FI117464B - A method for controlling the brightness and operation of gas discharge lamps - Google Patents

Abstract

A variable frequency inverter (30) supplies a load circuit (40), incorporating two fluorescent lamps (LA1, LA2). An integrated control circuit (17) includes a transceiver (10), to which commands are addressed for adjustment of the brightness and operational mode. With the lamps switched off, the inverter (30) is switched by a driver circuit (31) into SLEEP mode either immediately or after a preset delay, to be reactivated by reception of a fresh brightness command. It is fed from the mains via an on/off switch (S1) and a rectifier (20).

Description

117464

Method for controlling the brightness and function of discharge lamps

The invention relates to a method for controlling the brightness and operation of fluorescent lamps.

Modern electronic pre-switching devices operate to control fluorescent lamps. Thus, on the one hand, fluorescent lamps are used more sparingly and, on the other hand, the efficiency of such lamps can be increased. The electronic pre-coupling method then regularly has the features set forth in the preamble of claim 1.

Through the mains input filter, the distribution voltage, which may be DC or AC, is supplied to the rectifier and the intermediate circuit capacitor. If the device is used alone f

Xi

with its own DC voltage, the latter can be rectified

.. the omnivore omits. In the intermediate circuit capacitor, I is formed

* * j * j high dc voltage Uq that is at a standard 220V! • «* ··:: for mains voltage distribution of approximately 300 V. The intermediate circuit: ** · is connected to an AC voltage generator, which is formed by a · · · half-bridge or full-bridge inverter. It outputs *; * "a frequency adjustable output voltage to an output load circuit having a series resonance circuit, if no semi-bridge circuit with artificial mid-voltage switching is provided. * * 1 * pun burst interval.

* · · ** ·· «· *

The inverter output frequency is about 10 kHz to 50 kHz.

The efficiency of the fluorescent lamps connected at said frequencies is improved compared to operation in a 50 Hz distribution network 2 117464. Further, improved light output is obtained with the same power output. Further, the high-frequency series resonance circuit is considered an inverter-output-side inductance low. Finally, the adjustable frequency control allows the fluorescent lamp - in the normal network only the lightly dimmable (dimmable) - to adjust the brightness. In addition, the frequency control can also be used to prepare and start lighting a fluorescent lamp.

In order to save fluorescent lamps, the above ignition process also includes a so-called hot start, in which the glow coils of the fluorescent lamp are preheated before the lamp is loaded with high ignition voltages due to resonance phenomena leading to the gas discharge lamp being lit. Frequency variation that monitors the ignition also allows the gas discharge lamp to operate with almost infinite light intensity control over a wide range by shifting the frequency. Such stepless and continuous control of the luminance requires special measures due to the negative internal resistance of the fluorescent lamp in operation.

For this reason, the most versatile control possible, particularly the brightness control, is essential for the development of modern EVG. This is the case * · j * ·. operation of the fluorescent lamps connected to the existing EVG, as well as: the brightness control.

· * · # ·· '• ·

In addition to its versatile control and adjustment, another aim of modern EVG devices is to guarantee multiple access. comfortable handling and use of beamed light sources. This • * is especially true for large projects requiring large-scale installation of * * * * \ * and lighting systems with a large number of light sources.

• · · · • · · # · iff. Finally, it is an essential object of the invention to provide improved safety and improved monitoring capability of fluorescent lamps connected to them. Safety first and foremost also for operating personnel who need to replace damaged lamps dependent on the fact that the voltages generated by the plug-in fixtures and device when replacing the lamp are harmless to them, because in large lighting systems individual lamps cannot be individually cut off, so that lamp replacement is necessary during operation.

Solutions to the aforementioned technical problem are found in the method according to claim 1 in the respective characteristic features.

The method according to the invention enables extremely precise and comfortable handling of control functions and brightness control. To this end, a control and regulation device is provided which performs all the essential control, regulation and monitoring functions of the decentralized EVG. It is provided with a transmitting and receiving device which functions as an outward interface. Here you can enter the control commands and the luminance commands that the control and regulator executes, depending on the currently valid • ·: process quantities (measured variables) of the distributed EVG in question Φ ·: ”.

• · * · · • J Preferably, the respective decentralized ·: ··· EVG uses a pair of fluorescent lamps from a single alternator. This is equivalent to the so-called double flame EVG.

