DE1937032A1 - Device for lighting up a light tube - Google Patents

Description

July 21, 1960

ELECTiIIG INDUSTRIAL CO. ·, LTD. Osaka, Japan

Device to light up a fluorescent tube

My invention relates to a device for on-13U3r.tsiils ssen of discharge lamps and in particular on such Device of this type, 7 / which guarantee an immediate

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&) 'Ti vie tion · and a simple brightness ssteixerung a discharge

leucj: tube offers. ". ^J _

There are so far-different systems to the current one. "Activation a discharge lamp, in particular, but a discharge tube, developed and put to practical use woidü: .. However, all these known systems require activation an associated luminaire a period of time from a few seconds to a few hundred isIi 111 seconds. Zirr brightness control a discharge lamp of the type mentioned is still available. Order provided to which a transistor or a four-layer switching diode heard, but these arrangements have the disadvantage, none F. to allow very rapid changes in brightness. This is the reason, vvesi-'lb 2.1s light source for viewing devices, among other things too Far Rüklameanls-fj-en, no discharge lamps are used.

The main object of the invention is to provide a device for

Let it light up

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-To create lighting of a discharge lamp which is suitable: to control its brightness intermittently at high-speed. :.-.- ■■:; _;

Another object of the invention is to provide a lighting device for large viewing facilities including from Rekla outdoor facilities to: create.

In the context of the invention, a discharge lamp is used which has a negative glow electrode and two positive electrodes, an abnormal glow discharge or an extremely gentle discharge being produced between the negative glow electrode and one of the positive electrodes, thus filling the tube with gaseous form to be kept in a partially white ionization state, which enables a shortening of the activation time of the tube "to - to about," - a few micro seconds so that the activation can take place immediately and the discharge current or the lighting time continues every time the tube is activated i: snii * _:

Other objects, kerkmale and gate members of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed connection dsr Descripti in v ^r Getting Connected with the accompanying drawings .: In .- show the drawings. ■. ■ ■■ .- .. '"■: _; .". ""

Figure 1 is a schematic bar position 'of the AuiT ^ from one Arrangement embodying ideas of the invention ^ ... . '

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation; Operation of the ■; arrangement occurring waveforms?

Figure 5- see a schematic representation of an embodiment s- '■ " form of Schaltaiaordnurig the device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a graphic representation of the operation of the in Figure 5 shown arrangement occurring 7 / 'e 11 enfornen;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment the switching arrangement of the device according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a graphical representation of the operation of the. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 5, waveforms occurring;

■ -. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of yet another

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Ren embodiment of the switching arrangement of the invention Device s i and.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the in operation Figure 7 shown arrangement waveforms.

Reference is first made to Figure 1, in which the. Construction principle of the device created by the invention illustrated is, wherein a discharge lamp 1, for example a Fluorescent lamp, at one end a negative, coil-shaped formed glow electrode '2- and at the other end two positive Electrodes, namely e; Lne positive main electrode 3 and a positive one Has auxiliary electrode 4. The negative glow electrode 2 of the arc tube 1, a heating current is supplied from a current source 5, and in addition, the negative glow electrode 2 and the positive auxiliary s- » Electrode 4 a DC voltage is also applied in order to switch between the * - cause an abnormal glow discharge with both electrodes. In addition, a brightness modulation circuit is used from the current source 5 6 a DC voltage is applied to the negative glow electrode 2 and the positive * main electrode J in order to generate an arc discharge between these electrodes 2 and 3. The brightness modulation circuit 6 "causes responding to an about a connection 7 trains led s signal to reset the fluorescent tube 1: and also serves to switch on the fluorescent tube and to control the brightness in response to a signal from a terminal 8.. -.-- .. "

The operation of the device with the structure described above is to be explained with reference to FIG. 2. An input signal a or an input signal b is impressed on the connections 7 and 8 of the brightness modulation circuit 6. The signal a is obtained by shifting a signal c on the basis of a predetermined amplitude, this signal c being obtained by sampling the horizontal synchronization pulse a, a video signal ν after a lapse of a time ti. The signal b is applied to the input terminal 8 of the brightness module circuit 6 before the signal a dem.Anschluss 7 is printed. The signal h is a V / elle.ifojai with a predetermined pulse width W to a .- ■ -

time

009809/1007

Time (ti-- W) after the horizontal sync pulse has expired. The discharge lamp 1 is switched on when the signal b at is received and switched on when the signal a comes in, and its brightness is controlled by the height or width of the wave of the signal a «''" - "

