EP2659503B9 - Lighting means and method for operating same - Google Patents

Lighting means and method for operating same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2659503B9
EP2659503B9 EP11822886.5A EP11822886A EP2659503B9 EP 2659503 B9 EP2659503 B9 EP 2659503B9 EP 11822886 A EP11822886 A EP 11822886A EP 2659503 B9 EP2659503 B9 EP 2659503B9
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Prior art keywords
gas volume
energy
lighting means
coaxial
designed
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EP11822886.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2659503A1 (en
EP2659503B1 (en
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Christoph Kaiser
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Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie KIT
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Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie KIT
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J65/00—Lamps without any electrode inside the vessel; Lamps with at least one main electrode outside the vessel
    • H01J65/04—Lamps in which a gas filling is excited to luminesce by an external electromagnetic field or by external corpuscular radiation, e.g. for indicating plasma display panels
    • H01J65/042—Lamps in which a gas filling is excited to luminesce by an external electromagnetic field or by external corpuscular radiation, e.g. for indicating plasma display panels by an external electromagnetic field
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J65/00—Lamps without any electrode inside the vessel; Lamps with at least one main electrode outside the vessel
    • H01J65/04—Lamps in which a gas filling is excited to luminesce by an external electromagnetic field or by external corpuscular radiation, e.g. for indicating plasma display panels
    • H01J65/042—Lamps in which a gas filling is excited to luminesce by an external electromagnetic field or by external corpuscular radiation, e.g. for indicating plasma display panels by an external electromagnetic field
    • H01J65/044—Lamps in which a gas filling is excited to luminesce by an external electromagnetic field or by external corpuscular radiation, e.g. for indicating plasma display panels by an external electromagnetic field the field being produced by a separate microwave unit

