EP1872630B2 - Intelligent flyback-heating - Google Patents

Intelligent flyback-heating Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1872630B2
EP1872630B2 EP06723975.6A EP06723975A EP1872630B2 EP 1872630 B2 EP1872630 B2 EP 1872630B2 EP 06723975 A EP06723975 A EP 06723975A EP 1872630 B2 EP1872630 B2 EP 1872630B2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit
heating
flyback converter
software
ballast
Prior art date
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Not-in-force
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EP06723975.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1872630B1 (en
EP1872630A1 (en
Inventor
Dietmar Klien
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Tridonic GmbH and Co KG
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Tridonic GmbH and Co KG
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Application filed by Tridonic GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Tridonic GmbH and Co KG
Priority to EP09159438A priority Critical patent/EP2111085B1/en
Publication of EP1872630A1 publication Critical patent/EP1872630A1/en
Publication of EP1872630B1 publication Critical patent/EP1872630B1/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • H05B41/2981—Arrangements for protecting lamps or circuits against abnormal operating conditions for protecting the circuit against abnormal operating conditions
    • H05B41/2985—Arrangements for protecting lamps or circuits against abnormal operating conditions for protecting the circuit against abnormal operating conditions against abnormal lamp 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
    • H05B41/26—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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to circuits for heating gas discharge lamps, in particular fluorescent lamps, as they can be found, for example, in electronic ballasts (ECGs) use.
  • ECGs electronic ballasts
  • ECGs Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps are known from the prior art, which use Wendel carvingscen which are connected by means of a coupling element with a primary side, which is supplied with voltage.
  • a coupling element with a primary side, which is supplied with voltage.
  • the heating energy transformer, capacitive, etc. are coupled to the primary circuit, which in turn is connected to the helices.
  • a coil heater for fluorescent lamps according to the flyback principle is for example from the US 5,703,441 known.
  • the WO 00/72640 A1 shows a filament heating with a heating transformer having a connected to the output of the inverter of the electronic ballast primary winding and one located in a heating circuit with a coil secondary winding for heating each of the two electrodes of a gas discharge lamp.
  • a series circuit is provided which contains the primary winding of the heating transformer and an electronic switch device.
  • WO 03/045117 shows a converter, which is also switched off in case of error.
  • WO 00/72642 shows a heater that is powered starting from the midpoint of an inverter. From the US 2004 / 113566A1 a flyback converter heating circuit with secondary side voltage monitoring is known.
  • a fluorescent lamp and with a coupling element for transmitting the heating energy from a primary side to a secondary side "intelligent" in the sense that in the presence of except Standard operating parameters are met.
  • a circuit for heating at least one filament of a gas discharge lamp has a coupling element in the form of a clocked flyback converter which transmits heating energy from a primary side, which is supplied with voltage, to a secondary side, which in turn is connected to at least one coil to be heated.
  • the transmission of heating energy is usually carried out under galvanic isolation.
  • a monitoring circuit which detects the current flow at least in the primary side of the coupling element, so that corresponding countermeasures can be taken by changing at least one operating parameter of the heating circuit when an impermissible current flow is detected.
  • the heating circuit can be switched to an error mode in which the energy transfer of the coupling element is limited to a predetermined value greater than zero. In this error mode, therefore, heating energy continues to be transmitted, albeit to a controlled degree.
  • a base load is provided, which consumes the energy transmitted through the coupling element in the event that no lamp is used and thus also no heating coil.
  • This base load is formed by resistors of a voltage divider, which is also used to detect the secondary side voltage.
  • the coupling element can be clocked on the primary side by means of a switch, the switching frequency and / or duty cycle in the error mode compared to the regular operation modified, in particular reduced.
  • the change in the switching frequency and / or the duty cycle of the switch on the primary side of the coupling element thus represents a possibility of changing operating parameters of the heating circuit.
  • the monitoring circuit can also detect the voltage on the secondary side of the coupling element.
  • the monitoring circuit is preferably implemented by hardware, so that upon detection of a fault, a quick response can occur.
  • This hardware implemented monitoring circuit can send a message to a software controlled controller in the presence of the error mode.
  • a software-controlled controller can in principle transmit operating parameters to the hardware-implemented monitoring circuit at least in the error mode and / or during normal operation of the heating circuit.
  • a coupling element serves to transfer heating energy from a voltage-supplied primary side to a secondary side to be heated with the Wendel is connected.
  • a monitoring circuit may be provided to detect the voltage of a secondary side of the coupling element, and to take countermeasures by changing an operating parameter of the heating circuit upon detection of an out-of-standard voltage, in particular too high a voltage.
  • the invention also relates to a control gear with such a circuit.
  • An electronic ballast which has a heating circuit for at least one filament of a gas discharge lamp.
  • the transmission of the heating energy from a power supply to the coil to be heated is effected by means of a coupling element that is driven by a circuit implemented in hardware.
  • the hardware implemented circuit may also monitor an operating parameter of the primary and secondary sides of the coupling element.
  • a software-controlled circuit can be provided to transmit setpoints for the operation of the coupling element to the circuit implemented in hardware.
  • the invention also provides an electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps with a heating circuit, in which a monitoring circuit monitors at least one operating parameter of the heating circuit and transmits error messages with respect to the heating circuit to a software-controlled circuit.
  • the software-controlled circuit can change upon receipt of an error message at least one operating parameter of the ballast and in particular an operating parameter of the heating circuit depending on the current operating state of the ballast.
  • heater circuit is used to provide electrical energy for coils 5, 6 of a gas discharge lamp, such as a fluorescent lamp.
  • the energy is transmitted from a primary side of a coupling element, which is supplied with voltage, toward a secondary side of the coupling element, wherein the secondary side is connected to at least one coil 5, 6.
  • the coupling element is designed as a clocked flyback converter.
  • the primary side of the flyback converter has a voltage supply and a primary coil 2 connected in series with a switch 12.
  • the voltage supply is a DC voltage supply, so that, for example, the intermediate circuit voltage or bus voltage V bus that is usually regulated by a smoothing circuit (PFC, Power Factor Correction Circuit) can be used in an electronic ballast.
  • PFC Power Factor Correction Circuit
  • electrical energy is transmitted from the primary coil 2 to the secondary side, wherein the secondary side in the illustrated example depending on a branch from a first secondary coil 3 to a first coil 5 and a second secondary coil 4 to a second coil. 6 having.