Before the fluorescent tube 1 is switched on, an abnormal glow discharge is produced under the influence of the direct voltage applied from the power source 5 via the negative glow electrode 2 and the positive auxiliary electrode 4 in order to keep the gaseous filling of the tubes in a partially ionized state. When pressing of the signal a on the negative glow electrode 1 and the positive main electrode J is generated under these conditions with a _f delay of only a few microseconds or less, an arc discharge and the discharge lamp 1 is therefore currently turned "If the arrangement of Figure 1 supplied signal it must not necessarily ν be a video signal, but this can also be a signal with a large repeat cycle be * ■; ■ '.- - _^":::." ■ .-'

A practical embodiment of the switching arrangement of the device is shown in Figure J and is used for Aüfleuchtsteuer a Fluorescent tube. In the illustration of FIG. 5, the reference number 11 shows a fluorescent lamp of a construction similar to that in FIG denotes a coil-shaped negative glow electrode 12, a positive main electrode IJ and a positive Having auxiliary electrode I4. Between the negative glow electrode 12 , and the auxiliary positive electrode I4 are connected in series Auxiliary discharge stabilizing resistor 15 and a DC power source laid for the relief discharge. On the other hand, there are also between the negative glow electrode 12 and the positive main electrode 13 A tube current control in series connection?; resistor 18, an Inidirel-tional thyristor I9, for example a four-layer switching diode placed with a control electrode, a switching transistor 20 and a direct current source 21, these switching means having a main discharge circuit form. A pulse generator 22 is placed between the control electrode and the cathode of the four-layer switching diode 15, to control the energization of the four-layer switching diode. To excite

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and de-energizing the switching transistor 20 is a control signal generator 23 provided. Reference numeral 24 denotes a DC power source sum heating of the negative glow electrode 1-2 of the fluorescent tube 11 "denotes.

With the arrangement described above, is under the influence a voltage originating from the direct current source 16 across the negative glow electrode 12 and the positive auxiliary electrode I4 of the fluorescent tube 11 in advance a moderate auxiliary discharge (abnormal Glow discharge) generated. The discharge current is controlled by the auxiliary discharge stabilizing resistor 15 in this case. Of the Auxiliary discharge stabilizing resistor-15 has such a high resistance value, that the negative glow electrode 12 and the positive auxiliary electrode 14 only a vorbe.stimmte voltage are impressed can. The mercury vapor filling of the arc tube 11 is through the via the positive auxiliary electrode I4 and the negative glow electrode 12 induced moderate auxiliary discharge into a state of partial Ionization transferred. The switching transistor is now in this state 20 excited by the control signal generator 25, and then the four-shift switchdinde I9 is controlled by the control pulse generator 22 energized, whereupon a partial amount of the voltage of the direct current source 21 of the positive main electrode 13 and the negative glow electrode 12 of the fluorescent tube 11 is pressed ^ As in the tube filling of the Light tube 11 ionized atoms and electrons are present This immediately leads to an arc discharge between the electrodes 12 and IJ, and the fluorescent tube 11 is switched on-V Die Brightness .the fluorescent tube 11 can be controlled by controlling the discharge current changed by setting the control resistor 18 v / earth.

If the supply of the control signal to the switching transistor 20 is interrupted for a short time with the fluorescent tube 11 switched on, so -will the at the anode and the cathode of the four-layer solenoid diode 19 applied voltage zero, so that the four-layer switching diode 19 regained its breaking capacity, and the state of the interruption the control signal supply is then also in the sense of a Turning off the fluorescent tube 11 maintained when the switching transistor 20 is then energized. The four-layer switching diode 19 and

as well -

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BATH

likewise the fluorescent tube 11 are switched on as soon as the Four-layer switching diode from the control pulse generator - 22 the control pulse is fed. ■ '

As shown in Figure 4, the pulse generator intersects 22 for the four-layer switching diode 19, the amplitude peaks of a Video signal ν in a predetermined amplitude E = S and samples the signal with a delay ti compared to the .. Horizontal synch ronimpuls H.ab, the sampling waveform shown in Figure 4 at a is. At b in Figure 4 is the waveform of the by the control signal generator 23 generated pulse reproduced. The one from the positive main electrode 13 to the negative glow electrode 12 of the Fluorescent tube. 11 current flowing is therefore interrupted by the signal c, as shown in Figure 4 "at d, and by the signal a restored. If the signal b is not followed by a signal a, so no current flows through the fluorescent tube 11 and this therefore remains switched off. -. .

