressions.

The following is the diameter (DIA) and the height (HIG) of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 are defined largely independently of the geometry, in order to be able to make a simpler description in the following. Below the height (HIG) of the integrated gas discharge lamp, the maximum distance of the reference plane, which will be discussed in more detail below, to the burner facing away outside of the base plate ( 74 ) Understood. The diameter (DIA) is understood to be the longest distance within the integrated gas discharge lamp, the plug lying within any plane, this plane running parallel to the reference plane.

As in 4 is clearly visible, the lamp base of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 according to the second and fourth embodiments, a hexagonal shape, which brings several advantages. On the one hand is the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 so good to use them at their destination. On the other hand, the Benefits of the printed circuit board of the integrated overall operating electronics 930 be designed so that only a small waste occurs and so a good cost efficiency is possible. Due to the flat design of the base, a very short-built headlights can be designed, which is particularly advantageous in modern motor vehicles. The point-symmetrical hexagonal shape enjoys all the advantages of a round shape, but without having its disadvantages.

As in 3 and 4 shown protrude on one side of the base 70 the lamp contacts 210 . 220 radially to the longitudinal axis of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 out of the socket. They serve to make electrical contact with the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 with a headlight. These contacts are used in the manufacture of the lamp cap 70 encapsulated in a plastic injection molding process. This has the advantage that no particular plug system is required, but nevertheless the water and airtight enclosure, as has already been described above, can be guaranteed.

Spotlight interface

The interaction between integrated gas discharge lamp 5 and headlights 3 is in 5 shown. The gas discharge lamp 5 in the second embodiment has a special electrical interface through which it is supplied with electrical power. The electrical interface is designed such that when inserting the gas discharge lamp 5 in a spotlight 3 not just mechanically with the headlight 3 is connected, but also at the same time electrically. A similarly constructed interface is also used in modern halogen incandescent lamps for automobile headlights and z. B. from the company. Osram under the name "Snap Lite" distributed. Will the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 Thus, when used in a reflector or headlight, so are all required for proper operation mechanical and electrical contacts with their headlights in the process of insertion 3 existing corresponding mating contacts connected. The base 70 indicates at its interface to the headlight 3 from a reference ring 702 emergent pimples 703 which define a reference plane. A detail is in 7 shown. These three pimples are located at the onset of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 on the corresponding counterpart of the headlamp 3 at. The electrodes or the discharge arc of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 be in the manufacturing process of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 adjusted relative to the reference plane. As a result, the arc of the integrated gas discharge lamp decreases 5 In the reflector when they are inserted into the headlight a defined position, which allows a precise optical image. The insertion into the headlight takes place in the second embodiment 3 & 4 by passing the tabs laterally projecting from the reference ring 704 through the reflector base of a reflector 33 of the headlight 3 , Thereafter, a rotation of the integrated gas discharge lamp takes place 5 relative to the reflector 33 , whereupon the pimples 703 at the base side of the tabs 704 are attached, pull the integrated gas discharge lamp inwards and engage at the end of the rotation in designated reference surfaces on the reflector base. The sealing ring 71 It is pressed together and keeps the system in tension so that the pimples 703 be pressed against the reference surfaces located in the reflector base. This is the location of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 and thus the discharge arc of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 opposite the reflector 33 precisely adjusted and fixed. The high repeat accuracy of the mechanical positioning of typically better than 0.1 mm in all three spatial directions of the described headlight interface allows the realization of an optically excellent headlamp system. Such a headlamp system can be found in particular in a motor vehicle application, after it is characterized in the corresponding embodiment by a pronounced and well-defined cut-off.

A suitable headlight 3 has for this purpose a light-guiding means in the form of a reflector 33 , a receptacle for the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , and a carrier part 35 on, wherein on the support member with a mating contacts for the electrical contacts 210 . 220 . 230 . 240 the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 provided connecting element is arranged. The electrical contacts 210 . 220 . 230 . 240 the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 project radially to the longitudinal axis of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 from the lamp base 70 out. They serve to supply the overall operating electronics 930 with electrical energy. After mounting the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 in the headlamp by an assembly process, which is essentially based on a plug movement followed by a right-handed rotation, are their contacts 210 . 220 . 230 . 240 in the slots 351 . 352 of the connection element 35 arranged as in the detail drawing in 6 you can see. At these slots 351 . 352 These are the slots for the electrical mating contacts 350 to the contacts 210 . 220 . 230 . 240 the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , This eliminates the provided with connecting cables plug for contacting the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 in the headlamp according to the prior art. In particular, the electrical contacts of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 when inserting in the headlight immediately with their Gegenkon overclock 350 of the connection element on the carrier part 35 contacted. As a result, the mechanical load on the electrical connections is reduced by freely oscillating cables. Furthermore, the number of required connection cables per headlamp is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of confusion during manufacture. In addition, this measure also allows a higher degree of automation in the production of the headlamp, since fewer cables must be assembled by hand. Instead of supplying all the light sources in the headlight by means of a plugged onto the lamp base and a connection cable plug with energy, it is sufficient in the inventive headlight to connect existing electrical supply contacts of the headlamp to the electrical system voltage to the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 to provide energy. The supply of existing lamps in the headlamps through the supply contacts of the headlamp is given by a fixed wiring in the headlamp. This will cause the wiring of the headlight 3 or the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 considerably simplified.

Another variant of the mechanical adjustment shows the first embodiment of the lamp in the 1 & 2 , Here are the pimples 703 at the gas discharge lamp burner 50 facing side of the reference ring 702 arranged. In this variant, the nubs come 703 to lie on corresponding mating surfaces on the back of the reflector, thereby the position of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 opposite the reflector 33 define. The integrated gas discharge lamp 5 is doing from the back to the reference surfaces of the reflector 33 pressed. This variant has the disadvantage that the position between the optically effective reflector inside and the reference surfaces on the back of the reflector must be tolerated very accurately in order to achieve a precise optical imaging.

The system of the headlight interface of the second embodiment is also suitable for realizing further simplified wiring in modern bus systems. So has the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 next to the two electrical contacts 210 . 220 further contacts 230 . 240 , via which a communication with the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle takes place. The connection element 35 has two slots 351 . 352 with accordingly 2 mating contacts. In a further embodiment, not shown, only three electrical contacts on the lamp are present, two are essentially used to supply the electrical lamp power, and a logic input, also referred to as a remote enable pin, with the help of the lamp by the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle can be switched on and off almost without power.

This "Snap Lite" interface has in addition to the advantage that a swap of electrical connections is excluded yet another advantage: the fact that the lamp is only supplied with power when it is in its intended place in the headlight, the can Base facing away from the power supply 57 of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 only be touched when the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 safely out of service. The safety in dealing with such a high-pressure discharge lamp is thereby increased drastically. By the simple installation of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 in the spotlight 3 the end customer is enabled to replace such a lamp. This is the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 less expensive for the end customer, since no workshop needs to be visited to change the lamp.

By inserting the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 in the reflector 33 In addition, the ground connection of the lamp is realized with the spotlight housing. This can be done, for example, by the reflector 33 fixed and connected to the ground potential of the vehicle spring strip be realized. When inserting the lamp into the headlamp, the spring strips touch the electrically conductive housing surface of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 and establish an electrical connection between the vehicle ground and the internal ground of the integrated gas discharge lamp. This contact can, for example, on the side wall or on the front side of the housing 72 respectively. In the present case, the ground connection by means of the sealing ring 71 which is conductive. If the housing surface is not or not completely electrically conductive, the contacting of the spring strip on a contact surface on the housing surface of the integrated gas discharge lamp. This contact surface or these contact surfaces have an electrically conductive connection to the internal ground or the ground shield of the integrated gas discharge lamp.

ignition transformer

The following is the construction of the ignition transformer 80 the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 explained. 10 shows a perspective view of the ignition transformer 80 in a first embodiment, in which the ignition transformer 80 has a square flat shape. However, other embodiments are conceivable in which the ignition transformer 80 a round, hexagonal, octagonal or any other suitable shape. Other embodiments will continue un described. In this case, the shape is understood to be the shape of the base area of the essentially prismatic outer dimensions of the ignition transformer, the curves at the body edges being neglected. In the particularly advantageous embodiment shown here, the prism has a small height, in particular a height which is smaller than 1/3 of the diagonal or the diameter of the base surface forming geometry.

The ignition transformer 80 has a ferrite core 81 on, which consists of a first ferrite core half 811 and an identical second ferrite core half 812 is composed. The ignition transformer 80 has several outwardly facing tabs on the sides 868 . 869 on, the mechanical fastening of the ignition transformer 80 serve.

11 shows a perspective view of the upper part of the ignition transformer, in which the primary winding and the second ferrite core half 812 are not visible. The first ferrite core half 811 is from a square sidewall 8112 constructed, from the center to the inside half a hollow cylinder 8110 protrudes. The inside of the square side wall 8112 has elongated recesses extending from outside to inside 81121 on the side facing the winding. Through these depressions, a impregnating lacquer or a potting compound, in the or the ignition transformer 80 is introduced after completion to the high voltage insulation, from outside to inside the ignition transformer 80 penetrate all turns of the ignition transformer 80 evenly moisten.