•. In addition to comfortable light control, the control and adjustment device · · systematically enables the life of the • fluorescent lamps to be guaranteed and to ensure safety. The above-mentioned 1 1 * 1 1 * · • 1 · * · 1 * · 4 117464 control and regulator enables very precise control and monitoring from EVG the operation of the supplied fluorescent lamps and the operating mode in question. This way the warm start, ignition, dimming and switching events (ZUND, DIMM, AUS, EIN) are connected very precisely and save the lamp. To avoid unauthorized operating conditions, ensure sufficient pre-heating of the glow coils prior to each ignition in question. In addition to the DIMM, the entire EVG can also be stopped when no light is desired for extended periods of time (SLEEP). In this mode, the EVG receives only minimal power. Indeed, avoidable losses are avoided.

In addition to the regular dimming operation, where the brightness of fluorescent lamps can be arbitrarily adjusted between a minimum value (MIN) and a maximum value (MAX), it is possible to use a backup function (NOT) in which the lamp receives an emergency light level. This can be preset in a decentralized manner on the device in question. It is automatically activated under certain danger conditions. ; The transmitting and receiving device is preferably connected via a dual bus connection to a central control device (requirement 4). This allows remote control of a number of distributed EVGs from a central *: ·· point. In addition to remote control, the control unit also gives; * · *. information on operating mode. Identify and address faults in the lighting system based on fault reports, ·. ; transmitted from distributed EVGs via a bidirectional * * * bus to the central control unit. Here's how *. * simplify and accelerate maintenance work. Versatile control functions are already organized in a decentralized manner, such as overvoltage: *** and undervoltage control (requirement 6). They are used to add • * *. \ # Significantly longer life of fluorescent lamps.

• · ♦ • · • * · ·· ♦ * ·.: -: - 5 117464

The brightness control via the bus cable of the distributed EVGs is done through digital serial control words that are control commands or luminance value information (requirement 13). Very preferably, the structure is a set of functions in which a plurality of EVG devices arranged in a single state, for example, can be controlled simultaneously and with a single command.

The connection of the transmitting and receiving devices to the bus line is preferably achieved via a differentiation means. It provides strong attenuation of 50 Hz network frequencies and operates at very low input currents. Mains frequency attenuation goes so far as to provide polarity protection, placing 220V on the bus line does not cause damage ·

When fluorescent lamps are directed to dimmable operation after an ignition event, transient light pulses may occur. They result from the energy supplied to the output circuit of the ignition event, which then unwantedly appears as a pulse of light · ··. net activity. This can be facilitated by extending the glow phase between the ignition and the standard operation - in fact the lifetime; * * shortening (requirement 16). Actual Duration • ·; ] * however, the reduction in age is avoided by extending the glow range • «· ··· I only at low luminance values.

* · * "The higher the luminance, the shorter the glowing! - • · · v: and the faster the transition from ignition to normal operation.

* * · • * · ···

If, in accordance with the invention, the · · · · input to the control device is controlled. Because of the multiple m measurement variables in the EVG, this allows you to • ♦ · ••• j identify and avoid multiple modes of operation and possibly * ... · danger states. Further, proper power control is enabled which · * · .. operates independently of the lamp type (eg argon lamps or krypton lamp- ♦. ** ·. Put). Preferably, the lamp brightness control is obtained by frequency modulation (requirement 21) or a combination of frequency modulation and a gain ratio.

The control also includes the control of the filament fluxes of fluorescent lamps. This will allow you to accurately determine whether certain lamps are defective or not installed at all.

Advantageously, "traveling layers" occurring in high-noise operation are avoided by placing a small DC component on top of the high-frequency lamp AC.

If one pair of fluorescent lamps supplied from a common ac voltage generator is used per EVG, then the inductive symmetry element of the invention provides for the symmetrical operation of both fluorescent lamps.

Voltage controlled coil heating is made possible by lamp-specific filament transformers connected to their primary winding in an AC output circuit. Through the primary current assembler · * ·., The controller can always deduce f · *; • · * · fluorescent lamps or soon-to-malfunction fluorescent lamps.

• · • · Φ • * * • · * · t

Other preferred aspects and embodiments of the EVG according to the invention and the operating method according to the invention are further described in the dependent claims. The following explains: · *; further exemplifying embodiments of the invention by drawing,. ***. where • «• · ·

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Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an EVG according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a system according to the invention. a system in which a plurality of distributed EVGs are connected to a central control unit via bus line 12.

117464 / · Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control and regulating device according to the invention integrated with silicon | Fig. 4 shows an example circuit diagram of an input circuit 20 having two configurations of measurement values; Fig. 5 shows an example of a fluorescent lamp transformer-coupled helical heating with three measuring sensors; Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of an output circuit 40 according to the invention for,

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an ac voltage generator and a control circuit 31, I controlling it.

