EP1915036B1 - Pre-switching device for operating at least one low pressure discharge lamp - Google Patents

Pre-switching device for operating at least one low pressure discharge lamp Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1915036B1
EP1915036B1 EP08150534A EP08150534A EP1915036B1 EP 1915036 B1 EP1915036 B1 EP 1915036B1 EP 08150534 A EP08150534 A EP 08150534A EP 08150534 A EP08150534 A EP 08150534A EP 1915036 B1 EP1915036 B1 EP 1915036B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure discharge
low
transformer
lamp
winding
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EP08150534A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1915036A1 (en
Inventor
Juergen Klier
Rene Twardzik
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Osram GmbH
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Osram GmbH
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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
    • H05B41/282—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
    • H05B41/2827—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 specially adapted components in the load circuit, e.g. feed-back transformers, piezoelectric transformers; using specially adapted load circuit configurations

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • ballast for operating two parallel-connected low-pressure discharge lamps is disclosed on a half-bridge inverter.
  • the ballast has a transformer with two similar windings, which are each connected in one of the two lamp current branches. This transformer works as a differential current transformer. If one of the two lamps ignites earlier than the other, the ignition of the other lamp is supported by means of the transformer.
  • the EP 0 422 594 A1 discloses a dimming device for a fluorescent lamp.
  • the DE 42 43 955 A1 discloses a ballast with an inverter for at least one parallel operated gas discharge lamp pair, which is associated with a balancing transformer with two oppositely acting in opposite directions windings.
  • ballasts for operating a plurality of low-pressure discharge lamps
  • the problem often arises that the lamps shine differently brightly in dimming operation. If the lamps are arranged in different, parallel-connected current branches, this problem can be caused by different currents in the current branches. On the other hand, this problem also occurs in lamps, which - as in a series connection of two lamps - are arranged in the same branch of current.
  • the ballast comprises an inverter provided with a downstream load circuit designed as a resonant circuit into which the lamps are connected, those lamps which are directly connected to the resonant circuit components often shine brighter than the downstream lamps.
  • This variant of the invention is particularly well suited for the operation of three parallel-connected low-pressure discharge lamps. It is characterized by a particularly simple wiring of the lamp.
  • the two transformers act as a differential current transformer due to the opposite arrangement of their first and second windings.
  • the special turn ratio of 2: 1 between the first and second windings in both transformers ensures that all three current branches are symmetrical, since the second windings of the two transformers are traversed by the partial currents of two current branches.
  • it is ensured by the special arrangement of the windings of both transformers that on the one hand, the currents in the three current branches are balanced and on the other hand, the losses due to parasitic Capacities are compensated in each individual branch or in each individual lamp. Therefore, all three lamps shine brightly even in strong dimming.
  • the ballast according to the invention is advantageously designed as an inverter with a downstream load circuit, wherein the electrical connections for the low-pressure discharge lamps or the power branches are arranged with the electrical connections for at least one low-pressure charge lamp in the load circuit to operate the lamps with a high-frequency alternating current can.
  • the operation of the lamps with a high frequency alternating current improved the light output and allows easy brightness control of the lamps by changing the AC frequency.
  • the downstream load circuit is designed as a series resonant circuit.
  • the design of the load circuit as a series resonant circuit enables easy ignition of the low-pressure discharge lamps by means of the resonance peaking method.
  • the ballast has a half-bridge inverter which consists essentially of the transistors T1, T2 and a (not shown) driving device for the transistors T1, T2 and the half-bridge capacitor C2.
  • the half-bridge inverter T1, T2 is supplied at its voltage inputs with a DC voltage U, which is generated in a known manner by filtering and rectification of the AC line voltage.
  • the filter and rectifier circuit of the ballast are therefore not shown in the figures and will not be described further here.
  • the inductance L1 is connected at the center tap M1 between the transistors T1, T2 of the half-bridge inverter.
  • the inductor L1 To the inductor L1 is the first terminal of the capacitor C1 is connected, while the second terminal of the capacitor C1 is connected to the ground potential.
  • the inductance L1 and the capacitor C1 form a series resonant circuit.
  • the first terminal of the resonance capacitor C1 is connected via a parallel connection of a plurality of low-pressure discharge lamps or a series connection of low-pressure discharge lamps or a combination of both with the first terminal of the half-bridge capacitor C2.
  • the second terminal of the half-bridge capacitor C2 is at ground potential.
  • Half of the supply voltage U of the half-bridge inverter is applied to the half-bridge capacitor C2.
  • the transistors T1, T2 are switched by means of the drive device in a known manner alternately with a frequency of more than 20 kHz, so that the center tap M1 is alternately connected to the ground potential and the positive potential U. Between the center tap M1 and the second terminal of the half-bridge capacitor C2 therefore flows a correspondingly high-frequency alternating current, with which the low-pressure discharge lamps are operated.
  • the ballast for operating low-pressure discharge lamps in particular of fluorescent lamps, which are each provided with two heatable electrode coils for generating a gas discharge. Each electrode coil has two electrical connections, via which the electrode coil can be acted upon by means of a (not shown) heater H in a known manner with a heating current to enable a gentle Lampenbetried.
  • the ballast is used to operate three parallel-connected low-pressure discharge lamps, in particular fluorescent lamps L10, L11, L12
  • FIG. 1 the circuit arrangement of this ballast is shown schematically.
  • this ballast has two transformers Tr10, Tr11, each with two windings 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b.
  • the turns ratio of the windings 10a, 10b of the first transformer Tr10 is 2: 1.
  • the turns ratio of the windings 11a, 11b of the second transformer Tr11 is 2: 1.
  • the winding 10a of the transformer Tr10 is connected in the first current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L10.
  • the second winding 10b of the transformer Tr10 is connected both in the second current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L11, as well as in the third current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L12.
  • the winding 10a is therefore traversed by the discharge current of the fluorescent lamp L10, while the winding 10b is traversed by the discharge currents of the fluorescent lamps L11 and L12.
  • the two windings 10a, 10b are wound in opposite directions, so that they are traversed in opposite directions by the discharge current of the lamps.
  • the first winding 11a of the transformer Tr11 is connected in the third current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L12, while the second winding 11b is connected both in the first current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L10, and in the second current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L11, is switched.
  • the winding 11a is therefore traversed by the discharge current of the fluorescent lamp L12, while the winding 11b is traversed by the discharge currents of the fluorescent lamps L10 and L11.
  • the windings 11a, 11b are arranged in opposite directions, so that they are traversed in opposite directions by the discharge currents or lamp currents.
  • the first transformer Tr10 is the fluorescent lamps L10 to L12 immediately upstream
  • the second transformer Tr11 is the fluorescent lamps L10 to L12 immediately downstream. All three current paths are thus formed completely symmetrical.
  • the two transformers Tr10, Tr11 each act as differential current transformers and ensure that regardless of the dimming level, all three lamps light up the same brightly.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Discharge-Lamp Control Circuits And Pulse- Feed Circuits (AREA)