  • the secondary side can thus supply one or more coils 5, 6.
  • the heat energy transmitted in the clocked flyback converter essentially depends on the switching frequency and the switch-on time T on of the switch 12.
  • This switch 12 which may be embodied as an FET, for example, is controlled by a heating control circuit 7 implemented in hardware.
  • the helical heater as mentioned on a clocked flyback converter, which is operated with a defined on-time T on and frequency f.
  • the switch control thus enables independent operation of the heating circuit, which, for example, when coupling the heating circuit to an inverter center point is not the case.
  • the independent operation of the heating circuit is just advantageous for preheating. Furthermore, there are design freedoms, which is advantageous for a dimming operation or a multi-lamp operation.
  • the setpoint values for the switch-on time T on and the frequency f of the switching operations of the electronic switch 12 are set according to the invention by a software-controlled circuit (microcontroller) 9 which communicates bidirectionally with the heating control circuit 7 (see reference numeral 8).
  • the specifications for the switch-on time T on and / or the switching frequency f of the clocked flyback converter shown can be used by the microcontroller 9, for example is calculated as a function of the current dimming state of the lamp and of a possibly detected lamp type (for example via the filament current) and then given to the heating control circuit 7.
  • the microcontroller 9 can receive, for example via an interface 10 dimming commands, for example, according to the DALI standard.
  • the primary side with the coil 2 and the switch 12 of the flyback converter transformer is connected in the illustrated example to an intermediate circuit voltage or bus voltage V bus , as this always has a substantially constant potential, thereby ensuring that at constant on time T on and frequency f of the electronic switch 12 a constant heating energy is delivered to the secondary side of the flyback converter.
  • the illustrated invention is now particularly designed to detect fault conditions of the heating circuit and to take appropriate countermeasures in a timely manner.
  • the heating control circuit 7 detects a fault condition and automatically transitions to an error mode.
  • This error mode is that further heating energy is transferred with a value greater than zero by means of the coupling element to the secondary side.
  • the frequency f and / or the turn-on time of the switch 12 of the flyback converter is preferably reduced to reduce the primary-side filament current in the event of such a short-circuit condition.
  • heating energy continues to be transmitted.
  • Another error condition may be that there is no load on the secondary side, i.
  • the lamp with the coils 5, 6 is not used or at least one coil is broken.
  • the coupling element of the heating circuit normally continues to transmit heating energy to the secondary side in this case as well, the voltage on the secondary side will increase to impermissibly high values on the secondary side, so that components on the secondary side can be damaged.
  • a voltage divider R3, R4 is provided in the illustrated embodiment, at the midpoint of which a signal 14 for the heating control circuit 7 is tapped. The detection of the secondary-side voltage of the coupling element takes place in addition to the detection of the primary-side helical current thirteenth
  • An impermissibly high secondary-side voltage represents another fault condition.
  • a suitable countermeasure may be that the frequency f and / or the switch-on time T on of the switch 12 is reduced, so that a significantly reduced heating energy compared to the normal operating state Secondary side is transmitted. Alternatively, the transmission of the heating energy can also be stopped here.
  • the heating control circuit 7 is implemented by means of hardware, it can quickly detect such error conditions and accordingly also respond quickly by a suitable change of an operating parameter for the coupling element (change in the turn-on and / or the frequency of the switch in the present example).
  • the setpoint values for the heating mode can be specified by the hardware-implemented heating control circuit 7 for the normal operation and / or the error mode by the software-controlled microcontroller 9 via the bidirectional communication channel 8.
  • the hardware-implemented heating control circuit 7 automatically reacts very quickly to any detected fault conditions, but also simultaneously reports such an error condition to the microcontroller 9.
  • the microcontroller 9 Independently of the secondary-side voltage detection of the heating control circuit 7 by means of the voltage divider R3, R4, the microcontroller 9 detects the filament current through the resistor R1 so as to detect the type of lamp used via the filament resistor, and depending on this type of lamp the corresponding setpoint specifications for the heating control circuit 7 to make.
  • the communication via the bidirectional channel 8 between the heating control circuit 7 and the controller 9 is preferably digital.
  • the microcontroller 9 can query the heating control circuit 7 for information regarding the presence of an error and possibly also the type of an error (short circuit or idle state without load, etc.).
  • the reduced heating energy transmitted in the fault mode is reduced by the resistors R3, R4 as a base load whose series resistance is thus dimensioned such that the voltage applied during the transmission of the reduced heating energy in the fault mode on the secondary side is limited to a permissible value.
  • the divider ratio of R3, R4 fixed the turn-off, ie the voltage from which an impermissibly high secondary voltage is closed and countermeasures are taken.
  • the voltage divider R3, R4 thus has a double function.
  • the series resistance can, for example, be dimensioned so that when transmitting a heating energy of 50 mW in fault mode, the voltage applied to 15 V is limited. At 15 V, damage to the secondary-side components provided can be ruled out.
  • a heating energy of 50 MW is large enough to generate a measurement current sufficient for measurement through the resistor R1.
  • the implemented in hardware heating control circuit 7 thus ensures that the heating circuit protects itself quickly. If this protection mechanism were implemented by a software controlled circuit, the protection reaction might be too slow to avoid damaging the transistor 12.
  • the microcontroller 9 queries a fault condition of the heating control circuit 7 or the heating control circuit transmits from itself the microcontroller 9 a fault condition and possibly also the nature of the error, the microcontroller 9 via outgoing commands 11, the operating device (electronic ballast EVG) in total switch to a fault mode.
  • the operating device electronic ballast EVG
  • the reaction of the microcontroller 9 to the message or the query of a fault condition of the heating circuit depends on the current operating state of the device. Possible actions initiated by the microcontroller 9 in the operating device are, for example, switching off the inverter or waiting for a lamp replacement.
  • Fig. 2 schematically shows a state diagram as implemented by software in the microcontroller 9.
  • the software is first started in the STARTUP SOFTWARE state.
  • the known preheating begins in the PREHEAT state and, after completion of the preheating, the ignition of the lamp begins. If the lamp is successfully ignited, the system switches to RUN mode. Only when the lamp is in the RUN state, an error of the heating circuit is evaluated by the microcontroller 9. If there is an error starting from the state RUN, then ERROR is switched to the error mode.
  • the microcontroller 9 waits for the replacement of the lamp since it can detect the presence of a lamp with coils via the resistor R1. After the lamp has been replaced, the state RELAMP is assumed, from which a restart of the lamp is possible.