Figures 8a-c show a block diagram of the transmitting and receiving device 10 and the variously formed connections leading to the bus line 12, respectively. Fig. 9 illustrates a luminance-time diagram for explaining the switching and back-up lighting operation, • · · 1 * 1 * · · · • *; *** Figure 10 is a luminance-time diagram for explaining the mode of soft-start * or soft-stop in the system configuration of Figure 2.

··· • · · · · · · ♦

Figure 1 first shows a block diagram according to the invention. From an exemplary embodiment of EVG. Mains voltage UN supply ···. - possibly via a switch S1 - to an input switching circuit * (rectifier switching circuit). This produces a color: lipid voltage u0, Udc, which is supplied to the AC voltage generator 30 (inverter). Alternating voltage generator. . *. 30 supplies its high frequency output voltage to the UHF output • · *: input load circuit 40 which contains one or more fluorescent lamps LAI, LA2. Various system measurement values (process variables) can be taken from both the ac voltage generator 30 and the load circuit 40. The measured values are fed jointly to the control and regulation circuit 17, which in turn produces digital control signals for inverter 30. These are shifted with respect to potential through controller coupling 31 and fed to inverter output MOS fets. In addition, a control and control device 17 is provided with a transmitting and receiving device 10 which is connected via bus line 12 to other EVG devices and / or central control device 50.

The latter is shown in Fig. 2. In it, a plurality of EVGs 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, ... 60-i are connected to a common bus line 12. All of the EVGs are connected via this bus line to a central control unit 50, a display unit 51 is provided. Through bus line 12, it is now possible to control individual or multiple EVGs and to transmit commands such as cut-off, switch-on, ignition or the like. Also, the luminance values can be pre-adjusted and reverse error information can be queried from individual devices.

Thus, the control device 50 is always informed of the state of the entire system, which ensures large-scale operational safety, and allows rapid maintenance of the distributed EVG devices or their fluorescent lamps.

t I • · · i · · # 1 1 ·

The functional blocks 20, 30, 40, 10, 17 shown in Figure 1 will now be illustrated in greater detail by the following figures.

• · 2. Figure 3 shows the control and regulating device 17 as an integrated circuit. A plurality of measurement values m are provided there, which correspond to the process signals of Fig. 1. It supplies two inverter control signals to the drive transistors of inverter 30, which are further amplified and transmitted by the power. with respect to the tial via the guide coupling 31.

In addition to the measurement value * 1 1 · · · # v · · 1 · 2 * 1 9 117464 m, a setpoint n is also fed to the control and adjusting device 17. These provide a preset control and adjustment function. Further, a transmit and receive device 10 is provided as part of the control and regulation circuit 17 or separately connected directly or via a switching circuit to the bus line 12. It provides a serial interface which enables the control and regulating device to transmit fault and status information to the central control device 50.

The above setpoints of n can also be supplied to this transmitter and receiver 10, which, after corresponding processing, transmits them to the control and regulation circuit 17. The setpoints may be, for example, emergency lighting level (NOT), minimum light level (MIN) and maximum light level (MAX) ), both of which can move within the preset luminance level (DIMM) during operation.

Command and data words and fault data words are 8 bit digital serial data words. Other value lengths are also possible. Each decentralized EVG is provided with an address that allows the processing of individual * f EVGs through the address of the transmitting and receiving device 10 *, ·, · ·, and to query or distribute commands to them. The bidirectional mode of bus line 12 enables trouble-free and simple cabling of a plurality of distributed EVGs to the central control /; ·. to the device (50).

• · ·. Fig. 4 shows a principle connection diagram of an input circuit which can be used to supply the AC voltage generator 30 from the distribution network at a voltage UN · Input circuit of: *: consisting of capacitive input filters and possibly a harmonic choke. Condensation in the Y-circuit ». escorters work for interference suppression. Alongside them is a \ surge protector or VDR. It comes with a full-wave rectifier, which can be lost when the device is operated at DC power. After the rectifier, an intermediate circuit capacitor C4 is connected which, at a mains voltage of 220 V, charges to about 300 V with a residual voltage of about 10%.

Due to the low peak coefficient, the intermediate circuit voltage UQ should be well balanced.

Along with the intermediate circuit capacitor C4 is a voltage divider R18, R28 from which a measuring signal proportional to the intermediate circuit voltage can be taken. A signal proportional to the distribution voltage is taken from the low pass filter R21, C25, and a voltage dependent measurement signal is applied to the control and regulator 17 as well as the intermediate circuit. Both measurement signals monitor the distribution voltage and thus the reliability of the EVG.

Fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a load circuit 40 according to the invention, with a thermal transformer L5 for preheating the fluorescent lamp · / LA1 coils. Figure 5 shows only one pair of lamp circuits. In the embodiment of the invention there is one pair of these branches, i. two fluorescent * * * I "* lamps LAI, LA2 at the output of the alternator voltage generator, · · j which supplies the high frequency alternating voltage UHF between the power switching transistors V21 and V28 connected in series i * · · '" ·.

The alternating voltage generator receives the intermediate circuit voltage Uhc from the input 20 shown in Figure 4. Because the fluorescent lamps have a negative internal resistance, they must produce high voltage peaks in the ignition event (ZÖND) and, when the coils are heated, the corresponding *. *. kuumennusenergia. Starting from the output of inverter 30, the series resonant circuit L2, C15 leads through symmetry- * * *; · * element TRI, which will be described later, to glow to discharge interval H2, H4. Further, a measuring resistor R32 is connected in series with respect to the fluorescent lamp, from which a voltage proportional to the lamp current is provided and is supplied to the control and regulation circuit 17. An ignition capacitor C17 is connected between the coil L2 and the capacitor C15 (ZERO). With this arrangement, the dimmer characteristic of the discharge lamp can be smoothed out as the frequency increases as the resistance of the capacitor Cl5 decreases and the resistance of the discharge lamp increases. Alongside the ignition capacitor C17, there is also the primary winding of the incandescent transformer L5, and in series in this respect the generator diode V15 and the measuring resistor RIO. the latter taking a voltage proportional to the glow coil current IW1 and feeding it to the control and regulating circuit 17 as other measurement variables of the system. Since the inverter 30 receives an output voltage and the filament transformer is substantially parallel to the fluorescent lamp LA1, voltage is applied to the secondary windings of the filament transformer. Both secondary windings each supply, free of potential, one of the filament coils H1, H2 and H3, H4. Primary measuring resistor RIO measured with hehkukierukkavirtojen IW1 amount. Further, the series-connected zener diode V15 produces a direct current component in the primary winding of the L5, which is however not displaced, but is missing from the lamp current which thus supplies the lamp discharge with an extra direct current of magnitude * ·; about 1% of the actual discharge current. This prevents the effect of the "moving ί layers" that occur when the lamp is dimmed • ·: 1 · 1. The "moving layers" consist primarily of light / dark zones during dimming, * "1: passing at a predetermined speed along the tube.

Applying a low DC current will accelerate this passage effect so that it no longer has a distracting effect.

For heating, inverter 30 is operated at a high frequency, fmax, so that an AC voltage is present at C17, which is not suitable for lighting lamp LA1. In this mode, the L * coil passes through the lamp coils, whereby: due to the cold conductor effect of the coils, the lamp first receives a large and then a smaller heating current. OF.

· 1 • 1 117464 750 msec. after a long pre-heating period, the lamp ignition (ZUND) is started.

When the fluorescent lamp is switched on, the frequency f of the inverter 30 is reduced to be closer to the resonance frequency f of the output series resonant circuit L2, C15. This results in a voltage increase of approximately 750 V (peak) in C17. This will turn on a workable lamp.

As soon as the LA1 or LA2 lamp is lit, the series resonant circuit L2, C15 or L3, C16 is strongly suppressed. This causes, on the one hand, a shift in the resonance frequencies fg and, on the other hand, a rapid decrease in the AC voltage of the lamp in question. The control and regulation switching circuit 17 detects a drop across a voltage divider R27, R25 connected in parallel with the lamp. The control and adjustment circuit then initiates the actual lamp operating phase (DIMM).

For efficient operation of the lamp, the frequency f of the inverter 30 is adjusted so that the lamp power corresponds to a predetermined setpoint, i. the desired light level. The • · l the higher the frequency becomes in the operating mode, the smaller • · *! the brightness of the lamp changes. The operating frequency of the AC voltage generator 30 can then be shifted automatically to ar-: · * currents which are heating at or above the frequency range. Even at maximum power (MAX), the output frequency can be adjusted below the ignition frequency, but • · * still above the resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit L2, C15. . ·, Side.

The operating conditions of the lamp circuit 14 can be varied to a large extent depending on the lamp used, for example, argon, krypton lamp or depending on the lamp power selected.

