EP0681415A1 - Device for operating a discharge lamp, especially for inside lighting or signalling of vehicles - Google Patents

Device for operating a discharge lamp, especially for inside lighting or signalling of vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0681415A1
EP0681415A1 EP95401028A EP95401028A EP0681415A1 EP 0681415 A1 EP0681415 A1 EP 0681415A1 EP 95401028 A EP95401028 A EP 95401028A EP 95401028 A EP95401028 A EP 95401028A EP 0681415 A1 EP0681415 A1 EP 0681415A1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
lamp
amplifier
voltage
discharge lamp
oscillator
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EP95401028A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0681415B1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Albou
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/26Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
    • H05B41/28Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters
    • H05B41/282Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters with semiconductor devices
    • H05B41/2821Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters with semiconductor devices by means of a single-switch converter or a parallel push-pull converter in the final stage

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for supplying a lamp of the discharge type. It advantageously finds application for the supply of discharge lamps used for interior lighting or signaling of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles.
  • inverter assemblies are used to supply this type of light sources, which convert direct voltages into alternating voltages.
  • inverter assemblies reference may advantageously be made to the applicant's French patent application filed under number 93-07.478.
  • a main object of the invention is to solve these problems.
  • the invention provides for this purpose a device for supplying a discharge lamp, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, an oscillator delivering a signal which is sinusoidal or which has few significant harmonics and is devoid of steep edges, and, on the other hand, an amplifier receiving as input the signal from the oscillator and supplying the discharge lamp as output, the operation of this amplifier being linear when the lamp is on.
  • the semiconductor components of the circuit operate in linear mode, it is possible to reach high frequencies, even with inexpensive components (bipolar transistors for example). At high frequencies, the volume of the amplifier transformer can be made very low. The same goes for the complete circuit, the transformer being the most voluminous element.
  • the losses in this type of assembly are located in the transistors.
  • the heat can be easily removed, the mounting of transistors on a radiator, by means of screws or elastic locking elements, being a technique well mastered by the person skilled in the art.
  • the invention proposes in a preferred embodiment, to use an amplifier, which, when the lamp is not lit, operates according to a nonlinear transient regime, where it generates pulses voltage for starting the discharge lamp.
  • the amplifier may have a gain high enough to supply the lamp with a starting voltage; a pulse generator can also be connected in series with the lamp.
  • the circuit 1 for supplying a lamp of the discharge type 2, which has been shown therein, comprises an oscillator 3 delivering a sinusoidal input voltage to a linear amplifier 4 on the outputs of which the lamp 2 is mounted.
  • an oscillator 3 delivering a sinusoidal input voltage to a linear amplifier 4 on the outputs of which the lamp 2 is mounted.
  • a non-sinusoidal oscillator 3 it is possible to envisage the use of a non-sinusoidal oscillator 3 if the signals delivered have few significant harmonics and are devoid of stiff edges.
  • the amplifier 4 shown is a class A amplifier, having a single transistor (referenced by 5), to minimize the cost of the converter.
  • the collector of the transistor is connected to the primary winding 6a of a transformer 6, the secondary winding of which has been referenced by 6b.
  • the emitter of transistor 5 is connected to a resistor 7.
  • a constant voltage E is imposed by a voltage source 8 (battery on a motor vehicle) between the other ends of the primary winding 6a and of the resistor 7.
  • the oscillator which has not been shown in this FIG. 2 so as not to weigh down the drawings, supplies a siusoidal control voltage Vcom between the base of transistor 5 and the end of resistor 7 connected to source 8.
  • the control voltage is between 0 and E and is of the form:
  • the transistor 5 operates in its linearity domain corresponding to the area 1 of FIG. 3 and it and V1 verify the following equations:
  • V1 the maximum U1 value of V1 is equal to: ⁇ t1 ⁇ 3 ⁇ 2, if ⁇ t1 ⁇ 3 ⁇ 2, where t1 is a solution of the equation:
  • FIG. 4 represents, for E, L ⁇ , R, Vd, V C1 and ⁇ fixed, the curve giving this peak value V1 as a function of Vc 2 . Addiction is almost linear.
  • Vc 2 so as to obtain a peak voltage at the primary winding 6a of the transformer 6 clearly greater than the supply voltage.
  • the arrow in Figure 4 indicates the point where mt1 is equal to 3 ⁇ / 2.
  • the overvoltage thus obtained is in practice limited by the saturation current of the transformer and / or the direct breakdown voltage of the transistor.
  • the value of the resistance R is advantageously chosen to be small, so as to minimize the losses.
  • the power consumed by the power system has the expression:
  • the power consumed by the lamp is V n i n 2 (P2).
  • the control oscillator 3 (FIG. 1) is chosen so as to allow adjustment of the amplitude of the control sinusoid Vcom. Since the voltage of the lamp 2 increases as a function of V C2 both at no load and under load and the open voltage having to be notably greater than the nominal output voltage, this oscillator 3 is advantageously controlled by a servo-control of the current of the lamp 2.
  • Such a control system has been illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 5.
  • the current i2 of the lamp 2 is detected by a sensor 9, the output signal of which is subtracted from a reference voltage Vr, to control a corrector 10 whose output delivers the voltage V C2 to oscillator 3 delivering the control voltage Vcom.
  • the corrector 10 is for example a PI type regulator (proportional-integrator).
  • V C2 When the lamp 2 is off, the current i2 is zero and the servo-control considerably increases V C2 and therefore the peak voltage of the converter, which will cause the ignition. Once the lamp 2 is on, V C2 decreases due to the servo-control and returns to an operating value under load.
  • This amplifier 14 comprises in particular a transformer 10 whose secondary winding supplies the discharge lamp 2 and which has two primary windings. By their common node, these two primary windings are connected to a constant voltage source E, the other ends of these two windings being connected to the transistor collector 11 and 12.
  • the node common to the two primary windings of the transformer 10 is connected by a resistor 15 at the collector of a transistor 13.
  • the emitters of the transistors 11, 12, 13 are connected to the earth by means of resistors referenced from 16 to 18.
  • the base of the transistor 11 is connected to the base of the transistor 13 by means of a resistor 19 in series with a capacitor C1.
  • the base of transistor 12 is connected to the collector of transistor 13 by a resistor 20 in series with a capacitor C2.
  • a diode 21 is mounted between the earth and the end of the resistor 20 opposite the base of the transistor 12.
  • a diode 22 is mounted between the earth and the end of the resistor 19 opposite the base of the transistor 11.
  • An oscillating voltage is supplied by an oscillator of the type of oscillator 3 on the base of transistor 13.
  • the asymptotic efficiency of this converter is around 78% ( ⁇ / 4).
  • the lamp 2 can be started other than by using the amplifier / convert- as a pulse generator.
  • FIG. 7 shows an amplifier 24 of class A implementing this solution.
  • This amplifier comprises a transistor 25, the collector of which is connected to the primary winding of a transformer 26 and the emitter of which is connected to a resistor 27.
  • the oscillating control voltage is supplied between the other end of the resistor 27 and the base of the transistor 25.
  • the supply voltage E is supplied between the resistor 27 and the primary winding of the transformer 26.
  • Va is the initiation voltage of the discharge and Vn and in the nominal voltage and current of the lamp.
  • the amplitude of the largest voltage that can be encountered at the primary winding of the transformer (the transistor remaining in its linearity range) is E.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a variant with an electromechanical switch which makes it possible to overcome these drawbacks.
  • the lamp 2 is connected, on the one hand, to an amplifier 34 and, on the other hand, to a node N on which is mounted an inductor B connected to earth by its other end, as well as the upper voltage terminal d 'a battery 31.
  • the other end of the battery 11 is grounded.
  • a Reed relay 32 controlled by a circuit 33.
  • Inductance B is a thin wire coil on an unclosed magnetic circuit (stick for example), which makes it possible to obtain a high inductance value in a reasonable volume with a high saturation current.
  • the winding resistor of B is used to limit the current when the relay 32 is closed. This relay has been modified to hold 2 kV (for example by filling the bulb with gas, at a suitable pressure).
  • the winding resistance of B is not a problem after ignition, due to the low nominal currents of the lamps considered (10 mA for the lamp mentioned above).