At the outer edge between the two ferrite core halves 811 . 812 sits a primary winding 86 , which consists of a formed from sheet metal stamped and bent part. The sheet is preferably made of a ferrous metal such as copper, bronze or brass. The sheet is preferably elastically deformable and resilient. The primary winding 86 is essentially a long band that runs out between both ferrite core halves 811 and 812 runs. The primary winding 86 goes in a first variant with only one turn over 3 corners of the ignition transformer 80 , the fourth corner is open. The sheet metal strip of the primary winding 86 Thus, a three-quarter turn is wrapped around the outer contour of the ignition transformer and ends each one piece before the fourth corner. The sheet metal strip of the primary winding 86 has the tabs already mentioned above 866 . 867 . 868 and 869 on, which are mounted in the lateral direction of the sheet metal strip. The four tabs are used for mechanical fastening of the ignition transformer 80 , you can z. B. on a circuit board of the ignition electronics 910 be soldered as a flat SMD tab or solder tag. But the tabs can also have a further 90 ° bend, the tabs then through the board of the ignition electronics 910 be plugged through, twisted or soldered on the other side, as in 12 is shown. The two ends of the sheet metal strip of the primary winding 86 are bent outwards with a radius of about 180 °, so that the ends point away from the fourth corner. In 12 the two ends are bent by about 90 ° to the outside and the radii with 8620 respectively 8640 characterized. At the outer end of the sheet metal strip is ever a laterally projecting tab 862 . 864 attached, which serves the electrical contact. In 12 is an alternative embodiment of the two tabs 862 . 864 shown. Due to the soft connection by means of the 180 ° radius of the two radii 8620 respectively 8640 Tensions in the connection between the primary winding and the circuit board, which can arise as a result of temperature fluctuations, are absorbed. The tabs are preferably like an SMD component on the board of the ignition electronics 910 soldered. By the above-described 180 ° bending of the sheet metal strip, the solder joint is not burdened with the described mechanical stresses, and the risk of breakage and fatigue of the solder joint is greatly reduced. The alternative embodiment of the tabs 862 . 864 has another 270 ° radius in the tab itself which further reduces the mechanical stresses in the assembled state.

In the middle of the hollow cylindrical inner part of the ferrite core is a contact body 85 introduced, the electrical contact between the gas discharge lamp burner 50 and the inner end of the secondary winding 87 (not shown). The contact body 85 consists of a bent sheet metal part, which with the socket near power supply 56 of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 connected is. The contact body 85 has at its burner remote end on two roof surfaces for contacting the high-pressure discharge lamp electrode. Preferably, the contact body 85 on two opposite sides of the burner remote end two roof surfaces 851 and 852 on, the saddle roof shaped inclined towards each other, and at the ends, where the two roof surfaces touch so formed that a power supply wire 56 of high pressure gas discharge lamp burner 50 centered is clamped. These are the two roof areas 851 and 852 at the ends, where the two roof surfaces 851 . 852 touch, provided with a V-shaped contour. However, the contour can also be worked round or in some other suitable way. For mounting the power supply wire 56 through the contact body 85 inserted through, cut to a predetermined supernatant, and then preferably by means of laser with the contact body 85 welded.

12 shows a perspective view of the lower part of the ignition transformer. The figure shows, inter alia, the second ferrite core half 812 , which are identical to the first ferrite core half 811 is shaped. It too is made of a square sidewall 8122 constructed, from the center to the inside half a hollow cylinder 8120 protrudes. The inside of the square side wall 8122 has elongated recesses extending from outside to inside 81221 on. In the figure, the burner near side of the contact body 85 , with its hexagonal open shape, and the passing power supply wire 56 visible, noticeable. If the two halves are assembled, a hollow cylinder is formed inside, into which the contact body is inserted. The ferrite core 81 has the shape of a tape or film spool after assembly, except that the outer contour is not round, but square with rounded corners.

At the first corner, the ignition transformer has a first return ferrite 814 on. The second and third corner are also with a second conclusion ferrite 815 and third regression ferrite 816 Mistake. The three inference returns are from the primary winding 86 held. For this purpose, the metal strip of the primary winding 86 at the three corners cylindrical, inwardly pointing curves 861 . 863 and 865 into which the inference returns 814 - 816 are trapped. Due to the elastically deformable material, the three return ferrites remain 814 - 816 safely in place during production. The return ferrites provide the magnetic return of the ignition transformer 80 by which the magnetic field lines are held in the magnetic material, and thus can not cause disturbances outside of the ignition transformer. This also significantly increases the efficiency of the ignition transformer, in particular the height of the achievable ignition voltage.

13 shows a perspective view of the lower part of the ignition transformer 80 with visible secondary winding 87 as in the second ferrite core half 812 of the ignition transformer 80 is inserted. The secondary winding consists of an insulated metal strip which is wound onto the film coil-shaped ferrite core like a film having a predetermined number of turns, the high voltage leading end being inside, passing through the center core of the coil core ferrite core, and electrically conductive with the contact body 85 is connected. The insulation can be applied on all sides to the metal strip, but it can also consist of an insulating film which is wound together with the metal strip. The insulating film is preferably wider than the metal strip in order to ensure a sufficient isolation distance. The metal foil is wound with the insulating film so that it comes to rest in the middle of the insulating film. This results in the winding body, a spiral gap, which is filled after impregnation or casting with the impregnating lacquer or the potting compound and so an excellent insulation of the secondary winding 87 causes.

The secondary winding 87 is at its inner high-voltage end 871 with the contact body 85 connected. The outer low-voltage-carrying end 872 the secondary winding 87 is with the primary winding 86 connected. The connections can be made by soldering, welding or other suitable connection method. In the present embodiment, the joints are laser welded. For this purpose, two welding points are preferably applied per end, which connect the two parts safely and electrically conductive together. The inner end 871 the secondary winding 87 goes through the two hollow cylinder halves 8110 . 8120 of the ferrite core 81 through, and is clamped by them. The outer end 872 the secondary winding 87 is doing so with the end of the primary winding 86 connected, that the winding sense of the secondary winding 87 the winding sense of the primary winding 86 directed against. Depending on the requirement, the outer end of the secondary winding 87 but also with the other end of the primary winding 86 be connected so that the winding sense of the primary and the secondary winding is the same.

The following is the diameter and height of the ignition transformer 80 which in the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 are defined largely independently of its geometry and based on the dimensions of the ferrite core, in order to be able to provide a simpler description in the following. The height of the ignition transformer is understood to mean the distance between the two outer surfaces of the two side walls which are remote from the winding, which corresponds approximately to the sum of twice the thickness of a side wall and the width of the winding. Below the diameter of the ignition transformer 80 is understood below, regardless of the shape of the side walls, the longest distance within one of the two side walls, wherein the Stecke lies within any plane, said plane being parallel to the outer surface of the respective side wall.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the ferrite core of the ignition transformer has a height of 8 mm and a diameter of 26 mm. The side walls with a diameter of 26 mm and a thickness of 2 mm and the center core have a diameter of 11.5 mm at a height of 6 mm. The secondary winding consists of a Kapton film with 55 microns thickness was applied to a 35 micron thick copper layer. In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, the secondary winding is wound from two separate, superposed foils, wherein a 55 micron thick copper foil and a 35 micron thick Kapton foil is used.

14 shows an exploded view of the ignition transformer 80 in a second embodiment. Since the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment of the ignition transformer 80 In the following, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. The ignition transformer 80 in the second embodiment has a round shape, similar to a film spool. Due to the round shape accounts for the Rückschlussferrite 814 - 816 , and the primary winding 86 has a simpler form. The laterally extending tabs for the mechanical attachment of the transformer are here designed as SMD tabs, which have a 270 ° bend to protect the solder joints from excessive mechanical stresses. The two tabs 862 . 864 for electrical contacting are carried out in the same way and radially on the circumference of the ignition transformer 80 arranged. The ferrite core 82 The second embodiment is designed in three parts, it has a hollow cylindrical center core 821 on, at its two ends of round plates 822 is completed. The round plates 822 come centric on the hollow cylinder 821 to lie, thus resulting in the above-described film coil form. The hollow cylinder has a slot 823 on (not visible in the figure) to the inner end of the secondary winding 87 to be able to pass into the interior of the hollow cylinder.

15 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the ignition transformer 80 , Here is the structure of the ferrite core 81 good to understand. In this view is also the slot 823 to be recognized by the inner end of the secondary winding 87 is passed.

16 shows an exploded view of the ignition transformer in a third round embodiment with two-winding primary winding. Since the third embodiment is very similar to the second embodiment of the ignition transformer 80 In the following, only the differences from the second embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the ignition transformer 80 a primary winding with two turns on. The metal strip of the primary winding 86 So it's just about twice around the ignition transformer. At the two ends are in turn tabs for making electrical contact with the ignition transformer 80 attached, which are designed as an SMD variant. The tabs for mechanical fastening of the ignition transformer 80 are missing in this embodiment, the ignition transformer 80 must therefore be otherwise mechanically fixed. This can be done, for example, by pinching the ignition transformer 80 be done, as in 3 is indicated. The Zündtrans transformer 80 is here between the pedestal 70 and the base plate 74 clamped. The base plate 74 for this purpose has a base plate dome 741 on, an increase on the base plate, which is the ignition transformer 80 clamped in the installed state. The advantage of this design is the good heat dissipation of the ignition transformer 80 , This can get very hot during operation as it is very close to the gas discharge lamp burner 50 the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 sitting. Due to the thermally well conductive base plate 74 Can be a part of the heat coming from the gas discharge lamp burner 50 in the ignition transformer 80 is introduced, be discharged again and the ignition transformer 80 be effectively cooled.

17 shows a sectional view of the ignition transformer 80 in a third round embodiment with zweiwindiger primary winding. This sectional view again shows very well the core structure of the ferrite core 82 , The ferrite core 82 is constructed as in the second embodiment of three parts, from a central core 824 and two plates 825 . 826 , The center core 824 is also hollow cylindrical and has a paragraph at one end 827 on, in a round cutout of the first plate 825 engages and this on the center core 824 fixed. A second plate 826 also has a round cutout, the inner radius of the outer radius of the center core 824 equivalent. This plate is attached after mounting the secondary and the primary winding on the center core and thereby fixed. The plate is plugged in until it comes to rest on the secondary winding to ensure the best possible magnetic flux in the ignition transformer 80 to reach.

Asymmetrical ignition pulse

The following is the operation of the ignitor of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 explained.

