EP0886881B1 - Gas discharge lamp, in particular for motor-vehicle headlights - Google Patents

Gas discharge lamp, in particular for motor-vehicle headlights Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0886881B1
EP0886881B1 EP97916328A EP97916328A EP0886881B1 EP 0886881 B1 EP0886881 B1 EP 0886881B1 EP 97916328 A EP97916328 A EP 97916328A EP 97916328 A EP97916328 A EP 97916328A EP 0886881 B1 EP0886881 B1 EP 0886881B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
gas discharge
discharge lamp
ignition
main electrodes
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP97916328A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0886881A1 (en
Inventor
Hartmut Seiler
Thomas Wizemann
Ingo Gorille
Wolfgang Pfaff
Wolfgang Schütze
Bernd Müller
Robert Kern
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02Details
    • H01J61/54Igniting arrangements, e.g. promoting ionisation for starting
    • H01J61/547Igniting arrangements, e.g. promoting ionisation for starting using an auxiliary electrode outside the vessel
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02Details
    • H01J61/54Igniting arrangements, e.g. promoting ionisation for starting
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02Details
    • H01J61/54Igniting arrangements, e.g. promoting ionisation for starting
    • H01J61/545Igniting arrangements, e.g. promoting ionisation for starting using an auxiliary electrode inside the vessel