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  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

The circuit for supplying power to an electrical discharge lamp includes an oscillator providing a sinusoidal signal (Vcom) with few significant harmonics. The signal offers few significant harmonics and has no steep fronts. This signal is applied to an amplifier (4) which in turn provides an output signal for application to the discharge lamp (2). The operation of the amplifier is linear when the lamp is illuminated. The amplifier does have a transitory nonlinear regime when it generates firing pulses to start up the discharge lamp (2). <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention est relative à un dispositif pour l'alimentation d'une lampe du type à décharge. Elle trouve avantageusement application pour l'alimentation de lampes à décharge utilisées pour l'éclairage intérieur ou la signalisation de véhicules, notamment automobiles.The present invention relates to a device for supplying a lamp of the discharge type. It advantageously finds application for the supply of discharge lamps used for interior lighting or signaling of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles.

Il est connu d'utiliser des tubes ou lampes à décharge, fluorescents ou non, de faible puissance, pour réaliser l'éclairage intérieur ou la signalisation des véhicules.It is known to use discharge tubes or lamps, fluorescent or not, of low power, for carrying out interior lighting or signaling of vehicles.

On utilise généralement pour alimenter ce type de sources lumineuses des montages onduleurs auto- oscillants, qui convertissent des tensions continues en tensions alternatives. Pour une description sommaire de ces montages onduleurs, on pourra avantageusement se référer à la demande de brevet français de la demanderesse déposée sous le numéro 93-07.478.In general, self-oscillating inverter assemblies are used to supply this type of light sources, which convert direct voltages into alternating voltages. For a brief description of these inverter assemblies, reference may advantageously be made to the applicant's French patent application filed under number 93-07.478.

De tels montages génèrent des signaux à découpage à commutation rapide très chargés d'harmoniques et posent un problème de bruit électromagnétique.Such arrangements generate fast-switching switching signals highly charged with harmonics and pose a problem of electromagnetic noise.

Egalement, ces montages impliquent des volumes d'alimentation relativement importants. La saturation et désaturation du transformateur à haute fréquence entraînant des pertes de fer rédhibitoires, il n'est pas possible de fonctionner à des fréquences très élevées, de sorte que l'encombrement du transformateur et des autres composants du montage onduleur est relativement important.Also, these arrangements involve relatively large supply volumes. The saturation and desaturation of the high frequency transformer causing unacceptable iron losses, it is not possible to operate at very high frequencies, so that the bulk of the transformer and the other components of the inverter assembly is relatively large.