18a shows the schematic diagram of a single-ended Impulszündgerätes according to the prior art. In the case of the asymmetrical ignitor, the ignition transformer T _{IP is} in one of the supply lines of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 , which is shown here as an equivalent circuit, switched. This results in a firing pulse which produces voltage only in one 'direction' from the ground reference potential, which is usually connected to the other supply line of the gas discharge lamp torch; So it is either a relation to the ground reference potential positive voltage pulse or ge generated negative voltage pulse relative to the ground reference potential. The operation of an unbalanced pulse ignition device is well known and will not be explained further here. The unbalanced voltage is well suited for single-ended lamps, as the ignition voltage is applied only to one of the two gas discharge lamp burner electrodes. For this purpose, the pedestal near electrode is chosen regularly, since it is not touchable and thus in case of improper use is no hazard to humans. At the normally open guided return conductor is not dangerous for humans voltage, thus ensuring a powered with a single-ended ignitor lamp ensures a certain security. However, the asymmetrical ignitor has the disadvantage of applying the complete ignition voltage to a gas discharge lamp electrode. This increases the losses due to corona discharges and other effects caused by the high voltage. This means that only part of the generated ignition voltage is really at the gas discharge lamp burner 50 is applied. It must therefore be generated a higher ignition voltage than necessary, which is complicated and expensive.

18b shows the schematic diagram of a symmetrical pulse igniter according to the prior art. The symmetrical pulse ignition device has an ignition transformer T _IP , which has two secondary windings, which are magnetically coupled together with the primary winding. The two secondary windings are oriented so that the generated voltage of both secondary windings adds to the lamp. Thus, the voltage is distributed in about half of the two gas discharge lamp electrodes.

As mentioned above, the losses are reduced by corona discharges and other parasitic effects. The cause of the i. A. Higher ignition voltage in the case of symmetrical pulse ignition is only apparent after a closer look at the parasitic capacitances. This is the lamp equivalent circuit diagram of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 in 18b considered. A large, if not the largest portion of the parasitic lamp capacitance C _La is not caused by the lamp itself, but by the connection between the lamp and the ignition unit, for example by the lamp lines. However, these not only have parasitic capacitances from conductor to conductor, but also between conductor and environment. Assuming a simplification of a description with concentrated energy storage, the parasitic capacitances between the two conductors or the two gas discharge lamp electrode to C _{La, 2} summarize, as in 18b shown. The respective parasitic capacitances present between the conductor and the environment are modeled by C _{La, 1} or C _{La, 3} . In the following, the potential of the environment, for example of the housing, is regarded as spatially constant and represented by the grounding symbol, even if this does not have to match the PE or PEN in the sense of a low-voltage network. In addition, it should be assumed that a symmetrical structure and thus of C _{La, 1} = C _{La, 3} . The parasitic lamp capacitance results according to the extended equivalent circuit diagram for C _{La, 2} + 1/2 C _{La, 1} .

The difference between the unbalanced pulse ignition and the symmetrical pulse ignition is clear, taking into account that the converter and the ignition unit also have parasitic capacitances with respect to the environment. These are in part intentionally increased (e.g., line filters) and are generally much larger than the parasitic capacitances of the lamp as viewed above with respect to the environment, and therefore, for simplicity, consideration may be given to ignition from ambient potential electronics. Neglecting the voltage UW are thus in the case of asymmetrical ignition C _{La, 1} and C _{La, 2} aufzuladen the ignition voltage, whereas in the symmetric ignition C _{La, 2} to the ignition voltage and C _{La, 1} and C _{La, 3} respectively are to be charged half the ignition voltage. Assuming a symmetrical structure, ie C _{La, 1} = C _{La, 3} , so that less energy is required for the charging of the parasitic capacitances in the symmetric pulse ignition as for the unsymmetri cal variant. In the extreme case C _{La, 1} = C _{La, 3} >> C _{La, 2} , the ignition unit has after 18a , compared with the after 18b to provide almost twice the energy.

Another advantage of the symmetrical ignition is the lower required insulation resistance to the environment, since the occurring voltages U _{isol, 1} and U _{isol, 2 have} only half the value compared to the voltage U _isol in the case of unbalanced ignition. This also shows the disadvantage of symmetrical impulse ignition and the reason why it often can not be used: In the case of symmetrical ignition lead both lamp terminals high voltage, which is often inadmissible for safety reasons, as in many lamp or base constructions one of the two lamp terminals , usually the lamp remote, which is then referred to as "lamp return", can be touched.

This shows that the symmetrical ignition method is optimally suited for double-ended gas discharge lamps, which are designed to be symmetrical in terms of mechanical design. In the case of a single-ended gas discharge lamp, as already mentioned, there is the problem of ignition voltage at the open, by the user Reachable remote base gas discharge lamp electrode. Another problem is the voltage applied to the remote base gas discharge lamp electrode voltage with respect to the potential of the reflector. The reflector in which the gas discharge lamp is installed is usually grounded. Thus, a high voltage between the return conductor of the base remote electrode and the reflector is in the ignition. This can lead to flashovers on the reflector, resulting in malfunction. For these reasons, symmetrical ignition is unsuitable for single capped gas discharge lamps.

About that It should also be noted that the isolation effort is nonlinear with the voltage to be isolated increases. Due to non-linear Effects in insulating materials typically have to be doubled the tension of the distance between two conductors can be more doubled to get no rollover / punch.

Next the above-considered, purely capacitive behavior of the environment or the insulating materials involved, can, from a certain voltage or the resulting field strengths in the insulating materials as well at their interfaces, a real power conversion in the Insulating materials z. B. by corona discharges, partial discharges, etc. no longer be neglected. In the above equivalent circuit diagrams are parallel to the capacity additional nonlinear Add resistors. Also under this aspect is the symmetric pulse ignition of the unbalanced preferable.

Finally Let the observation be that from a certain point of view Stress load of the insulating material this much faster ages and therefore in the case of a slight reduction in tension already calculated with a significantly increased service life can be.

A good compromise, which combines the advantages of both ignition methods, is the asymmetric impulse ignition, as they are in 19 can be seen in a schematic representation. It has a similar structure as a symmetrical ignition, but the two secondary windings have different numbers of turns. The disadvantage of the symmetrical ignition method is, above all, that an accidental contact with the return conductor during ignition and thus the contact of a high-voltage-carrying metal part by the user can not be excluded. For the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 following the headlamp interface described above 5 This can be ruled out since the power supply to the electronics only takes place when it is inserted into the headlight. Thus, it is impossible to touch the return conductor of the remote base electrode with intact headlight when it leads to voltage. As already mentioned above, a symmetrical ignition is not possible here, as arcing on the usually grounded reflector must be feared. It is therefore proposed an asymmetric ignition z. B. ¾ of the ignition voltage on the base near the electrode, and z. B. ¼ of the ignition voltage on the base remote electrode. The exact voltage relationship between the electrodes of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 , So the socket near the first lamp electrode and the socket-remote second lamp electrode depends on many factors, the lamp size and the base construction. The voltage ratio between the sockelahen first lamp electrode and the sockelfernen second lamp electrode can range from 22: 1 to 5: 4. Voltages of 2 ... 8 kV are preferably generated across the return secondary winding IPSR of the ignition transformer T _IP , and voltages of 23 ... 17 kV are preferably generated across the forward secondary winding IPSH of the ignition transformer T _IP . This results in preferred transmission ratios between the two secondary windings not equal to 1, namely n _IPSR : n _IPSH = 2:23 ... 8:17. This can also be expressed as the equation n _IPSR = 0.04 ... 0.8 * n _IPSH . Thus, the structure is similar to that of a symmetrical igniter, but the secondary windings are not evenly distributed.

The number of primary windings n _{p of} the ignition transformer T _IP is preferably between 1 and 4, the sum of the number of turns of both secondary windings IPSH and IPSR is preferably between 40 and 380.

The pulse ignition unit Z in 19 is well known in the art and is thus not further explained here. It consists of at least one capacitor which is connected via a switching element to the primary winding of the ignition transformer. In this case, a switching element with a nominal tripping voltage between 350 V and 1300 V is preferably used. This can be a switching spark gap or a thyristor with a corresponding drive circuit. In the present first embodiment, the ignition transformer T _{IP has} a transmission ratio n _IPP : n _IPSR : n _IPSH of 1: 50: 150 turns, with an ignition unit Z based on a 400 V spark gap, ie with a spark gap with a nominal tripping voltage of 400 V, is operated. The ignition transformer T _IP provides at the base remote electrode of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 a peak voltage of +5 kV to earth and to the near-bottom electrode of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 a peak voltage of -15 kV to ground.

In a further second embodiment For example, the ignition transformer is implemented with a gear ratio of 3: 50: 100 turns, and is operated with an ignition unit Z based on an 800 V spark gap. This supplies at the base-remote electrode of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 a peak voltage of -8 kV to ground and to the near-bottom electrode of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 a peak voltage of +16 kV to ground.

20 shows the schematic diagram of an extended circuit of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , Here, one or two non-saturating inductors L _NS1 and L _{NS2 are} each connected between the high voltage leading end of a respective secondary winding and the respective burner terminal to prevent glitches with high voltage spikes (so-called glitches). Inductance values of 0.5 μH to 25 μH, preferably 1 μH to 8 μH are used. In addition, a high-voltage-resistant capacitor C _B (a so-called "burner capacitor") can be connected directly in parallel with the gas discharge lamp burner and thus between the gas discharge lamp burner and the non-saturating reactor. This usually has a capacity less than 22 pF in order not to dampen the ignition pulse too strong. Preferably, it has a capacity between 3 pF and 15 pF. The capacitor can be structurally realized by a corresponding arrangement and design of the encapsulated lamp power supply, for example in the form of plates. The capacitor has two positive influences: Firstly, it is for the EMC behavior of the lamp advantageous because high-frequency noise generated by the lamp are short-circuited directly at the place of emergence, on the other hand, it ensures a lower-resistance breakthrough of the burner, especially a takeover by the operating circuit 20 facilitated.