In this way, the fluorescent tube 11 can be at intervals from a few tens of 1 micro seconds to a few hundred 1 micro seconds switched on and off by creating a constant abnormal glow discharge entertain, and it is entirely to the human eye: impossible to detect a flickering of the fluorescent tube.

If you hold at least three fluorescent tubes; with the descriptive neη Structure that emits a brightly colored light of the colors Egt, Green, Slau or produce white, together to form a unity, so can A variety of chromatic light effects in different colors can be generated by switching these fluorescent tubes selectively on and off and the colored lights generated by the individual fluorescent tubes with the help of a light-scattering reflector MisahtvSs "can also contain a large number of such units on one Viewing device can be put together, in which one on a picture surface appearing image can be changed without the viewer having the impression of a flickering of the light sources or a discontinuity that would have light impressions emanating from the picture surface. In addition, it does not need to be mentioned by the person skilled in the art that instead of the Switching transistor 20 and the control signal generator 23 also others high-speed switching means can be provided.

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The device created by the invention enables a fluorescent tube to light up in extremely rapid succession, which "was not previously possible, and it is also achieved in a very simple manner that the doorway of switching the light on and off remains hidden from human sensory perception When using the device according to the invention as a light source for a viewing device in which a large number of single light sources is combined, each of which includes a fluorescent tube emitting a red, green, "blue chromatic or white light", it is therefore possible to the viewer the to convey the desired light impressions. '"■

Another embodiment of the switching arrangement of the device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 5, in which case it is provided that the amplitude modulation method is used for an antermitting and high-speed brightness control of an associated fluorescent tube. In Figure 5, with the reference number Jl is a fluorescent tube he--. ' draws which has a negative glow electrode 32 »a positive main electrode 35 and a positive auxiliary electrode 34; denoted by reference numerals 35 and J6 are transistors for amplifying the current of a waveform which is an input for the fluorescent tube 31 and which has been modulated by pulse amplitude modulation; reference numeral 37 denotes a diode which transmits the modulated waveform but prevents, when a capacitor is discharged, the discharge current of that capacitor from flowing to the signal side; with de.r reference numeral 3B denotes a capacitor aum holding an input signal a modulated by pulse amplitude modulation; With the reference number 39 a four-layer switching diode for the unavoidable discharge of the capacitor 38, with the numbers 40 and 4I a capacitor or a resistor for triggering the control electrode of the four-layer switching diode 39ϊ and with the reference number 42 on. Resistance * The components 35 to 42 mentioned above represent a brightness modulator for the fluorescent tube 31. The reference number 44 is a control resistor which is used to set the current flowing through the fluorescent tube 3.1, and the reference number 45 is a direct current source

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high voltage power source for impressing a voltage across the positive auxiliary electrode 34 and the negative glow electrode 32 of Fluorescent tube 31 on the way across a resistor 46 of high Resistance value, with the reference number 47 a heating power source for. "the negative glow electrode 32 and with the reference number 49 a main direct current source, from which the fluorescent tube 31 is supplied with electricity via the brightness modulator 43 * The reference number 48 denotes a video signal input circuit for impressing a video signal via a connection 49 of the brightness modulator 43 »■ -

The operation of the arrangement with that described above The structure is as follows by applying a high voltage to the positive auxiliary electrode 34 from the voltage source suitable for generating a high voltage 45 initially caused an auxiliary discharge via the resistor 46, while the negative glow electrode 32 from the Heating power source 47 a heating voltage is applied. Will the Input terminal 49 of the brightness modulator 43 through. Pulse amplitude modulation modulated output of the video signal input » circuit 48 is pressed, the signal input is via the diode 37 stored in the capacitor 38. When interrupting the connection 49 applied signal, the capacitor JS begins its stored To discharge current power, but since the resistance value of the diode 37, the four-layer switching diode 39, the transistors 35 and 36 and the arc tube 31 is high, the input signal power becomes held in the capacitor 38. The control electrode of the Vierpohiclxtschaltdiode 39 is made by the capacitor 40 and the resistor 4I existing trigger circuit with a delay a control signal is supplied to the aforementioned input signal, whereupon the four-layer switching diode 39 is switched on and the in the input signal power captured by the capacitor 38 in its entirety is discharged. ' .