En outre, il est nécessaire de prévoir des radiateurs importants au niveau du transformateur, puisque les pertes thermiques y sont principalement localisées, en raison de la saturation.In addition, it is necessary to provide large radiators at the transformer, since the heat losses are mainly located there, due to saturation.

Un but principal de l'invention est de résoudre ces problèmes.A main object of the invention is to solve these problems.

L'invention propose à cet effet un dispositif pour l'alimentation d'une lampe à décharge, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, d'une part, un oscillateur délivrant un signal qui est sinusoïdal ou qui présente peu d'harmoniques significatives et est dépourvu de fronts raides, et, d'autre part, un amplificateur recevant en entrée le signal de l'oscillateur et alimentant en sortie la lampe à décharge, le fonctionnement de cet amplificateur étant linéaire lorsque la lampe est allumée.The invention provides for this purpose a device for supplying a discharge lamp, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, an oscillator delivering a signal which is sinusoidal or which has few significant harmonics and is devoid of steep edges, and, on the other hand, an amplifier receiving as input the signal from the oscillator and supplying the discharge lamp as output, the operation of this amplifier being linear when the lamp is on.

Les composants semi-conducteurs du montage fonctionnant en régime linéaire, il est possible d'atteindre des fréquences élevées, même avec des composants peu coûteux (transistors bipolaires par exemple). Afré- quence élevée, le volume du transformateur de l'amplificateur peut être rendu très faible. Il en va de même du circuit complet, le transformateur étant l'élément le plus volumineux.Since the semiconductor components of the circuit operate in linear mode, it is possible to reach high frequencies, even with inexpensive components (bipolar transistors for example). At high frequencies, the volume of the amplifier transformer can be made very low. The same goes for the complete circuit, the transformer being the most voluminous element.

En outre, toutes les tensions présentes dans le circuit sont sinusoïdales. Il n'y a pas de fronts de commutation. Le système rayonne donc dans une bande très étroite autour de sa fréquence de fonctionnement quelques harmoniques apparaissent en raison de la non-linéarité de la lampe, mais le bruit large bande est très limité. Ce type de circuit est donc très peu bruyant électromagnétiquement.In addition, all the voltages present in the circuit are sinusoidal. There are no switching edges. The system therefore radiates in a very narrow band around its operating frequency some harmonics appear due to the non-linearity of the lamp, but the broadband noise is very limited. This type of circuit is therefore very quiet electromagnetically.

Enfin, les pertes dans ce type de montage sont localisées dans les transistors. La chaleur peut être facilement évacuée, le montage de transistors sur radiateur, au moyen de vis ou d'éléments de verrouillage élastique, étant une technique bien maîtrisée par l'homme du métier.Finally, the losses in this type of assembly are located in the transistors. The heat can be easily removed, the mounting of transistors on a radiator, by means of screws or elastic locking elements, being a technique well mastered by the person skilled in the art.

On notera par ailleurs que pour ce type de lampes, le problème du rendement énergétique de l'alimentation est moins aigu que pour les systèmes portables alimentés par piles ou les systèmes de forte puissance. Même avec une alimentation de faible rendement (60 %), le rendement global du système reste supérieur à celui des feux ou des plafonniers à incandescence.It will also be noted that for this type of lamp, the problem of the energy efficiency of the power supply is less acute than for portable systems powered by batteries or high power systems. Even with a low efficiency supply (60%), the overall efficiency of the system remains higher than that of incandescent lights or overhead lights.

Pour réaliser l'amorçage de la lampe, l'invention propose dans un mode de réalisation préféré, d'utiliser un amplificateur, qui, lorsque la lampe n'est pas allumée, fonctionne selon un régime transitoire non linéaire, où il génère des impulsions de tension pour l'amorçage de la lampe à décharge.To achieve the ignition of the lamp, the invention proposes in a preferred embodiment, to use an amplifier, which, when the lamp is not lit, operates according to a nonlinear transient regime, where it generates pulses voltage for starting the discharge lamp.

En variante, l'amplificateur peut présenter un gain suffisamment élevé pourfournir à la lampe une tension d'amorçage ; un générateur d'impulsions peut également être monté en série avec la lampe.Alternatively, the amplifier may have a gain high enough to supply the lamp with a starting voltage; a pulse generator can also be connected in series with the lamp.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront encore de la description qui suit. Cette description est purement illustrative et non limitative. Elle doit être lue en regard des dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • . la figure 1 représente schématiquement de façon générale un dispositif d'alimentation conforme à l'invention ;
  • . la figure 2 représente schématiquement un circuit amplificateur linéaire pour la réalisation d'un dispositif d'alimentation conforme à une variante possible de l'invention ;
  • . la figure 3 illustre les courbes de tension et d'intensité dans l'enroulement primaire du transformateur de l'amplificateur de la figure 2, avant l'allumage de la lampe ;
  • . la figure 4 est un graphe sur lequel on a porté la valeur absolue de la valeur de la crête de tension d'amorçage ramenée à la tension E d'alimentation, en fonction de l'amplitude de la tension de l'oscillateur, pour un amplificateur du type de celui représenté sur la figure 2 ;
  • . la figure 5 illustre un asservissement possible de l'oscillateur alimentant l'amplificateur de la figure 2 ;
  • . la figure 6 représente le schéma d'un circuit amplificateur pour la réalisation d'un dispositif d'alimentation conforme à l'invention ;
  • . la figure 7 représente schématiquement un circuit amplificateur pour la réalisation d'un dispositif d'alimentation conforme à une autre variante de l'invention ;
  • . la figure 8 représente schématiquement un dispositif d'alimentation conforme à une autre variante encore de l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows. This description is purely illustrative and not limiting. It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • . Figure 1 shows schematically in general a supply device according to the invention;
  • . FIG. 2 schematically represents a linear amplifier circuit for the production of a supply device according to a possible variant of the invention;
  • . FIG. 3 illustrates the voltage and current curves in the primary winding of the transformer of the amplifier in FIG. 2, before the lamp is switched on;
  • . FIG. 4 is a graph on which we have plotted the absolute value of the value of the starting voltage peak reduced to the supply voltage E, as a function of the amplitude of the voltage of the oscillator, for a amplifier of the type shown in FIG. 2;
  • . FIG. 5 illustrates a possible control of the oscillator supplying the amplifier of FIG. 2;
  • . FIG. 6 represents the diagram of an amplifier circuit for the production of a supply device according to the invention;
  • . FIG. 7 schematically represents an amplifier circuit for the production of a supply device according to another variant of the invention;
  • . FIG. 8 schematically represents a supply device according to yet another variant of the invention.