By means of a inference capacitor C _RS , with a capacitance value which is preferably between 68 pF and 22 nF, termination of the pulse igniter is achieved for the very fast pulses generated by the ignition transformer T _IP compared to the ECG, which has a very low impedance. As a result, the generated Hochspannungszündimpulse are in a very good approximation completely on the burner. The inference capacitor C _RS forms a low-pass filter together with a return inductor L _R. This counteracts electromagnetic interference and protects the ECG output from excessive voltages. The extended circuit also has a current-compensated inductor L _SK , which also counteracts electromagnetic interference. A suppressor diode D _Tr , also called a clamping diode, limits the due to the ignition operation of the operating circuit 20 resulting voltage and thus protects the output of the operating circuit 20 ,

The gas discharge lamp burner 50 the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 is by means of a metal clip 52 and four retaining plates 53 at the base 70 attached. As in 20 already indicated, now this metal clip 52 earthed, ie for an integrated gas discharge lamp for automobiles z. B. placed on body mass. The earthing of the metal clamp reliably prevents a flashover from the metal clamp to the headlight, since both parts are at the same potential during ignition. Furthermore, the grounding of the metal clip produces a particularly good capacitive coupling to an ignition assist coating located on the gas discharge lamp burner vessel. Such priming coatings are often applied to high pressure discharge lamp burners to reduce the high ignition voltages of some models. This measure increases the ignition voltage lowering property of the Zündhilfsbeschichtung located on the gas discharge lamp burner vessel. It is particularly advantageous if the capacitive influence of the metal clip on the gas discharge lamp burner (optionally including its Zündhilfsbeschichtung) is increased. For this purpose, further electrically conductive parts are galvanically or capacitively coupled to the metal clip. This results in a kind of "third electrode", which consists of several "coupled together individual electrodes" and is grounded on one side. For example, this third electrode in addition to the metal clip additionally a metallic coating 54 on the outer bulb, as in 21 is indicated. The coating can be applied to the outside and / or on the inside of the outer bulb. The coating consists of electrically conductive, for example, metallic material and is preferably mounted in a strip parallel to the return conductor. This causes the metallic coating 54 optically not in appearance and also results in a minimum distance and thus a maximum coupling capacity for Zündhilfsbeschichtung on the burner vessel. The coating on the outer bulb may be capacitively or galvanically coupled to the metal clip. For a galvanic coupling, it is particularly advantageous if the electrical contacting of the outer coating with the metal clip takes place by fixing the Bren ners in the metal clip, which can be implemented without additional overhead by a common assembly technique according to the prior art. The coating preferably extends over 1% to 20% of the outer envelope circumference.

The positive effect of the grounded metal clamp on the ignition voltage of a gas discharge lamp is due to the following physical relationship: Metal clamp and an asymmetric pulse ignition between the metal clamp and two gas discharge lamp electrodes is applied a high voltage, a dielectrically impeded discharge in the outer bulb is favored in the vicinity of both gas discharge lamp electrodes. The dielectrically impeded discharge in the outer bulb favors a breakdown in the burner vessel. This is promoted by the UV light, which arises in the dielectrically impeded discharge and is hardly absorbed by the burner vessel, and favors the generation of free charge carriers at the electrodes and in the discharge space and thus reduces the ignition voltage.

The metal clamp and the reference plane to the reflector of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 can consist of a metal part, which has corresponding anchor, which are encapsulated by plastic and a good mechanical connection to the base 70 to ensure. The grounding of the metal clip is then carried out automatically by inserting the lamp in the reflector respectively in the headlight. This makes the reference plane now more robust against mechanical wear, which due to the increased weight of an integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , is advantageous. The training according to the prior art provides only a plastic injection molded part as a reference plane.

In a preferred embodiment of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 the base consists of 2 parts. A first part with an already the adjusted gas discharge lamp burner 50 that by means of the metal clip 52 , and the retaining plates 53 is embedded in a plastic base, which has a metal-reinforced reference plane as described above. This first part is connected to a second part, which contains the ignition and operating electronics. The connections for the lamp and the power supply can be accomplished by welding, soldering, or by a mechanical connection such as a plug-in contact or an insulation displacement contact.

21 shows a gas discharge lamp burner 50 which will be described below. The gas discharge lamp burner 50 is preferably a mercury-free gas discharge lamp burner, however, a mercury-containing gas discharge lamp burner may also be used. The gas discharge lamp burner 50 accommodates a gas-tight sealed discharge vessel 502 in which electrodes 504 and an ionizable filling for generating a gas discharge, wherein the ionizable filling is preferably formed as a mercury-free filling comprising xenon and halides of the metals sodium, scandium, zinc and indium, and the weight ratio of the halides of zinc and indium in the range of 20 to 100, preferably 50, and wherein the cold pressure of the xenon gas is in the range of 1.3 megapascals to 1.8 megapascals. It has been found that thereby the decrease of the luminous flux with the service life of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 and the increase in the burning voltage of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 can be reduced with their service life. That is, the gas discharge lamp burner 50 has improved lumen maintenance compared to a prior art gas discharge lamp torch, and expects a longer life due to the lower increase in operating voltage over the operating period. In addition, the gas discharge lamp burner shows 50 only a slight shift of the color location of the light emitted by it over its service life. In particular, the color locus migrates only within the according to the ECE Rule 99 allowed limits. Both the comparatively high cold pressure of the xenon and the relatively high proportion by weight of the halides of zinc contribute significantly to the setting of the burning voltage of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 , that is to say the voltage which, after completion of the ignition phase, is in the quasi-stationary operating state over the discharge path of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 adjusts. The halides of indium are present in such a small proportion by weight that they indeed contribute to the adjustment of the color locus of the light emitted by the gas discharge lamp burner, but not a significant contribution to the adjustment of the burning voltage of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 Afford. The halides of indium used in the gas discharge lamp burner 50 as well as the halides of sodium and scandium, mainly the light emission.

Advantageously, the weight fraction of halides of zinc ranges from 0.88 micrograms to 2.67 micrograms per 1 mm ³ discharge vessel volume and the weight percent of indium halides ranges from 0.026 micrograms to 0.089 micrograms per 1 mm ³ discharge vessel volume. As halides, iodides, bromides or chlorides can be used.

The weight fraction of sodium halides is advantageously in the range of 6.6 micrograms to 13.3 micrograms per 1 mm ³ of discharge vessel volume and the weight percent of halides of scandium in the range of 4.4 micrograms to 11.1 micrograms per 1 mm ³ of Discharge vessel volume, to ensure that the gas discharge lamp burner 50 generated white light with a color temperature of about 4000 Kelvin and the color point during the life of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 in the range of white light, preferably within narrow limits. At a lower weight percentage Ver Loss of sodium (due to diffusion through the vessel wall of the discharge vessel) and scandium (due to chemical reaction with the quartz glass of the discharge vessel) are no longer compensated and at a higher weight content of the color and the color temperature are changed.

The volume of the discharge vessel is advantageously less than 23 mm ³ in order to come as close as possible to the ideal of a point light source. For use as a light source in a vehicle headlight or other optical system, the light emitting part of the discharge vessel should 502 , That is, the discharge space with the electrodes enclosed therein, have the smallest possible dimensions. Ideally, the light source should be punctiform in order to position it at the focal point of an optical imaging system. The high-pressure discharge lamp according to the invention 5 comes closer to this ideal than a high-pressure discharge lamp according to the prior art, as it is preferably a discharge vessel 502 having a smaller volume. The volume of the discharge vessel 502 the high pressure discharge lamp 5 is therefore advantageously in the range of greater than or equal to 10 mm ³ to less than 26 mm ³ .

The distance between the electrodes 504 of the gas discharge lamp burner is preferably less than 5 millimeters in order to come as close as possible to the ideal of a point light source. For use as a light source in a motor vehicle headlight, the electrode spacing is preferably 3.5 millimeters. This is the gas discharge lamp burner 50 optimally adapted to the imaging conditions in the vehicle headlight.

The thickness or the diameter of the electrodes 502 of the gas discharge lamp burner is advantageously in the range of 0.20 millimeters to 0.36 millimeters. Electrodes with a thickness in this range of values can still be embedded sufficiently reliably in the quartz glass of the discharge vessel and at the same time have sufficient current-carrying capacity, which is particularly important during the so-called start-up phase of the high-pressure discharge lamp, during which they have 3 to 5 times their rated power and rated current is operated. In the case of thinner electrodes, in the present embodiment with mercury-free filling, sufficient current-carrying capacity would no longer be guaranteed, and in the case of thicker electrodes 504 There would be a risk of crack formation in the discharge vessel, due to the occurrence of mechanical stresses due to the significantly different thermal expansion coefficients of the discharge vessel material, which is quartz glass, and the electrode material, which is tungsten or doped with thorium or thoria Tungsten is acting.

The electrodes are each with a embedded in the material of the discharge vessel molybdenum foil 506 connected, which allow a gas-tight current feedthrough and the smallest distance of the respective molybdenum foil 506 to the interior of the discharge vessel 502 protruding end of the electrode connected to it is advantageously at least 4.5 mm to the largest possible distance between the respective molybdenum foil 506 and the at the in the discharge vessel 502 To ensure protruding electrode tips attaching gas discharge. This consequent, comparatively large minimum distance between the molybdenum foils 506 and the gas discharge has the advantage that the molybdenum foils 506 a lower thermal load and a lower risk of corrosion by the halogens in the halogen compounds of the ionizable filling are exposed.

frequency adjustment

The following describes a method for avoiding flicker or flicker phenomena, which is the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 performs.

The gas discharge lamps considered here must be operated with alternating current, which primarily depends on the operating electronics 920 is produced. This alternating current can be a high-frequency alternating current, in particular with a frequency above the acoustic resonances occurring in gas discharge lamps, which in the case of the lamps considered here corresponds to a frequency of the lamp current above approximately 1 MHz. Usually, however, one uses the low-frequency rectangular operation, which is considered below.

Gas discharge lamps, in particular high-pressure discharge lamps, in the case of incorrect operation, generally tend to break the arc when the lamp current changes direction, the so-called commutation, which is due to a too low temperature of the electrodes. Usually, high-pressure discharge lamps are operated with a low-frequency rectangular current, which is also called "wobbly DC operation". In this case, a substantially rectangular current with a frequency of usually 100 Hz up to a few kHz is applied to the lamp. At each switching between positive and negative driving voltage, which is essentially provided by the operating electronics, the lamp current commutates, resulting in a brief zeroing of the lamp current. This operation ensures that the electrodes of the lamp are uniformly loaded despite a quasi-DC operation.