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the term claimed above and thus relates to bulbs.
  • light sources are sources of visible, ultraviolet or infrared optical radiation which are operated with electrical energy.
  • a device for plasma excitation with microwaves is from the DE 103 35 523 B4 in which a microwave conductor feed line is branched and thereon are formed stick electrodes whose length leads to a microwave phase shift.
  • a plasma generating device using microwaves is further known from e.g. US 4,908,492 , There is proposed a cylindrical RF conductor arrangement with a cylindrical outer conductor and a helical inner conductor, between which microwave energy is supplied. Within the helical coil is a discharge tube to be ordered. Limitations in terms of dimensions and shape should be eliminated and sufficient energy should be able to be coupled into the gas or plasma. The use is mentioned as a high-brightness, short-wavelength light source for the purpose of optical reactions.
  • a discharge tube assembly with an excitation device and a discharge tube which is formed of translucent, dielectric material.
  • the excitation device is designed to excite surface waves in the filling of the discharge tube.
  • at least one impedance matching network is provided between a coupling-in point and a high-frequency power source.
  • the gas column is comprised in an elongate, insulated housing, wherein a first metallic tube, which is open on both sides, and a second tube, which surrounds the first, so that a coaxial arrangement is obtained, are provided.
  • microwave excitation of the gas volumes in light sources according to the prior art per se is advantageous and desirable because, for example, high luminance can be achieved.
  • the disadvantage is that the use of resonant structures is usually required, which precludes the operation of cheaper broadband energy sources;
  • shading of the luminous volume is often caused by the surrounding structures or a shielding of the coupled-in high-frequency energy required.
  • the present invention proposes a gas volume bulky coaxial RF energy input device for exciting it with surface wave evanescent arrays, wherein it is contemplated that the coaxial RF energy input device comprises a center conductor routed in the gas volume having.
  • the central conductor is preferably located exactly centrally on the axis of the coaxial RF energy coupling device, deviations, preferably only small deviations from a central position, are possible. This reduces the cost of the lamp insofar as possibly lower manufacturing precision is required. However, it is relevant that the gas volume surrounds the central conductor; Thus, the light emerging from the plasma chamber is not shadowed by the coupling structure.
  • the arrangement according to the invention generates surface waves particularly efficiently, which is advantageous since surface waves have at most a low electromagnetic radiation. Accordingly, a shield is not required or at most only very small shielding measures must be taken. This is advantageous insofar as the shielding has typically led to a significant reduction in the efficiency, that is, the efficiency of the lamps or lamps operated by microwaves.
  • the gas volume as high pressure volume to serve lighting purposes. This is especially true if a light source with high brilliance, that is high color temperature and high luminance, is desired. It should be mentioned here, for example, the lighting in the interior, which can be achieved by suitable gas fillings, etc. possibly even a desired color temperature.
  • the pressure inside high pressure lamps can be a few bar.
  • UV radiation can either be radiated directly as such and used or converted via fluorescent substances into spectral regions which are more suitable for respective illumination and / or irradiation purposes.
  • the light source is to generate short-wave optical radiation, that is to say ultraviolet radiation, which is to be used directly or via conventional fluorescence means into visible radiation to be implemented.
  • short-wave optical radiation that is to say ultraviolet radiation
  • conventional fluorescence means into visible radiation to be implemented.
  • bulbs for the generation of biologically active radiation such as water disinfection in sewage treatment plants or for the food industry can be provided as well as bulbs with which in paint shops or the like photochemical reactions are triggered, that is, for example, a curing of coatings, adhesives and the like is initiated.
  • their enveloping bodies which typically consist of suitable types of glass, may be coated with fluorescent dyes and the like. may be provided to provide in per se known manner for the conversion of the UV radiation generated in the light source in the desired spectral ranges.
  • the light source adapted accordingly will be.
  • pressure-dependent different thicknesses can be selected for the piston surrounding the gas volume and / or different materials, for example in the case of UV medium-pressure lamps, materials which are particularly well UV-transparent, for example quartz glass.
  • the gas volume will be typically elongated, that is arranged approximately in an elongated cylinder or the like.
  • the coaxial line is typically designed for the energy supply or the power line in the fundamental mode of the coaxial conductor.
  • the illuminant of the present invention is a non-resonant system, which in turn allows broadband operation of the illuminant, that is, for example, to use a broadband high frequency power source or even pulsed to inject short pulsed energy.
  • broadband operation of the illuminant that is, for example, to use a broadband high frequency power source or even pulsed to inject short pulsed energy.
  • a broadband pulses is not possible; so that there short, that is particularly broadband impulses, not be generated.
  • a demand for the precision of the high-frequency energy source that has been reduced to that extent can also be achieved, which in turn reduces the costs.
  • Another advantage resulting from the possibility of non-resonant operation is that no particular dimensions must be observed for the components used to satisfy any resonance conditions. This allows in particular the use of very small Structures and thus creates a high potential of miniaturization.
  • the frequency of the high-frequency energy source varies slightly due to thermal effects or the like, there is no significant variation in the luminosity, since the coupling of the electromagnetic wave into the plasma takes place virtually independently of the frequency.
  • the arrangement will typically be designed so that power that is not needed for plasma generation is reflected back. It should be noted that the possible power consumption of the light source varies after the start, for example because the lamp must still be warm and thereby energy absorbing processes are improved, such as the pressure increases due to the heating or the like. For high-pressure lamps, the pressure can rise to a few hundred bars.
  • the self-regulation through power reflection is advantageous in that no power regulator must be connected upstream.
  • the energy transport into the plasma takes place by evanescent fields of the surface wave, so that a galvanic coupling is not absolutely necessary. It is particularly advantageous in the inventive arrangement so that the microwaves have only a small distance from the central conductor to a significant extent performance, which reduces the required shielding.
  • the central conductor is not galvanically connected to the gas volume, but is galvanically separated from it. This offers advantages, because the central conductor with galvanic separation of the gas volume also not can come into contact with the plasma. Accordingly, the center conductor can not be attacked by the plasma, as otherwise electrodes, which improves the durability.
  • the central conductor protrudes beyond the coaxial jacket.
  • the central conductor is still within the gas volume in the area projecting beyond the coaxial jacket. The central conductor is thus included in the gas volume.
  • the gas light space is at least largely, preferably completely shielding-free. It can thus take place during operation in the actual coupling structure plasma excitation and surface wave formation, wherein the surface wave formed along the central conductor beyond the shield of the coupling structure beyond the central conductor can extend along and wherein the protruding of the central conductor over him initially coaxial jacket at least in the area in which the central conductor protrudes beyond the jacket, a complete shielding freedom is given. Since no high-frequency waves must be shielded, light is not shaded there either.
  • high-frequency energy is coupled in in a broadband or pulsed manner.
  • a luminous means 1 generally designated 1 comprises a gas volume 2 and a coaxial RF energy injection device 3 for exciting the gas volume 2 with surface waves, wherein the coaxial RF energy input device 3 comprises a central conductor 4 guided in the gas volume 2.
  • the luminous means 1 is filled as a low-pressure luminous means with a gas of in this case 30 mbar, here for example argon.
  • the gas volume 2 is enclosed in an elongated glass bulb 2a, which in Fig. 1 only indicated by dashed lines.
  • the glass bulb does not extend into the interior of the coupling structure 3, but only close to it.
  • a short circuit of the microwave energy to be coupled to the inner conductor is avoided by the plasma.
  • this glass cylinder 2 a is, galvanically separated from the further coupling structure 3, the central conductor. 4
  • the coupling structure 3 is present, apart from the central conductor 4, formed as in US 4,049,940 described per se. Provided here is also a coaxial energy supply line 3a, which is connected in the interior of a coupling space 3b with a capacitive coupling plate 3c, which in some areas closely approximates to a coaxial jacket 3d.
  • the coaxial sheath 3d has an axis on which the central conductor 4 runs and thus forms with the central conductor a coaxial RF energy coupling device.
  • the coupling structure 3 further has a coupling slot 5 for impressing the surface wave and a front plate 6. As the comparison with the US 4,049,940 shows, the present arrangement thus differs in particular by the additional central conductor 4 of the prior art.
  • the arrangement is operated as follows: Via the coaxial feed line 1, energy is conducted via the coaxial feed line and the capacitive coupling to the gas volume 2 from an HF energy source (not shown), which may be formed in the remaining part of the light source or separately.
  • the capacitive coupling couples energy into the coaxial structure of coaxial sheath 3d and center conductor 4 for energy transfer in a coaxial fundamental mode.
  • the supplied energy forms a surface wave along the central conductor which extends along the central conductor beyond the coupling structure and thus also extends into the region of the oblong glass bulb outside the actual coupling structure, ie beyond the front plate 6, and the gas volume becomes placed in the plasma state.
  • the coupling takes place without resonance conditions having to be maintained so that pulsed operation is readily possible. Measurements have shown that no significant microwave power is emitted.
  • a light source and a method for operating a light source have been described in which high-frequency waves are coupled into a gas volume for plasma generation and conservation with only low shading, a small design is achieved, a broadband transmissivity for high frequency waves is ensured in the component, the Own consumption or idle consumption is very low and the high-frequency wave can be easily transported into the interior of the bulb.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft das oberbegrifflich Beanspruchte und bezieht sich somit auf Leuchtmittel.The present invention relates to the term claimed above and thus relates to bulbs.

