EP1095543B1 - Ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp and method for operating such a ballast - Google Patents

Ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp and method for operating such a ballast Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1095543B1
EP1095543B1 EP00941880A EP00941880A EP1095543B1 EP 1095543 B1 EP1095543 B1 EP 1095543B1 EP 00941880 A EP00941880 A EP 00941880A EP 00941880 A EP00941880 A EP 00941880A EP 1095543 B1 EP1095543 B1 EP 1095543B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pulse duty
duty factor
ballast
control circuit
gas discharge
Prior art date
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00941880A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1095543A1 (en
Inventor
Franz Raiser
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Osram GmbH
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Patent Treuhand Gesellschaft fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/26—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
    • H05B41/28—Circuit 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
    • H05B41/295—Circuit 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 and specially adapted for lamps with preheating electrodes, e.g. for fluorescent lamps
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/26—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
    • H05B41/28—Circuit 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
    • H05B41/282—Circuit 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
    • H05B41/2825—Circuit 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 bridge converter in the final stage
    • H05B41/2828—Circuit 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 bridge converter in the final stage using control circuits for the switching elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/26—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
    • H05B41/28—Circuit 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
    • H05B41/295—Circuit 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 and specially adapted for lamps with preheating electrodes, e.g. for fluorescent lamps
    • H05B41/298—Arrangements for protecting lamps or circuits against abnormal operating conditions
    • H05B41/2988—Arrangements for protecting lamps or circuits against abnormal operating conditions for protecting the lamp against abnormal operating conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/36—Controlling
    • H05B41/38—Controlling the intensity of light
    • H05B41/39—Controlling the intensity of light continuously
    • H05B41/392—Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor
    • H05B41/3921—Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor with possibility of light intensity variations
    • H05B41/3927—Controlling the intensity of light continuously using semiconductor devices, e.g. thyristor with possibility of light intensity variations by pulse width modulation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S315/00—Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
    • Y10S315/04—Dimming circuit for fluorescent lamps
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S315/00—Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
    • Y10S315/07—Starting and control circuits for gas discharge lamp using transistors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp according to the preamble of claim 7.
  • Another object of the present invention is a method to operate a ballast of the type mentioned in the introduction, prevents an uneven glowing of the gas discharge lamp becomes.
  • the invention is based on the knowledge that a dimming operation with the control circuit provided control signals according to Figures 3a and 3b of WO 94/06261 to a different temperature of the two Lamp electrodes leads. As experiments have shown, essentially occurs same thermal load on the two electrodes of the gas discharge lamp no more uneven lighting.
  • the solution according to the invention not only offers advantages in dimming operation Gas discharge lamp, it can also be used predetermined ballast by varying the duty cycle in inventive Way for the operation of various gas discharge lamps with completely different lamp parameters, especially lamp powers to make available.
  • a ballast becomes like this dimensioned that it to operate the gas discharge lamp, the maximum power requires working with a 50% duty cycle. All other lamps, which are to be operated with the same ballast, then operated with a duty cycle of less than 50% without uneven Lights of these lamps would be feared.
  • the first and second switches operated in push-pull mode, i.e. during the one switch Receives input signal at a high level, the other switch receives one on low level and vice versa.
  • the control circuit Duty cycle of both switches is changed periodically. This manifests itself preferably in that the duty cycle is controlled with the control circuit is that the sum of the ON times of the first switch is equal on average is the sum of the ON times of the second switch.