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a gas discharge lamp, in particular for motor vehicle headlights.
  • Gas discharge lamps or high pressure gas discharge lamps are already standard in motor vehicle headlights today used because it is a much better Luminous efficacy compared to conventional incandescent lamps have and the spectral composition of the light of the daylight is very similar.
  • These gas discharge lamps need depending on the ignition method used an ignition voltage between the electrodes between 6 kV up to approx. 25 kV. This voltage conducts the ionization in the Gas filling. For burning, d. H. to maintain of the arc between the electrodes, then only low voltages of approx. 50 V are required, because then there are already enough charge carriers.
  • Auxiliary or ignition electrodes which are wire-shaped are, with an auxiliary electrode also on the outside the lamp may have been evaporated.
  • the auxiliary or ignition electrodes are each connected to a main electrode, which has the disadvantage that all electrodes and their feed lines must be designed to withstand high voltages have to.
  • the same disadvantage occurs with corresponding internal metallizations on how they cited from the Book "Lamps and Lighting", pages 255, 257 and 279, known are.
  • the gas discharge lamp according to the invention with the features of the main claim has the advantage that when maintained a safe ignition behavior the ignition voltage can be significantly reduced, only relative minor design changes to the lamp or whose electrodes are required. In terms of this can reduce the demands on the components thereby making a significant contribution to reducing costs for electronic ballast and also for the gas discharge lamp be done by yourself since there For example, much lower requirements for the High voltage strength of the lamp base and the inside arranged components are to be provided. A special one significant reduction in the cost of the gas discharge lamp occurs then on when the ballast is in the lamp base is integrated.
  • a particularly effective reduction in ignition voltage can be achieved by at least one ignition electrode which is arranged separately from the main electrodes.
  • the ignition electrode is advantageously separate third electrode on the outside of the burner vessel arranged and forms one of the main electrodes Ignition distance.
  • This version is only one minor design change in the conventional Gas discharge lamps necessary, that is, these Ignition electrode can also be retrofitted to conventional gas discharge lamps be attached, especially to one of tubular extensions that lead through the electrodes for the main electrodes of the lamp included. Conveniently encompasses one of the two Main electrodes ring-shaped or partially ring-shaped. If the tubular extension of the burner vessel a constriction has, the ignition electrode in an advantageous manner this constriction arranged or extends in this, because then a particularly short ignition distance and a correspondingly significant reduction in the ignition voltage can be achieved.
  • the ignition electrode can either be used as real third electrode with no galvanic connection one of the main electrodes are formed, which the Operation of the ignition part of the ballast completely allows separate from the rest of the electronics. This means that only the ignition part of the ballast must be resistant to high voltages, but not that Most of the components used for the low-impedance Normal operation are required.
  • the metallization encompasses the electrode feedthrough the main electrode at least partially and preferably extends substantially to the free End area of this main electrode, so that from there can form a sliding spark gap.
  • a clearer one Reduction of the ignition voltage can be achieved through a strip-shaped or light reflector-like metallization achieved that are at least along the range of Burning distance up to the area of the other main electrode extends.
  • the light reflector-like metallization extends preferably essentially over the in the Operating position lower half of the combustion chamber of the burner vessel and has the additional advantage that it has the Function of the in a motor vehicle headlight for that Low beam takes on the otherwise required aperture, to set the prescribed light-dark limit and oncoming traffic before glare protect. With reflective properties, the most of the otherwise lost light for illumination use the road provided an application in a motor vehicle headlight is provided.
  • Gas discharge lamp or high pressure gas discharge lamp consists essentially of a burner vessel 10, which Glass or other clear, temperature-resistant Material exists and a central combustion chamber 12 with flattened spherical shape or ellipsoidal shape has two tubular on opposite sides Has extensions 13, 14.
  • the outer end areas of this tubular extensions 13, 14 are gas-tight electrode bushings 15, 16 for two rod-shaped main electrodes 17, 18 formed from both sides stretch slightly into the combustion chamber 12. Forms between these two main electrodes 17, 18 during operation of the arc 19.
  • Outer electrical connecting wires 20, 21 are connected to the two main electrodes 17, 18 via connecting elements 22 connected, which is formed, for example, as molybdenum foils could be.
  • the electrical connection wires 20, 21 still run a certain distance in tube-like Extensions 23, 24 of the extensions 13, 14, the Electrode bushings 15, 16 between the extensions 13, 24 and the tubular extensions 23, 24, the connecting elements 22 and the respective connection ends of the Main electrodes 17, 18 and lead wires 20, 21 included.
  • connection pipes of the combustion chamber 12 with the electrical Lead wires 20, 21 connected main electrodes 17, 18th inserted these connecting pipes in the connection area are fused so that the connection areas are melted and the extensions 13, 14 on the one hand and the tubular extensions 23, 24 on the other hand formed on both sides of the electrode bushings 15, 16 become.
  • the electrical connecting wires 20, 21, the connecting elements 22 and the tubular extensions 24, 24 waived of course one Realization of such a simpler version as well would be possible in principle.
  • an annular, band-shaped metallization On the extension 13 arranged on the left of the combustion chamber 12 there is an annular, band-shaped metallization, which forms an ignition electrode 25.
  • This ignition electrode 25 thereby concentrically engages around the main electrode 17, wherein a partial ring shape can also take the place of the ring shape.
  • the ignition electrode 25 is outside the burner vessel 10 electrically connected to the right main electrode 18, while the concentric in the ignition electrode 25 Main electrode 17 with a different voltage termination of a ballast, not shown Generation of a burning and ignition voltage is connected.
  • the distance between the ignition electrode 25 and the main electrode 17 is significantly less than the distance between the two main electrodes 17, 18, one is sufficient much lower ignition voltage for the ignition.
  • the ignition voltage of 18 kV can be reduced to 4 kV. After an ignition spark has been created or ignition arc this migrates due to the thermal Conditions in the combustion chamber to the combustion path between the main electrodes, which creates the arc 19, which has an electrical curve upwards because the hot gas due to its lower density in the arc moves upwards against gravity.
  • the ignition electrode 25 is used as a real third electrode without galvanic connection with one of the two main electrodes 17, 18. Then the ignition voltage in a separate ignition part the circuit is formed separately from the rest of the electronics be so that only this ignition part is resistant to high voltages needs to be, but not the majority of the others Components that are used for low-resistance firing Generation of the burning voltage required.
  • Fig. 3 is an ignition electrode 64 in the form of an outer metallization or external metal vapor deposition.
  • metallization 65 Starting from an all-round metallization 65, extends a wide, reflector-like metallization 66 to left main electrode 17 and opens there at one of these left main electrode 17 encompassing metallization ring 67.
  • the reflector-like metallization 66 extends over the lower in the operating situation shown Half of the combustion chamber 12, ie up to the height of the main electrodes 17, 18.
  • narrower ones are also Possible designs.
  • an indentation 40 of the glass wall intended.
  • One designed as a metal strip Ignition electrode 41 extends along the left extension 13 into this indentation 40, which results in a particularly small distance from the left main electrode 17 and a correspondingly low ignition voltage is reached.
  • Electrode shapes e.g. Metallizations occur, taking either extend these electrodes into the indentation 40 or arranged in a ring.
  • All non-oxidizable metals with a melting point above approx. 1000 ° C can be used for external metallizations.

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  • Discharge Lamp (AREA)
  • Discharge Lamps And Accessories Thereof (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Description

STAND DER TECHNIKSTATE OF THE ART

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Gasentladungslampe, insbesondere für Kraftfahrzeug-Scheinwerfer.The invention relates to a gas discharge lamp, in particular for motor vehicle headlights.