Als Leuchtmittel werden vorliegend Quellen von im Sichtbaren, im Ultravioletten oder im Infraroten liegender optischer Strahlung verstanden, die mit elektrischer Energie betrieben werden.In the present case, light sources are sources of visible, ultraviolet or infrared optical radiation which are operated with electrical energy.

Prinzipiell ist es wünschenswert, Leuchtmittel mit einem vertretbaren Energieaufwand sehr hell zum Leuchten zu bringen. Bereits vorgeschlagen wurde, ein Gasvolumen durch Zuführung elektrischer Hochfrequenzenergie soweit zu erregen, dass ein leuchtendes Plasma entsteht.In principle, it is desirable to illuminate bulbs with a reasonable energy consumption very bright. It has already been proposed to excite a gas volume by supplying electrical high-frequency energy so far that a luminous plasma is formed.

Eine Vorrichtung zur Plasmaerregung mit Mikrowellen ist aus der DE 103 35 523 B4 bekannt, in welcher eine Mikrowellenleiterzuleitung sich verzweigt und daran Stegelektroden gebildet sind, deren Länge zu einer Mikrowellenphasenverschiebung führt.A device for plasma excitation with microwaves is from the DE 103 35 523 B4 in which a microwave conductor feed line is branched and thereon are formed stick electrodes whose length leads to a microwave phase shift.

Eine Mikrowellen verwendende Plasmaerzeugungsvorrichtung ist weiter beispielsweise bekannt aus der US 4,908,492 . Dort wird eine zylindrische HF-Leiteranordnung mit einem zylindrischen äußeren Leiter und einem wendelförmigen inneren Leiter vorgeschlagen, zwischen denen Mikrowellenenergie zugeführt wird. Innerhalb der wendelförmigen Spule soll ein Entladungsrohr angeordnet werden. Beschränkungen hinsichtlich der Abmessungen und der Form sollen eliminiert sein und es soll hinreichend viel Energie in das Gas beziehungsweise Plasma einkoppelbar sein. Erwähnt wird die Verwendung als Lichtquelle hoher Helligkeit und kurzer Wellenlänge für Zwecke optischer Reaktionen.A plasma generating device using microwaves is further known from e.g. US 4,908,492 , There is proposed a cylindrical RF conductor arrangement with a cylindrical outer conductor and a helical inner conductor, between which microwave energy is supplied. Within the helical coil is a discharge tube to be ordered. Limitations in terms of dimensions and shape should be eliminated and sufficient energy should be able to be coupled into the gas or plasma. The use is mentioned as a high-brightness, short-wavelength light source for the purpose of optical reactions.

Aus der US 5,072,157 ist eine Entladungsröhrenanordnung mit einer Erregungsvorrichtung und mit einer Entladungsröhre bekannt, welche aus lichtdurchlässigem, dielektrischem Material gebildet ist. Die Erregungsvorrichtung ist dazu ausgebildet, Oberflächenwellen in der Füllung der Entladungsröhre zu erregen. Dabei ist mindestens ein Impedanzanpassungsnetzwerk zwischen einer Einkopplungsstelle und einer Hochfrequenzleistungsquelle vorgesehen.From the US 5,072,157 For example, a discharge tube assembly with an excitation device and a discharge tube is known, which is formed of translucent, dielectric material. The excitation device is designed to excite surface waves in the filling of the discharge tube. In this case, at least one impedance matching network is provided between a coupling-in point and a high-frequency power source.

Aus der US 4,049,940 , die als nächstliegender Stand der Technik angesehen wird, ist eine Vorrichtung bekannt, in welcher ein Plasma in einer Gassäule durch Erregung einer Oberflächenwelle mit Hochfrequenzenergie erzeugt wird. Das Oberflächenwellenerzeugungsmittel zur Hochfrequenzenergie-Einkopplung erstreckt sich nur über einen Teil der Gassäule und es wird soviel Leistung im erregenden elektrischen Feld zur Verfügung gestellt, dass sich das erzeugte Plasma über den entsprechenden Teil der Gassäule hinaus ausdehnt. In einem Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Gassäule in einem länglichen, isolierten Gehäuse umfasst, wobei eine erste metallische Röhre, die an beiden Seiten offen ist, und eine zweite Röhre, die die erste umgibt, sodass eine koaxiale Anordnung erhalten wird, vorgesehen sind.From the US 4,049,940 Known as the closest prior art, an apparatus is known in which a plasma is generated in a gas column by exciting a surface wave with high frequency energy. The surface acoustic wave generating means for RF energy coupling extends only over part of the gas column and so much power is provided in the exciting electric field that the generated plasma expands beyond the corresponding part of the gas column. In one embodiment, the gas column is comprised in an elongate, insulated housing, wherein a first metallic tube, which is open on both sides, and a second tube, which surrounds the first, so that a coaxial arrangement is obtained, are provided.

Zwar ist die Mikrowellenerregung der Gasvolumina in Leuchtmitteln nach dem Stand der Technik per se vorteilhaft und erwünscht, weil so beispielsweise hohe Leuchtdichten erzielt werden können. Nachteilig ist aber, dass im Regelfall die Verwendung resonanter Strukturen erforderlich ist, was dem Betrieb mit preiswerteren Breitbandenergiequellen entgegensteht; zudem ist oftmals eine Abschattung des Leuchtvolumens durch die umgebenden Strukturen verursacht beziehungsweise eine Abschirmung der eingekoppelten Hochfrequenzenergie erforderlich.Although the microwave excitation of the gas volumes in light sources according to the prior art per se is advantageous and desirable because, for example, high luminance can be achieved. The disadvantage, however, is that the use of resonant structures is usually required, which precludes the operation of cheaper broadband energy sources; In addition, shading of the luminous volume is often caused by the surrounding structures or a shielding of the coupled-in high-frequency energy required.