L'invention a été illustrée de façon générale sur la figure 1. Le circuit 1 pour l'alimentation d'une lampe du type à décharge 2, qui y a été représenté, comprend un oscillateur 3 délivrant une tension d'entrée sinusoïdale à un amplificateur linéaire 4 sur les sorties duquel est montée la lampe 2. En variante, on peut envisager l'emploi d'un oscillateur 3 non sinusoïdal si les signaux délivrés ont peu d'harmoniques significatives et sont dépourvus de fronts raides.The invention has been illustrated in general in FIG. 1. The circuit 1 for supplying a lamp of the discharge type 2, which has been shown therein, comprises an oscillator 3 delivering a sinusoidal input voltage to a linear amplifier 4 on the outputs of which the lamp 2 is mounted. As a variant, it is possible to envisage the use of a non-sinusoidal oscillator 3 if the signals delivered have few significant harmonics and are devoid of stiff edges.

On a illustré sur la figure 2 un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention. L'amplificateur 4 représenté est un amplificateur de classe A, présentant un seul transistor (référencé par 5), pour minimiser le coût du convertisseur.Illustrated in Figure 2 is a preferred embodiment of the invention. The amplifier 4 shown is a class A amplifier, having a single transistor (referenced by 5), to minimize the cost of the converter.

Le collecteur du transistor est relié à l'enroulement primaire 6a d'un transformateur 6, dont l'enroulement secondaire a été référencé par 6b.The collector of the transistor is connected to the primary winding 6a of a transformer 6, the secondary winding of which has been referenced by 6b.

L'émetteur du transistor 5 est relié à une résistance 7.The emitter of transistor 5 is connected to a resistor 7.

Une tension constante E est imposée par une source de tension 8 (batterie sur un véhicule automobile) entre les autres extrémités de l'enroulement primaire 6a et de la résistance 7.A constant voltage E is imposed by a voltage source 8 (battery on a motor vehicle) between the other ends of the primary winding 6a and of the resistor 7.

L'oscillateur, qui n'a pas été représenté sur cette figure 2 pour ne pas alourdir les dessins, fournit une tension siusoïdale de commande Vcom entre la base du transistor 5 et l'extrémité de la résistance 7 reliée à la source 8.The oscillator, which has not been shown in this FIG. 2 so as not to weigh down the drawings, supplies a siusoidal control voltage Vcom between the base of transistor 5 and the end of resistor 7 connected to source 8.

On note (β le gain en courant du transistor 5 (β »1), Lµ l'inductance de magnétisation du transformateur (à l'enroulement primaire 6a) et Vd la tension émetteur-base du transistor 5.We note (β the current gain of transistor 5 (β »1), Lµ the magnetization inductance of the transformer (at primary winding 6a) and Vd the emitter-base voltage of transistor 5.

La tension de commande est comprise entre 0 et E et est de la forme :

Figure imgb0001
The control voltage is between 0 and E and is of the form:
Figure imgb0001

Lorsque la lampe 2 est allumée, son fonctionnement est assimilé à celui d'une résistance. Cette approximation est notamment justifiée lorsque la fréquence du courant de décharge est supérieure à quelques dizaines de kiloherz.When the lamp 2 is on, its operation is assimilated to that of a resistor. This approximation is particularly justified when the frequency of the discharge current is greater than a few tens of kiloherz.

Le fonctionnement d'un tel amplificateur va maintenant être décrit.The operation of such an amplifier will now be described.

Lors de la mise sous tension, la lampe 2 reste éteinte de sorte que : i2 = 0 et V1 = Lµ di1 dt où i2 est le courant dans l'enroulement secondaire 6b.When the power is turned on, the lamp 2 remains off so that: i2 = 0 and V1 = L µ di1 dt where i2 is the current in the secondary winding 6b.

On a représenté sur la figure 3 les courbes de la tension et du courant V1 et il dans le cas où Vc1 - Vd - VC2 = 0 (courant de polarisation minimum).FIG. 3 shows the curves of the voltage and of the current V1 and it in the case where V c1 - Vd - V C2 = 0 (minimum bias current).