Gasentladungslampen bzw. Hochdruck-Gasentladungslampen werden heute bereits schon serienmäßig in Kraftfahrzeug-Scheinwerfern eingesetzt, da sie eine wesentlich bessere Lichtausbeute im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Glühlampen aufweisen und die spektrale Zusammensetzung des Lichts der des Tageslichts sehr ähnlich ist. Diese Gasentladungslampen benötigen je nach dem verwendeten Zündverfahren eine Zündspannung zwischen den Elektroden zwischen 6 kV bis ca. 25 kV. Diese Spannung leitet die Ionisation in der Gasfüllung ein. Zum Brennen, d. h. zum Aufrechterhalten des Lichtbogens zwischen den Elektroden, werden dann nur noch geringe Spannungen von ca. 50 V benötigt, da dann bereits genügend Ladungsträger vorhanden sind. Die Erzeugung der hohen Zündspannungen stellt jedoch besonders bei der HF-Resonanzzündung hohe Anforderungen an die verwendeten elektronischen Bauelemente und an die Isolation des Lampensockels, der Lampenfassung und der die Hochspannung erzeugenden Bauelemente (Zündinduktivität, Zündkondensator usw.). Derartige Gasentladungslampen, ihre Verwendung für Kraftfahrzeug-Scheinwerfer und verschiedene Ausführungen von Vorschaltgeräten zur Erzeugung der Zünd- und Bremsspannung für solche Lampen sind beispielsweise aus der DE-A-35 19 611 und aus "Lamps and Lighting, 2. Ausgabe, S. T. Henderson und A. M. Marsden, S. 328 ff, bekannt. Auf Grund der durch die hohe Zündspannung verursachten Probleme ist es ein allgemeines Bestreben, die Zündspannung zu reduzieren, wobei eine sichere Zündung gewährleistet bleiben muß.Gas discharge lamps or high pressure gas discharge lamps are already standard in motor vehicle headlights today used because it is a much better Luminous efficacy compared to conventional incandescent lamps have and the spectral composition of the light of the daylight is very similar. These gas discharge lamps need depending on the ignition method used an ignition voltage between the electrodes between 6 kV up to approx. 25 kV. This voltage conducts the ionization in the Gas filling. For burning, d. H. to maintain of the arc between the electrodes, then only low voltages of approx. 50 V are required, because then there are already enough charge carriers. The production The high ignition voltages, however, make it special high demands are placed on the HF resonance ignition used electronic components and to the Isolation of the lamp base, the lamp holder and the High-voltage components (ignition inductance, Ignition capacitor etc.). Such gas discharge lamps, their Use for automotive headlights and various Designs of ballasts for generating the ignition and braking voltage for such lamps are, for example from DE-A-35 19 611 and from "Lamps and Lighting, 2. Edition, S. T. Henderson and A. M. Marsden, pp. 328 ff, known. Because of the high ignition voltage It is a general endeavor that problems Reduce ignition voltage with a safe ignition must be guaranteed.

Aus der DE-A-24 20 811 sind verschiedene Anordnungen von Hilfs- bzw. Zündelektroden bekannt, die drahtförmig ausgebildet sind, wobei eine Hilfselektrode auch außen auf die Lampe aufgedampft sein kann. Die Hilfs- bzw. Zündelektroden sind jeweils mit einer Hauptelektrode verbunden, was den Nachteil hat, daß sämtliche Elektroden und ihre Zuführungen hochspannungsfest ausgebildet sein müssen. Derselbe Nachteil tritt bei entsprechenden Innenmetallisierungen auf, wie sie aus dem bereits zitierten Buch "Lamps and Lighting", Seiten 255, 257 und 279, bekannt sind.From DE-A-24 20 811 different arrangements of Auxiliary or ignition electrodes are known, which are wire-shaped are, with an auxiliary electrode also on the outside the lamp may have been evaporated. The auxiliary or ignition electrodes are each connected to a main electrode, which has the disadvantage that all electrodes and their feed lines must be designed to withstand high voltages have to. The same disadvantage occurs with corresponding internal metallizations on how they cited from the Book "Lamps and Lighting", pages 255, 257 and 279, known are.

Bei einer aus der US-A-45 29 914 bekannten Gasentladungslampe ist die Zündelektrode über ein isolierendes Keramikteil mit einer Hauptelektrode verbunden. Dies stellt eine sehr umständliche, teure und störungsanfällige Anordnung dar, die in der Praxis kaum Realisierungschancen hätte.In a gas discharge lamp known from US-A-45 29 914 is the ignition electrode over an insulating ceramic part connected to a main electrode. This represents one very cumbersome, expensive and fault-prone arrangement that would have little chance of being realized in practice.