Es ist wünschenswert, zumindest einen Teil der erwähnten Probleme einer wenigstens partiellen Linderung zuzuführen.It is desirable to provide at least some of the mentioned problems with at least partial relief.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird in Anspruch 1 definiert. Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen finden sich in den Unteransprüchen.The solution to this problem is defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

Somit schlägt die vorliegende Erfindung in einem ersten Grundgedanken ein Leuchtmittel mit einem Gasvolumen und einer koaxialen HF-Energie-Einkopplungsvorrichtung zur Erregung desselben mit evaneszenten Feldern von Oberflächenwellen vor, wobei vorgesehen ist, dass die koaxiale HF-Energie-Einkopplungsvorrichtung einen in das Gasvolumen geführten Zentralleiter aufweist.Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention proposes a gas volume bulky coaxial RF energy input device for exciting it with surface wave evanescent arrays, wherein it is contemplated that the coaxial RF energy input device comprises a center conductor routed in the gas volume having.

Dadurch, dass ein Zentralleiter, also ein auf der Achse der koaxialen HF-Energie-Einkopplungsvorrichtung angeordneter Zentralleiter verwendet wird, ist das durch Plasmaleuchten erzeugte Licht zunächst nicht durch diesen abgeschattet.Because a central conductor, that is to say a central conductor arranged on the axis of the coaxial RF energy coupling device, is used, the light generated by plasma lamps is initially not shaded by the latter.

Es sei darauf hingewiesen, dass, obwohl der Zentralleiter bevorzugt exakt zentral auf der Achse der koaxialen HF-Energie-Einkopplungsvorrichtung liegt, Abweichungen, bevorzugt nur geringe Abweichungen von einer Zentrallage möglich sind. Dies verbilligt das Leuchtmittel insoweit, als gegebenenfalls eine geringere Fertigungspräzision erforderlich ist. Relevant ist aber, dass das Gasvolumen den Zentralleiter umgibt; so wird das aus dem Plasmaraum austretende Licht nicht durch die Koppelstruktur abgeschattet.It should be noted that, although the central conductor is preferably located exactly centrally on the axis of the coaxial RF energy coupling device, deviations, preferably only small deviations from a central position, are possible. This reduces the cost of the lamp insofar as possibly lower manufacturing precision is required. However, it is relevant that the gas volume surrounds the central conductor; Thus, the light emerging from the plasma chamber is not shadowed by the coupling structure.

Die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung erzeugt besonders effizient Oberflächenwellen, was vorteilhaft ist, da Oberflächenwellen eine allenfalls geringe elektromagnetische Abstrahlung aufweisen. Demgemäß ist eine Abschirmung nicht erforderlich beziehungsweise es müssen allenfalls nur sehr geringe Abschirmmaßnahmen ergriffen werden. Dies ist insoweit vorteilhaft, als die Abschirmung typisch zu einer signifikanten Verringerung der Effizienz, das heißt des Wirkungsgrades der von Mikrowellen betriebenen Lampen beziehungsweise Leuchtmittel geführt haben.The arrangement according to the invention generates surface waves particularly efficiently, which is advantageous since surface waves have at most a low electromagnetic radiation. Accordingly, a shield is not required or at most only very small shielding measures must be taken. This is advantageous insofar as the shielding has typically led to a significant reduction in the efficiency, that is, the efficiency of the lamps or lamps operated by microwaves.

Es ist möglich und bevorzugt, das Gasvolumen als Hochdruckvolumen auszulegen, um Beleuchtungszwecken zu dienen. Dies gilt insbesondere dann, wenn ein Leuchtmittel mit hoher Brillanz, das heißt hoher Farbtemperatur und großer Leuchtdichte, gewünscht wird. Erwähnt sei hier etwa die Beleuchtung im Innenbereich, wobei durch geeignete Gasfüllungen usw. gegebenenfalls sogar eine gewünschte Farbtemperatur erzielt werden kann. Der Druck im Inneren von Hochdrucklampen kann einige Bar betragen.It is possible and preferred to design the gas volume as high pressure volume to serve lighting purposes. This is especially true if a light source with high brilliance, that is high color temperature and high luminance, is desired. It should be mentioned here, for example, the lighting in the interior, which can be achieved by suitable gas fillings, etc. possibly even a desired color temperature. The pressure inside high pressure lamps can be a few bar.

Dass die vorliegende Erfindung auch für Niederdrucklampen einsetzbar ist, die mit Drücken im Bereich bis einige Millibar arbeiten, sei ebenfalls erwähnt. Auch hier kann entstehende UV-Strahlung entweder unmittelbar als solche abgestrahlt und verwendet oder über Fluoreszenzstoffe in für jeweilige Beleuchtungs- und/oder Bestrahlungszwecke geeignetere Spektralbereiche gewandelt werden.The fact that the present invention can also be used for low-pressure lamps operating at pressures in the range of up to a few millibars is also mentioned. Here, too, resulting UV radiation can either be radiated directly as such and used or converted via fluorescent substances into spectral regions which are more suitable for respective illumination and / or irradiation purposes.