Abstract

The ballast includes three branch circuits connected in parallel and to lamps (L10 - L12) and a pair of oppositely wound transformers (Tr10,Tr11). The windings (10a,10b) of the transformer (Tr10) are connected in series with the lamp (L10) and the lamps (L11,L12) respectively. The windings (11a,11b) of the transformer (Tr11) are in series with lamp (L12) and the lamps (L10,L11) respectively.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Vorschaltgerät zum Betrieb von mindestens einer Niederdruckentladungslampe gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

I. Stand der Technik I. State of the art

In der Patentschrift US 4,392,085 ist ein Vorschaltgerät zum Betrieb von zwei parallel geschalteten Niederdruckentladungslampen an einem Halbbrückenwechselrichter offenbart. Das Vorschaltgerät weist einen Transformator mit zwei gleichartigen Wicklungen auf, die jeweils in einen der beiden Lampenstromzweige geschaltet sind. Dieser Transformator arbeitet als Differenzstromtransformator. Zündet eine der beiden Lampen früher als die andere, so wird mit Hilfe des Transformators die Zündung der anderen Lampe unterstützt.In the patent US 4,392,085 a ballast for operating two parallel-connected low-pressure discharge lamps is disclosed on a half-bridge inverter. The ballast has a transformer with two similar windings, which are each connected in one of the two lamp current branches. This transformer works as a differential current transformer. If one of the two lamps ignites earlier than the other, the ignition of the other lamp is supported by means of the transformer.