Of the Bow approach, that is the approach of the arc on the Electrode, is when operating a gas discharge lamp with alternating current fundamentally problematic. When operating with alternating current is during a commu tation, the cathode to the anode and vice versa an anode to the cathode. The transition is cathode anode inherently relatively unproblematic because of the temperature of the electrode approximately has no influence on their anodic operation. At the transition Anode cathode depends on the ability of the electrode, to be able to supply a sufficiently high current, of which Temperature off. If this is too low, the arc changes during the commutation, usually after the zero crossing, of a punctiform Bow approach mode in a diffuse Bogenansatzbetriebsweise. This change takes place with an often visible collapse of the light emission which can be perceived as flickering.

Logically, So the lamp is in punctiform Bogenansatzbetriebsweise operated, since the bow approach here is very small and therefore very hot. As a result, here due to the higher temperature less tension is needed at the small starting point, to be able to supply enough electricity.

When Commutation is considered below the process in which the Polarity of the voltage changes, and therefore one strong current or voltage change occurs. At a essentially symmetrical mode of operation of the lamp is located at the middle of the commutation time, the voltage or current zero crossing. It should be noted that the voltage commutation usually always faster than the current commutation.

Out The boundary layers of ac-arcs at HID-electrodes: phase resolved electrical measurements and optical observations', O. Langenscheidt et al., J. Phys. D 40 (2007), pp. 415-431 It is known that with a cold electrode and a diffuse arc approach, the voltage after commutation initially increases because the too cold electrode can supply the required current only by a higher voltage. If the device for operating the gas discharge lamp can not supply this voltage, then the above-mentioned flickering occurs.

The Problem of changing bow approach mode mainly concerns gas discharge lamps, the compared to similar lamps of the same rated power have comparatively large electrodes. typically, lamps are then overloaded when "immediate light" is required is, as for example in xenon discharge lamps in the automotive sector, at due to the statutory provisions 80% of the light output must be reached after 4 seconds. These lamps will be during a so-called "quick start", also referred to as start-up phase, with the multiple of their rated power operated to meet the applicable automotive standards or regulations to become. Therefore, the electrode is dimensioned for the high starting power, but is too large in relation to the normal operating condition. Now, the electrode mainly by the through them is heated by flowing lamp current that occurs Problem of flickering especially with aged gas discharge lamps on, whose burning voltage is increased at the end of life. Due to the increased burning voltage flows a smaller Lamp current, since the operating electronics during the stationary Lamp operation keeps the lamp power constant by means of regulation, weswe gene the electrodes of the gas discharge lamp at the end of life no longer be heated enough.

In an integrated gas discharge lamp, there is now an advantage in that the operating electronics are inseparably connected to the gas discharge lamp burner, so that the previous burning time, also referred to as cumulative burning time t _k , which was operated by summation of all periods in which the gas discharge lamp burner, regardless of the between them lying periods in which the gas discharge lamp burner was not operated, results, can be detected by the operating electronics in a simple manner. This detection can be done for example by a timepiece with non-volatile memory, which always measures the time when the gas discharge lamp burner 50 is operated, therefore an arc between the electrodes burns. Since the problem of flicker occurs primarily in older lamps, a method is now proposed in which the operating frequency with which the gas discharge lamp burner is operated is adapted to the burning time of the gas discharge lamp burner in such a way that the operating frequency is increased as the burning time increases. This offers the following advantages: The change of anodic and cathodic operating phase, which is accompanied by a temperature modulation of the electrode tips, is faster at a higher frequency. Consequently, the higher the frequency, the lower the temperature swing of the electrode tips due to their thermal inertia. Surprisingly, it has been shown that at an electrode temperature which is above a "critical minimum temperature" of the lamp electrodes, there is no flicker.

However, the frequency may not be increased arbitrarily, otherwise it will cause an excitation of acoustic resonances in the lamp, with a Deformation of the bow as well as flicker can come, can come. This effect is already possible from frequencies of 1 kHz, which is why one usually selects for normal operation, ie after the ignition and start-up phase in the stationary operating phase, a frequency of 400 Hz or 500 Hz. This frequency is referred to below as the lower limit frequency.

22 shows the diagram of a first embodiment of the method in which the operating frequency of the gas discharge lamp burner is plotted over its burning time. It is easy to see that the operating frequency remains constant at 400 Hz for a burning time of 500 h, then gradually increased by 0.5 Hz / h to 900 Hz during the firing time of 500 h to 1500 h, and then off to stay at 900 Hz.

The Frequency increase in the range 500 h to 1500 h, however, must not continuously, but can also be done in stages. Thus, in a second variant of the first embodiment of the method from a cumulative burning time of 2097152 s, which about 583 h, always after the expiration of 32768 s, which is about 9.1 h, the frequency is increased by 4 Hz. It will be so long the frequency increases until 128 increases are made were. Then the frequency has - starting from the original Starting value of 400 Hz - reached the value 912 Hz. The second Variant of the first embodiment of the method is in particular for the realization by means of digital logic, for example, by a microcontroller or a digital circuit in an ASIC, since they only use discrete time and frequency steps requires.

In the third variant of the first embodiment is a particularly simple realization applied. Here is after a Time of 1048576 s, which corresponds to about 291 h, the frequency in one Step from 400 Hz to 800 Hz doubled. Subsequently the lamp is always operated at high frequency. In contrast to the second variant of the first embodiment takes place only a single frequency step.

In a second embodiment, the above method is combined with circuitry for detecting flickering (not shown) to make it possible to tailor the frequency to the requirements of the lamp burner. The circuit arrangement for detecting flickers is based on a detection circuit which uses the lamp voltage and / or the lamp current for detection. Alternatively, suitable correlating variables can be used before the inverter for detection. An electronic operating or ballast as it is usually used in the motor vehicle and as operating electronics 920 in the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 may contain, has a two-stage structure consisting of DC-DC converter and inverters which are coupled together via a DC intermediate circuit, wherein the temporal voltage change of the DC link and / or the temporal change in the current flowing in the inverter from the intermediate circuit current as a measure of the flickering of the lamp can be considered.

The Circuit arrangement for detecting flickering now detects if a flicker occurs at the lamp. Is this the case and the previous burning time of the lamp greater than 500 h, a Flacker mapping procedure is initiated.

• – Erhöhung des Zählerstands der Flacker-Minimum-Suche um eins
• – Schrittweise Erhöhung der Betriebsfrequenz des Gasentladungslampenbrenners ausgehend von der unteren Grenzfrequenz,
• – Messung der Flackerintensität bei der gewählten Betriebsfrequenz.

The method comprises the following steps:

• - Increasing the count of the Flacker minimum search by one
• Stepwise increasing the operating frequency of the gas discharge lamp burner from the lower limit frequency,
• - Measurement of Flackerintensität at the selected operating frequency.

there in each case at least the Flackerintensität in the selected Operating frequency stored. If necessary, further, stored at the operating frequency measured parameters. The Measurement of Flackerintensität must be about a comparatively large period of time to statistical Fluctuations that may occur during operation compensate. In the second embodiment, for. B. a measuring time of 20-30 minutes provided. The frequency is increased by 100 Hz, and then the Flackerintensität measured. In a first stage, the frequency is up to a first increased upper limit frequency of 900 Hz. Once the flicker the intensity of the flickering disappears below a permissible threshold value decreases with the increase of the frequency does not continue continued, the current frequency also for the future Operation secured in a non-volatile memory, so that the next time you turn on the integrated lamp the same is started with the last operated frequency.

If the flicker could not be removed despite an increase up to the first upper limit or the Flackerintensität not be lowered below an allowable threshold, the count of the flicker minimum search is increased by one and the frequency further increased until the triple value of the first upper limit frequency, in this case 2700 Hz, the so-called second upper limit frequency is reached. After that, the frequency is targeted from the entire measured range is selected between the lower limit frequency and the second upper limit frequency at which the slightest flicker has occurred. The flicker intensity associated with the slightest flickering is multiplied by a factor greater than 1 and the so-called flicker limit is stored as the new permissible threshold value.

in the Following remains the monitoring and measurement of the flicker activated and it is checked periodically whether the current flicker intensity above the current flicker limit lies. Should that be the case, the frequency is jumped to, the second lowest Flicker intensities in the previously described Examination of the lamp has shown in the context of this procedure. At this frequency then the lamp is operated while continuing to monitor and measurement of the flicker remains activated. Should now again the current flicker intensities are above the current flicker limit becomes the frequency with the third lowest flicker intensity changed. Should be in the subsequent operation here, the current Flicker intensity above the current flicker limit lie, then the count of the Flacker minimum search again increased by one and with a new pass of the minimum search started, with the entire frequency range between the lower Limit frequency and the second upper limit frequency is examined.

The count of how often flicker-minimum-search has already been activated as well as the current flicker limit are stored in the non-volatile memory of the operating electronics ( 920 . 930 ) filed. These two values can be read out via the communication interface of the integrated gas discharge lamp, for example via a LIN bus. As part of the maintenance of the motor vehicle, for example in the context of inspection after expiry of a service interval, or because the motor vehicle is due to a defect in the workshop, the two values are read and compared with limit values representing the still tolerated values. The limits may also be stored in the integrated gas discharge lamp and read out via the communication bus, but for convenience in the preferred embodiment are stored in the workshop diagnostic tool. If one of the read-out values lies above the associated limit value, the integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) for a new integrated gas discharge lamp. This approach significantly increases the availability of the lighting system without incurring significant costs, since the lamp is not unnecessarily replaced early and during maintenance no significant additional time, since the vehicle is already connected to the diagnostic device.

The limit values with which the data from the nonvolatile memory of the operating electronics are compared can be changed as a function of the cumulative burning time (t _k ) or the cumulative weighted burning time (t _kg ) likewise read from the nonvolatile memory, such that, for example, the flicker limit of an old one Lamp may be higher than a new lamp without the lamp would have to be replaced. The dependencies of the limit values as a function of the burning time of the lamp are made available to the motor vehicle manufacturer by the lamp manufacturer so that the latter can enter the data into his diagnostic device, for example in the form of a table or data matrix.