Alternativ ist es möglich, einen mittleren Druck für das Gasvolumen zu wählen, was dann vorteilhaft ist, wenn das Leuchtmittel kurzwellige optische Strahlung, das heißt im Ultravioletten liegende Strahlung, erzeugen soll, die direkt verwendet werden soll oder -etwa über herkömmliche Fluoreszenzmittel in sichtbare Strahlung umgesetzt werden soll. Auf diese Weise können beispielsweise Leuchtmittel zur Erzeugung von biologisch wirksamer Strahlung, etwa zur Wasserdesinfektion in Klärwerken oder für die Lebensmittelindustrie genauso bereitgestellt werden wie Leuchtmittel, mit denen in Lackieranlagen oder dergleichen photochemische Reaktionen ausgelöst werden, das heißt zum Beispiel ein Aushärten von Beschichtungen, Klebstoffen und dergleichen initiiert wird.Alternatively, it is possible to choose an average pressure for the gas volume, which is advantageous if the light source is to generate short-wave optical radiation, that is to say ultraviolet radiation, which is to be used directly or via conventional fluorescence means into visible radiation to be implemented. In this way, for example, bulbs for the generation of biologically active radiation, such as water disinfection in sewage treatment plants or for the food industry can be provided as well as bulbs with which in paint shops or the like photochemical reactions are triggered, that is, for example, a curing of coatings, adhesives and the like is initiated.

Es sei erwähnt, dass bei den Leuchtmitteln der vorliegenden Erfindung einleuchtenderweise insbesondere deren Hüllkörper, die typisch aus geeigneten Glassorten bestehen werden, mit Fluoreszenzfarbstoffen u.ä. versehen sein können, um in per se bekannter Weise für die Umwandlung der im Leuchtmittel erzeugten UV-Strahlung in die gewünschten Spektralbereiche zu sorgen.It should be noted that in the luminous means of the present invention, in particular, their enveloping bodies, which typically consist of suitable types of glass, may be coated with fluorescent dyes and the like. may be provided to provide in per se known manner for the conversion of the UV radiation generated in the light source in the desired spectral ranges.

Es sei darauf hingewiesen, dass je nach gewünschtem Druckbereich und Einsatzzweck das Leuchtmittel entsprechend angepasst sein wird. So können gegebenenfalls druckabhängig unterschiedliche Dicken für den das Gasvolumen umgebenden Kolben gewählt werden und/oder unterschiedliche Materialien, beispielsweise im Falle von UV-Mitteldruckstrahlern Materialien, die besonders gut UV-durchlässig sind, beispielsweise Quarzglas. Dabei sei darauf hingewiesen, dass das Gasvolumen typisch länglich ausgedehnt sein wird, also etwa in einem länglich ausgedehnten Zylinder oder dergleichen angeordnet ist.It should be noted that, depending on the desired pressure range and intended use, the light source adapted accordingly will be. Thus, if desired, pressure-dependent different thicknesses can be selected for the piston surrounding the gas volume and / or different materials, for example in the case of UV medium-pressure lamps, materials which are particularly well UV-transparent, for example quartz glass. It should be noted that the gas volume will be typically elongated, that is arranged approximately in an elongated cylinder or the like.

Die Koaxialleitung ist typisch zur Energieeinspeisung beziehungsweise zur Energieleitung in der Grundmode des Koaxialleiters ausgelegt. Insoweit handelt es sich bei dem Leuchtmittel der vorliegenden Erfindung um ein nichtresonantes System, was wiederum ermöglicht, das Leuchtmittel breitbandig zu betreiben, das heißt beispielsweise eine breitbandig Hochfrequenz-Energiequelle zu verwenden oder sogar gepulst, auch kurz gepulst Energie einzuspeisen. Es besteht ein wesentlicher Vorteil gegenüber Hohlraumresonatorstrukturen, da dort auf Grund der Resonatoreigenschaft ein breitbandiges Pulsen nicht möglich ist; damit sind dort kurze, das heißt besonders breitbandige Impulse, nicht erzeugbar. Überdies kann durch die Ermöglichung einer nichtresonanten Erregung auch eine insoweit verringerte Anforderung an die Präzision der Hochfrequenz-Energiequelle erreicht werden, was wiederum die Kosten senkt.The coaxial line is typically designed for the energy supply or the power line in the fundamental mode of the coaxial conductor. In that regard, the illuminant of the present invention is a non-resonant system, which in turn allows broadband operation of the illuminant, that is, for example, to use a broadband high frequency power source or even pulsed to inject short pulsed energy. There is a significant advantage over cavity resonator structures, since there due to the Resonatoreigenschaft a broadband pulses is not possible; so that there short, that is particularly broadband impulses, not be generated. Moreover, by enabling a non-resonant excitation, a demand for the precision of the high-frequency energy source that has been reduced to that extent can also be achieved, which in turn reduces the costs.

Ein weiterer Vorteil, der sich durch die Möglichkeit des nichtresonanten Betriebs ergibt, besteht darin, dass für die verwendeten Bauteile keine besonderen Dimensionen eingehalten werden müssen, um irgendwelchen Resonanzbedingungen zu genügen. Dies erlaubt insbesondere die Verwendung sehr kleiner Strukturen und schafft damit ein hohes Potenzial der Miniaturisierung. Zudem ergibt sich auch dann, wenn etwa die Frequenz der Hochfrequenz-Energiequelle durch thermische Effekte oder dergleichen leicht variiert, keine, jedenfalls keine signifikante Variation der Leuchtstärke, weil die Einkopplung der elektromagnetischen Welle in das Plasma praktisch frequenzunabhängig erfolgt.Another advantage resulting from the possibility of non-resonant operation is that no particular dimensions must be observed for the components used to satisfy any resonance conditions. This allows in particular the use of very small Structures and thus creates a high potential of miniaturization. In addition, even if, for example, the frequency of the high-frequency energy source varies slightly due to thermal effects or the like, there is no significant variation in the luminosity, since the coupling of the electromagnetic wave into the plasma takes place virtually independently of the frequency.