Dans un premier temps, le transistor 5 fonctionne dans son domaine de linéarité correspondant à la zone 1 de la figure 3 et il et V1 vérifient les équations suivantes :

Figure imgb0002
Firstly, the transistor 5 operates in its linearity domain corresponding to the area 1 of FIG. 3 and it and V1 verify the following equations:
Figure imgb0002

Lorsque V1 tend à devenir supérieure à E, le transistor 5 sature. Le fonctionnement est alors celui de la zone II de la figure 3, et V1 et il vérifient les équations suivantes :

Figure imgb0003

  • i10 est la valeur de i1 au début de la phase de saturation,
  • t0 est la date de début de la phase de saturation II.
When V1 tends to become greater than E, the transistor 5 saturates. The operation is then that of zone II of FIG. 3, and V1 and it checks the following equations:
Figure imgb0003
or
  • i 10 is the value of i 1 at the start of the saturation phase,
  • t0 is the start date of the saturation phase II.

Cette phase de saturation II prend fin à la date t1 telle que

Figure imgb0004
This saturation phase II ends on date t 1 such that
Figure imgb0004

Par conséquent,la valeur U1 maximum de V1 est égale à : ωt1 ≦3π 2,

Figure imgb0005
si ωt1 ≧ 3π 2,
Figure imgb0006
où t1 est une solution de l'équation :
Figure imgb0007
Consequently, the maximum U1 value of V1 is equal to: ωt1 ≦ 3π 2,
Figure imgb0005
if ωt1 ≧ 3π 2,
Figure imgb0006
where t1 is a solution of the equation:
Figure imgb0007

La figure 4 représente, pour E, Lµ, R, Vd, VC1 et ω fixés, la courbe donnant cette valeur de crête V1 en fonction de Vc2. La dépendance est presque linéaire.FIG. 4 represents, for E, L μ , R, Vd, V C1 and ω fixed, the curve giving this peak value V1 as a function of Vc 2 . Addiction is almost linear.

On voit par conséquent qu'il est possible de choisir Vc2 de façon à obtenir une tension crête à l'enroulement primaire 6a du transformateur 6 nettement supérieure à la tension d'alimentation. La flèche sur la figure 4 indique le point où mt1 est égal à 3π/2.It can therefore be seen that it is possible to choose Vc 2 so as to obtain a peak voltage at the primary winding 6a of the transformer 6 clearly greater than the supply voltage. The arrow in Figure 4 indicates the point where mt1 is equal to 3π / 2.

La surtension ainsi obtenue est en pratique limitée par le courant de saturation du transformateur et/ou la tension directe de claquage du transistor.The overvoltage thus obtained is in practice limited by the saturation current of the transformer and / or the direct breakdown voltage of the transistor.

Une fois la lampe 2 ainsi allumée, le fonctionnement est linéaire. Toutes les tensions et intensités V1, i1, i2 dans l'amplificateur sont des grandeurs sinusoïdales, de même pulsation.Once the lamp 2 is thus lit, the operation is linear. All the voltages and intensities V1, i1, i2 in the amplifier are sinusoidal quantities, of the same pulsation.

En régime établi, on a

Figure imgb0008
où in et vn sont les intensité et tension nominales dans la lampe.In steady state, we have
Figure imgb0008
where in and vn are the nominal current and voltage in the lamp.

On notera que la valeur de la résistance R est avantageusement choisie petite, de façon à minimiser les pertes.It will be noted that the value of the resistance R is advantageously chosen to be small, so as to minimize the losses.

La puissance consommée par le système d'alimentation a pour expression :

Figure imgb0009
The power consumed by the power system has the expression:
Figure imgb0009

La puissance consommée par la lampe est Vnin 2(P2).The power consumed by the lamp is V n i n 2 (P2).

Le rendement du système étant égal à p = ―, ce rendement p est inférieur à 1/2 et tend vers 1/2 lorsque ω tend vers l'infini.The efficiency of the system being equal to p = -, this efficiency p is less than 1/2 and tends towards 1/2 when ω tends towards infinity.

On voit qu'on a intérêt à fonctionner à fréquence élevée (en maintenant Lµ faible pour garder un volume de transformateur petit).It is seen that it is advantageous to operate at high frequency (keeping L μ low to keep a transformer volume small).

L'oscillateur 3 de commande (figure 1) est choisi de façon à permettre le réglage de l'amplitude de la sinusoïde de commande Vcom. La tension de la lampe 2 étant croissante en fonction de VC2 aussi bien à vide qu'en charge et la tension à vide devant être notablement supérieure à la tension de sortie nominale, cet oscillateur 3 est avantageusement commandé par un asservissement du courant de la lampe 2.The control oscillator 3 (FIG. 1) is chosen so as to allow adjustment of the amplitude of the control sinusoid Vcom. Since the voltage of the lamp 2 increases as a function of V C2 both at no load and under load and the open voltage having to be notably greater than the nominal output voltage, this oscillator 3 is advantageously controlled by a servo-control of the current of the lamp 2.

Un tel asservissement a été illustré schématiquement sur la figure 5. Le courant i2 de la lampe 2 est relevé par un capteur 9, dont le signal de sortie est soustrait à une tension de référence Vr, pour commander un correcteur 10 dont la sortie délivre la tension VC2 à l'oscillateur 3 délivrant la tension de commande Vcom. Le correcteur 10 est par exemple un régulateur du type PI (proportionnel-intégrateur).Such a control system has been illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 5. The current i2 of the lamp 2 is detected by a sensor 9, the output signal of which is subtracted from a reference voltage Vr, to control a corrector 10 whose output delivers the voltage V C2 to oscillator 3 delivering the control voltage Vcom. The corrector 10 is for example a PI type regulator (proportional-integrator).