VORTEILE DER ERFINDUNGADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Die erfindungsgemäße Gasentladungslampe mit den Merkmalen des Hauptanspruchs hat den Vorteil, daß bei Aufrechterhaltung eines sicheren Zündverhaltens die Zündspannung wesentlich reduziert werden kann, wobei lediglich relativ geringfügige konstruktive Änderungen an der Lampe bzw. deren Elektroden erforderlich sind. Im Hinblick auf die dadurch reduzierten Anforderungen an die Bauelemente kann dadurch ein wesentlicher Beitrag zur Kostensenkung beim elektronischen Vorschaltgerät und auch bei der Gasentladungslampe selbst geleistet werden, da dort beispielsweise wesentlich geringere Anforderungen an die Hochspannungsfestigkeit des Lampensockels und der darin angeordneten Bauteile zu stellen sind. Eine besonders deutliche Kostenreduktion der Gasentladungslampe tritt dann ein, wenn das Vorschaltgerät im Lampensockel integriert ist.The gas discharge lamp according to the invention with the features of the main claim has the advantage that when maintained a safe ignition behavior the ignition voltage can be significantly reduced, only relative minor design changes to the lamp or whose electrodes are required. In terms of this can reduce the demands on the components thereby making a significant contribution to reducing costs for electronic ballast and also for the gas discharge lamp be done by yourself since there For example, much lower requirements for the High voltage strength of the lamp base and the inside arranged components are to be provided. A special one significant reduction in the cost of the gas discharge lamp occurs then on when the ballast is in the lamp base is integrated.

Eine besonders wirksame Zündspannungserniedrigung kann durch wenigstens eine Zündelektrode erreicht werden, die separat von den Hauptelektroden angeordnet ist.A particularly effective reduction in ignition voltage can can be achieved by at least one ignition electrode which is arranged separately from the main electrodes.

In vorteilhafter Weise ist die Zündelektrode als separate dritte Elektrode an der Außenseite des Brennergefäßes angeordnet und bildet zu einer der Hauptelektroden hin die Zündstrecke. Bei dieser Ausführung ist nur eine sehr geringfügige konstruktive Änderung bei den herkömmlichen Gasentladungslampen notwendig, das heißt, diese Zündelektrode kann auch nachträglich an herkömmlichen Gasentladungslampen angebracht werden, insbesondere an einem von rohrartigen Fortsätzen, die die Elektrodendurchführung für die Hauptelektroden der Lampe enthalten. Zweckmäßigerweise umgreift dabei die Zündelektrode eine der beiden Hauptelektroden ringförmig oder teilringförmig. Falls der rohrartige Fortsatz des Brennergefäßes eine Einschnürung aufweist, wird die Zündelektrode in vorteilhafter Weise an dieser Einschnürung angeordnet oder erstreckt sich in diese hinein, da dann eine besonders kurze Zündstrecke und eine entsprechend deutliche Reduzierung der Zündspannung erreicht werden kann.The ignition electrode is advantageously separate third electrode on the outside of the burner vessel arranged and forms one of the main electrodes Ignition distance. This version is only one minor design change in the conventional Gas discharge lamps necessary, that is, these Ignition electrode can also be retrofitted to conventional gas discharge lamps be attached, especially to one of tubular extensions that lead through the electrodes for the main electrodes of the lamp included. Conveniently encompasses one of the two Main electrodes ring-shaped or partially ring-shaped. If the tubular extension of the burner vessel a constriction has, the ignition electrode in an advantageous manner this constriction arranged or extends in this, because then a particularly short ignition distance and a correspondingly significant reduction in the ignition voltage can be achieved.

Bei allen Ausführungen kann die Zündelektrode entweder als echte dritte Elektrode ohne galvanische Verbindung mit einer der Hauptelektroden ausgebildet werden, was den Betrieb des Zündungsteils des Vorschaltgeräts völlig getrennt von der übrigen Elektronik ermöglicht. Dies bedeutet, daß nur der Zündungsteil des Vorschaltgerätes hochspannungsfest zu sein braucht, nicht jedoch die Mehrzahl der Bauelemente, die für den niederohmigen Normalbetrieb benötigt werden.In all versions, the ignition electrode can either be used as real third electrode with no galvanic connection one of the main electrodes are formed, which the Operation of the ignition part of the ballast completely allows separate from the rest of the electronics. This means that only the ignition part of the ballast must be resistant to high voltages, but not that Most of the components used for the low-impedance Normal operation are required.