Die Anordnung wird typisch so ausgelegt sein, dass Leistung, die nicht zur Plasmaerzeugung benötigt wird, zurückreflektiert wird. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass die mögliche Leistungsaufnahme des Leuchtmittels nach dem Start variiert, etwa weil die Lampe noch warm werden muss und dadurch energieaufnehmende Prozesse verbessert werden, etwa, weil der Druck durch die Erwärmung noch ansteigt oder dergleichen. Bei Hochdrucklampen kann der Druck auf einige hundert bar ansteigen. Die Selbstregulierung durch Leistungsreflexion ist insoweit vorteilhaft, als keine Leistungsregler vorgeschaltet werden müssen.The arrangement will typically be designed so that power that is not needed for plasma generation is reflected back. It should be noted that the possible power consumption of the light source varies after the start, for example because the lamp must still be warm and thereby energy absorbing processes are improved, such as the pressure increases due to the heating or the like. For high-pressure lamps, the pressure can rise to a few hundred bars. The self-regulation through power reflection is advantageous in that no power regulator must be connected upstream.

Der Energietransport in das Plasma erfolgt durch evaneszente Felder der Oberflächenwelle, so dass eine galvanische Kopplung nicht zwingend erforderlich ist. Besonders vorteilhaft ist bei der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung damit, dass die Mikrowellen nur in einem kleinen Abstand zum Zentralleiter in signifikantem Maß Leistung aufweisen, was die erforderliche Abschirmung verringert. Erfindungsgemäss ist der Zentralleiter nicht galvanisch mit dem Gasvolumen verbunden, sondern davon galvanisch getrennt. Dies bietet Vorteile, weil der Zentralleiter bei galvanischer Trennung vom Gasvolumen auch nicht mit dem Plasma in Berührung kommen kann. Demgemäß kann der Zentralleiter auch nicht - wie Elektroden sonst - vom Plasma angegriffen werden, was die Haltbarkeit verbessert.The energy transport into the plasma takes place by evanescent fields of the surface wave, so that a galvanic coupling is not absolutely necessary. It is particularly advantageous in the inventive arrangement so that the microwaves have only a small distance from the central conductor to a significant extent performance, which reduces the required shielding. According to the invention, the central conductor is not galvanically connected to the gas volume, but is galvanically separated from it. This offers advantages, because the central conductor with galvanic separation of the gas volume also not can come into contact with the plasma. Accordingly, the center conductor can not be attacked by the plasma, as otherwise electrodes, which improves the durability.

In dem erfindungsgemässen Leuchtmittel ragt der Zentralleiter über den koaxialen Mantel hinaus. Dabei befindet sich der Zentralleiter im über den koaxialen Mantel hinausragenden Bereich immer noch innerhalb des Gasvolumens. Der Zentralleiter ist somit in dem Gasvolumen umfasst.In the luminous means according to the invention, the central conductor protrudes beyond the coaxial jacket. In this case, the central conductor is still within the gas volume in the area projecting beyond the coaxial jacket. The central conductor is thus included in the gas volume.

Der Gasleuchtraum ist zumindest weitgehend, bevorzugt vollständig abschirmungsfrei. Es kann somit im Betrieb in der eigentlichen Kopplungsstruktur eine Plasmaerregung und Oberflächenwellenbildung stattfinden, wobei sich die gebildete Oberflächenwelle entlang des Zentralleiters über die Abschirmung der Kopplungsstruktur hinaus am Zentralleiter entlang erstrecken kann und wobei durch das Hinausragen des Zentralleiters über den ihn anfangs umgebenden koaxialen Mantel zumindest in jenem Bereich, in welchem der Zentralleiter über den Mantel hinausragt, eine vollständige Abschirmungsfreiheit gegeben ist. Da keine Hochfrequenzwellen abgeschirmt werden müssen, wird dort Licht auch nicht abgeschattet.The gas light space is at least largely, preferably completely shielding-free. It can thus take place during operation in the actual coupling structure plasma excitation and surface wave formation, wherein the surface wave formed along the central conductor beyond the shield of the coupling structure beyond the central conductor can extend along and wherein the protruding of the central conductor over him initially coaxial jacket at least in the area in which the central conductor protrudes beyond the jacket, a complete shielding freedom is given. Since no high-frequency waves must be shielded, light is not shaded there either.

Schutz wird auch beansprucht für ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Leuchtmittels, bei welchem Hochfrequenzenergie über einen koaxialen Zentralleiter in ein Gasvolumen eingekoppelt wird, insbesondere bei einer Anordnung, wie sie im US-Patent 4,049,940 , dort allerdings ohne den erfindungsgemäßen koaxialen Zentralleiter, beschrieben ist.Protection is also claimed for a method of operating a luminous means in which high-frequency energy is coupled into a gas volume via a coaxial central conductor, in particular in the case of an arrangement as described in US Pat U.S. Patent 4,049,940 , There, however, without the coaxial center conductor according to the invention, is described.

Erfindungsgemäss wird dabei Hochfrequenzenergie breitbandig oder gepulst eingekoppelt.According to the invention, high-frequency energy is coupled in in a broadband or pulsed manner.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden nur beispielsweise anhand der Zeichnung beschrieben. In dieser ist dargestellt in

Fig. 1
eine Koppelstruktur für ein Leuchtmittel der vorliegenden Erfindung.
The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings. In this one is shown in
Fig. 1
a coupling structure for a luminous means of the present invention.

Nach Fig. 1 umfasst ein allgemein mit 1 bezeichnetes Leuchtmittel 1 ein Gasvolumen 2 und eine koaxiale HF-Energie-Einkopplungsvorrichtung 3 zur Erregung des Gasvolumens 2 mit Oberflächenwellen, wobei die koaxiale HF-Energie-Einkopplungsvorrichtung 3 einen in das Gasvolumen 2 geführten Zentralleiter 4 aufweist.To Fig. 1 For example, a luminous means 1 generally designated 1 comprises a gas volume 2 and a coaxial RF energy injection device 3 for exciting the gas volume 2 with surface waves, wherein the coaxial RF energy input device 3 comprises a central conductor 4 guided in the gas volume 2.