Lorsque la lampe 2 est éteinte, le courant i2 est nul et l'asservissement augmente considérablement VC2 et donc la tension crête du convertisseur, ce qui va provoquer l'amorçage. Une fois la lampe 2 allumée, VC2 diminue du fait de l'asservissement et reprend une valeur de fonctionnement en charge.When the lamp 2 is off, the current i2 is zero and the servo-control considerably increases V C2 and therefore the peak voltage of the converter, which will cause the ignition. Once the lamp 2 is on, V C2 decreases due to the servo-control and returns to an operating value under load.

D'autres types de dispositifs d'alimentation sont bien entendu possibles. En particulier, La limite de 1/2 pour le rendement peut inciter à utiliser d'autres classes d'amplificateurs et par exemple un amplificateur du type de l'amplificateur 14 de celui qui a été représenté sur la figure 6.Other types of feeding devices are of course possible. In particular, the limit of 1/2 for the efficiency can encourage the use of other classes of amplifiers and for example an amplifier of the type of amplifier 14 of that which has been represented in FIG. 6.

Cet amplificateur 14 comporte en particulier un transformateur 10 dont l'enroulement secondaire alimente la lampe 2 à décharge et qui présente deux enroulements primaires. Par leur noeud commun, ces deux enroulements primaires sont reliés à une source de tension constante E, les autres extrémités de ces deux enroulements étant reliées au collecteur de transistors 11 et 12. Le noeud commun aux deux enroulements primaires du transformateur 10 est relié par une résistance 15 au collecteur d'un transistor 13.This amplifier 14 comprises in particular a transformer 10 whose secondary winding supplies the discharge lamp 2 and which has two primary windings. By their common node, these two primary windings are connected to a constant voltage source E, the other ends of these two windings being connected to the transistor collector 11 and 12. The node common to the two primary windings of the transformer 10 is connected by a resistor 15 at the collector of a transistor 13.

Les émetteurs des transistors 11, 12, 13 sont reliés à la terre par l'intermédiaire de résistances référencées de 16 à 18. La base du transistor 11 est reliée à la base du transistor 13 par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance 19 en série avec un condensateur C1. La base du transistor 12 est reliée au collecteur du transistor 13 par une résistance 20 en série avec un condensateur C2. Entre la terre et l'extrémité de la résistance 20 opposée à la base du transistor 12, est montée une diode 21. Entre la terre et l'extrémité de la résistance 19 opposée à la base du transistor 11, est montée une diode 22.The emitters of the transistors 11, 12, 13 are connected to the earth by means of resistors referenced from 16 to 18. The base of the transistor 11 is connected to the base of the transistor 13 by means of a resistor 19 in series with a capacitor C1. The base of transistor 12 is connected to the collector of transistor 13 by a resistor 20 in series with a capacitor C2. Between the earth and the end of the resistor 20 opposite the base of the transistor 12, a diode 21 is mounted. Between the earth and the end of the resistor 19 opposite the base of the transistor 11, a diode 22 is mounted.

Une tension oscillante est fournie par un oscillateur du type de l'oscillateur 3 sur la base du transistor 13.An oscillating voltage is supplied by an oscillator of the type of oscillator 3 on the base of transistor 13.

Le rendement asymptotique de ce convertisseur est d'environ 78 % (π/4).The asymptotic efficiency of this converter is around 78% (π / 4).

Egalement, l'amorçage de la lampe 2 peut être réalisé autrement qu'en utilisant l'amplificateur/convertis- seur en tant que générateur d'impulsions.Also, the lamp 2 can be started other than by using the amplifier / convert- as a pulse generator.

Une autre solution consiste à utiliser des amplificateurs à gain élevé. Cependant, cette solution dégrade le rendement du convertisseur en fonctionnement nominal.Another solution is to use high gain amplifiers. However, this solution degrades the efficiency of the converter in nominal operation.

On a représenté sur la figure 7 un amplificateur 24 de classe A mettant en oeuvre cette solution. Cet amplificateur comporte un transistor 25, dont le collecteur est relié à l'enroulement primaire d'un transformateur 26 et dont l'emetteur est relié à une résistance 27. La tension oscillante de commande est fournie entre l'autre extrémité de la résistance 27 et la base du transistor 25. La tension E d'alimentation est fournie entre la résistance 27 et l'enroulement primaire du transformateur 26. Va est la tension d'amorçage de la décharge et Vn et in la tension et le courant nominaux de la lampe.FIG. 7 shows an amplifier 24 of class A implementing this solution. This amplifier comprises a transistor 25, the collector of which is connected to the primary winding of a transformer 26 and the emitter of which is connected to a resistor 27. The oscillating control voltage is supplied between the other end of the resistor 27 and the base of the transistor 25. The supply voltage E is supplied between the resistor 27 and the primary winding of the transformer 26. Va is the initiation voltage of the discharge and Vn and in the nominal voltage and current of the lamp.

L'amplitude de la plus grande tension pouvant être rencontrée à l'enroulement primaire du transformateur (le transistor restant dans son domaine de linéarité) est E.The amplitude of the largest voltage that can be encountered at the primary winding of the transformer (the transistor remaining in its linearity range) is E.