  • the first and the second switch can be operated with N different duty cycles, where N ⁇ 2 and the change between the different duty cycles with a period that in the shortest case determines it is that each duty cycle is only executed once before the next is changed, and which in the longest case is determined by the thermal inertia of the first and second electrodes.
  • N N ⁇ 2 and the change between the different duty cycles with a period that in the shortest case determines it is that each duty cycle is only executed once before the next is changed, and which in the longest case is determined by the thermal inertia of the first and second electrodes.
  • N 2
  • D 100 - D.
  • Lamp matching duty cycle be stored in the control circuit can also be provided, in addition, an input of the control circuit provide the duty cycle by an operator can be changed, for example for dimming the gas discharge lamp.
  • FIG. 1 shows a ballast 10 according to the invention with a component 12 which is connected on the input side to a mains voltage source U N and comprises a rectifier, filters known to the person skilled in the art and, if appropriate, also devices for correcting the mains-side power factor.
  • the DC voltage signal provided by module 12 is stabilized via a capacitor C0 and applied to a bridge circuit with a switch T1 and a switch T2.
  • the bridge center is connected to the load circuit 14, which comprises a gas discharge lamp 26 with a first and a second electrode 28, 30.
  • the switches T1 and T2 form together with the capacitors C1 and C2 a half-bridge arrangement.
  • a Control circuit 16 supplies the control signals for switches T1 and T2 Lines 18 and 20 respectively.
  • the control circuit 16 can be connected via a line 22 Lamp data are provided, for example data about the current in the lamp's power and the lamp current generated during the generation that applied to switches T1 and T2 via lines 18 and 20 Control signals can be taken into account.
  • the control circuit 16 can have a microcontroller in which the configuration of the Lines 18, 20 are filed to the control signals provided at the switches T1 and T2 is, for example for the operation of the respective gas discharge lamp 26 with Maximum power.
  • an input signal of the control circuit via a line 24 are supplied with which an operator receives the control signals can influence the switches T1 and T2, for example by pressing one Knob or the like for dimming the gas discharge lamp 26.
  • Die control signals provided by the control circuit 16 via the lines 18 and 20 are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3:
  • Fig. 2 shows in the curves A and B the time course of the control signals of the first and second switches T1, T2 according to the teaching of the prior art.
  • Switch T1 is operated according to the curve with a duty cycle of 30%.
  • Switch T2 is operated according to curve B with a duty cycle of 70%.
  • the curves C and D show the time profiles of the associated currents I1 and I2 through the switch T1 and through the switch T2.
  • Curve E shows the time course of the load current I L. Due to the differently long ON times of switch T1 and switch T2, different currents result through electrodes 28, 30 of the gas discharge lamp 26, depending on whether switch T1 or T2 is in the ON state. This leads to an uneven thermal load on the electrodes 28, 30 of the gas discharge lamp 26.
  • Fig. 3 shows, corresponding to Fig. 2, the time course of the same Circuit parameters when modifying the ballast according to the invention Teaching.
  • Both switches T1 and T2 are operated in push-pull, i.e. with the exception of negligible switching operations the one switch a signal with a high level as drive signal, while the other switch has a drive signal with a low level and vice versa.
  • curve A is considered: While switch T1 is operated with a duty cycle of 70% between times t1 and t2, control circuit 16 changes the duty cycle to 30% at time t2. This duty cycle is maintained until time t3, after which the switch is made to a duty cycle of 70%. With reference to curve B of FIG. 3, switch T2 is operated with the corresponding inverse duty cycle, ie between times t2 and t3 with a duty cycle of 70% and after t3 there is again a duty cycle of 70%.
  • the curves C, D and E in turn show the time profiles of the currents I1, 12 and the load current I L.
  • Fig. 3 shows a switch from a duty cycle to one others immediately after going through a duty cycle of a particular one Duty cycle. However, it can also be provided a specific one Maintain duty cycle over a longer period of time before moving on to the next Duty cycle is switched, but on the condition that there are no significantly different thermal loads on the two Electrodes 28, 30 of the gas discharge lamp 26 result.
  • Switching from a duty cycle to another not immediately after a single execution a certain duty cycle has the advantage that in the control circuit 16 components can be used for lower frequencies designed and therefore cheaper. For example, a cheaper microcontroller can be used, as the switchover times are shorter Amount of data must be processed.
  • the circuit described is not only for externally controlled but also for free-swinging inverters can be used.
  • Bipolar transistors were selected as an example in FIG. 1.
  • Other types of switches for example Field effect transistors come into consideration.