Das Leuchtmittel 1 ist vorliegend als Niederdruck-Leuchtmittel mit einem Gas von hier 30 mbar, hier beispielsweise mit Argon, gefüllt. Das Gasvolumen 2 ist in einem langgestreckten Glaskolben 2a umschlossen, der in Fig. 1 nur gestrichelt angedeutet ist. Der Glaskolben erstreckt sich dabei nicht bis ins Innere der Koppelstruktur 3, sondern nur bis dicht davor. So wird ein Kurzschluss der auf den Innenleiter zu koppelnden Mikrowellenenergie durch das Plasma vermieden. In diesem Glaszylinder 2a liegt, galvanisch von der weiteren Koppelstruktur 3 getrennt, der Zentralleiter 4.In the present case, the luminous means 1 is filled as a low-pressure luminous means with a gas of in this case 30 mbar, here for example argon. The gas volume 2 is enclosed in an elongated glass bulb 2a, which in Fig. 1 only indicated by dashed lines. The glass bulb does not extend into the interior of the coupling structure 3, but only close to it. Thus, a short circuit of the microwave energy to be coupled to the inner conductor is avoided by the plasma. In this glass cylinder 2 a is, galvanically separated from the further coupling structure 3, the central conductor. 4

Die Koppelstruktur 3 ist vorliegend, abgesehen vom Zentralleiter 4, gebildet wie in US 4,049,940 per se beschrieben. Vorgesehen ist eine hier gleichfalls koaxiale Energiezuleitung 3a, die im Inneren eines Kopplungsraums 3b mit einer kapazitiven Kopplungsplatte 3c verbunden ist, welche sich bereichsweise eng an einen Koaxialmantel 3d annähert. Der Koaxialmantel 3d hat eine Achse, auf welcher der Zentralleiter 4 verläuft und bildet demnach mit dem Zentralleiter eine koaxiale HF-Energie-Einkopplungsvorrichtung. Die Kopplungsstruktur 3 hat weiter einen Koppelschlitz 5 zum Aufprägen der Oberflächenwelle und eine Frontplatte 6. Wie der Vergleich mit der US 4,049,940 zeigt, unterscheidet sich die vorliegende Anordnung somit insbesondere durch den zusätzlichen Zentralleiter 4 vom Stand der Technik.The coupling structure 3 is present, apart from the central conductor 4, formed as in US 4,049,940 described per se. Provided here is also a coaxial energy supply line 3a, which is connected in the interior of a coupling space 3b with a capacitive coupling plate 3c, which in some areas closely approximates to a coaxial jacket 3d. The coaxial sheath 3d has an axis on which the central conductor 4 runs and thus forms with the central conductor a coaxial RF energy coupling device. The coupling structure 3 further has a coupling slot 5 for impressing the surface wave and a front plate 6. As the comparison with the US 4,049,940 shows, the present arrangement thus differs in particular by the additional central conductor 4 of the prior art.

Die Anordnung wird betrieben wie folgt:
Über die koaxiale Zuleitung 1 wird aus einer HF-Energiequelle (nicht gezeigt), die im übrigen Teil des Leuchtmittels oder separat gebildet sein kann, Energie über die koaxiale Zuleitung und die kapazitive Kopplung zu dem Gasvolumen 2 hin geleitet. Die kapazitive Kopplung koppelt Energie in die Koaxialstruktur aus Koaxialmantel 3d und Zentralleiter 4 zur Energieweiterleitung in einer Koaxialgrundmode.The arrangement is operated as follows:
Via the coaxial feed line 1, energy is conducted via the coaxial feed line and the capacitive coupling to the gas volume 2 from an HF energy source (not shown), which may be formed in the remaining part of the light source or separately. The capacitive coupling couples energy into the coaxial structure of coaxial sheath 3d and center conductor 4 for energy transfer in a coaxial fundamental mode.

Durch die zugeführte Energie bildet sich eine Oberflächenwelle entlang des Zentralleiters aus, die entlang des Zentralleiters über die Koppelstruktur hinaus erstreckt ist und sich somit auch in den Bereich des länglichen Glaskolbens außerhalb der eigentlichen Koppelstruktur, das heißt jenseits der Frontplatte 6 erstreckt und es wird das Gasvolumen in den Plasmazustand versetzt.The supplied energy forms a surface wave along the central conductor which extends along the central conductor beyond the coupling structure and thus also extends into the region of the oblong glass bulb outside the actual coupling structure, ie beyond the front plate 6, and the gas volume becomes placed in the plasma state.

Die Einkopplung erfolgt, ohne dass Resonanzbedingungen eingehalten werden müssen, so dass ein Pulsbetrieb ohne weiteres möglich ist. Messungen haben ergeben, das keine signifikanten Mikrowellenleistungen abgestrahlt werden.The coupling takes place without resonance conditions having to be maintained so that pulsed operation is readily possible. Measurements have shown that no significant microwave power is emitted.