In A third embodiment is analogous to the second embodiment The procedure, however, is, in particular to storage space in the microcontroller to save, in the search described above, only the value of the previously minimal flickering intensity and the associated Operating frequency stored. That means instead of one real mapping will only be a minimum search for Flicker intensity carried out. Should the first search until the first upper cutoff frequency no abortion performed at the top Search will be done, as in the second embodiment also continued to the second upper limit frequency. Subsequently can jump directly to the frequency stored in the minimum memory become. Subsequently, the lamp is at least destends Operated at this frequency for 30 min and during that time determines flicker intensity over this period. Is this more than a permissible factor, for example 20% over the originally raised will do a new search for the best possible operating frequency started and proceeded as described above.

By increasing the operating frequency of the gas discharge lamp burner over its burning time, a flickering tendency of the burner can be significantly reduced, without costly measures would be necessary to the circuit itself. Due to the fact that the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 contains a microcontroller, the entire process can be implemented in the software of the microcontroller, and thus causes no additional cost. The circuit arrangement for detecting flickering of the second embodiment can also be implemented purely in software with skillful design. Due to the fact that the measured quantities necessary for the detection of flickers already rest on the microcontroller for other reasons, a detection unit can be implemented in software by suitable evaluation of these variables. The circuit parts required in hardware are already present for other reasons and cause so no extra costs.

Communication Interface

As stated above, the integrated gas discharge lamps 5 have communication means or at least one communication interface, which in particular allows communication with the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle. Particularly advantageous appears a LIN bus, but also the connection of the integrated gas discharge lamp by means of a CAN bus and the on-board electronics is possible.

Due to the communication interface, the lamp can advantageously with the higher-level control system, eg. B. communicate with a light module in a car. In the process, a variety of information about the integrated gas discharge lamp can be obtained via the communication interface 5 be transmitted to the higher-level control system. This information is stored in a non-volatile memory in the lamp. In the production of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 generate a variety of information that can be collected from the production facility and programmed towards the end of lamp production in the non-volatile memory of the lamp. The information can also directly into the non-volatile memory of the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 therefore a communication interface is not necessary for this purpose.

In the production z. B. the gas discharge lamp burner 50 Measure exactly and when socketing on the pedestal 70 attached to a reference plane of the base in a precisely defined position on the base. This represents a high quality of the integrated gas discharge lamp optical system 5 and headlights 3 sure, because of the between the gas discharge lamp electrodes 504 burning arcs occupy an exact spatial position in relation to the reference plane, which is the interface to the headlight. The production machine is characterized z. B. the distance and the position of the electrodes known. However, the electrode spacing can represent an important factor for the operating electronics, since the electrode spacing of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 correlated with the burning voltage. Furthermore, a unique serial number or alternatively a production batch number can be stored in the non-volatile memory of the lamp to ensure traceability. About the serial number can be maintained in the integrated gas discharge lamp via a database maintained by the manufacturer 5 assembled parts are queried with all available data in order to identify the affected lamps in case of production errors of individual parts.

In a preferred embodiment of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 can be measured in the lamp operation and in the non-volatile memory of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 stored parameters are queried via the on-board electronics by means of the communication interface and also stored. For example, it may be useful to have the data of the optical system that makes up the headlight in the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 save as this so the performance of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 can control so that a uniform high light output of the headlamp system is achieved.

• – Die kumulierte Brenndauer des Gasentladungslampenbrenners 50,
• – die Anzahl der aufgetretenen Flicker-Effekte,
• – die aktuelle Lampenleistung,
• – die aktuelle Frequenz des Wechselrichters,
• – der Sollwert der Lampenleistung (= Lampenzielsollleistung),
• – der Istwert der Lampenleistung,
• – die Temperatur der Elektronik,
• – die Seriennummer beziehungsweise die Chargennummer,
• – die Anzahl der Lampenverlöscher insgesamt sowie die Anzahl der Lampenverlöscher innerhalb einer zurückliegenden Zeitspannung z. B. 200 h,
• – die Anzahl der Nicht-Zündungen.

As communication parameters in particular the following communication parameters come into question:

• - The cumulative burning time of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 .
• The number of flicker effects,
• - the current lamp power,
• - the current frequency of the inverter,
• - the nominal value of the lamp power (= target lamp power),
• - the actual value of the lamp power,
• - the temperature of the electronics,
• - the serial number or the batch number,
• - The total number of lamp extinguishers and the number of lamp extinguishers within a past time span z. 200 h,
• - the number of non-ignitions.

The communication interface is preferably a LIN bus or alternatively a CAN bus. Both interface protocols are widely used and implemented in the automotive sector. Will the integrated integrated gas discharge lamp 5 not used in an automobile, so the communication interface of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 also have a common in general lighting protocol such as DALI or EIB / Instabus.

Based on these data (especially the cumulative burning time), the existing in the vehicle higher-level control system z. B. the expected exchange time of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 to calculate. At an inspection date of the vehicle can then be decided whether the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 until the next inspection date, or if it needs to be replaced.

lumen Konstanz

The non-volatile memory of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 stored information can also be used to the light output of the integra th gas discharge lamp 5 constant over their lifetime. The Light output at nominal power of gas discharge lamps changes over their lifetime. As the burning time increases, the efficiency of the lamp decreases due to blackening and devitrification of the discharge vessel, as a result of the burn-back of the electrodes and the consequent change in the discharge arc. The efficiency of the entire optical system is thereby further degraded, since these systems are usually dimensioned to a point light source, and with an extension of the discharge arc more light is lost in the optical system. Also, the optical system itself loses efficiency during its service life, whether through lens opacification or defocusing due to temperature cycling or the permanent vibration experienced by an automotive headlamp. The following is a lamp burning time t _k , and a cumulative weighted burning time t _kg spoken, the cumulative weighted burning time t _{kg is} weighted with a below-explained weighting function γ.

As the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 the relevant parameters of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 stored in the non-volatile memory, it can be at the gas discharge lamp burner 50 adjoining operating power P _LA to its cumulative burning time. Since the aging process is not linear, a compensation function β is stored in the operating electronics in a simple embodiment, as described in US Pat 27 is shown. Here is the cumulative weighted burning time t _{kg of} the lamp over the quotient of the lamp power P _LA to the nominal power P _{N of} the gas discharge lamp burner 50 applied. In the lower range under 10 h burning time, the performance is slightly increased. This should help, because gas discharge lamp burners 50 to condition. One also likes to talk about "burning in" the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , When the lamp is burned in, it is operated at slightly reduced power (about 85% of the rated power), since the efficiency of the lamp as well as the optics is still very good. From a cumulative weighted burning time t _kg of about 100 hours, the power increases again to reach a lamp power P _La which is about 10% higher than the specified nominal lamp burner rated power when the specified end of life of 3000 hours is reached. Thus, the light output of the gas discharge lamp burner is essentially constant over its burning time. The stored in the operating electronics function can be stored in non-volatile memory during production burner parameters such. B. the electrode spacing can be influenced.

die Funktion f(τ) steht dabei lediglich für die Brennfunktion, d. h. sobald der Gasentladungslampenbrenner 50 in Betrieb ist, ist f(τ) = 1, ist der Gasentladungslampenbrenner 50 nicht in Betrieb, ist f(τ) = 0. Wird die integrierte Gasentladungslampe 5 also mit Über- oder Unterleistung betrieben, so altert sie um einen Faktor, der den Wert 10 erreichen kann schneller.In an advanced system with integrated gas discharge lamp control 5 by a higher-level control system more lighting functions such. B. the speed-dependent control of the emitted light quantity can be realized. In such an advanced embodiment, the operating electronics is designed to be the gas discharge lamp burner 50 can operate with an under or over power. Will the gas discharge lamp burner 50 but not powered by rated power, it ages faster. This must be taken into account in the calculation of the cumulative burning time. For this purpose, a weighting function γ is stored in the operating electronics, which represents a dependent of the positive or negative power factor. 28 shows the weighting function γ for a designed for use in the headlight of a motor vehicle integrated gas discharge lamp 5 , Will the gas discharge lamp burner 50 operated with excess power, it ages faster because the electrodes are too hot and evaporates electrode material. Will the gas discharge lamp burner 50 operated with underpowering, it also ages faster because the electrodes are too cold and spins off electrode material in consequence, thus electrode material is removed by sputtering, which is undesirable because this reduces the life of the lamp and the light output. Therefore, the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 this aging into the cumulated weighted burning time t _kg into account. This can be z. B. be accomplished by the following formula:

the function f (τ) stands only for the burning function, ie as soon as the gas discharge lamp burner 50 is in operation, f (τ) = 1, is the gas discharge lamp burner 50 not in operation, f (τ) = 0. Will the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 So with over or under power operated, it ages by a factor that can reach the value of 10 faster.

von der elektrischen Brennerleistung P_La,S, beziehungsweise wie in 29 dargestellt die auf die elektrische Nennbrennernennleistung P_N normierte elektrische Brennerleistung