Abstract

A ballast for a gas discharge lamp having an inverter. A DC voltage source feeds the ballast. A bridge circuit is arranged in parallel with the DC voltage source. The bridge circuit has first and second controllable switches. The midpoint of the bridge is connected to a load circuit having the gas discharge lamp. The gas discharge lamp has first and second electrodes. A control circuit controls the pulse duty factor of the first and second switches. The pulse duty factor is not equal to 50%. The control circuit controls the pulse duty factor such that the first and second electrodes are subjected to essentially the same thermal load on average.

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical field

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Vorschaltgerät für mindestens eine Gasentladungslampe nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 sowie ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Vorschaltgeräts für mindestens eine Gasentladungslampe nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 7.The present invention relates to a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp according to the preamble of claim 7.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Ein derartiges Vorschaltgerät bzw. ein derartiges Verfahren ist bekannt aus der WO 94/06261. Die dort dargestellten Figuren 2a und 2b zeigen die Ansteuersignale der beiden Schalter im ungedimmten Betriebszustand, d.h. beim Zuführen maximaler Leistung an die Gasentladungslampe, während die dortigen Figuren 3a und 3b die Ansteuersignale der beiden Schalter im gedimmten Betriebszustand, d.h. beim Zuführen reduzierter Leistung zeigen. Das nachfolgend mehrfach erwähnte Tastverhältnis sei definiert als der Quotient aus der Zeitdauer, in der das Steuersignal den hohen Spannungswert annimmt, und der Summe der Zeitdauer des hohen und des niedrigen Spannungswerts, bezogen auf eine Tastperiode. Man erkennt, daß das Tastverhältnis des einen Schalters geändert wurde und zwar vorliegend ausgehend von einem Wert von 50 % gemäß der dortigen Fig. 2a, reduziert wurde auf einen Wert kleiner als 50 %. In der Praxis hat sich jedoch gezeigt, daß, werden die Schalter gemäß den Figuren 3a und 3b der zitierten Entgegenhaltung angesteuert, insbesondere bei niedrigen Temperaturen ungleichmäßiges Leuchten der Gasentladungslampe auftreten kann. Beispielsweise beim Einsatz von Gasentladungslampen als Außenbeleuchtung ist dies unerwünscht.Such a ballast or such a method is known from the WO 94/06261. Figures 2a and 2b shown there show the control signals of the two switches in the undimmed operating state, i.e. when feeding maximum output to the gas discharge lamp, while those there FIGS. 3a and 3b the control signals of the two switches in the dimmed operating state, i.e. show when applying reduced power. The following Duty cycle mentioned several times is defined as the quotient of the Time period in which the control signal assumes the high voltage value, and the sum of the duration of the high and low voltage values on a duty cycle. It can be seen that the duty cycle of one Switch has been changed and in this case based on a value of 50% according to FIG. 2a there, was reduced to a value smaller than 50%. In practice, however, it has been shown that the switches are made according to 3a and 3b of the cited document, in particular the gas discharge lamp glows unevenly at low temperatures can occur. For example, when using gas discharge lamps this is undesirable as exterior lighting.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Es ist deshalb Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Vorschaltgerät der eingangs genannten Art derart weiterzubilden, daß dieser Nachteil vermieden wird.It is therefore an object of the present invention, a ballast of the beginning mentioned type in such a way that this disadvantage is avoided becomes.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Lehre von Patentanspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the teaching of claim 1.

Eine weitere Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Vorschaltgeräts der eingangs genannten Art derart weiterzubilden, daß ein ungleichmäßiges Leuchten der Gasentladungslampe verhindert wird.Another object of the present invention is a method to operate a ballast of the type mentioned in the introduction, prevents an uneven glowing of the gas discharge lamp becomes.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen von Patentanspruch 7.This object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 7th

Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zugrunde, daß ein Dimmbetrieb mit von der Steuerschaltung bereitgestellten Ansteuersignalen gemäß den Figuren 3a und 3b der WO 94/06261 zu einer unterschiedlichen Temperatur der beiden Lampenelektroden führt. Wie Versuche gezeigt haben, tritt bei im wesentlichen gleicher thermischer Belastung der beiden Elektroden der Gasentladungslampe kein ungleichmäßiges Leuchten mehr auf.The invention is based on the knowledge that a dimming operation with the control circuit provided control signals according to Figures 3a and 3b of WO 94/06261 to a different temperature of the two Lamp electrodes leads. As experiments have shown, essentially occurs same thermal load on the two electrodes of the gas discharge lamp no more uneven lighting.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung bietet nicht nur Vorteile beim Dimmbetrieb einer Gasentladungslampe, sie kann vielmehr auch dazu verwendet werden, ein vorgegebenes Vorschaltgerät durch Variation des Tastverhältnisses in erfinderischer Art und Weise für den Betrieb verschiedenster Gasentladungslampen mit völlig unterschiedlichen Lampenparametern, insbesondere Lampenleistungen verfügbar zu machen. In anderen Worten: ein Vorschaltgerät wird so dimensioniert, daß es zum Betrieb der Gasentladungslampe, die maximale Leistung erfordert, mit einem Tastverhältnis von 50 % arbeitet. Alle übrigen Lampen, die mit demselben Vorschaltgerät betrieben werden sollen, werden dann mit einem Tastverhältnis kleiner 50 % betrieben ohne daß ungleichmäßiges Leuchten dieser Lampen zu befürchten wäre.The solution according to the invention not only offers advantages in dimming operation Gas discharge lamp, it can also be used predetermined ballast by varying the duty cycle in inventive Way for the operation of various gas discharge lamps with completely different lamp parameters, especially lamp powers to make available. In other words: a ballast becomes like this dimensioned that it to operate the gas discharge lamp, the maximum power requires working with a 50% duty cycle. All other lamps, which are to be operated with the same ballast, then operated with a duty cycle of less than 50% without uneven Lights of these lamps would be feared.