Pour assurer l'amorçage, le rapport de transformation m doit être tel queTo ensure priming, the transformation ratio m must be such that

Figure imgb0010
Figure imgb0010

En fonctionnement nominal, le courant à l'enroulement primaire a une amplitude au moins égale à min et le courant de polarisation est donc également au moins égal à

Figure imgb0011
in et la puissance consommée est P1=E.min=Va.in au moins. Si le rapport de transformation est déterminé en fonction du régime établi, m = En et le courant de polarisation minimum est min = Enin. La E puissanc consommée est P2 = Vnin au moins. L'amorçage par amplification conduit à augmenter la puissance consommée d'environ Pl = va (en négligeant les courants de magnétisation). P2 ViIn nominal operation, the current at the primary winding has an amplitude at least equal to min and the bias current is therefore also at least equal to
Figure imgb0011
in and the power consumed is P1 = E.min = Va.in at least. If the transformation ratio is determined according to the established regime, m = En and the minimum bias current is mi n = E n in. The power E consumed is P2 = Vnin at least. The priming by amplification leads to increasing the power consumed by approximately Pl = va (neglecting the magnetization currents). P2 Vi

En variante encore, il est possible de générer la tension d'amorçage en ajoutant un générateur d'impulsions en série avec la lampe. Cette solution est traditionnelle pour les alimentations à découpage destinées aux lampes à décharge haute intensité (tubes néon - tension jusqu'à 4000 V). On pourra à cet effet avantageusement se référer à l'article :

  • Nishimura et al Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, Summer 88.
In another variant, it is possible to generate the starting voltage by adding a pulse generator in series with the lamp. This solution is traditional for switching power supplies intended for high intensity discharge lamps (neon tubes - voltage up to 4000 V). For this purpose, it is advantageous to refer to the article:
  • Nishimura et al Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, Summer 88.

Cette troisième solution est justifiée pour l'amorçage de lampes de moyenne ou de forte puissance - haute pression, donc de tension d'amorçage élevée (> 10 kV), mais conduit, pour les tubes à décharge susceptibles d'être utilisés en éclairage intérieur ou en signalisation, à des convertisseurs trop complexes, de volume et/ou de coût excessifs. Par exemple, pour les lampes décrites dans le brevet EP-0 507 679 A1 et en choisissant une longueur de tube de 30 cm, la tension d'amorçage de l'arc est de l'ordre de 2 kV et la puissance nominale de 10 W seulement.This third solution is justified for the ignition of medium or high power lamps - high pressure, therefore of high ignition voltage (> 10 kV), but conducted, for discharge tubes capable of being used in interior lighting or in signaling, to converters that are too complex, of excessive volume and / or cost. For example, for the lamps described in patent EP-0 507 679 A1 and by choosing a tube length of 30 cm, the ignition voltage of the arc is of the order of 2 kV and the nominal power of 10 W only.

On a illustré sur la figure 8 une variante à interrupteur électromécanique permettant de pallier ces inconvénients.FIG. 8 illustrates a variant with an electromechanical switch which makes it possible to overcome these drawbacks.

La lampe 2 est reliée, d'une part, à un amplificateur 34 et, d'autre part, à un noeud N sur lequel est montée une inductance B reliée à la terre par son autre extrémité, ainsi que la borne de tension supérieure d'une batterie 31. L'autre extremité de la batterie 11 est à la terre. Entre la batterie 31 et le noeud N est monté un relais Reed 32 commandé par un circuit 33.The lamp 2 is connected, on the one hand, to an amplifier 34 and, on the other hand, to a node N on which is mounted an inductor B connected to earth by its other end, as well as the upper voltage terminal d 'a battery 31. The other end of the battery 11 is grounded. Between the battery 31 and the node N is mounted a Reed relay 32 controlled by a circuit 33.

L'inductance B est une bobine en fil fin sur un circuit magnétique non fermé (bâtonnet par exemple), ce qui permet d'obtenir une valeur d'inductance élevée dans un volume raisonnable avec un courant de saturation élevé. La résistance de bobinage de B sert à limiter le courant lorsque le relais 32 est fermé. Ce relais a été modifié pour tenir 2 kV (par exemple en remplissant l'ampoule d'un gaz, à une pression convenable). La résistance de bobinage de B n'est pas gênante après l'amorçage, en raison des faibles courants nominaux des lampes considérées (10 mA pour la lampe mentionnée plus haut).Inductance B is a thin wire coil on an unclosed magnetic circuit (stick for example), which makes it possible to obtain a high inductance value in a reasonable volume with a high saturation current. The winding resistor of B is used to limit the current when the relay 32 is closed. This relay has been modified to hold 2 kV (for example by filling the bulb with gas, at a suitable pressure). The winding resistance of B is not a problem after ignition, due to the low nominal currents of the lamps considered (10 mA for the lamp mentioned above).