In der 29 ist dies bei einer kumuliert gewichteten Brenndauer t_kg des Gasentladungslampenbrenners 50 von 100 h aufgetragen. Für eine andere kumuliert gewichtete Brenndauer t_kg des Gasentladungslampenbrenners 50 ergeben sich andere Kurvenverläufe. Im Idealfall ist in der Betriebselektronik der integrierten Gasentladungslampe 5 also ein dreidimensionales Kennfeld abgespeichert, das das Alter des Gasentladungslampenbrenners 50 mit berücksichtigt. Die 29 ist somit lediglich ein Schnitt durch das Kennfeld für eine kumuliert gewichtete Brenndauer t_kg des Gasentladungslampenbrenners von 100 h. Die Dimmkurve muss natürlich nicht als Kennfeld in der Betriebselektronik der integrierten Gasentladungslampe 5 abgespeichert sein, sie kann auch als Funktion abgelegt werden, so dass sie von einem in der Betriebselektronik integrierten Mikrocontroller ausgerechnet werden kann. Um die Brenndauer des Gasentladungslampenbrenners 50 in die Rechnung einzubeziehen, genügt näherungsweise auch ein Quotient, der in die Berechnung eingeht. Somit kann die erforderliche Brennerleistung P_La für eine bestimmte Lichtmenge beispielhaft durch folgende Formel dargestellt werden:

der Faktor β berücksichtigt hier die Alterung des Gasentladungslampenbrenners 50. Die Funktion β kann auch die Alterung des optischen Systems beinhalten, wobei diese Daten vorzugsweise über den Kommunikationsschnittstelle der integrierten Gasentladungslampe mitgeteilt werden, so dass diese Einflüssen ebenfalls in der Berechung von der Betriebselelektronik der integrierten Gasentladungslampe berücksichtigt werden kann. Die vom Steuergerät vorgegebene Lichtmenge kann dabei z. B. von der Geschwindigkeit eines Kraftfahrzeugs abhängen, in dem die integrierte Gasentladungslampe 5 betrieben wird. Bei langsamer Fahrt wird die Lampe z. B. gedimmt betrieben, wohingegen sie bei schneller Fahrt etwa auf der Autobahn etwas über der Nennleistung betrieben wird, um eine weite Sicht und eine gute Ausleuchtung der Fahrbahn zu gewährleisten.In an advanced control system, the gas discharge lamp burner 50 can operate with over or under power, also an advanced communication with the higher-level control unit can be implemented. This may manifest itself in that the higher-level control unit no longer has a certain power from the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 request, but a predetermined amount of light. In order to accomplish this is in the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 saved a dimming curve. 29 shows such a dimming curve α using the example of an integrated gas discharge lamp 5 for the automotive industry. The dimming curve shows the dependence of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 emitted luminous flux φ _target , or as in 29 represented the normalized to the nominal luminous flux φ _N luminous flux

from the electric burner power P _{La, S} , or as in 29 shows the normalized to the rated electrical nominal rated power P _N electrical burner power

In the 29 this is at a cumulative weighted burning time t _{kg of} the gas discharge lamp burner 50 applied for 100 h. For another cumulative weighted burning time t _{kg of} the gas discharge lamp burner 50 arise other curves. Ideally, in the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 So stored a three-dimensional map, the age of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 taken into account. The 29 is thus only a section through the map for a cumulative weighted burning time t _{kg of} the gas discharge lamp burner of 100 h. Of course, the dimming curve does not have to be used as a characteristic diagram in the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 it can also be stored as a function so that it can be calculated by a microcontroller integrated in the operating electronics. To the burning time of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 To include in the calculation, approximately a quotient is sufficient, which is included in the calculation. Thus, the required burner power P _La for a given amount of light can be exemplified by the following formula:

the factor β takes into account the aging of the gas discharge lamp burner here 50 , The function β can also include the aging of the optical system, wherein these data are preferably communicated via the communication interface of the integrated gas discharge lamp, so that these influences can also be taken into account in the calculation of the operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp. The predetermined by the controller light quantity can be z. B. depend on the speed of a motor vehicle, in which the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 is operated. When driving slowly, the lamp z. B. operated dimmed, whereas it is operated at high speed about on the highway slightly above the rated power to ensure a wide view and good illumination of the road.

über der kumulierten spezifizierten Lebensdauer

aufgetragen ist. Bis zu 3% seiner Nennlebensdauer wird der Gasentladungslampenbrenner 50 mit dem 1,2fachen seiner Nennleistung betrieben, um den Gasentladungslampenbrenner 50 zu Konditionieren und Einzubrennen. Danach wird der Gasentladungslampenbrenner 50 für geraume Zeit mit Nennleistung betrieben. Erreicht der Gasentladungslampenbrenner 50 80% seiner Lebensdauer, wird die Leistung sukzessive auf etwa das 0,8fache der Nennleistung heruntergefahren. Die Gewichtsfunktion in 28 offenbart bei näherer Betrachtung, dass die Lampe beim Betrieb mit in etwa dem 0,8fachen ihrer Nennleistung am meisten geschont wird. Daher wird die integrierte Gasentladungslampe 5 gegen Ende ihrer Lebensdauer mit dieser Leistung betrieben, um eine möglichst lange Restlebensdauer zu gewährleisten und einen plötzlichen Lampenausfall, der gerade im Automobilbereich fatale Folgen haben kann zu vermeiden. Die integrierte Gasentladungslampe 5 kann aufgrund der oben genannten Daten und Berechnungen die voraussichtliche Restlebensdauer ihres Gasentladungslampenbrenners berechnen und in einem nichtflüchtigen Speicher der Betriebselektronik 220, 230 ablegen. Ist das Kraftfahrzeug bei einer Inspektion in der Werkstatt, so können für die Inspektion interessante Lampendaten, insbesondere die gespeicherte Restlebensdauer ausgelesen werden. Anhand der ausgelesenen Restlebensdauer kann dann darüber entschieden werden, ob die integrierte Gasentladungslampe 5 ausgetauscht werden muss. Es ist auch denkbar, dass in der integrierte Gasentladungslampe 5 die Seriennummer der integrierte Gasentladungslampe und/oder die Seriennummer des Gasentladungslampenbrenners 50 abgespeichert ist. Anhand der Seriennummer kann der Mechaniker in der Werkstatt über eine Herstellerdatenbank abfragen, ob die Lampe in Ordnung ist oder evtl. aufgrund von Mängeln der verbauten Komponenten ausgetauscht werden muss.In an advanced operating electronics of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 can also the previous burning time of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 be taken into account during operation. When the cumulatively weighted burning time t _kg approaches the specified end of life of the gas discharge lamp burner, the operating electronics can operate the burner with a power that causes least damage to it and thus extend its service life. 30 shows such an exemplary Brennerschonkurve in which the luminous flux quotient

over the accumulated specified life

is applied. Up to 3% of its rated life becomes the gas discharge lamp burner 50 operated at 1.2 times its rated power to the gas discharge lamp burner 50 to condition and single burn. Thereafter, the gas discharge lamp burner 50 operated for a long time with rated power. Reached the gas discharge lamp burner 50 80% of its life, the power is gradually reduced to about 0.8 times the rated power. The weight function in 28 discloses on closer inspection that the lamp is spared the most in operation at about 0.8 times its rated power. Therefore, the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 operated at the end of their life with this power to ensure the longest possible residual life and a sudden lamp failure, which can have fatal consequences especially in the automotive sector. The integrated gas discharge lamp 5 can calculate the expected remaining life of its gas discharge lamp burner based on the above data and calculations and in a non-volatile memory of the operating electronics 220 . 230 lay down. If the motor vehicle is in an inspection in the workshop, interesting lamp data, in particular the stored remaining service life, can be read out for the inspection. On the basis of the read remaining life can then be decided whether the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 must be replaced. It is also conceivable that in the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 the serial number of the integrated gas discharge lamp and / or the serial number of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 is stored. Based on the serial number, the mechanic in the workshop can query via a manufacturer database whether the lamp is in order or may need to be replaced due to defects in the installed components.

arc straightening

In the following, a method for straightening the discharge arc of the gas discharge lamp burner is described, which in one embodiment of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 is implemented. For a first embodiment, an operating electronics 920 based on a topology 23 having. In this case, the operating electronics 920 a DC-DC converter 9210 that is powered by the battery voltage of an automobile. The DC-DC converter 9210 is an inverter via an intermediate _circuit capacitor C _ZW 9220 connected downstream of a lamp circuit a gas discharge lamp burner 50 supplied with an AC voltage. The lamp circuit consists of an output capacitor CA and the ignition electronics 910 , with the primary winding of the ignition transformer tor in the lamp circuit, as well as the gas discharge lamp burner 50 , By means of this topology, which is well known from the prior art, with a skillful design of the components, a straightening of the discharge arc can be achieved.

A straightened discharge arc offers many advantages. A first significant advantage is the better ther mix household of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 , obtained by a more uniform thermal wall load of the burner vessel. This leads to a better thermal utilization and thus longer life of the burner vessel. A second significant advantage is a contracted arc that has reduced diffusivity. With such a 'narrower' bow can z. B. the appearance of a headlight can be made more precise and the luminous efficacy of the headlamp can be significantly increased.

As with the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 the ignition and operating electronics 910 . 920 or the overall operating electronics 930 (hereinafter also called operating electronics) inseparable from the gas discharge lamp burner 50 connected, the operating electronics can on the gas discharge lamp burner 50 calibrate to produce a stable burning straight arc. Because of the inseparability of operating electronics 920 . 930 and gas discharge lamp burner 50 the operating electronics 920 . 930 also the burning time of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 is known, can aging effects of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 the operation of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 influence.

The basic procedure for straightening the arc of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 is the following: The operating electronics 920 . 930 misses the gas discharge lamp burner when first switched on 50 with respect to acoustic resonances and detects the frequencies suitable for bow straightening. This is done by scanning the frequency ranges between a minimum frequency and a maximum frequency. The frequencies are modulated to the operating frequency of the integrated gas discharge lamp burner. During scanning, the impedance of the gas discharge lamp burner is measured and stored in each case the lowest impedance with the associated frequency. This frequency with the lowest impedance characterizes the maximum achievable arc straightening. Depending on the lamp type, the minimum frequency can fall to a frequency of 80 kHz, the maximum frequency reach a frequency of about 300 kHz. In a typical automotive high pressure discharge lamp, the minimum frequency is about 110 kHz and the maximum frequency is about 160 kHz. The measurement is to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 necessary. The typical aging with respect to the resonant frequencies of the lamp is in a microcontroller (not shown) of the operating electronics 920 . 930 z. B. stored in a table. Optionally, the values in the table may be stored depending on the operation of the gas discharge lamp burner (cycle shape, start-up or dimmed operation). In addition, in another embodiment, the controlled operation may be extended by a controlled modulation mode having a modulation frequency in a narrow range around the calculated frequency (in accordance with the controlled operation). The calculated frequency is at a modulation frequency of z. B. 1 kHz modulates to eventual flicker by excitation of acoustic resonances in the gas discharge lamp burner 50 submissions. An advantage over previous prior art devices is that now the frequency range (within which the frequency may be varied) is very small, and the problems with respect to extinguishing lamps or unstable regulator behavior are smaller. Nevertheless, it may be useful for certain lamp types to measure the frequency ranges by the actual modulation frequency with respect to their Flackerverhaltens to ensure stable lamp operation can. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the circuit arrangement is used for detecting flickering, and measures frequencies lying close to the modulation frequency for their flicker behavior.