Bei einer Ausgestaltung der erfinderischen Lösung werden der erste und zweite Schalter im Gegentakt betrieben, d.h. während der eine Schalter ein Eingangssignal auf hohem Pegel erhält, erhält der andere Schalter eines auf niedrigem Pegel und umgekehrt. In Weiterbildung des Grundgedankens der Erfindung kann dann vorgesehen werden, daß mit der Steuerschaltung das Tastverhältnis beider Schalter periodisch gewechselt wird. Dies äußert sich vorzugsweise darin, daß mit der Steuerschaltung das Tastverhältnis so gesteuert wird, daß die Summe der EIN-Zeiten des ersten Schalters im Mittel gleich ist der Summe der EIN-Zeiten des zweiten Schalters.In an embodiment of the inventive solution, the first and second switches operated in push-pull mode, i.e. during the one switch Receives input signal at a high level, the other switch receives one on low level and vice versa. In further training of the basic idea of Invention can then be provided that with the control circuit Duty cycle of both switches is changed periodically. This manifests itself preferably in that the duty cycle is controlled with the control circuit is that the sum of the ON times of the first switch is equal on average is the sum of the ON times of the second switch.

In besonders vorteilhafter Weise kann vorgesehen werden, daß der erste und der zweite Schalter mit N unterschiedlichen Tastverhältnissen betrieben werden, wobei N ≥ 2 ist und der Wechsel zwischen den unterschiedlichen Tastverhältnissen mit einer Periode erfolgt, die im kürzesten Fall dadurch bestimmt ist, daß jedes Tastverhältnis nur genau einmal ausgeführt wird bevor zum nächsten gewechselt wird, und die im längsten Fall bestimmt ist durch die thermische Trägheit der ersten und der zweiten Elektrode. Die letztgenannte Grenze hat ihre Ursache darin, daß ein Tastverhältnis nicht solange beibehalten werden darf bis es bereits zu merklichen unterschiedlichen thermischen Belastungen der beiden Elektroden gekommen ist. Je nach den physikalischen Eigenschaften der Elektroden, mit denen eine Gasentladungslampe bestückt ist, ergeben sich hier unterschiedliche Zeitdauern. In a particularly advantageous manner it can be provided that the first and the second switch can be operated with N different duty cycles, where N ≥ 2 and the change between the different duty cycles with a period that in the shortest case determines it is that each duty cycle is only executed once before the next is changed, and which in the longest case is determined by the thermal inertia of the first and second electrodes. The latter The reason for limit is that a pulse duty factor is not maintained for so long until there are already noticeable different thermal loads of the two electrodes has come. Depending on the physical properties the electrodes with which a gas discharge lamp is fitted, there are different time periods here.

Bei einem konkreten Ausführungsbeispiel ist N = 2, wobei das erste Tastverhältnis D und das zweite Tastverhältnis E = 100 - D beträgt.In a specific embodiment, N = 2, the first duty cycle D and the second duty cycle is E = 100 - D.

Während für den obengenannten Einsatzbereich der Erfindung, d.h. ein Vorschaltgerät für Gasentladungslampen unterschiedlicher Leistung, das zur jeweiligen Lampe passende Tastverhältnis in der Steuerschaltung abgelegt sein kann, kann überdies vorgesehen werden, zusätzlich einen Eingang der Steuerschaltung vorzusehen, über den das Tastverhältnis durch eine Bedienperson geändert werden kann, beispielsweise zum Dimmen der Gasentladungslampe.While for the above application of the invention, i.e. a ballast for gas discharge lamps of different wattages Lamp matching duty cycle be stored in the control circuit can also be provided, in addition, an input of the control circuit provide the duty cycle by an operator can be changed, for example for dimming the gas discharge lamp.

Weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen definiert.Further advantageous developments of the invention are in the subclaims Are defined.

Beschreibung der ZeichnungenDescription of the drawings

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel wird im folgenden unter Hinweis auf die beigefügten Zeichnungen näher beschrieben. Es stellen dar:

Fig. 1
in schematischer Form den Aufbau eines erfindungsgemäßen Vorschaltgeräts;
Fig. 2
in schematischer Form den zeitlichen Verlauf verschiedener Signale eines nach der Lehre des Stands der Technik betriebenen Vorschaltgeräts; und
Fig. 3
in schematischer Form den zeitlichen Verlauf verschiedener Signale eines Vorschaltgeräts gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung bzw. eines Vorschaltgeräts, das gemäß dem erfinderischen Verfahren betrieben wird.
An embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They represent:
Fig. 1
in schematic form the structure of a ballast according to the invention;
Fig. 2
in schematic form the time course of various signals of a ballast operated according to the teaching of the prior art; and
Fig. 3
in schematic form, the time course of various signals of a ballast according to the present invention or a ballast that is operated according to the inventive method.

Fig. 1 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäßes Vorschaltgerät 10 mit einem Baustein 12, der eingangsseitig mit einer Netzspannungsquelle UN verbunden ist, und einen Gleichrichter, dem Fachmann bekannte Filter sowie gegebenenfalls auch Vorrichtungen zur Korrektur des netzseitigen Leistungsfaktors umfaßt. Das vom Baustein 12 bereitgestellte Gleichspannungssignal wird über einen Kondensator C0 stabilisiert und an eine Brückenschaltung mit einem Schalter T1 und einem Schalter T2 angelegt. Der Brückenmittelpunkt ist mit dem Lastkreis 14 verbunden ist, der eine Gasentladungslampe 26 mit einer ersten und einer zweiten Elektrode 28, 30 umfaßt.1 shows a ballast 10 according to the invention with a component 12 which is connected on the input side to a mains voltage source U N and comprises a rectifier, filters known to the person skilled in the art and, if appropriate, also devices for correcting the mains-side power factor. The DC voltage signal provided by module 12 is stabilized via a capacitor C0 and applied to a bridge circuit with a switch T1 and a switch T2. The bridge center is connected to the load circuit 14, which comprises a gas discharge lamp 26 with a first and a second electrode 28, 30.

Gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel in Fig. 1 bilden die Schalter T1 und T2 zusammen mit den Kondensatoren C1 und C2 eine Halbbrückenanordnung. Eine Steuerschaltung 16 liefert die Ansteuersignale für die Schalter T1 und T2 über Leitungen 18 bzw. 20. Über eine Leitung 22 können der Steuerschaltung 16 Lampendaten bereitgestellt werden, beispielsweise Daten über die aktuelle in der Lampe umgesetzte Leistung sowie über den Lampenstrom, die bei der Erzeugung der über die Leitungen 18 und 20 an die Schalter T1 und T2 angelegten Steuersignale berücksichtigt werden können. Die Steuerschaltung 16 kann über einen Mikrocontroller verfügen, in dem die Konfiguration der über die Leitungen 18, 20 an die Schalter T1 und T2 bereitgestellten Steuersignale abgelegt ist, beispielsweise zum Betrieb der jeweiligen Gasentladungslampe 26 mit Maximalleistung. Für den Fall, daß ein Dimmen der Gasentladungslampe beabsichtigt ist, kann optional über eine Leitung 24 ein Eingangssignal der Steuerschaltung zugeführt werden, mit dem eine Bedienperson die Ansteuersignale der Schalter T1 und T2 beeinflussen kann, beispielsweise durch Betätigen eines Drehknopfes oder dergleichen zum Dimmen der Gasentladungslampe 26. Die von der Steuerschaltung 16 über die Leitungen 18 und 20 bereitgestellten Steuersignale werden im folgenden mit Bezug auf die Figuren 2 und 3 näher beschrieben:According to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the switches T1 and T2 form together with the capacitors C1 and C2 a half-bridge arrangement. A Control circuit 16 supplies the control signals for switches T1 and T2 Lines 18 and 20 respectively. The control circuit 16 can be connected via a line 22 Lamp data are provided, for example data about the current in the lamp's power and the lamp current generated during the generation that applied to switches T1 and T2 via lines 18 and 20 Control signals can be taken into account. The control circuit 16 can have a microcontroller in which the configuration of the Lines 18, 20 are filed to the control signals provided at the switches T1 and T2 is, for example for the operation of the respective gas discharge lamp 26 with Maximum power. In the event that dimming the gas discharge lamp is intended is optionally an input signal of the control circuit via a line 24 are supplied with which an operator receives the control signals can influence the switches T1 and T2, for example by pressing one Knob or the like for dimming the gas discharge lamp 26. Die control signals provided by the control circuit 16 via the lines 18 and 20 are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3:

Fig. 2 zeigt zunächst in den Kurvenzügen A und B den zeitlichen Verlauf der Ansteuersignale des ersten und zweiten Schalters T1, T2 gemäß der Lehre des Standes der Technik. Schalter T1 wird gemäß Kurvenzug mit einem Tastverhältnis von 30 % betrieben. Schalter T2 wird gemäß Kurvenzug B mit einem Tastverhältnis von 70 % betrieben. Die Kurvenzüge C und D zeigen die zeitlichen Verläufe der zugehörigen Ströme I1 und I2 durch den Schalter T1 bzw. durch den Schalter T2. Kurvenzug E zeigt den zeitlichen Verlauf des Laststroms IL. Aufgrund der unterschiedlich langen EIN-Zeiten von Schalter T1 und Schalter T2 ergeben sich unterschiedliche Ströme durch Elektroden 28, 30 der Gasentladungslampe 26, je nachdem ob Schalter T1 oder T2 im EIN-Zustand ist. Dies führt zu einer ungleichmäßige thermischen Belastung der Elektroden 28, 30 der Gasentladungslampe 26.Fig. 2 shows in the curves A and B the time course of the control signals of the first and second switches T1, T2 according to the teaching of the prior art. Switch T1 is operated according to the curve with a duty cycle of 30%. Switch T2 is operated according to curve B with a duty cycle of 70%. The curves C and D show the time profiles of the associated currents I1 and I2 through the switch T1 and through the switch T2. Curve E shows the time course of the load current I L. Due to the differently long ON times of switch T1 and switch T2, different currents result through electrodes 28, 30 of the gas discharge lamp 26, depending on whether switch T1 or T2 is in the ON state. This leads to an uneven thermal load on the electrodes 28, 30 of the gas discharge lamp 26.

Fig. 3 zeigt nun korrespondierend zu Fig. 2 den zeitlichen Verlauf der gleichen Schaltungsparameter bei Modifikation des Vorschaltgeräts gemäß der erfindungsgemäßen Lehre. Beide Schalter T1 und T2 werden im Gegentakt betrieben, d.h. mit Ausnahme von zu vernachlässigenden Umschaltvorgängen hat der eine Schalter ein Signal mit hohem Pegel als Ansteuersignal anliegen, während der andere Schalter ein Ansteuersignal mit niedrigem Pegel anliegen hat und umgekehrt.Fig. 3 shows, corresponding to Fig. 2, the time course of the same Circuit parameters when modifying the ballast according to the invention Teaching. Both switches T1 and T2 are operated in push-pull, i.e. with the exception of negligible switching operations the one switch a signal with a high level as drive signal, while the other switch has a drive signal with a low level and vice versa.

Zunächst wird Kurvenzug A betrachtet: Während zwischen den Zeitpunkten t1 und t2 der Schalter T1 mit einem Tastverhältnis von 70 % betrieben wird, wechselt im Zeitpunkt t2 die Steuerschaltung 16 das Tastverhältnis auf 30 %. Dieses Tastverhältnis wird beibehalten bis zum Zeitpunkt t3, wonach wiederum gewechselt wird auf ein Tastverhältnis von 70 %. Mit Bezug auf Kurvenzug B von Fig. 3 wird Schalter T2 mit dem entsprechenden inversen Tastverhältnis betrieben, d.h. zwischen den Zeitpunkten t2 und t3 mit einem Tastverhältnis von 70 % und nach t3 schließt sich wieder ein Tastverhältnis von 70 % an. Die Kurvenzüge C, D und E zeigen wiederum die zeitlichen Verläufe der Ströme I1, 12 sowie des Laststroms IL. First, curve A is considered: While switch T1 is operated with a duty cycle of 70% between times t1 and t2, control circuit 16 changes the duty cycle to 30% at time t2. This duty cycle is maintained until time t3, after which the switch is made to a duty cycle of 70%. With reference to curve B of FIG. 3, switch T2 is operated with the corresponding inverse duty cycle, ie between times t2 and t3 with a duty cycle of 70% and after t3 there is again a duty cycle of 70%. The curves C, D and E in turn show the time profiles of the currents I1, 12 and the load current I L.