Die Metallisierung umgreift ausgehend von der Elektrodendurchführung die Hauptelektrode wenigstens teilweise und erstreckt sich vorzugsweise im wesentlichen bis zum freien Endbereich dieser Hauptelektrode, so daß sich von dort aus eine Gleitfunkenstrecke ausbilden kann. Eine deutlichere Reduzierung der Zündspannung kann durch eine streifenförmige oder lichtreflektorartige Metallisierung erreicht werden, die sich wenigstens entlang des Bereichs der Brennstrecke bis in den Bereich der anderen Hauptelektrode erstreckt. Die lichtreflektorartige Metallisierung erstreckt sich vorzugsweise im wesentlichen über die in der Betriebslage untere Hälfte des Brennraums des Brennergefäßes und hat den zusätzlichen Vorteil, daß sie die Funktion der in einem Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer für das Abblendlicht ansonsten erforderlichen Blende mitübernimmt, um die vorgeschriebene Hell-Dunkel-Grenze einzustellen und den entgegenkommenden Verkehr vor einer Blendung zu schützen. Bei reflektierenden Eigenschaften läßt sich der größte Teil des ansonsten verlorenen Lichts zur Ausleuchtung der Straße nutzen, sofern eine Anwendung in einem Kraftfahrzeug-Scheinwerfer vorgesehen ist.The metallization encompasses the electrode feedthrough the main electrode at least partially and preferably extends substantially to the free End area of this main electrode, so that from there can form a sliding spark gap. A clearer one Reduction of the ignition voltage can be achieved through a strip-shaped or light reflector-like metallization achieved that are at least along the range of Burning distance up to the area of the other main electrode extends. The light reflector-like metallization extends preferably essentially over the in the Operating position lower half of the combustion chamber of the burner vessel and has the additional advantage that it has the Function of the in a motor vehicle headlight for that Low beam takes on the otherwise required aperture, to set the prescribed light-dark limit and oncoming traffic before glare protect. With reflective properties, the most of the otherwise lost light for illumination use the road provided an application in a motor vehicle headlight is provided.

ZEICHNUNGDRAWING

Drei Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in der Zeichnung dargestellt und in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels mit einer äußeren ringwandförmigen Zündelektrode,
Fig. 2
eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels mit einer äußeren Zündelektrode, die in einen eingeschnürten Bereich des Brennergefäßes eingreift, und
Fig. 3
eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels mit einer äußeren, durch eine Metallisierung gebildeten Zündelektrode, die gleichzeitig als Lichtreflektor dient.
Three embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:
Fig. 1
2 shows a cross-sectional illustration of a first exemplary embodiment with an outer ring-shaped ignition electrode,
Fig. 2
a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment with an outer ignition electrode which engages in a constricted area of the burner vessel, and
Fig. 3
a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment with an outer, formed by a metallization ignition electrode, which also serves as a light reflector.

BESCHREIBUNG DER AUSFÜHRUNGSBEISPIELEDESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Die in Fig. 1 als erstes Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellte Gasentladungslampe bzw. Hochdruck-Gasentladungslampe besteht im wesentlichen aus einem Brennergefäß 10, das aus Glas oder einem anderen durchsichtigen, temperaturbeständigen Material besteht und einen zentralen Brennraum 12 mit abgeflachter Kugelgestalt bzw. Ellipsoidgestalt besitzt, der an entgegengesetzten Seiten zwei rohrartige Fortsätze 13, 14 besitzt. Die äußeren Endbereiche dieser rohrartigen Fortsätze 13, 14 sind als gasdichte Elektrodendurchführungen 15, 16 für zwei stabförmige Hauptelektroden 17, 18 ausgebildet, die sich von beiden Seiten her geringfügig in den Brennraum 12 hineinerstrecken. Zwischen diesen beiden Hauptelektroden 17, 18 bildet sich im Betrieb der Lichtbogen 19 aus.The one shown in Fig. 1 as the first embodiment Gas discharge lamp or high pressure gas discharge lamp consists essentially of a burner vessel 10, which Glass or other clear, temperature-resistant Material exists and a central combustion chamber 12 with flattened spherical shape or ellipsoidal shape has two tubular on opposite sides Has extensions 13, 14. The outer end areas of this tubular extensions 13, 14 are gas-tight electrode bushings 15, 16 for two rod-shaped main electrodes 17, 18 formed from both sides stretch slightly into the combustion chamber 12. Forms between these two main electrodes 17, 18 during operation of the arc 19.