In a first embodiment according to 23 becomes the frequency of the DC-DC converter 9210 now chosen equal to the modulation frequency. By appropriate design of the DC _link capacitor C _ZW remains a high-frequency ripple as aufmodulierte high-frequency AC voltage on the DC-DC converter 9210 output DC voltage. The DC voltage with the modulated high-frequency AC voltage serves as the input voltage for the inverter 9220 , The inverter 9220 is designed here as a full bridge, which converts the DC voltage into a rectangular AC voltage. The amplitude of the modulation signal, ie the modulated high-frequency alternating voltage, is determined by the dimensioning of the output filter of the full bridge (output capacitor C _A ) and by the inductance of the secondary winding (IPSH, IPSR) of the pulse ignition transformer. Because of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 these components are inextricably linked together, a good matching of the components to the desired mode of operation is possible. Due to the superimposed high-frequency voltage, the desired straightening of the discharge beam occurs. The disadvantage of this embodiment is the fixed-frequency operation of the DC-DC converter, which does not allow effective switching discharge, so that the losses of the system increase.

In a second embodiment according to 24 is the superimposed high-frequency voltage through a signal generator 9230 generated. This couples the high-frequency voltage in the lamp circuit between a choke L _K and the primary winding of the ignition transformer of the ignition electronics 910 one. The coupling in front of the ignition transformer is important because the signal generator 9230 otherwise would have to be designed high voltage resistant. The choke is used to decouple the DC link capacitor C _ZK , otherwise it would dampen the coupled high-frequency voltage too much. For this reason, the inductance of the ignition transformer of the ignition electronics should 910 be as small as possible. The signal generator can be designed so that the frequency of the injected high-frequency voltage is in turn modulated to a safer and flicker-free operation of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 to reach.

In a third embodiment, the in 25 is shown, the signal generator is in the ignition electronics 910 integrated. Here is the gas discharge lamp burner 50 started by a resonance ignition. The ignition electronics has a designed for high-frequency operation ignition transformer T _IR , which is controlled by a signal generator, which is designed as a class-E converter. The ignition transformer T _IR is to be dimensioned so that the at least the fundamental of the occurring high frequency and identical to the switching frequency of the class E converter is still sufficiently well transmitted, in particular its efficiency at this frequency is better than 10%. The switching frequency of the class E converter during ignition is between 80 kHz and 10 MHz. Preferably, however, the frequency is chosen above 300 kHz because a small design is possible here and below 4 MHz since the achievable efficiencies are particularly high. The ignition transformer is controlled via a galvanically isolated primary winding. The secondary winding is divided into two galvanically isolated windings, each between a lamp electrode and the inverter 9220 are switched. The signal generator generates here a high-frequency current through the primary winding of the ignition transformer T _IR , which excites resonance on the secondary side in a resonant circuit, which is the gas discharge lamp burner 50 break through. The resonant circuit consists of the secondary inductance of the ignition transformer T _IR and a lying over the lamp capacitance C _R2 . Since the capacitance C _{R2 is} very small, it does not necessarily have to be part of the ignition electronics 910 be integrated, but can be generated by structural measures.

Once the gas discharge lamp burner 50 ignited, the mode of operation of the signal generator is switched so that it now injects a high-frequency signal via the ignition transformer T _IR that is aufmoduliert to Bogengradradigung on the lamp voltage. This has the advantage that the frequency and the amplitude of the modulated voltage is relatively freely adjustable without an optimized operation of the DC voltage converter 9210 or the inverter 9220 must be waived. Through this circuit topology of the ignition electronics 910 also an increased transfer voltage for the gas discharge lamp burner generated via the resonant circuit 50 be made available, so that these are not from the DC-DC converter 9210 must be generated. With this measure, the operation of the DC-DC converter 9210 be further optimized because the necessary output voltage range of the DC-DC converter 9210 gets smaller. Also, the inverter needs 9220 Implement less power as part of the lamp power is coupled in via the modulated lamp voltage. This embodiment thus offers the greatest freedom in the implementation of the operating parameters, so that an optimized and reliable operation of the gas discharge lamp burner 50 is possible with straightened discharge arc.

26 shows a comparison with the prior art simplified embodiment of a DC-DC converter 9210 , The usual in the art DC-DC converter for ballasts, which are operable on an electrical system of an automobile, have a flyback converter topology, which is also referred to as flyback, because the on-board voltage of 12 V must be set to a higher voltage. Because of the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 the electrical contact only when inserting the lamp in the headlight 3 takes place, a simplified converter in the form of a boost converter, also referred to as a boost converter, can be used with an autotransformer T _FB . This is possible because in the electromechanical interface used an accidental contacting of the converter output with vehicle ground, which would have a destruction of the boost converter result, can be excluded. The DC-DC converter used in the prior art in flyback converter topology allow an interruption of the energy flow despite output short circuit. This is in the present converter concept after 26 not the case, since there is no galvanic isolation in the power path of the converter, the energy flow from the input, so the 12 V electrical system, to the output, ie the power supply of the Gasent discharge lamp burner 50 accidentally connected to the vehicle mass could interrupt. Otherwise, the DC-DC converter is constructed in the usual way. It consists of an input-side EMI filter, an input capacitor C1, a converter switch Q, an inductance T _FB designed as an autotransformer which operates via a diode D on the intermediate _circuit capacitor C _ZW . This converter is considerably less expensive than the flyback converters used in the prior art, thus the integrated gas discharge lamp 5 compared to a lamp system according to the prior art, with a gas discharge lamp and an external electronic control gear in the system view considerably cheaper.

20

electronic control gear

210

electrical Contact

220

electrical Contact

230

electrical Contact

240

electrical Contact

3

headlights

33

reflector of the headlight

35

support part with mating contacts

350

mating contacts

351, 352

slots

5

integrated Gas discharge lamp

50

Gas discharge lamp burner

502

discharge vessel

504

electrodes

506

molybdenum foil

52

metal clip for holding the gas discharge lamp burner

53

Halteblech for metal bracket

54

metallic Coating of the outer bulb

56

pedestal near Power supply of the gas discharge lamp burner

57

remote from the base power supply

70

lamp base

702

reference ring

703

out the reference ring protruding pimples

71

seal to the reflector

72

electrical conductive housing

73

sealing ring between base plate and base

74

plinth

741

Sockelplattendom

80

ignition transformer

81

ferrite

811

first ferrite core

8110

first Half of the inner part of the ferrite core

8112

Side wall the first ferrite core half

81121

elongated wells

812

second ferrite core

814-816

Conclusion ferrites

8120

second Half of the inner part of the ferrite core

8122

Side wall the second ferrite core half

81221

elongated wells

821

hollow cylinder

822

round plates

823

slot

824

hollow cylindrical central core

825

first plate

826

second plate

827

paragraph

85

Contact body

851

first roof

852

second roof

86

primary

861, 863, 865

cylindrical inward-pointing curves

862, 864

tabs for el. contacting

8620, 8640

radii or curves at the ends of the sheet metal strip of the primary winding

866-869

mounting tabs to mech. attachment

87

secondary winding

871

inner End of the secondary winding

872

outer End of the secondary winding

910

ignition electronics

920

operating electronics

930

Total operating electronics

9210

DC converter

9220

inverter

9230

signal generator

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - US 5036256 [0002]
• - DE 19803189 A1 [0003]

Cited non-patent literature

• - 'The boundary layers of ac-arcs at HID-electrodes: phase resolved electrical measurements and optical observations', O. Langenscheidt et al., J. Phys. D 40 (2007), pp. 415-431 [0117]

Claims (13)

Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) with integrated in the socket ignition electronics, which has an ignition transformer (T _IP ), a firing capacitor (CIP), and a controlled switching element (SIP), characterized in that the integrated ignition electronics is designed to generate an asymmetrical ignition pulse, wherein the voltage ratio between the sockelahen first lamp electrode and the sockelfernen second lamp electrode from 22: 1 to 5: 4 is enough. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the duration of the first half-cycle of the asymmetrical ignition pulse is in a range between 10 ns and 100 μs, in particular between 40 ns and 1 μs. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the generated by the asymmetrical ignition pulse voltage at the socket near the first lamp electrode 4 kV-25 kV, which is generated by the asymmetrical ignition pulse voltage at the second remote electrode base electrode 0.5 kV-8 kV. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition transformer (T _IP ) has a two-part secondary winding, wherein a first part of the first lamp electrode is assigned, a second part of the second lamp electrode is assigned and for the winding ratio n _S1 : n _S2 following Equation applies: n _S2 = 0.04 ... 0.8 * n _S1 . Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the ignition transformer (T _IP ) has 1-4 primary windings and 40-380 secondary windings. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition electronics has a threshold value, whose switching voltage is between 350 V and 1300 V. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition electronics has two inductances, which are each connected between a lamp electrode and a high voltage side secondary terminal of the ignition transformer (T _IP ). Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition electronics comprises a burner capacitor which is connected between the two lamp electrodes, wherein the burner capacitor has a capacity of less than 22 pF, and preferably has a capacitance between 3 pF and 15 pF. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition electronics comprises a return capacitor, which is connected between the low-voltage side secondary terminals of the ignition transformer (T _IP ), and having a capacity of 68 pF to 22 nF. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition electronics has a return conductor choke (L _R ), which forms a low pass together with the return capacitor. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition electronics has a current-compensated inductor (L _SK ), which is connected in the input of the ignition electronics. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition electronics has a TVS diode which is connected between the input terminals of the ignition electronics. Integrated gas discharge lamp ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas discharge lamp has a base, which at the same time accomplishes the electrical contacting simultaneously with the mechanical fixation when inserted into a reflector.