The transistors 35 and 36 form with the resistor 42

an amplifier circuit for amplifying the input signal Current amplification, fird of the control electrode of the four-layer switching / diode 39 no control signal is supplied, so flows through the light

009809/106?

a tube 31 by the brightness variable resistor 44 of regulated current so that it in the arc tube between the main positive electrode 33 and the negative glow electrode 32 to a _Bogenent-: charge comes and "the arc tube is thus turned on.

As can be seen from the above, the main discharge lasts between the positive main electrode 33 and the negative glow electrode 32, provided that the control electrode of the Tierschi chtschaltdiode no control signal is fed, and the fluorescent tube 31 emits a bright light. The auxiliary discharge remains during this period of time is of course maintained.

If the control signal is now supplied, the changes Operating state of the fluorescent tube Jl from that of an arc discharge that of a glow discharge with essentially no current flowing through the tubes flows through and it therefore becomes dark.

The ones that occur when operating the circuit described above Wave shapes are to be explained with reference to FIG. In the Representation in FIG. 6 is the input signal with the reference character a - the output of the video signal input circuit 43. If the brightness modulator is a pulse amplitude modulated Waveform with a pulse repetition time T, a pulse width. ' t and an amplitude -r V, the capacitor 38

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a voltage of amplitude - ^ Y is printed out and held there until a time span j_T- (t + t)] has elapsed from the point in time when the input signal a is supplied, whereupon the control pulse discharges. The control signal b is supplied at a point of time [T- (t + t)] after the "point of time of the rise of the input signal a and turns out to be a signal having a pulse width t

and a repetition time T. In this i'all flows through the ^ Fluorescent tube 3I from the emitter of transistor 36 a current i.

Then the input signal becomes a "with a pulse width of Y de .'- i brightness modulator supplied, whereupon between the connections of the holding capacitor 3_8 builds up a voltage V and the output current of the transistor 36 assumes the size 2i. In the above, Way, the output current of the brightness module flows., gate 43 proportional to the pulse size of the input signal a, and the

Current flow

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Current flow between the positive main electrode 33 and the negative Glühe'lektrode 32 of the fluorescent tube 31 occurs every time - .., the fluorescent tube from the operating state of the auxiliary discharge into the -; the main discharge passes. .Using a pulse of duration t as a horizontal sync signal of a video signal, so can the video signal can also be used as an input signal.

As can be seen from the above explanations, the brightness control of a fluorescent tube can be accomplished by means of the input signal, a so-called pulse amplitude modulation wave with variable amplitude, and the control signal b impressed on the control electrode of the four-layer switching diode. Since the auxiliary discharge was previously caused in the fluorescent tube, the following advantages are still to be booked that the control electrode is in _:

rapid sequence can be controlled by the input signal a and the control signal b and that the tube current duroh. the Jiegelwiderstand'44 i ⁿ its relative Stäi-ke-can be controlled. -

FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of the holding arrangement of the device according to the invention; whose structure is such that not how. described in the above, the value of the discharge current is controlled, but that the duration of the discharge is controlled. In Figure 7, the reference numerals 51 and 52 designate input connections, while the reference number 53 designates a diode, which is connected on the cathode side to a time constant circuit for generating a triangular wave and to the base of an average follower transistor 56, this time constant circuit from a capacitor 54 and a resistor 55 consists. A rheostat was 57 on the emitter side: the transistor 5.6. and is used to control the gain of the transistor, and a slider of the regulating resistor s is connected to the base side of a transistor 59. The emitter side of the transistor 59 is connected to "a resistance 60, while a Yfellenformerschaltung and the base of an emitter follower transistor be due to its collector side 63, wherein the waveform shaping circuit of a resistor 6l and a Zener diode 62 is formed. On the emitter side of the transistor 6y> are a resistor 64 and the base of a transistor 65 used to control the arc tube. The 3ezu; g3t, ahlen 66 and

■ mark

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denote current sources for exciting the transistors 56, 59 and 63. The connection line between power sources 66 and 67 is grounded. A resistor 68 is attached to the emitter side of transistor 65 connected and on its collector side is the positive main " electrode of a fluorescent tube 69 placed. The fluorescent tube 69 has the same structure as described above. Reference numeral 70. denotes a resistor across which the positive Auxiliary electrode of the fluorescent tube from a gate voltage source 71 a Voltage is impressed, reference numeral 72 denotes a heating power source for the arc tube 69 and reference numeral 73 a Current source for the transistor 65 for supplying current to the fluorescent tube 69.