Landscapes

  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Dc-Dc Converters (AREA)
  • Synchronizing For Television (AREA)
  • Direct Air Heating By Heater Or Combustion Gas (AREA)

Abstract

The heating circuit has a coupling unit transferring the heat of a primary winding to a secondary winding that is connected to coils (5, 6). A monitoring circuit detects the current flow in the primary winding. A heat control circuit (7) switches the heating circuit into a failure-operation mode if the primary winding current exceeds a threshold value, where the energy transfer of the coupling unit is limited to a value in the mode. An independent claim is also included for a method for heating a coil of a gas discharge lamp.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf Schaltungen zur Heizung von Gasentladungslampen, insbesondere Leuchtstofflampen, wie sie beispielsweise in elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten (EVGs) Verwendung finden können.The present invention relates to circuits for heating gas discharge lamps, in particular fluorescent lamps, as they can be found, for example, in electronic ballasts (ECGs) use.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind elektronische Vorschaltgeräte (EVGs) für Leuchtstofflampen bekannt, die Wendelheizschaltungen verwenden, die mittels eines Koppelelements mit einer Primärseite verbunden sind, die mit Spannung versorgt ist. Beispielsweise kann ausgehend von einem Ausgangskreis (Lampenbetriebsspannungsversorgung, Halbrückenspannung, Busspannung etc.) die Heizenergie transformatorisch, kapazitiv, etc. in den Primärkreis gekoppelt werden, der wiederum mit den Wendeln verbunden ist.Electronic ballasts (ECGs) for fluorescent lamps are known from the prior art, which use Wendelheizschaltungen which are connected by means of a coupling element with a primary side, which is supplied with voltage. For example, based on an output circuit (lamp operating voltage supply, half-bridge voltage, bus voltage, etc.), the heating energy transformer, capacitive, etc. are coupled to the primary circuit, which in turn is connected to the helices.

Einige der transformatorisch arbeitenden Wendelheizsysteme verwenden einen mit einem Schalter getakteten Sperrwandler (englisch: Flyback power converter), im folgenden auch "Flyback-Konverter" genannt.Some of the transforming Wendelheizsysteme use a clocked flyback converter with a switch, in the following also called "flyback converter".

Eine Wendelheizung für Leuchtstofflampen gemäß dem Flyback-Prinzip ist beispielsweise aus der US 5,703,441 bekannt.A coil heater for fluorescent lamps according to the flyback principle is for example from the US 5,703,441 known.

Die WO 00/72640 A1 zeigt eine Wendelheizung mit einem Heiztransformator, der eine mit dem Ausgang des Wechselrichters des elektronischen Vorschaltgerätes verbundene Primärwicklung und die eine in einem Heizkreis mit einer Wendel befindliche Sekundärwicklung zum Beheizen jeder der beiden Elektroden einer Gasentladungslampe aufweist. Parallel zum Lastkreis ist eine Serienschaltung vorgesehen, welche die Primärwicklung des Heiztransformators und eine elektronische Schaltervorrichtung enthält.The WO 00/72640 A1 shows a filament heating with a heating transformer having a connected to the output of the inverter of the electronic ballast primary winding and one located in a heating circuit with a coil secondary winding for heating each of the two electrodes of a gas discharge lamp. Parallel to the load circuit, a series circuit is provided which contains the primary winding of the heating transformer and an electronic switch device.

US 2004/066152 und WO200434740 zeigen eine sekundärseitige Überwachung eines Konverters, wobei im Fehlerfall eine Abschaltung erfolgt. US 2004/066152 and WO200434740 show a secondary-side monitoring of a converter, which takes place in case of failure, a shutdown.

WO 03/045117 zeigt einen Konverter, der im Fehlerfall ebenfalls abgeschaltet wird. WO 03/045117 shows a converter, which is also switched off in case of error.

WO 00/72642 zeigt eine Heizung, die ausgehend von dem Mittenpunkt eines Wechselrichters versorgt wird.
Aus der US 2004/113566A1 ist eine Sperrwandlerheizschaltung mit sekundärseitiger Spannungsüberwachung bekannt. WO 00/72642 shows a heater that is powered starting from the midpoint of an inverter.
From the US 2004 / 113566A1 a flyback converter heating circuit with secondary side voltage monitoring is known.

Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine derartige Heizschaltung für wenigstens eine Wendel einer Gasentladungslampe, bspw. einer Leuchtstofflampe, und mit einem Koppelelement zur Übertragung der Heizenergie von einer Primärseite zu einer Sekundärseite "intelligenter" in dem Sinne auszugestalten, dass bei Vorliegen von außer der Norm liegenden Betriebsparametern angepasste Maßnahmen getroffen werden.It is an object of the present invention to design such a heating circuit for at least one filament of a gas discharge lamp, for example. A fluorescent lamp, and with a coupling element for transmitting the heating energy from a primary side to a secondary side "intelligent" in the sense that in the presence of except Standard operating parameters are met.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Die abhängigen Ansprüche bilden den zentralen Gedanken der Erfindung in besonders vorteilhafter Weise weiter.This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims further form the central idea of the invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

Gemäß einem ersten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung ist eine Schaltung zur Heizung wenigstens einer Wendel einer Gasentladungslampe vorgesehen. Die Schaltung weist dabei ein Koppelelement in Form eines getakteten Sperrwandlers auf, das Heizenergie von einer mit Spannung versorgten Primärseite zu einer Sekundärseite überträgt, die wiederum mit wenigstens einer zu heizenden Wendel verbunden ist. Die Übertragung der Heizenergie erfolgt also üblicherweise unter galvanischer Trennung.According to a first aspect of the present invention, a circuit for heating at least one filament of a gas discharge lamp is provided. In this case, the circuit has a coupling element in the form of a clocked flyback converter which transmits heating energy from a primary side, which is supplied with voltage, to a secondary side, which in turn is connected to at least one coil to be heated. The transmission of heating energy is usually carried out under galvanic isolation.

Erfindungsgemäß ist eine Überwachungsschaltung vorgesehen, die den Stromfluss wenigstens in der Primärseite des Koppelelements erfasst, so dass bei Erfassung eines unzulässigen Stromflusses entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen durch Veränderung wenigstens eines Betriebsparameters der Heizschaltung getroffen werden können.According to the invention, a monitoring circuit is provided which detects the current flow at least in the primary side of the coupling element, so that corresponding countermeasures can be taken by changing at least one operating parameter of the heating circuit when an impermissible current flow is detected.