Während in dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 3 zwischen zwei Tastverhältnissen, d.h. einem Tastverhältnis von 70 % und einem Tastverhältnis von 30 % umgeschaltet wird, sind auch Realisierungen denkbar, bei denen zwischen mehreren Tastverhältnissen umgeschaltet wird.3 between two duty cycles, i.e. a duty cycle of 70% and a duty cycle of 30 % is switched, realizations are also conceivable in which between is switched over several duty cycles.

Fig. 3 zeigt ein Umschalten bzw. Wechseln von einem Tastverhältnis zu einem anderen unmittelbar nach Durchlaufen einer Tastperiode eines bestimmten Tastverhältnisses. Es kann jedoch auch vorgesehen werden, ein bestimmtes Tastverhältnis über einen längeren Zeitraum beizubehalten bevor zum nächsten Tastverhältnis umgeschaltet wird, dies jedoch unter der Bedingung, daß sich keine wesentlichen unterschiedlichen thermischen Belastungen der beiden Elektroden 28, 30 der Gasentladungslampe 26 ergeben. Der Zeitpunkt, zu dem spätestens auf ein anderes Tastverhältnis umgeschaltet werden muß, hängt mitunter von den physikalischen Eigenschaften der in der jeweiligen Gasentladungslampe verwendeten Elektroden ab. Ein Umschalten von einem Tastverhältnis auf ein anderes nicht unmittelbar bereits nach einmaliger Ausführung eines bestimmten Tastverhältnisses hat den Vorteil, daß in der Steuerschaltung 16 Bauelemente verwendet werden können, die für niedrigere Frequenzen ausgelegt und daher billiger sind. Beispielsweise kann ein günstigerer Mikrocontroller verwendet werden, da bei längeren Umschaltzeiten eine geringere Datenmenge verarbeitet werden muß.Fig. 3 shows a switch from a duty cycle to one others immediately after going through a duty cycle of a particular one Duty cycle. However, it can also be provided a specific one Maintain duty cycle over a longer period of time before moving on to the next Duty cycle is switched, but on the condition that there are no significantly different thermal loads on the two Electrodes 28, 30 of the gas discharge lamp 26 result. The time at which must be switched to another duty cycle at the latest sometimes from the physical properties of the gas discharge lamp used electrodes. Switching from a duty cycle to another not immediately after a single execution a certain duty cycle has the advantage that in the control circuit 16 components can be used for lower frequencies designed and therefore cheaper. For example, a cheaper microcontroller can be used, as the switchover times are shorter Amount of data must be processed.

Für den Fachmann ist offensichtlich, daß die vorliegende Erfindung auch bei Vorschaltgeräten mit Vollbrückenanordnung verwendet werden kann, wobei dann vorgesehen sein kann, daß die Steuerschaltung 16 für die zwei weiteren Schalter zwei weitere Steuersignale bereitstellt.It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention also applies to Ballasts with full bridge arrangement can be used, whereby it can then be provided that the control circuit 16 for the two other Switch provides two additional control signals.

Die beschriebene Schaltung ist nicht nur für fremdgesteuerte sondern auch für freischwingende Wechselrichter einsetzbar. The circuit described is not only for externally controlled but also for free-swinging inverters can be used.

Als Schalter wurden in Fig. 1 beispielhaft Bipolartransistoren gewählt. Für den Fachmann ist offensichtlich, daß auch andere Arten von Schaltern, beispielsweise Feldeffekttransistoren in Betracht kommen.Bipolar transistors were selected as an example in FIG. 1. For the Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of switches, for example Field effect transistors come into consideration.