Claims (9)

1. Dispositif pour l'alimentation d'une lampe à décharge (2), caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, d'une part, un oscillateur (3) délivrant un signal (Vcom) qui est sinusoïdal ou qui présente peu d'harmoniques significatives et est dépourvu de fronts raides, et, d'autre part, un amplificateur (4, 14, 24, 34) recevant en entrée le signal (Vcom) de l'oscillateur (3) et alimentant en sortie la lampe à décharge (2), le fonctionnement de cet amplificateur (4, 14, 24, 34) étant linéaire lorsque la lampe (2) est allumée.1. Device for supplying a discharge lamp (2), characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, an oscillator (3) delivering a signal (Vcom) which is sinusoidal or which has little significant harmonics and is devoid of steep edges, and, on the other hand, an amplifier (4, 14, 24, 34) receiving as input the signal (Vcom) from the oscillator (3) and supplying the discharge lamp as output (2), the operation of this amplifier (4, 14, 24, 34) being linear when the lamp (2) is on. 2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lorsque la lampe (2) n'est pas allumée, l'amplificateur (4) fonctionne selon un régime transitoire non linéaire, où il génère des impulsions de tension (V 1-figure3) pour l'amorçage de la lampe à décharge (2).2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the lamp (2) is not lit, the amplifier (4) operates according to a non-linear transient regime, where it generates voltage pulses (V 1-figure3) for starting the discharge lamp (2). 3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'amplificateur (4) comporte un transistor (5), dont le collecteur est relié à l'enroulement primaire (6a) d'un transformateur de tension (6), et dont l'émetteur est relié à une résistance (7), l'oscillateur délivrant une tension de sortie (Vcom) entre la base du transistor (5) et l'autre extrémité de la résistance (7), une source de tension constante (E) étant montée entre cette extrémité de la résistance (7) et l'autre extrémité de l'enroulement primaire (6a), l'enroulement secondaire (6b) du transformateur (6) alimentant la lampe à décharge (2).3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the amplifier (4) comprises a transistor (5), the collector of which is connected to the primary winding (6a) of a voltage transformer (6), and of which the transmitter is connected to a resistor (7), the oscillator delivering an output voltage (Vcom) between the base of the transistor (5) and the other end of the resistor (7), a constant voltage source (E ) being mounted between this end of the resistor (7) and the other end of the primary winding (6a), the secondary winding (6b) of the transformer (6) supplying the discharge lamp (2). 4. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens (9, 10) pour asservir l'amplitude de la tension en sortie (Vcom) de l'oscillateur au courant de la lampe (2).4. Device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises means (9, 10) for controlling the amplitude of the output voltage (Vcom) of the oscillator to the current of the lamp ( 2). 5. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'amplificateur (24) présente un gain suffisament élevé pour fournir à la lampe (2) une tension d'amorçage.5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the amplifier (24) has a sufficiently high gain to supply the lamp (2) with a starting voltage. 6. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'un générateur d'impulsions (31, 32, 33) est monté en série avec la lampe (2).6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a pulse generator (31, 32, 33) is mounted in series with the lamp (2). 7. Dispositif selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le générateur d'impulsions comprend une source de tension d'amorçage (31) et un relais électromécanique (32,33) monté entre cette source (31) et la lampe (2).7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the pulse generator comprises a source of ignition voltage (31) and an electromechanical relay (32,33) mounted between this source (31) and the lamp (2) . 8. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes pour l'alimentation d'une lampe à décharge servant à l'éclairage intérieur d'un véhicule, notamment automobile.8. Device according to one of the preceding claims for supplying a discharge lamp used for interior lighting of a vehicle, in particular an automobile. 9. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 pour l'alimentation d'une lampe à décharge servant à la signalisation d'un véhicule, notamment automobile.9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7 for the supply of a discharge lamp used for signaling a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle.
EP19950401028 1994-05-06 1995-05-04 Device for operating a discharge lamp, especially for inside lighting or signalling of vehicles Expired - Lifetime EP0681415B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9405602A FR2719734B1 (en) 1994-05-06 1994-05-06 Discharge lamp supply device, in particular for interior lighting or vehicle signaling.
FR9405602 1994-05-06

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EP0681415A1 true EP0681415A1 (en) 1995-11-08
EP0681415B1 EP0681415B1 (en) 1998-07-22

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2451147A1 (en) * 1979-03-09 1980-10-03 Siemens Sa METHOD AND ASSEMBLY FOR REALIZING THE CONTROL OF SEVERAL GAS DISCHARGE LAMPS, FILLED WITH RARE GAS
EP0198632A2 (en) * 1985-04-04 1986-10-22 Chwee Tor Lee Electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps
EP0317698A1 (en) * 1987-11-27 1989-05-31 Kabushiki Kaisha Sanyo Denki Seisakusho Neon tube lighting device
FR2668020A1 (en) * 1990-10-12 1992-04-17 Valeo Vision Supply circuit for an electrical load such as a discharge lamp, in particular for a vehicle headlamp and vehicle headlamp using such a circuit

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2451147A1 (en) * 1979-03-09 1980-10-03 Siemens Sa METHOD AND ASSEMBLY FOR REALIZING THE CONTROL OF SEVERAL GAS DISCHARGE LAMPS, FILLED WITH RARE GAS
EP0198632A2 (en) * 1985-04-04 1986-10-22 Chwee Tor Lee Electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps
EP0317698A1 (en) * 1987-11-27 1989-05-31 Kabushiki Kaisha Sanyo Denki Seisakusho Neon tube lighting device
FR2668020A1 (en) * 1990-10-12 1992-04-17 Valeo Vision Supply circuit for an electrical load such as a discharge lamp, in particular for a vehicle headlamp and vehicle headlamp using such a circuit

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DE69503563T2 (en) 1999-02-04
FR2719734B1 (en) 1996-07-26
DE69503563D1 (en) 1998-08-27
EP0681415B1 (en) 1998-07-22
FR2719734A1 (en) 1995-11-10

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