Für den Fall, dass der primärseitige Strom einen vorgegebenen Schwellenwert überschreitet, kann die Heizschaltung in eine Fehler-Betriebsart geschaltet werden, in der die Energieübertragung des Koppelelements auf einen vorgegebenen Wert größer als Null begrenzt ist. In dieser Fehler-Betriebsart wird also weiterhin Heizenergie übertragen, wenn auch in kontrollierten Masse.In the event that the primary-side current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the heating circuit can be switched to an error mode in which the energy transfer of the coupling element is limited to a predetermined value greater than zero. In this error mode, therefore, heating energy continues to be transmitted, albeit to a controlled degree.

Auf der Sekundärseite ist eine Grundlast vorgesehen, die für den Fall, dass keine Lampe eingesetzt ist und somit auch keine Heizwendel vorliegt, die durch das Koppelelement übertragene Energie verbraucht. Diese Grundlast ist durch Widerstände eines Spannungsteilers gebildet, der auch zur Erfassung der sekundärseitigen Spannung verwendet wird.On the secondary side, a base load is provided, which consumes the energy transmitted through the coupling element in the event that no lamp is used and thus also no heating coil. This base load is formed by resistors of a voltage divider, which is also used to detect the secondary side voltage.

Das Koppelelement kann primärseitig mittels eines Schalters getaktet sein, dessen Schaltfrequenz und/oder Tastverhältnis in der Fehler-Betriebsart gegenüber dem regulären Betrieb modifiziert, insbesondere verringert ist. Die Änderung der Schaltfrequenz und/oder des Tastverhältnisses des Schalters an der Primärseite des Koppelelements stellt somit eine Möglichkeit der Änderung von Betriebsparametern der Heizschaltung dar.The coupling element can be clocked on the primary side by means of a switch, the switching frequency and / or duty cycle in the error mode compared to the regular operation modified, in particular reduced. The change in the switching frequency and / or the duty cycle of the switch on the primary side of the coupling element thus represents a possibility of changing operating parameters of the heating circuit.

Die Überwachungsschaltung kann weiterhin auch die Spannung an der Sekundärseite des Koppelelements erfassen.The monitoring circuit can also detect the voltage on the secondary side of the coupling element.

Die Überwachungsschaltung ist vorzugsweise durch Hardware implementiert, so dass bei Erkennung eines Fehlers eine schnelle Reaktion erfolgen kann.The monitoring circuit is preferably implemented by hardware, so that upon detection of a fault, a quick response can occur.

Diese in Hardware implementierte Überwachungsschaltung kann bei Vorliegen der Fehler-Betriebsart eine Meldung an einen Software-gesteuerten Controller senden.This hardware implemented monitoring circuit can send a message to a software controlled controller in the presence of the error mode.

Ein Software-gesteuerter Controller kann grundsätzlich der Hardware-implementierten Überwachungsschaltung wenigstens in der Fehler-Betriebsart und/oder im Normalbetrieb der Heizschaltung Betriebsparameter übermitteln.A software-controlled controller can in principle transmit operating parameters to the hardware-implemented monitoring circuit at least in the error mode and / or during normal operation of the heating circuit.

Es ist eine Schaltung zur Heizung wenigstens einer Wendel einer Gasentladungslampe vorgesehen, wobei wiederum ein Koppelelement dazu dient, Heizenergie von einer mit Spannung versorgten Primärseite zu einer Sekundärseite zu übertragen, die mit der zu heizenden Wendel verbunden ist. Eine Überwachungsschaltung kann vorgesehen sein, die Spannung einer Sekundärseite des Koppelelements zu erfassen, und bei Erfassung einer außer der Norm liegenden Spannung, insbesondere einer zu großen Spannung, Gegenmaßnahmen durch Änderung eines Betriebsparameters der Heizschaltung zu ergreifen.It is a circuit for heating at least one coil of a gas discharge lamp is provided, in turn, a coupling element serves to transfer heating energy from a voltage-supplied primary side to a secondary side to be heated with the Wendel is connected. A monitoring circuit may be provided to detect the voltage of a secondary side of the coupling element, and to take countermeasures by changing an operating parameter of the heating circuit upon detection of an out-of-standard voltage, in particular too high a voltage.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auch auf ein Betriebsgerät mit einer derartigen Schaltung.The invention also relates to a control gear with such a circuit.

Es ist ein elektronisches Vorschaltgerät vorgesehen, das eine Heizschaltung für wenigstens eine Wendel einer Gasentladungslampe aufweist. Die Übertragung der Heizenergie von einer Spannungsversorgung hin zu der zu heizenden Wendel erfolgt dabei mittels eines Koppelelements, dass durch eine in Hardware implementierte Schaltung angesteuert wird. Die in Hardware implementierte Schaltung kann darüber hinaus einen Betriebsparameter der Primär- und Sekundärseite des Koppelelements überwachen. Eine Software-gesteuerte Schaltung kann dazu vorgesehen sein, der in Hardware implementierten Schaltung Sollwerte für den Betrieb des Koppelelements zu übermitteln.An electronic ballast is provided which has a heating circuit for at least one filament of a gas discharge lamp. The transmission of the heating energy from a power supply to the coil to be heated is effected by means of a coupling element that is driven by a circuit implemented in hardware. The hardware implemented circuit may also monitor an operating parameter of the primary and secondary sides of the coupling element. A software-controlled circuit can be provided to transmit setpoints for the operation of the coupling element to the circuit implemented in hardware.

Schließlich sieht die Erfindung auch ein elektronisches Vorschaltgerät für Leuchtstofflampen mit einer Heizschaltung vor, bei der eine Überwachungsschaltung wenigstens einen Betriebsparameter der Heizschaltung überwacht und einer Software-gesteuerten Schaltung Fehlermeldungen bezüglich der Heizschaltung übermittelt. Die Software-gesteuerte Schaltung kann bei Eingang einer Fehlermeldung wenigstens einen Betriebsparameter des Vorschaltgerätes und insbesondere ein Betriebsparameter der Heizschaltung abhängig vom momentanen Betriebszustand des Vorschaltgerätes, ändern.Finally, the invention also provides an electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps with a heating circuit, in which a monitoring circuit monitors at least one operating parameter of the heating circuit and transmits error messages with respect to the heating circuit to a software-controlled circuit. The software-controlled circuit can change upon receipt of an error message at least one operating parameter of the ballast and in particular an operating parameter of the heating circuit depending on the current operating state of the ballast.