Äußere elektrische Anschlußdrähte 20, 21 sind mit den beiden Hauptelektroden 17, 18 über Verbindungselemente 22 verbunden, die beispielsweise als Molybdän-Folien ausgebildet sein können. Die elektrischen Anschlußdrähte 20, 21 verlaufen noch über eine gewisse Strecke in rohrartigen Verlängerungen 23, 24 der Fortsätze 13, 14, wobei die Elektrodendurchführungen 15, 16 zwischen den Fortsätzen 13, 24 und den rohrartigen Verlängerungen 23, 24 die Verbindungselemente 22 und die jeweiligen Anschlußenden der Hauptelektroden 17, 18 bzw. Anschlußdrähte 20, 21 enthalten. Bei der Herstellung werden in seitlichen Anschlußrohren des Brennraums 12 die mit den elektrischen Anschlußdrähten 20, 21 verbundenen Hauptelektroden 17, 18 eingeschoben, wobei im Verbindungsbereich diese Anschlußrohre so verschmolzen werden, daß die Verbindungsbereiche eingeschmolzen werden und die Fortsätze 13, 14 einerseits und die rohrartigen Verlängerungen 23, 24 andererseits zu beiden Seiten der Elektrodendurchführungen 15, 16 gebildet werden. In dem folgenden Ausführungsbeispiel wird auf die Darstellung der elektrischen Anschlußdrähte 20, 21, der Verbindungselemente 22 und der rohrartigen Verlängerungen 24, 24 verzichtet, wobei selbstverständlich eine Realisierung einer solchen einfacheren Version ebenfalls prinzipiell möglich wäre. Weiterhin wird zur Vereinfachung bei allen Ausführungsbeispielen auf die Darstellung eines Lampensockels verzichtet, wobei beispielsweise einer der Fortsätze 13, 14 in einen solchen Lampensockel eingebettet sein könnte, wobei die von diesem Lampensockel wegweisende zweite Hauptelektrode über eine äußere Leitung zum Lampensockel zurückgeführt wird. Andere bekannte Ausführungen von Brennergefäßen sind selbstverständlich ebenfalls möglich.Outer electrical connecting wires 20, 21 are connected to the two main electrodes 17, 18 via connecting elements 22 connected, which is formed, for example, as molybdenum foils could be. The electrical connection wires 20, 21 still run a certain distance in tube-like Extensions 23, 24 of the extensions 13, 14, the Electrode bushings 15, 16 between the extensions 13, 24 and the tubular extensions 23, 24, the connecting elements 22 and the respective connection ends of the Main electrodes 17, 18 and lead wires 20, 21 included. In the manufacture are in side connection pipes of the combustion chamber 12 with the electrical Lead wires 20, 21 connected main electrodes 17, 18th inserted, these connecting pipes in the connection area are fused so that the connection areas are melted and the extensions 13, 14 on the one hand and the tubular extensions 23, 24 on the other hand formed on both sides of the electrode bushings 15, 16 become. In the following embodiment, is on the representation of the electrical connecting wires 20, 21, the connecting elements 22 and the tubular extensions 24, 24 waived, of course one Realization of such a simpler version as well would be possible in principle. It continues to simplify in all embodiments on the representation of a Lamp base waived, for example one of the Extensions 13, 14 embedded in such a lamp base could be, the one pointing away from this lamp base second main electrode via an outer line to Lamp base is returned. Other known designs of burner vessels are of course also possible.

Auf dem links des Brennraums 12 angeordneten Fortsatz 13 befindet sich eine ringförmige, bandförmige Metallisierung, die eine Zündelektrode 25 bildet. Diese Zündelektrode 25 umgreift dadurch konzentrisch die Hauptelektrode 17, wobei anstelle der Ringform auch eine Teilringform treten kann.On the extension 13 arranged on the left of the combustion chamber 12 there is an annular, band-shaped metallization, which forms an ignition electrode 25. This ignition electrode 25 thereby concentrically engages around the main electrode 17, wherein a partial ring shape can also take the place of the ring shape.