Zusammenfassend wurden somit ein Leuchtmittel und ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Leuchtmittels beschrieben, bei welchen hochfrequente Wellen in ein Gasvolumen zur Plasmaerzeugung und -erhaltung bei nur geringer Abschattung eingekoppelt werden, eine kleine Bauweise erreicht wird, eine breitbandige Transmissivität für Hochfrequenzwellen im Bauteil gewährleistet wird, der Eigenverbrauch beziehungsweise Leerlaufverbrauch sehr gering ist und die hochfrequente Welle ohne weiteres in das Innere des Leuchtmittels transportiert werden kann.In summary, therefore, a light source and a method for operating a light source have been described in which high-frequency waves are coupled into a gas volume for plasma generation and conservation with only low shading, a small design is achieved, a broadband transmissivity for high frequency waves is ensured in the component, the Own consumption or idle consumption is very low and the high-frequency wave can be easily transported into the interior of the bulb.

Claims (7)

  1. Lighting means
    having a gas volume (2) in a glass bulb (2a), a gas lighting chamber being formed, which is at least largely, preferably completely, free of any shielding, and
    an HF energy injection device (3) for exciting the gas volume with surface waves and having a coupling structure which comprises a coaxial jacket (3d), a front plate (6) and a coupling slot (5) for impressing the surface waves,
    characterized in that
    the HF energy injection device (3) further has a central conductor (4) that is led into the gas volume, is isolated galvanically from the coupling structure and from the gas volume and is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the coaxial jacket, and
    the central conductor projects beyond the coaxial jacket at a distance from the coupling structure, the central conductor in the region projecting beyond the coaxial jacket still being located within the gas volume and thus comprised in the gas volume,
    in order to form therewith, during operation, a surface wave extending along the central conductor via the coupling structure of the coaxial HF energy injection device and to set the gas volume into the plasma state.
  2. Lighting means according to the preceding claim, characterized in that
    either
    the gas volume is a high-pressure gas volume and is preferably designed to shine with high brilliance;
    or
    the gas volume is a low-pressure gas volume and the lighting means is designed for UV generation purposes and/or illumination purposes;
    or
    the gas volume is a medium-pressure gas volume, the lighting means being preferably designed
    to generate biological and/or chemically active radiation,
    in particular for water disinfection with UV radiation.
  3. Lighting means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coaxial HF energy injection device is formed with a coaxial conductor designed for feeding and/or conducting energy in the fundamental mode.
  4. Lighting means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed to excite the gas volume with non-resonant energy.
  5. Lighting means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the HF energy injection device is designed to inject pulsed energy and/or broadband HF energy and/or comprises a pulsed or broadband HF energy source.
  6. Lighting means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed for self-regulation by power reflection.
  7. Method for operating a lighting means according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the HF energy is injected in a broadband and/or pulsed manner.
EP11822886.5A 2010-12-27 2011-12-22 Lighting means and method for operating same Not-in-force EP2659503B9 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010056028 2010-12-27
DE201110008944 DE102011008944A1 (en) 2011-01-19 2011-01-19 Illuminating device e.g. high pressure plasma UV lamp used in e.g. water treatment plant, has coaxial radio frequency (RF) energy-coupling device that is provided with central conductor which is led into gas volume portion
PCT/DE2011/002167 WO2012095081A1 (en) 2010-12-27 2011-12-22 Lighting means and method for operating same

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EP2659503A1 EP2659503A1 (en) 2013-11-06
EP2659503B1 EP2659503B1 (en) 2016-12-21
EP2659503B9 true EP2659503B9 (en) 2017-06-21

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KR101770183B1 (en) * 2014-12-11 2017-09-05 김형석 Coaxial cable type plasma lamp device

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FR2290126A1 (en) 1974-10-31 1976-05-28 Anvar IMPROVEMENTS TO EXCITATION DEVICES, BY HF WAVES, OF A GAS COLUMN ENCLOSED IN A ENCLOSURE
US4792725A (en) * 1985-12-10 1988-12-20 The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Energy Instantaneous and efficient surface wave excitation of a low pressure gas or gases
JP2805009B2 (en) 1988-05-11 1998-09-30 株式会社日立製作所 Plasma generator and plasma element analyzer
GB8821672D0 (en) 1988-09-02 1988-10-19 Emi Plc Thorn Discharge tube arrangement
GB8829251D0 (en) * 1988-12-15 1989-01-25 Emi Plc Thorn A discharge tube arrangement
JPH10255726A (en) * 1997-03-06 1998-09-25 New Japan Radio Co Ltd Surface wave plasma emission device
JP2000280206A (en) 1999-03-31 2000-10-10 Zero One Products:Kk Natural wood thin board material
RU2236060C1 (en) * 2002-12-25 2004-09-10 Закрытое акционерное общество Научно-производственный центр "СОЛИТОН-НТТ" Gas-discharge ultraviolet radiation source
RU2236721C1 (en) * 2003-05-26 2004-09-20 Государственное унитарное предприятие "Всероссийский электротехнический институт им. В.И. Ленина" Microwave exciter for electrodeless gas-discharge lamp
DE10335523B4 (en) 2003-07-31 2009-04-30 Koch, Berthold, Dr.-Ing. Device for plasma excitation with microwaves
JP4761244B2 (en) * 2005-10-20 2011-08-31 株式会社小糸製作所 Discharge lamp and light source device
JP2007220531A (en) * 2006-02-17 2007-08-30 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Discharge lamp
DE102009022755A1 (en) 2009-05-26 2010-12-02 Fachhochschule Aachen Electrode-less high frequency-high pressure lamp i.e. high pressure gas discharge lamp, for use as e.g. motor vehicle headlamp, has oscillator generating high-frequency signals processed in ionization chambers in high frequency mode

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RU2604643C2 (en) 2016-12-10
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WO2012095081A1 (en) 2012-07-19
US9589784B2 (en) 2017-03-07
US20160172181A1 (en) 2016-06-16
EP2659503B1 (en) 2016-12-21
CA2822881A1 (en) 2012-07-19

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