Claims (14)

  1. Ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp (26), having an inverter, fed from a DC voltage source (C0), which has a bridge circuit, arranged in parallel with the DC voltage source (C0), with a first and a second controllable switch (T1, T2), the midpoint of the bridge being connected to a load circuit (14) which comprises the at least one gas discharge lamp (26), each gas discharge lamp (26) having a first and a second electrode (28, 30), and having a control circuit (16) by means of which the pulse duty factor of the first and second switches (T1, T2) can be influenced, and the pulse duty factor is not equal to 50%, characterized in that the control circuit (16) can control the pulse duty factor such that the first and second electrodes (28, 30) are subjected to essentially the same thermal load on average.
  2. Ballast according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second switches (T1, T2) can be operated in a push-pull fashion.
  3. Ballast according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pulse duty factor of the two switches (T1, T2) can be changed periodically with the aid of the control circuit.
  4. Ballast according to Claim 3, characterized in that the pulse duty factor can be controlled with the aid of the control circuit (16) such that the sum of the ON times of the first switch is the same on average as the sum of the ON times of the second switch.
  5. Ballast according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first and the second switches (T1, T2) can be operated with N different pulse duty factors with the aid of the control circuit (16), N being greater than or equal to 2, and it being possible to control the change between the different pulse duty factors with a period which is determined in the shortest case by virtue of the fact that each pulse duty factor is carried out only precisely once before a change is made to the next one, and which is determined in the longest case by the thermal inertia of the first and second electrodes (28, 30).
  6. Ballast according to Claim 5, characterized in that N is equal to two, the first pulse duty factor being D and the second pulse duty factor being E=100%-D.
  7. Ballast according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control circuit (16) has an input via which the pulse duty factor can be influenced by an operator.
  8. Method for operating a ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp (26), the ballast comprising an inverter, fed from a DC voltage source (C0), which has a bridge circuit, arranged in parallel with the DC voltage source (C0), with a first and a second controllable switch (T1, T2), the midpoint of the bridge being connected to a load circuit (14) which comprises the at least one gas discharge lamp (26), each gas discharge lamp (26) having a first and a second electrode (28, 30), and having a control circuit (16) by means of which the pulse duty factor of the first and second switches (T1, T2) can be influenced, and the pulse duty factor is not equal to 50%, characterized in that the control circuit (16) controls the pulse duty factor such that the first and second electrodes (28, 30) are subjected to essentially the same thermal load on average.
  9. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the first and the second switches (T1, T2) are operated in a push-pull fashion.
  10. Method according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the pulse duty factor of the two switches (T1, T2) is changed periodically by the control circuit (16).
  11. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the pulse duty factor is controlled such that the sum of the ON times of the first switch is the same on average as the sum of the ON times of the second switch.
  12. Method according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first and the second switches (T1, T2) are operated with N different pulse duty factors, N being greater than or equal to 2, and the change between the different pulse duty factors occurs with a period which is determined in the shortest case by virtue of the fact that each pulse duty factor is carried out only precisely once before a change is made to the next one, and which is determined in the longest case by the thermal inertia of the first and second electrodes (28, 30).
  13. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that N is equal to two, the first pulse duty factor being D and the second pulse duty factor being E=100%-D.
  14. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the control circuit (16) has an input via which the pulse duty factor can be influenced by an operator.
EP00941880A 1999-05-12 2000-04-19 Ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp and method for operating such a ballast Expired - Lifetime EP1095543B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19922039 1999-05-12
DE19922039A DE19922039A1 (en) 1999-05-12 1999-05-12 Fluorescent lamp choke for a gas discharge lamp and method for operating it includes a DC-AC converter fed by a DC source having a bridge circuit with first and second controllable switches fitted parallel to the DC source.
PCT/DE2000/001226 WO2000070921A1 (en) 1999-05-12 2000-04-19 Ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp and method for operating such a ballast

Publications (2)

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EP1095543A1 EP1095543A1 (en) 2001-05-02
EP1095543B1 true EP1095543B1 (en) 2003-11-12

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EP00941880A Expired - Lifetime EP1095543B1 (en) 1999-05-12 2000-04-19 Ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp and method for operating such a ballast

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US (1) US6316888B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1095543B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2003500808A (en)
KR (1) KR20010071870A (en)
CN (1) CN1242653C (en)
AT (1) ATE254385T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2337062A1 (en)
DE (2) DE19922039A1 (en)
TW (1) TW494706B (en)
WO (1) WO2000070921A1 (en)

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DE50004415D1 (en) 2003-12-18
TW494706B (en) 2002-07-11
CN1242653C (en) 2006-02-15
KR20010071870A (en) 2001-07-31
DE19922039A1 (en) 2000-11-16
CA2337062A1 (en) 2000-11-23
EP1095543A1 (en) 2001-05-02
US6316888B1 (en) 2001-11-13
ATE254385T1 (en) 2003-11-15
CN1304631A (en) 2001-07-18
WO2000070921A1 (en) 2000-11-23
JP2003500808A (en) 2003-01-07

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