Die Zündelektrode 25 ist außerhalb des Brennergefäßes 10 elektrisch mit der rechten Hauptelektrode 18 verbunden, während die konzentrisch in der Zündelektrode 25 verlaufende Hauptelektrode 17 mit einem anderen Spannungsabschluß eines nicht dargestellten Vorschaltgeräts zur Erzeugung einer Brenn- und Zündspannung verbunden ist. Da der Abstand zwischen der Zündelektrode 25 und der Hauptelektrode 17 wesentlich geringer ist als der Abstand zwischen den beiden Hauptelektroden 17, 18, reicht eine wesentlich geringere Zündspannung für die Zündung aus. Beispielsweise kann dadurch die Zündspannung von 18 kV auf 4 kV reduziert werden. Nach Entstehung eines Zündfunkens bzw. Zündbogens wandert dieser auf Grund der thermischen Bedingungen im Brennraum zur Brennstrecke zwischen den Hauptelektroden, wodurch der Lichtbogen 19 entsteht, der eine elektrische Bogenkrümmung nach oben aufweist, da das heiße Gas infolge seiner geringeren Dichte im Bogen entgegen der Schwerkraft nach oben wandert.The ignition electrode 25 is outside the burner vessel 10 electrically connected to the right main electrode 18, while the concentric in the ignition electrode 25 Main electrode 17 with a different voltage termination of a ballast, not shown Generation of a burning and ignition voltage is connected. There the distance between the ignition electrode 25 and the main electrode 17 is significantly less than the distance between the two main electrodes 17, 18, one is sufficient much lower ignition voltage for the ignition. For example, the ignition voltage of 18 kV can be reduced to 4 kV. After an ignition spark has been created or ignition arc this migrates due to the thermal Conditions in the combustion chamber to the combustion path between the main electrodes, which creates the arc 19, which has an electrical curve upwards because the hot gas due to its lower density in the arc moves upwards against gravity.

Es ist selbstverständlich auch möglich, die Zündelektrode 25 als echte dritte Elektrode ohne galvanische Verbindung mit einer der beiden Hauptelektroden 17, 18 auszubilden. Dann kann die Zündspannung in einem separaten Zündungsteil der Schaltung getrennt von der übrigen Elektronik gebildet werden, wodurch nur dieser Zündungsteil hochspannungsfest zu sein braucht, nicht jedoch die Mehrzahl der anderen Bauteile, die man für den niederohmigen Brennbetrieb zur Erzeugung der Brennspannung benötigt.It is of course also possible to use the ignition electrode 25 as a real third electrode without galvanic connection with one of the two main electrodes 17, 18. Then the ignition voltage in a separate ignition part the circuit is formed separately from the rest of the electronics be so that only this ignition part is resistant to high voltages needs to be, but not the majority of the others Components that are used for low-resistance firing Generation of the burning voltage required.

In Fig. 3 ist eine Zündelektrode 64 in Form einer Außen-Metallisierung bzw. Außen-Metallbedampfung dargestellt.In Fig. 3 is an ignition electrode 64 in the form of an outer metallization or external metal vapor deposition.

Ausgehend von einer Rundum-Metallisierung 65, erstreckt sich eine breite, reflektorartige Metallisierung 66 bis zur linken Hauptelektrode 17 und mündet dort an einem diese linke Hauptelektrode 17 umgreifenden Metallisierungsring 67. Die reflektorartige Metallisierung 66 erstreckt sich über die in der dargestellten Betriebslage untere Hälfte des Brennraums 12, also bis in die Höhe der Hauptelektroden 17, 18. Selbstverständlich sind auch schmalere Ausführungen denkbar.Starting from an all-round metallization 65, extends a wide, reflector-like metallization 66 to left main electrode 17 and opens there at one of these left main electrode 17 encompassing metallization ring 67. The reflector-like metallization 66 extends over the lower in the operating situation shown Half of the combustion chamber 12, ie up to the height of the main electrodes 17, 18. Of course, narrower ones are also Possible designs.

Bei dem in Fig. 2 dargestellten zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel ist jeweils zwischen dem Brennraum 12 und den seitlichen Fortsätzen 13, 14 eine Einbauchung 40 der Glaswandung vorgesehen. Eine als Metallstreifen ausgebildete Zündelektrode 41 erstreckt sich entlang des linken Fortsatzes 13 bis in diese Einbauchung 40 hinein, wodurch ein besonders geringer Abstand zur linken Hauptelektrode 17 und eine entsprechend geringe Zündspannung erreicht wird.In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is between the combustion chamber 12 and the lateral extensions 13, 14 an indentation 40 of the glass wall intended. One designed as a metal strip Ignition electrode 41 extends along the left extension 13 into this indentation 40, which results in a particularly small distance from the left main electrode 17 and a correspondingly low ignition voltage is reached.