Die EP 0 422 594 A1 offenbart eine Dimmeinrichtung für eine Leuchtstofflampe. Die DE 42 43 955 A1 offenbart ein Vorschaltgerät mit einem Wechselrichter für mindestens ein parallel betriebenes Gasentladungslampen-Paar, dem ein Symmetriertransformator mit zwei gegensinnig gegensinnig wirkenden Wicklungen zugeordnet ist.The EP 0 422 594 A1 discloses a dimming device for a fluorescent lamp. The DE 42 43 955 A1 discloses a ballast with an inverter for at least one parallel operated gas discharge lamp pair, which is associated with a balancing transformer with two oppositely acting in opposite directions windings.

II. Darstellung der Erfindung II. Presentation of the invention

Bei Vorschaltgeräten zum Betrieb von mehreren Niederdruckentladungslampen, tritt häufig das Problem auf, dass beim Dimmbetrieb die Lampen unterschiedlich hell leuchten. Sind die Lampen in unterschiedlichen, parallel geschalteten Stromzweigen angeordnet, so kann dieses Problem durch unterschiedliche Ströme in den Stromzweigen verursacht sein. Andererseits tritt dieses Problem aber auch bei Lampen auf, die - wie bei einer Serienschaltung von zwei Lampen - in demselben Stromzweig angeordnet sind. Insbesondere, wenn das Vorschaltgerät einen Wechselrichter aufweist, der mit einem nachgeschalteten, als Resonanzkreis ausgeführten Lastkreis versehen ist, in den die Lampen geschaltet sind, leuchten diejenigen Lampen, die unmittelbar mit den Resonanzkreisbauteilen verbunden sind, häufig heller als die nachgeschalteten Lampen. Zusätzlich kann beobachtet werden, dass bei dem Betrieb von nur einer Niederdruckentladungslampe in jedem Stromzweig die beiden Enden der Lampe unterschiedlich hell leuchten. Diese Helligkeitsunterschiede werden um so deutlicher, je stärker die Lampen gedimmt werden. Aus den vorgenannten Gründen muss bei herkömmlichen Betriebsgeräten bzw. Vorschaltgeräten, insbesondere für die Serienschaltung von mehreren Niederdruckentladungslampen die untere Dimmstufe bzw. Helligkeitsstufe auf ungefähr 10% der maximalen Helligkeit begrenzt werden. Die vorgenannten Probleme werden durch parasitäre Kapazitäten zwischen der Lampe bzw. den Lampenleitungen und der Leuchte sowie auch durch parasitäre Kapazitäten innerhalb der Heizkreise verursacht.In the case of ballasts for operating a plurality of low-pressure discharge lamps, the problem often arises that the lamps shine differently brightly in dimming operation. If the lamps are arranged in different, parallel-connected current branches, this problem can be caused by different currents in the current branches. On the other hand, this problem also occurs in lamps, which - as in a series connection of two lamps - are arranged in the same branch of current. In particular, when the ballast comprises an inverter provided with a downstream load circuit designed as a resonant circuit into which the lamps are connected, those lamps which are directly connected to the resonant circuit components often shine brighter than the downstream lamps. In addition, it can be observed that in the operation of only one low-pressure discharge lamp in each branch of the current, the two ends of the lamp shine differently bright. These brightness differences become more pronounced the more the lamps are dimmed. For the aforementioned reasons, in conventional control gear or ballasts, in particular for the series connection of several low-pressure discharge lamps, the lower dimming level or brightness level must be limited to approximately 10% of the maximum brightness become. The above-mentioned problems are caused by parasitic capacitances between the lamp or lamp leads and the luminaire as well as parasitic capacitances within the heating circuits.

Es ist die Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Vorschaltgerät bereitzustellen, bei dem die obengenannten Probleme nicht mehr auftreten.It is the object of the invention to provide a ballast in which the above problems no longer occur.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Vorschaltgerät mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a ballast with the features of claim 1.

Für Niederdruckentladungslampen, die in drei parallel geschalteten Stromzweigen angeordnet sind, wird die Aufgabe durch ein Vorschaltgerät mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.For low-pressure discharge lamps, which are arranged in three parallel current branches, the object is achieved by a ballast having the features of patent claim 1.