Weitere Merkmale, Vorteile und Eigenschaften der vorliegenden Erfindung sollen nunmehr bezugnehmend auf die begleitenden Figuren sowie anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert werden.

  • Fig. 1 zeigt ein schematische Blockschaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Heizschaltung, und
  • Fig. 2 zeigt ein Zustandsdiagramm für Abläufe, wie sie durch den Software-gesteuerten Mikrocontroller gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ausgeführt werden können.
Further features, advantages and features of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures and to exemplary embodiments.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a heating circuit according to the invention, and
  • Fig. 2 FIG. 12 shows a state diagram for operations that may be performed by the software-controlled microcontroller according to the present invention.

Die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Heizschaltung dient zur Bereitstellung elektrischer Energie für Wendeln 5, 6 einer Gasentladungslampe, wie beispielsweise einer Leuchtstofflampe. Die Energie wird dabei ausgehend von einer Primärseite eines Koppelelements, die mit Spannung versorgt ist, hin zu einer Sekundärseite des Koppelelements übertragen, wobei die Sekundärseite mit wenigstens einer Wendel 5, 6 verbunden ist.In the Fig. 1 shown heater circuit is used to provide electrical energy for coils 5, 6 of a gas discharge lamp, such as a fluorescent lamp. The energy is transmitted from a primary side of a coupling element, which is supplied with voltage, toward a secondary side of the coupling element, wherein the secondary side is connected to at least one coil 5, 6.

Im dargestellten Beispiel ist das Koppelelement als getakteter Sperrwandler ausgebildet. Die Primärseite des Sperrwandlers weist eine Spannungsversorgung sowie eine mit einem Schalter 12 in Serie geschaltete Primärspule 2 auf. Die Spannungsversorgung ist im dargestellten Beispiel eine Gleichspannungsversorgung, so dass beispielsweise die üblicherweise durch eine Glättungsschaltung (PFC, Power Factor Correction Circuit) geregelte Zwischenkreisspannung oder Busspannung Vbus in einem elektronischen Vorschaltgerät verwendet werden kann.In the example shown, the coupling element is designed as a clocked flyback converter. The primary side of the flyback converter has a voltage supply and a primary coil 2 connected in series with a switch 12. In the example shown, the voltage supply is a DC voltage supply, so that, for example, the intermediate circuit voltage or bus voltage V bus that is usually regulated by a smoothing circuit (PFC, Power Factor Correction Circuit) can be used in an electronic ballast.

Andere primärseitige DC- oder AC-Versorgungsspannungen (bspw. Netzspannung, allerdings ist zum Anschluss einer AC-Spannung ein Gleichrichter zwischenzuschalten) sind ebenfalls möglich.Other primary-side DC or AC supply voltages (eg mains voltage, but a rectifier must be connected to connect an AC voltage) are also possible.

Gemäß dem Transformatorprinzip wird im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel elektrische Energie von der Primärspule 2 auf die Sekundärseite übertragen, wobei die Sekundärseite im dargestellten Beispiel je einen Zweig ausgehend von einer ersten Sekundärspule 3 hin zu einer ersten Wendel 5 sowie einer zweiten Sekundärspule 4 hin zu einer zweiten Wendel 6 aufweist. Die Sekundärseite kann also eine oder aber auch mehrere Wendeln 5, 6 versorgen.According to the transformer principle in the illustrated embodiment, electrical energy is transmitted from the primary coil 2 to the secondary side, wherein the secondary side in the illustrated example depending on a branch from a first secondary coil 3 to a first coil 5 and a second secondary coil 4 to a second coil. 6 having. The secondary side can thus supply one or more coils 5, 6.

Bei im wesentlichen konstanter Versorgungsspannung Vbus hängt die im getakteten Sperrwandler übertragende Heizenergie im Wesentlichen von der Schaltfrequenz sowie der Einschaltzeitdauer Ton des Schalters 12 ab. Dieser Schalter 12, der beispielsweise als FET ausgebildet sein kann, wird von einer in Hardware implementierten Heizsteuerschaltung 7 angesteuert. Im dargestellten Beispiel weist die Wendelheizung wie gesagt einen getakteten Sperrwandler auf, der mit einer definierten Einschaltzeit Ton und Frequenz f betrieben wird.At substantially constant supply voltage V bus , the heat energy transmitted in the clocked flyback converter essentially depends on the switching frequency and the switch-on time T on of the switch 12. This switch 12, which may be embodied as an FET, for example, is controlled by a heating control circuit 7 implemented in hardware. In the example shown, the helical heater as mentioned on a clocked flyback converter, which is operated with a defined on-time T on and frequency f.

Die Schalteransteuerung ermöglicht also einen unabhängigen Betrieb der Heizschaltung, was bspw. bei Ankopplung der Heizschaltung an einen Wechselrichter-Mittenpunkt nicht der Fall ist. Der unabhängige Betrieb der Heizschaltung ist gerade für das Vorheizen vorteilhaft. Weiterhin ergeben sich Designfreiheiten, was für einen Dimmbetrieb oder einen Multilampenbetrieb vorteilhaft ist.The switch control thus enables independent operation of the heating circuit, which, for example, when coupling the heating circuit to an inverter center point is not the case. The independent operation of the heating circuit is just advantageous for preheating. Furthermore, there are design freedoms, which is advantageous for a dimming operation or a multi-lamp operation.

Die Sollwerte für die Einschaltzeit Ton sowie die Frequenz f der Schaltvorgänge des elektronischen Schalters 12 wird dabei erfindungsgemäß durch eine mittels Software-gesteuerte Schaltung (Mikrocontroller) 9 vorgegeben, die bidirektional mit der Heizsteuerschaltung 7 kommuniziert (s. Bezugszeichen 8).The setpoint values for the switch-on time T on and the frequency f of the switching operations of the electronic switch 12 are set according to the invention by a software-controlled circuit (microcontroller) 9 which communicates bidirectionally with the heating control circuit 7 (see reference numeral 8).