Anstelle der Zündelektrode 41 können auch andere äußere Elektrodenformen, z.B. Metallisierungen, treten, wobei sich diese Elektroden entweder in die Einbauchung 40 hineinerstrecken oder ringförmig in dieser angeordnet sind.Instead of the ignition electrode 41, other external ones can also be used Electrode shapes, e.g. Metallizations occur, taking either extend these electrodes into the indentation 40 or arranged in a ring.

Für Außen-Metallisierungen können alle nichtoxidierbaren Metalle mit einem Schmelzpunkt über ca. 1000° C verwendet werden. Werden auf der Außenseite aufgebrachte Metallisierungen mit einer temperaturbeständigen und für Sauerstoff undurchlässigen Schutzschicht überzogen, z. B. SiO2 oder eine Keramikschicht, so sind auch weniger edle Metalle mit Schmelztemperaturen über 1100° C einsetzbar, wie z.B. Chrom, Nickel, Molybdän.All non-oxidizable metals with a melting point above approx. 1000 ° C can be used for external metallizations. Are metallizations applied on the outside covered with a temperature-resistant and oxygen-impermeable protective layer, for. B. SiO 2 or a ceramic layer, less noble metals with melting temperatures above 1100 ° C can be used, such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum.

Claims (6)

  1. Gas discharge lamp, in particular for motor vehicle headlights, having a burner vessel, made from glass or the like and containing a gas, into which two main electrodes (17, 18) project via gas-tight electrode lead-throughs (15, 16), there being formed between the end regions, arranged in the burner vessel (10) of the main electrode (17, 18), a burning section along which an arc forms during operation, the burner vessel (10) essentially comprising a combustion chamber (12) and two tube-like extensions (13, 14), which extend therefrom in opposite directions, each contain one of the main electrodes (17, 18), and have the electrode lead-throughs (15, 16) at opposite end regions, at least the starting electrode (25, 41, 64), which embraces one of the two main electrodes (17) in the shape of an annulus or partial annulus, being vapour deposited as a separate third electrode on the outside of the burner vessel (10) and forming towards one of the main electrodes (17) the starting section, which is shorter by comparison with the burning section and is spatially separated from the burning section, and the starting electrode (25, 41, 64) being designed as a true third electrode without an electrical connection to one of the two main electrodes (17, 18).
  2. Gas discharge lamp according to Claim 1, characterized in that the starting electrode (41) is arranged at a constriction (40) in the tubular extension (13), or extends into said constriction.
  3. Gas discharge lamp according to Claim 1, characterized in that the starting electrode (64) is designed, at least along the region of the burning section, as a metallic coating (66) which is strip-shaped or resembles a light reflector.
  4. Gas discharge lamp according to Claim 3, characterized in that the starting electrode (64) resembling a light reflector extends essentially over the half of the combustion chamber (12) of the burner vessel (10) which is lower in the operating position.
  5. Gas discharge lamp according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the metallic coating (66) in the shape of a strip or resembling a light reflector extends up to a metallizing ring (67) embracing the other main electrode (17) in an annular fashion.
  6. Gas discharge lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metallic coating consists of a non-oxidizable metal with a melting point above approximately 1000°C, or of an also less noble metal, coated with an oxygen-impervious protective layer, with a melting point above approximately 1100°C.
EP97916328A 1996-03-16 1997-03-06 Gas discharge lamp, in particular for motor-vehicle headlights Expired - Lifetime EP0886881B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19610387A DE19610387A1 (en) 1996-03-16 1996-03-16 Gas discharge lamp, in particular for motor vehicle headlights
DE19610387 1996-03-16
PCT/DE1997/000423 WO1997035335A1 (en) 1996-03-16 1997-03-06 Gas discharge lamp, in particular for motor-vehicle headlights

Publications (2)

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EP0886881A1 EP0886881A1 (en) 1998-12-30
EP0886881B1 true EP0886881B1 (en) 2000-06-14

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US (1) US6445129B1 (en)
EP (1) EP0886881B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2000506672A (en)
DE (2) DE19610387A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1997035335A1 (en)

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DE19610387A1 (en) 1997-09-18
DE59701881D1 (en) 2000-07-20
EP0886881A1 (en) 1998-12-30
WO1997035335A1 (en) 1997-09-25
US6445129B1 (en) 2002-09-03
JP2000506672A (en) 2000-05-30

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