Gemäß der Erfindung besitzt das Vorschaltgerät drei parallel geschaltete Stromzweige, in die jeweils elektrische Anschlüsse für mindestens eine Niederdruckentladungslampe geschaltet sind. Außerdem weist dieses Vorschaltgerät folgende weiteren Merkmale auf:

  • einen Transformator zur Symmetrierung der Lampenströme, wobei der Transformator eine erste und eine zweite Wicklung besitzt, und wobei die erste Wicklung doppelt so viele Windungen wie die zweite Wicklung besitzt,
  • einen zweiten Transformator zur Symmetrierung der Lampenströme, wobei der zweite Transformator eine erste und eine zweite Wicklung besitzt und die erste Wicklung doppelt so viele Windungen wie die zweite Wicklung besitzt, wobei
die Wicklungen der Transformatoren derart angeordnet sind, dass bei angeschlossenen Niederdruckentladungslampen, die Lampenströme zuerst durch die Wicklungen eines der beiden Transformatoren, dann durch die Niederdruckentladungslampen und anschließend erst durch die Wicklungen des anderen Transformators fließen, wobei
  • die erste Wicklung des ersten Transformators derart angeordnet ist, dass sie bei angeschlossenen Niederdruckentladungslampen von dem Lampenstrom der in den ersten Stromzweig geschalteten Niederdruckentladungslampe bzw. Niederdruckentladungslampen durchflossen wird, wobei
  • die zweite Wicklung des ersten Transformators derart angeordnet ist, dass sie bei angeschlossenen Niederdruckentladungslampen von den Lampenströmen der in den zweiten und dritten Stromzweig geschalteten Niederdruckentladungslampen durchflossen wird, und wobei die beiden Wicklungen des ersten Transformators gegensinnig gewickelt sind, wobei
  • die erste Wicklung des zweiten Transformators derart angeordnet ist, dass sie bei angeschlossenen Niederdruckentladungslampen von dem Lampenstrom der in den dritten Stromzweig geschalteten Niederdruckentladungslampe bzw. Niederdruckentladungslampen durchflossen wird, und wobei
  • die zweite Wicklung des zweiten Transformators derart angeordnet ist, dass sie bei angeschlossenen Niederdruckentladungslampen von den Lampenströmen der in den ersten und zweiten Stromzweig geschalteten Niederdruckentladungslampen durchflossen wird, wobei die beiden Wicklungen des zweiten Transformators gegensinnig gewickelt sind.
According to the invention, the ballast has three parallel-connected current branches, in each of which electrical connections for at least one low-pressure discharge lamp are connected. In addition, this ballast has the following additional features:
  • a transformer for balancing the lamp currents, wherein the transformer has a first and a second winding, and wherein the first winding has twice as many turns as the second winding,
  • a second transformer for balancing the lamp currents, wherein the second transformer has a first and a second winding and the first winding has twice as many turns as the second winding, wherein
the windings of the transformers are arranged such that when connected low-pressure discharge lamps, the lamp currents first through the windings of one of the two transformers, then through the low-pressure discharge lamps and then flow through the windings of the other transformer, wherein
  • the first winding of the first transformer is arranged in such a way that, when the low-pressure discharge lamps are connected, the lamp current of the low-pressure discharge lamp or low-pressure discharge lamps connected in the first current branch flows through
  • the second winding of the first transformer is arranged such that it is traversed by the lamp currents of the connected in the second and third branch branch low-pressure discharge lamps in connected low-pressure discharge lamps, and wherein the two windings of the first transformer are wound in opposite directions
  • the first winding of the second transformer is arranged in such a way that it flows through in the connected low-pressure discharge lamps from the lamp current of the third branch connected low-pressure discharge lamp or low-pressure discharge lamps, and wherein
  • the second winding of the second transformer is arranged in such a way that, when the low-pressure discharge lamps are connected, the lamp currents of the low-pressure discharge lamps connected in the first and second current branches flow, the two windings of the second transformer being wound in opposite directions.