Die Vorgaben für die Einschaltzeitdauer Ton und/oder die Schaltfrequenz f des dargestellten getakteten Sperrwandlers kann von dem Mikrocontroller 9 beispielsweise abhängig vom aktuellen Dimmzustand der Lampe und eines ggf. (bspw. über den Wendelstrom) erfassten Lampentyps berechnet und dann der Heizsteuerschaltung 7 vorgegeben werden. Der Mikrocontroller 9 kann beispielsweise über eine Schnittstelle 10 Dimmbefehle beispielsweise gemäß dem DALI-Standard erhalten.The specifications for the switch-on time T on and / or the switching frequency f of the clocked flyback converter shown can be used by the microcontroller 9, for example is calculated as a function of the current dimming state of the lamp and of a possibly detected lamp type (for example via the filament current) and then given to the heating control circuit 7. The microcontroller 9 can receive, for example via an interface 10 dimming commands, for example, according to the DALI standard.

Die Primärseite mit der Spule 2 und dem Schalter 12 des Sperrwandler-Transformators ist in dem dargestellten Beispiel an eine Zwischenkreisspannung oder Busspannung Vbus angeschlossen, da diese stets eine im Wesentlichen konstantes Potential aufweist, wodurch sichergestellt ist, dass bei konstanter Einschaltzeit Ton und Frequenz f des elektronischen Schalters 12 eine konstante Heizenergie auf die Sekundärseite des Sperrwandlers abgegeben wird.The primary side with the coil 2 and the switch 12 of the flyback converter transformer is connected in the illustrated example to an intermediate circuit voltage or bus voltage V bus , as this always has a substantially constant potential, thereby ensuring that at constant on time T on and frequency f of the electronic switch 12 a constant heating energy is delivered to the secondary side of the flyback converter.

Die dargestellte Erfindung ist nunmehr insbesondere dazu ausgebildet, Fehlerzustände der Heizschaltung zu erfassen und rechtzeitig entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen zu ergreifen.The illustrated invention is now particularly designed to detect fault conditions of the heating circuit and to take appropriate countermeasures in a timely manner.

Zum Einen ist dabei vorgesehen, dass über einen Messwiderstand R2, der in Serie zu dem Schalter 12 und der primärseitigen Spule 2 geschaltet ist, der Strom durch den Schalter 12 (wenn dieser geschlossen ist) durch die Heizsteuerschaltung 7 erfasst wird. Dadurch kann beispielsweise sicher ein Kurzschluss erfasst werden, der zu einem sehr großen Primärstrom des Sperrwandlers führt. Wenn dieser erfasste Primärstrom des Sperrwandlers einen definierten maximal zulässigen Wert überschreitet, erkennt die Heizsteuerschaltung 7 einen Fehlerzustand und geht selbständig in einen Fehlermodus über.On the one hand, it is provided that the current through the switch 12 (when it is closed) is detected by the heating control circuit 7 via a measuring resistor R2, which is connected in series with the switch 12 and the primary-side coil 2. As a result, for example, a short circuit can be reliably detected, which leads to a very large primary current of the flyback converter. If this detected primary current of the flyback converter exceeds a defined maximum permissible value, the heating control circuit 7 detects a fault condition and automatically transitions to an error mode.

Dieser Fehlermodus besteht darin
dass weiterhin Heizenergie mit einem Wert größer als Null mittels dem Koppelelement auf die Sekundärseite übertragen wird. Allerdings wird die Frequenz f und/oder die Einschaltzeit des Schalters 12 des Sperrwandlers vorzugsweise verringert, um den primärseitigen Wendelstrom im Falle eines derartigen Kurzschlusszustands zu reduzieren.This error mode is
that further heating energy is transferred with a value greater than zero by means of the coupling element to the secondary side. However, the frequency f and / or the turn-on time of the switch 12 of the flyback converter is preferably reduced to reduce the primary-side filament current in the event of such a short-circuit condition.

Bei einem erkannten primärseitigen Fehler wird also weiterhin Heizenergie übertragen.If a primary-side fault is detected, heating energy continues to be transmitted.

Ein weiterer Fehlerzustand kann sein, dass sekundärseitig keine Last vorliegt, d.h. beispielsweise die Lampe mit den Wendeln 5, 6 nicht eingesetzt ist oder wenigstens eine Wendel gebrochen ist. Da auch in diesem Fall der fehlenden Last das Koppelelement der Heizschaltung normalerweise weiter Heizenergie auf die Sekundärseite überträgt, wird sekundärseitig die Spannung auf ggf. unzulässig hohe Werte ansteigen, so dass Bauteile auf der Sekundärseite beschädigt werden können. Zur Erfassung der sekundärseitigen Spannung ist im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ein Spannungsteiler R3, R4 vorgesehen, an dessen Mittenpunkt ein Signal 14 für die Heizsteuerschaltung 7 abgegriffen wird. Die Erfassung der sekundärseitigen Spannung des Koppelelements erfolgt zusätzlich zu der Erfassung des primärseitigen Wendel stroms 13Another error condition may be that there is no load on the secondary side, i. For example, the lamp with the coils 5, 6 is not used or at least one coil is broken. Since the coupling element of the heating circuit normally continues to transmit heating energy to the secondary side in this case as well, the voltage on the secondary side will increase to impermissibly high values on the secondary side, so that components on the secondary side can be damaged. For detecting the secondary-side voltage, a voltage divider R3, R4 is provided in the illustrated embodiment, at the midpoint of which a signal 14 for the heating control circuit 7 is tapped. The detection of the secondary-side voltage of the coupling element takes place in addition to the detection of the primary-side helical current thirteenth

Eine unzulässig hohe sekundärseitige Spannung stellt einen weiteren Fehlerzustand dar. Auch hier kann eine geeignete Gegenmaßnahme darin bestehen, dass die Frequenz f und/oder die Einschaltzeitdauer Ton des Schalters 12 verringert wird, so dass eine im Vergleich zum normalen Betriebszustand deutlich verringerte Heizenergie auf die Sekundärseite übertragen wird. Alternativ kann auch hier die Übertragung der Heizenergie beendet werden.An impermissibly high secondary-side voltage represents another fault condition. Here too, a suitable countermeasure may be that the frequency f and / or the switch-on time T on of the switch 12 is reduced, so that a significantly reduced heating energy compared to the normal operating state Secondary side is transmitted. Alternatively, the transmission of the heating energy can also be stopped here.