The mode of operation of the arrangement with the structure described above will be explained with reference to FIG. If a pulse of high fundamental frequency (a in FIG. 8) obtained by sampling a video signal is impressed via the input connections 51 and 52, a voltage is impressed on the time constant circuit consisting of the capacitor 54 and the resistor 55 via the diode 55 and is obtained enteprechend the input pulse a is a time constant waveform (b in Figure 8). in this case, the width of the e ± n- gangsimp'Ulses a is low, whereas for the transistor 63, a pulse width of a few milliseconds is required, so that the resistance swert of resistance 55 must be sufficiently ho <Jh. The input signal can be used as a solohes nioht as β control signal. For impedance matching, the emitter former transistor 56 is provided and the emitter output of the transistor 56 is amplified by the following transistor 59. The triangular wave amplified by the transistor 59 is duroh the placed on the collector side of the transistor 59 Zener diode 62 besc cut. This has the "purpose of applying a constant, stable voltage to the base of transistor 65 in order to ensure stable operation of this transistor independently of the input pulse a. The resulting trapezoidal wave is fed to transistor 63 and a voltage nit 8, at C, the base of the transistor 65 is pressed on, and a current of the type shown at d in FIG

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Waveform, and this current makes the fluorescent tube 69 light up,

which is connected to the collector side of the transistor 65. . ^

A change in the level of the input leads to a Modulation of the impulse strife and consequently a change in the duration of the experience of the transistor 65. Der.Strom is therefore amplified and the brightness of the fluorescent tube is adjusted. -

Since the input level, i.e. the pulse width of the sampled video signal, is dimensioned sufficiently large by the circuit as described above and since the output of the circuit as The input of the fluorescent tube can be used in a short period of time desired brightness of the emitted light can be brought about.

_: ■ ".--: Claims

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Claims (3)

P a te nt to sp ü ο h e ΊJ Device for lighting up a discharge lamp, characterized by one negative glow electrode (2) and two positive Discharge lamp (1) having electrodes (3, 4), one for Generating an auxiliary discharge via the negative glow electrode (2) and one of the two positive electrodes (3, 4) actuatable direct current source (5) and one including a direct current source (5), for generating an arc discharge via the negative glow electrode (2) and the other of the two positive electrodes (3, 4) actuatable control circuit (5, 6), the power supply from the direct current source (5) to the discharge lamp (l) in response to a externally supplied signal can be interrupted intermittently. 2. Device for lighting up a discharge lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that "the control circuit consists of a Switching element (20), a unidirectional thyristor having a control electrode and connected in series with the switching element (20) (19) and one for controlling the energization state of the switching element (20) and the unidirectional thyristor (19) actuatable control signal generator (23) consists, wherein the discharge lamp (ll) the power intermittently through the switching element (20) and the IJnidirektional-Thyri stör (19) can be supplied. '■■ · 3. Device sum lighting up a discharge lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the control circuit of a diode (37) j one for storing and holding a via the diode (37) impressed signal actuable capacitor (38) _and a parallel to the capacitor (53) connected, a control electrode having unidirectional thyristor (39) and a transistor amplifier (35) 36) j whose state of excitation can be controlled by a voltage built up between the .connections of the capacitor (38), the transistor amplifier (35 $ 36) in response to the signal voltage of the capacitor (38) during the total period of storage of the signal in the capacitor (38) for controlling the input current of the input lamp (31) actuating bay. is and the unidirectional thyristor (39) for switching on in the sense of a deletion of the "in the capacitor (38) stored signal 00980 9/106? ■ can be controlled to switch off the discharge lamp (31). 4. Device for illuminating a discharge lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the control circuit consists of a diode (53), a capacitor (54) which can be actuated to store a signal discharged via the diode (53) and a capacitor in parallel with the capacitor (54) switched resistor (55) »· a transistor amplifier (56» 59 * ^ 3 »65) for amplifying a voltage built up across the connections of the capacitor (54) by the discharge current of the capacitor (54) and flowing through the resistor (55) a capper (62) for. An excessively high output voltage for the base circuit of the transistor (65) of the transistor amplifier is cut off, with the duration of the power supply of the discharge lamp (69) being controllable according to the size of the signal. · ..Device for lighting up a discharge lamp according to claim. 1, characterized in that as s -'outer β control signal for the control circuit is obtained by sampling a video signal Pulse signal can be used ... 009809/1067