Diese Variante der Erfindung ist besonders gut zum Betrieb von drei parallel geschalteten Niederdruckentladungslampen geeignet. Sie zeichnet sich durch eine besonders einfache Verdrahtung der Leuchte aus. Die beiden Transformatoren wirken aufgrund der gegensinnigen Anordnung ihrer ersten und zweiten Wicklungen jeweils wie ein Differenzstromtransformator. Durch das spezielle Windungsverhältnis von 2:1 zwischen der ersten und zweiten Wicklung bei beiden Transformatoren ist gewährleistet, dass alle drei Stromzweige symmetrisch ausgebildet sind, da die zweiten Wicklungen der beiden Transformatoren von den Teilströmen zweier Stromzweige durchflossen werden. Außerdem ist durch die spezielle Anordnung der Wicklungen beider Transformatoren sichergestellt, dass einerseits die Ströme in den drei Stromzweigen Symmetriert werden und andererseits auch die Verluste durch parasitäre Kapazitäten in jedem einzelnen Stromzweig bzw. in jeder einzelnen Lampe kompensiert werden. Daher leuchten alle drei Lampen selbst bei starker Dimmung gleichermaßen hell.This variant of the invention is particularly well suited for the operation of three parallel-connected low-pressure discharge lamps. It is characterized by a particularly simple wiring of the lamp. The two transformers act as a differential current transformer due to the opposite arrangement of their first and second windings. The special turn ratio of 2: 1 between the first and second windings in both transformers ensures that all three current branches are symmetrical, since the second windings of the two transformers are traversed by the partial currents of two current branches. In addition, it is ensured by the special arrangement of the windings of both transformers that on the one hand, the currents in the three current branches are balanced and on the other hand, the losses due to parasitic Capacities are compensated in each individual branch or in each individual lamp. Therefore, all three lamps shine brightly even in strong dimming.

Das erfindungsgemäße Vorschaltgerät ist vorteilhafterweise als Wechselrichter mit einem nachgeschalteten Lastkreis ausgebildet ist, wobei die elektrischen Anschlüsse für die Niederdruckentladungslampen bzw. die Stromzweige mit den elektrischen Anschlüssen für mindestens eine Niederdruckladungslampe in dem Lastkreis angeordnet sind, um die Lampen mit einem hochfrequenten Wechselstrom betreiben zu können. Der Betrieb der Lampen mit einem hochfrequenten Wechselstrom verbessert die Lichtausbeute und ermöglicht eine einfache Helligkeitssteuerung der Lampen durch Ändern der Wechselstronnfrequenz.The ballast according to the invention is advantageously designed as an inverter with a downstream load circuit, wherein the electrical connections for the low-pressure discharge lamps or the power branches are arranged with the electrical connections for at least one low-pressure charge lamp in the load circuit to operate the lamps with a high-frequency alternating current can. The operation of the lamps with a high frequency alternating current improved the light output and allows easy brightness control of the lamps by changing the AC frequency.

Gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird als Wechselrichter insbesondere ein Halbbrückenwechselrichter verwendet, dessen nachgeschalteter Lastkreis als Serienresonanzkreis ausgebildet ist. Die Ausbildung des Lastkreises als Serienresonanzkreises ermöglicht eine einfache Zündung der Niederdruckentladungslampen mittels der Methode der Resonanzüberhöhung.According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, in particular a half-bridge inverter is used as the inverter, the downstream load circuit is designed as a series resonant circuit. The design of the load circuit as a series resonant circuit enables easy ignition of the low-pressure discharge lamps by means of the resonance peaking method.

III. Beschreibung der bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiele III. Description of the preferred embodiments

Nachstehend wird die Erfindung anhand mehrerer bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
Die Schaltungsanordnung eines Vorschaltgerätes gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in schematischer Darstellung
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to several preferred embodiments. Show it:
FIG. 1
The circuit arrangement of a ballast according to the embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation

Bei allen Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung besitzt das Vorschaltgerät einen Halbbrückenwechselrichter, der im wesentlichen von den Transistoren T1, T2 und einer (nicht abgebildeten) Ansteuerungsvorrichtung für die Transistoren T1, T2 sowie aus dem Halbbrückenkondensator C2 besteht. Der Halbbrückenwechselrichter T1, T2 wird an seinen Spannungseingängen mit einer Gleichspannung U versorgt, die in bekannter Weise durch Filterung und Gleichrichtung aus der Netzwechselspannung generiert wird. Die Filter- und Gleichrichterschaltung des Vorschaltgerätes sind daher in den Figuren nicht dargestellt und sollen hier auch nicht weiter beschrieben werden. An den Mittenabgriff M1 zwischen den Transistoren T1, T2 des Halbbrückenwechselrichters ist die Induktivität L1 angeschlossen. An die Induktivität L1 ist der erste Anschluß des Kondensators C1 angeschlossen, während der zweite Anschluß des Kondensators C1 mit dem Massepotential verbunden ist. Die Induktivität L1 und der Kondensator C1 bilden einen Serienresonanzkreis. Der erste Anschluß des Resonanzkondensators C1 ist über eine Parallelschaltung von mehreren Niederdruckentladungslampen oder eine Serienschaltung von Niederdruckentladungslampen oder eine Kombination von beiden mit dem ersten Anschluß des Halbbrückenkondensalors C2 verbunden. Der zweite Anschluß des Halbbrückenkondensators C2 liegt auf Massepotential. An dem Halbbrückenkondensator C2 liegt die Hälfte der Versorgungsspannung U des Halbbrückenwechselrichters an. Die Transistoren T1, T2 werden mittels der Ansteuerungsvorrichtung in bekannter Weise alternierend mit einer Frequenz von mehr als 20 kHz geschaltet, so dass der Mittenabgriff M1 abwechselnd mit dem Massepotential und dem positiven Potential U verbunden ist. Zwischen dem Mittenabgriff M1 und dem zweiten Anschluß des Halbbrückenkondensators C2 fließt daher ein entsprechend hochfrequenter Wechselstrom, mit dem die Niederdruckentladungslampen betrieben werden. Bei allen Ausführungsbeispielen dient das Vorschaltgerät zum Betrieb von Niederdruckentladungslampen, insbesondere von Leuchtstofflampen, die mit jeweils mit zwei heizbaren Elektrodenwendeln zur Erzeugung einer Gasentladung versehen sind. Jede Elektrodenwendel besitzt zwei elektrische Anschlüsse, über die die Elektrodenwendel mittels einer (nicht abgebildeten) Heizvorrichtung H in bekannter Weise mit einem Heizstrom beaufschlagt werden kann, um einen schonenden Lampenbetried zu ermöglichen. In den Figuren sind die elektrischen Anschlüsse der Elektrodenwendeln bzw. der Niederdruckentladuugslampen, die mit der Heizvorrichtung H verbunden sind, entsprechend mit dem Bezugszeichen H versehen. Da die Heizvorrichtung H bekannt ist und für die vorliegende Erfindung keine Rolle spielt, wird sie hier nicht weiter erläutert. So weit stimmen alle acht Ausführungsbeispiele überein.In all embodiments of the invention, the ballast has a half-bridge inverter which consists essentially of the transistors T1, T2 and a (not shown) driving device for the transistors T1, T2 and the half-bridge capacitor C2. The half-bridge inverter T1, T2 is supplied at its voltage inputs with a DC voltage U, which is generated in a known manner by filtering and rectification of the AC line voltage. The filter and rectifier circuit of the ballast are therefore not shown in the figures and will not be described further here. At the center tap M1 between the transistors T1, T2 of the half-bridge inverter, the inductance L1 is connected. To the inductor L1 is the first terminal of the capacitor C1 is connected, while the second terminal of the capacitor C1 is connected to the ground potential. The inductance L1 and the capacitor C1 form a series resonant circuit. The first terminal of the resonance capacitor C1 is connected via a parallel connection of a plurality of low-pressure discharge lamps or a series connection of low-pressure discharge lamps or a combination of both with the first terminal of the half-bridge capacitor C2. The second terminal of the half-bridge capacitor C2 is at ground potential. Half of the supply voltage U of the half-bridge inverter is applied to the half-bridge capacitor C2. The transistors T1, T2 are switched by means of the drive device in a known manner alternately with a frequency of more than 20 kHz, so that the center tap M1 is alternately connected to the ground potential and the positive potential U. Between the center tap M1 and the second terminal of the half-bridge capacitor C2 therefore flows a correspondingly high-frequency alternating current, with which the low-pressure discharge lamps are operated. In all embodiments, the ballast for operating low-pressure discharge lamps, in particular of fluorescent lamps, which are each provided with two heatable electrode coils for generating a gas discharge. Each electrode coil has two electrical connections, via which the electrode coil can be acted upon by means of a (not shown) heater H in a known manner with a heating current to enable a gentle Lampenbetried. In the figures, the electrical connections of the electrode filaments and the Niederdruckentladuugslampen, which are connected to the heater H, respectively provided with the reference numeral H. Since the heater H is known and plays no role in the present invention, it will not be further explained here. So far agree all eight embodiments match.

Gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung dient das Vorschaltgerät zum Betrieb von drei parallel geschalteten Niederdruckentladungslampen, insbesondere Leuchtstofflampen L10, L11, L 12. In Figur 1 ist die Schaltungsanordnung dieses Vorschaltgerätes schematisch abgebildet. An den ersten Anschluß des Resonanzkondensators C1 und an den ersten Anschluß des Halbbrückenkondensators C2 sind drei parallel geschaltete Stromzweige abgeschlossen, in die jeweils eine Niederdruckentladungslampe L10 bzw. L11 bzw. L12 geschaltet ist. Außerdem weist dieses Vorschaltgerät zwei Transformatoren Tr10, Tr11 mit jeweils zwei Wicklungen 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b auf. Das Windungsverhältnis der Wicklungen 10a, 10b des ersten Transformators Tr10 beträgt 2:1. Ebenso beträgt auch das Windungsverhältnis der Wicklungen 11a, 11b des zweiten Transformators Tr11 2:1. Die Wicklung 10a des Transformators Tr10 ist in den ersten Strompfad, in Serie zur Leuchtstofflampe L10 geschaltet. Die zweite Wicklung 10b des Transformators Tr10 ist sowohl in den zweiten Strompfad, in Serie zur Leuchtstofflampe L11, als auch in den dritten Strompfad, in Serie zur Leuchtstofflampe L12 geschaltet. Die Wicklung 10a wird daher von dem Entladungsstrom der Leuchtstofflampe L10 durchflossen, während die Wicklung 10b von den Entladungsströmen der Leuchtstofflampen L11 und L12 durchflossen wird. Die beiden Wicklungen 10a, 10b sind gegensinnig gewickelt, so dass sie gegensinnig vom Entladungsstrom der Lampen durchflossen werden. Analog dazu ist die erste Wicklung 11a des Transformators Tr11 in den dritten Strompfad, in Serie zur Leuchtstofflampe L12 geschaltet, während die zweite Wicklung 11b sowohl in den ersten Strompfad, in Serie zur Leuchtstofflampe L10, als auch in den zweiten Strompfad, in Serie zur Leuchtstofflampe L11, geschaltet ist. Die Wicklung 11a wird daher von dem Entladungsstrom der Leuchtstofflampe L12 durchflossen, während die Wicklung 11b von den Entladungsströmen der Leuchtstofflampen L10 und L11 durchflossen wird. Die Wicklungen 11a, 11b sind gegensinnig angeordnet, so dass sie gegensinnig von den Entladungsströmen bzw. Lampenströmen durchflossen werden. Der erste Transformator Tr10 ist den Leuchtstofflampen L10 bis L12 unmittelbar vorgeschaltet, während der zweite Transformator Tr11 den Leuchtstofflampen L10 bis L12 unmittelbar nachgeschaltet ist. Alle drei Strompfade sind also vollkommen symmetrisch ausgebildet. Die beiden Transformatoren Tr10, Tr11 wirken jeweils als Differenzstromtransformatoren und gewährleisten, dass unabhängig von der Dimmstufe alle drei Lampen gleich hell leuchten.According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the ballast is used to operate three parallel-connected low-pressure discharge lamps, in particular fluorescent lamps L10, L11, L12 FIG. 1 the circuit arrangement of this ballast is shown schematically. To the first terminal of the resonance capacitor C1 and to the first terminal of the half-bridge capacitor C2 are three connected in parallel current branches, in each of which a low-pressure discharge lamp L10 or L11 or L12 is connected. In addition, this ballast has two transformers Tr10, Tr11, each with two windings 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b. The turns ratio of the windings 10a, 10b of the first transformer Tr10 is 2: 1. Likewise, the turns ratio of the windings 11a, 11b of the second transformer Tr11 is 2: 1. The winding 10a of the transformer Tr10 is connected in the first current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L10. The second winding 10b of the transformer Tr10 is connected both in the second current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L11, as well as in the third current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L12. The winding 10a is therefore traversed by the discharge current of the fluorescent lamp L10, while the winding 10b is traversed by the discharge currents of the fluorescent lamps L11 and L12. The two windings 10a, 10b are wound in opposite directions, so that they are traversed in opposite directions by the discharge current of the lamps. Similarly, the first winding 11a of the transformer Tr11 is connected in the third current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L12, while the second winding 11b is connected both in the first current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L10, and in the second current path, in series with the fluorescent lamp L11, is switched. The winding 11a is therefore traversed by the discharge current of the fluorescent lamp L12, while the winding 11b is traversed by the discharge currents of the fluorescent lamps L10 and L11. The windings 11a, 11b are arranged in opposite directions, so that they are traversed in opposite directions by the discharge currents or lamp currents. The first transformer Tr10 is the fluorescent lamps L10 to L12 immediately upstream, while the second transformer Tr11 is the fluorescent lamps L10 to L12 immediately downstream. All three current paths are thus formed completely symmetrical. The two transformers Tr10, Tr11 each act as differential current transformers and ensure that regardless of the dimming level, all three lamps light up the same brightly.