Dadurch dass die Heizsteuerschaltung 7 mittels Hardware implementiert ist, kann sie derartige Fehlerzustände schnell erfassen und entsprechend auch schnell durch eine geeignete Veränderung eines Betriebsparameters für das Koppelelement (im vorliegenden Beispiel Veränderung der Einschaltzeitdauer und/oder der Frequenz des Schalters) reagieren.The fact that the heating control circuit 7 is implemented by means of hardware, it can quickly detect such error conditions and accordingly also respond quickly by a suitable change of an operating parameter for the coupling element (change in the turn-on and / or the frequency of the switch in the present example).

Die Sollwerte für den Heizbetrieb können der Hardware-implementierten Heizsteuerschaltung 7 für den Normalbetrieb und/oder dem Fehlermodus von dem Software-gesteuerten Mikrocontroller 9 über den bidirektionalen Kommunikationskanal 8 vorgegeben werden.The setpoint values for the heating mode can be specified by the hardware-implemented heating control circuit 7 for the normal operation and / or the error mode by the software-controlled microcontroller 9 via the bidirectional communication channel 8.

Andererseits reagiert die mittels Hardware-implementierte Heizsteuerschaltung 7 selbsttätig sehr schnell auf etwaige erfasste Fehlerzustände, meldet aber auch gleichzeitig einen derartigen Fehlerzustand an den Mikrocontroller 9.On the other hand, the hardware-implemented heating control circuit 7 automatically reacts very quickly to any detected fault conditions, but also simultaneously reports such an error condition to the microcontroller 9.

Unabhängig von der sekundärseitigen Spannungserfassung der Heizsteuerschaltung 7 mittels des Spannungsteiler R3, R4, erfasst der Mikrocontroller 9 den Wendelstrom über den Widerstand R1, um somit über den Wendelwiderstand den Typ einer eingesetzten Lampe zu erkennen, und abhängig von dieser Lampentyperkennung die entsprechenden Sollwertvorgaben für die Heizsteuerschaltung 7 zu tätigen.Independently of the secondary-side voltage detection of the heating control circuit 7 by means of the voltage divider R3, R4, the microcontroller 9 detects the filament current through the resistor R1 so as to detect the type of lamp used via the filament resistor, and depending on this type of lamp the corresponding setpoint specifications for the heating control circuit 7 to make.

Die Kommunikation über den bidirektionalen Kanal 8 zwischen der Heizsteuerschaltung 7 und dem Controller 9 erfolgt vorzugsweise digital.The communication via the bidirectional channel 8 between the heating control circuit 7 and the controller 9 is preferably digital.

Der Mikrocontroller 9 kann von der Heizsteuerschaltung 7 Informationen bezüglich des Vorhandenseins eines Fehler und ggf. auch der Art eines Fehlers (Kurzschluss, bzw. Leerlaufzustand ohne Last, etc.) abfragen.The microcontroller 9 can query the heating control circuit 7 for information regarding the presence of an error and possibly also the type of an error (short circuit or idle state without load, etc.).

Gemäß einer Alternative ist es bei der vorliegenden Erfindung vorgesehen, dass auch im Fehlerzustand weiterhin Heizenergie auf die Sekundärseite und somit hin zu den Wendeln übertragen wird. Diese begrenzte Heizenergieübertragung ist vorteilhaft, damit weiterhin beispielsweise Strom durch den Widerstand R1 fließt, mittels dem erfasst werden kann, ob eine Lampe und ggf. welcher Lampentyp eingesetzt ist oder nicht.According to an alternative, it is provided in the present invention that even in the fault condition continues to heat energy is transferred to the secondary side and thus to the helices. This limited heat energy transfer is advantageous so that, for example, current flows through the resistor R1, by means of which it can be detected whether a lamp and possibly which type of lamp is used or not.

Für den Fall, dass sekundärseitig keine Lampe eingesetzt ist, wird die im Fehlermodus übertragene reduzierte Heizenergie durch die Widerstände R3, R4 als Grundlast abgebaut, deren Serienwiderstand also so bemessen ist, dass die bei der Übertragung der verringerten Heizenergie im Fehlermodus anliegende Spannung auf der Sekundärseite auf einen zulässigen Wert begrenzt ist. Andererseits legt das Teilerverhältnis von R3, R4 die Abschaltspannung fest, d.h. diejenige Spannung, ab der eine unzulässig hohe Sekundärspannung geschlossen wird und Gegenmaßnahmen ergriffen werden. Der Spannungsteiler R3, R4 hat also eine Doppelfunktion. Der Serienwiderstand kann beispielsweise so bemessen sein, dass bei der Übertragung einer Heizenergie von 50 mW im Fehlermodus die anliegende Spannung auf 15 V begrenzt ist. Bei 15 V kann eine Beschädigung der sekundärseitigen vorgesehenen Bauteile ausgeschlossen werden. Andererseits ist eine Heizenergie von 50 MW groß genug, um einen für Messzwecke ausreichenden Messstrom durch den Widerstand R1 zu erzeugen.In the event that no lamp is used on the secondary side, the reduced heating energy transmitted in the fault mode is reduced by the resistors R3, R4 as a base load whose series resistance is thus dimensioned such that the voltage applied during the transmission of the reduced heating energy in the fault mode on the secondary side is limited to a permissible value. On the other hand, the divider ratio of R3, R4 fixed the turn-off, ie the voltage from which an impermissibly high secondary voltage is closed and countermeasures are taken. The voltage divider R3, R4 thus has a double function. The series resistance can, for example, be dimensioned so that when transmitting a heating energy of 50 mW in fault mode, the voltage applied to 15 V is limited. At 15 V, damage to the secondary-side components provided can be ruled out. On the other hand, a heating energy of 50 MW is large enough to generate a measurement current sufficient for measurement through the resistor R1.

Die in Hardware implementierte Heizsteuerschaltung 7 sorgt also dafür, dass sich die Heizschaltung schnell selbst schützt. Wenn dieser Schutzmechanismus mittels einer Software-gesteuerten Schaltung ausgeführt wäre, wäre die Schutzreaktion womöglich zu langsam, um eine Beschädigung des Transistors 12 zu vermeiden.The implemented in hardware heating control circuit 7 thus ensures that the heating circuit protects itself quickly. If this protection mechanism were implemented by a software controlled circuit, the protection reaction might be too slow to avoid damaging the transistor 12.

Wenn der Mikrocontroller 9 einen Fehlerzustand von der Heizsteuerschaltung 7 abfragt bzw. die Heizsteuerschaltung von sich aus den Mikrocontroller 9 einen Fehlerzustand sowie ggf. auch die Art des Fehlers übermittelt, kann der Mikrocontroller 9 über ausgehende Befehle 11 das Betriebsgerät (elektronisches Vorschaltgerät EVG) insgesamt in einem Fehlermodus schalten. Die Reaktion des Mikrocontroller 9 auf die Meldung bzw. die Abfrage eines Fehlerzustands der Heizschaltung hängt dabei vom aktuellen Betriebszustand des Gerätes ab. Mögliche durch den Mikrocontroller 9 veranlasste Aktionen in dem Betriebsgerät sind beispielsweise das Abschalten des Wechselrichters oder das Warten auf einen Lampenwechsel.If the microcontroller 9 queries a fault condition of the heating control circuit 7 or the heating control circuit transmits from itself the microcontroller 9 a fault condition and possibly also the nature of the error, the microcontroller 9 via outgoing commands 11, the operating device (electronic ballast EVG) in total switch to a fault mode. The reaction of the microcontroller 9 to the message or the query of a fault condition of the heating circuit depends on the current operating state of the device. Possible actions initiated by the microcontroller 9 in the operating device are, for example, switching off the inverter or waiting for a lamp replacement.

Fig. 2 zeigt schematisch ein Zustandsdiagramm, wie es durch Software in dem Mikrocontroller 9 implementiert ist. Ausgehend von dem ausgeschalteten Zustand OFF wird zuerst die Software in dem Zustands STARTUP SOFTWARE gestartet. Nach der Initialisierung der Software beginnt das bekannte Vorheizen in dem Zustand PREHEAT und nach Abschluss der Vorheizung das Zünden der Lampe Bei erfolgreicher Zündung der Lampe wird in den Betriebszustand RUN umgeschaltet. Nur wenn sich die Lampe in dem Zustand RUN befindet, wird ein Fehler der Heizschaltung durch den Mikrocontroller 9 ausgewertet. Bei Vorliegen eines Fehlers ausgehend von dem Zustand RUN wird also in den Fehlermodus ERROR umgeschaltet. In dem Zustand ERROR wartet der Mikrocontroller 9 auf den Austausch der Lampe, da er das Vorhandensein einer Lampe mit Wendeln über den Widerstand R1 erfasst werden kann. Nach erfolgtem Lampenwechsel wird der Zustand RELAMP eingenommen, aus dem Heraus ein Neustart der Lampe möglich ist. Fig. 2 schematically shows a state diagram as implemented by software in the microcontroller 9. Starting from the OFF state, the software is first started in the STARTUP SOFTWARE state. After the initialization of the software, the known preheating begins in the PREHEAT state and, after completion of the preheating, the ignition of the lamp begins. If the lamp is successfully ignited, the system switches to RUN mode. Only when the lamp is in the RUN state, an error of the heating circuit is evaluated by the microcontroller 9. If there is an error starting from the state RUN, then ERROR is switched to the error mode. In the state ERROR, the microcontroller 9 waits for the replacement of the lamp since it can detect the presence of a lamp with coils via the resistor R1. After the lamp has been replaced, the state RELAMP is assumed, from which a restart of the lamp is possible.

Claims (11)

  1. Circuit for heating at least one coil of a gas discharge lamp, wherein
    - a clocked flyback converter is provided which transmits the heating energy from a voltage-supplied primary side to a secondary side, which is connected to the coil to be heated, and
    - a monitoring circuit is provided to detect the current flow in the primary side, wherein, in the event of an inadmissible current flow in the primary side, the monitoring circuit shifts the flyback converter into a default mode in which the flyback converter is clocked and the energy transfer of the clocked flyback converter is limited to a predetermined value that is greater than zero, so that it may continue to detect whether a lamp, and possibly a specific type of lamp, is used or not, wherein a base load is provided on the secondary side in the event that no lamp is inserted, and thus there is no heating coil to be provided with energy through the flyback converter,
    - wherein the base load is formed by resistors of a voltage divider, which is used to detect the secondary side voltage.
  2. Circuit according to claim 1, wherein in the event that the primary-side current exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the heating circuit switches to the default mode.
  3. Circuit according to claim 1, wherein the flyback converter is clocked on the primary side by means of a switch whose switching frequency and/or duty cycle in the default mode is modified towards normal operation.
  4. Circuit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring is implemented by means of hardware.
  5. Circuit according to claim 4, wherein the monitoring circuit in default mode sends a message to a software-controlled controller.
  6. Circuit according to any one of the claims 4 or 5, wherein a software-controlled controller is provided, to transmit operating parameters for the flyback converter to the monitoring circuit at least in the default mode.
  7. Operating apparatus for luminaires, comprising a circuit according to one of the preceding claims.
  8. Electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps, comprising a circuit for heating a coil of a gas discharge lamp according to one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein
    - a circuit that is implemented by hardware triggers the flyback converter and monitors at least one operating parameter of the primary side and/or the secondary side, and
    - a software-controlled circuit implemented through hardware transmits reference values for the operation of the flyback converter.
  9. Ballast according to claim 8 wherein the software-controlled circuit implemented through hardware transmits error messages regarding the heating circuit.
  10. Ballast according to claim 9, wherein the software-controlled circuit changes at least one operating parameter of the ballast upon receipt of an error message.
  11. Ballast according to claim 10, wherein the software-controlled circuit upon receipt of an error message, changes at least one operating parameter of the ballast as a function of the current operating state of the ballast.
EP06723975.6A 2005-04-22 2006-04-03 Intelligent flyback-heating Not-in-force EP1872630B2 (en)

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DE19501695A1 (en) † 1994-10-13 1996-04-18 Tridonic Bauelemente Starter or ballast circuit for operation of electrical gas-discharge lamp - has electrodes of lamp coupled to series-coupled inverter switches and to output of transformer-based heating circuit.
EP0707438B1 (en) † 1994-10-13 1999-09-29 Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH Ballast for at least one discharge lamp
US5703441A (en) † 1995-11-02 1997-12-30 General Electric Company Multi-function filament-heater power supply for an electronic ballast for long-life dimmerable lamps
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ATE434372T1 (en) 2009-07-15
EP2111085A1 (en) 2009-10-21
DE102005018761A1 (en) 2006-10-26
DE502006004002D1 (en) 2009-07-30
EP2111085B1 (en) 2012-05-23
EP1872630B1 (en) 2009-06-17
EP1872630A1 (en) 2008-01-02
CN101164386A (en) 2008-04-16

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