Claims (1)

  1. Ballast for operating a plurality of low-pressure discharge lamps, the ballast having three parallel-connected branch circuits to which electric terminals at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (L10, L11, L12) are connected in each case,
    characterized in that
    - the ballast has a transformer (Tr10) for balancing the lamp currents,
    - the transformer (Tr10) has a first (10a) and a second winding (10b), the first winding (10a) having twice as many turns as the second winding (10b),
    - the ballast has a second transformer (Tr11) for balancing the lamp currents, the second transformer (Tr11) having a first (11a) and a second winding (11b), and the first winding (11a) having twice as many turns as the second winding (11b),
    - the windings (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) of the transformers (Tr10, Tr11) are arranged in such a way that when the low-pressure discharge lamps (L10, L11, L12) are connected the lamp currents flow firstly through the windings (10a, 10b or 11a, 11b) of one of the two transformers (Tr10 or Tr11), then through the low-pressure discharge lamps (L10, L11, L12) and only then through the windings (11a, 11b or 10a, 10b) of the other transformer (Tr11 or Tr10),
    - the first winding (10a) of the first transformer (Tr10) is arranged in such a way that when the low-pressure discharge lamps (L10, L11, L12) are connected it is flowed through by the lamp current of the low-pressure discharge lamp (L10) or low-pressure discharge lamps connected to the first branch circuit,
    - the second winding (10b) of the first transformer (Tr10) is arranged in such a way that, with the low-pressure discharge lamps (L10, L11, L12) connected, it is flowed through by the lamp currents of the low-pressure discharge lamps (L11, L12) connected to the second and third branch circuit, the two windings (10a, 10b) of the first transformer (Tr10) being wound in opposite senses,
    - the first winding (11a) of the second transformer (Tr11) is arranged in such a way that, with the low-pressure discharge lamps (L10, L11, L12) connected, it is flowed through by the lamp current of the low-pressure discharge lamp (L12) or low-pressure discharge lamps connected to the third branch circuit, and
    - the second winding (11b) of the second transformer (Tr11) is arranged in such a way that, with the low-pressure discharge lamps (L10, L11, L12) connected, it is flowed through by the lamp currents of the low-pressure discharge lamps (L10, L11) connected to the first and second branch circuit, the two windings (11a, 11b) of the second transformer (Tr11) being wound in opposite senses.
EP08150534A 2001-07-23 2002-05-22 Pre-switching device for operating at least one low pressure discharge lamp Expired - Lifetime EP1915036B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10134966A DE10134966A1 (en) 2001-07-23 2001-07-23 Ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp
EP02011284A EP1286572B1 (en) 2001-07-23 2002-05-22 Ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp

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EP02011284.3 Division 2002-05-22
EP02011284A Division EP1286572B1 (en) 2001-07-23 2002-05-22 Ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp

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EP1915036A1 EP1915036A1 (en) 2008-04-23
EP1915036B1 true EP1915036B1 (en) 2010-02-24

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EP02011284A Expired - Lifetime EP1286572B1 (en) 2001-07-23 2002-05-22 Ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp

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EP (2) EP1915036B1 (en)
AT (2) ATE459232T1 (en)
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DE50212951D1 (en) 2008-12-11
EP1286572B1 (en) 2008-10-29
DE10134966A1 (en) 2003-02-06
ATE459232T1 (en) 2010-03-15
US6717371B2 (en) 2004-04-06
US20030015974A1 (en) 2003-01-23
EP1286572A3 (en) 2005-01-19
CA2394409A1 (en) 2003-01-23
EP1915036A1 (en) 2008-04-23
EP1286572A2 (en) 2003-02-26
DE50214247D1 (en) 2010-04-08
ATE413086T1 (en) 2008-11-15

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