1 * 1 * * · »» ·; The combination of capacitor C24 and diodes V30, V31 provides a frequency-dependent 13 117464 attenuation of the output circuit when the voltage increases. This is important especially when high frequencies and high impedances occur, e.g., in the absence of a lamp or when pre-heating the coils are already warm. This type of connection helps to limit the voltage increase when it is undesirable when the lamp is not lit or is missing. C24 is selected so that the damping remains sufficiently low at the time of ignition.

Fig. 6 shows the output circuit of Fig. 5, two flame lamps for operation in one inverter. Here, too, the symmetry transformer TRI is shown complete. One of the lamp currents flows through each winding.

This is done in the opposite way, so that in the current amplitude deviation a co-magnetization is formed which induces a voltage in the inductive element which acts symmetrically. Such a transformer is advantageous when, due to component tolerances and lamp tolerances, as well as different temperature conditions, both lamps would return in dim mode with different brightness. This is avoided by the TRI symmetry element in dual-lamp luminaires.

If multiple pairs of lamps are used together with AC · · · *. generator output, such a symmetry element • · »j · * * TRI must be provided for each pair.

• · • * t * *: Figure 6 further shows that each fluorescent lamp is preceded by a unique series aresonance circuit and: T: a unique ignition capacitor Cl7, Cl8. This allows for a relatively independent ignition step as well. simultaneous passage in dimming operation. Breast Ignition Machine * · ·. ···. There is in each case one voltage divider R25 - R28 for denominators C17, Cl8 which control a signal proportional to the output voltage • • • ** to the control and regulating device. it is also possible to connect a coolant. the splitters directly parallel to the fluorescent lamp, i.e..

M *. ·. : behind the TRI symmetry element. In the series with regard to lamps - * 14 117464 this was already explained by means of Figure 5 in connection with the lamp circuit - there is in each case one current measuring connection R31, R32. They are proportional to the lamp current; a signal which is multiplied by the control and regulating switching circuit 17 by the aforementioned lamp voltage signal. This ensures that there is always a signal proportional to the actual lamp power Pist or Vast, luminance E, which can be preset for accurate luminance control as an actual value.

Figure 7 shows in more detail inverter 30 and its output power transistors V28, V21. Between them, a high frequency alternating voltage UHF is applied to the load circuit 40 described above. can in principle be avoided. The upper transistor is supplied via a (not shown) self-controlled circuit, the lower .. transistor and system control 10, 17, 31 receive control * ·· *. through its bias resistor and the equalization capacitor C5 · · · \ y · from the intermediate circuit voltage UQ. In addition to said power distribution, • · '| ** also from the intermediate circuit there is a lossless alternating voltage switching from the oscillating inverter 30 via the switching capacitor C21, the diodes V12, V7 and the inductance L7 to the va-: T: capacitor C5.

j · * · Through the resistor or power supply I_, the smoothing machine can receive • · · 4. ·· ♦. the current supplied to the market C5 is for supplying the IC31 and the control and regulating circuit 17 in disconnected operation (SLEEP).

* · • m »·· /’ ·· * · «

In inverter operation through capacitor C2l, conductor ♦ • j *; load controlled distribution via said components vi2, V7, L7 and · C equalized through C5 • ·, ,,

. · I

'15 117464 is sufficient. The supply voltage of this distribution is almost lossless since only reactive elements are used to limit the current. By means of anti-parallel diodes V14, V15 connected to the lower inverter half-branch of transistor V21 and a resistor R34 connected in parallel thereto, a voltage signal UKap proportional to the branch current Imax is obtained. This, like other process signals, is fed to the control and control circuit 17. It can here determine the direction of the current flowing through the inverter just before the V21 opens. If this current is negative, the load circuit 40 of inverter 30 is within the unauthorized capacitive range. It then constitutes a danger to the controlling inverter. In addition to pure amplitude air, phase position analysis can also be used in which the load current 1 aset is set relative to the inverter sweep current Imax and from this the relative phase of both currents is used to indicate the operating state.

To detect unauthorized capacitive operation, the control circuit 17 responds by increasing the operating frequency f of the inverter 30, by means of which the load circuit 40 is operated again inductively. The above capacitive action * *; The '' mode of expression occurs predominantly at low distribution voltages. Branch current assemblies can certainly prevent component • *: ** path failure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a transmitting and receiving device 10 and a switching filter coupled in front of a l 'l, which is used to connect the bus to the control line 12. For the digital interface; \ J 10 is in this example, predetermined setpoints for minimum, maximum, and backlight (UNqT, UMIN, Umax) varer * There is further provided a digital input DAT through which both control signals i ·· from the central control device to the distributed EVG device *: and error signals transmitted from a distributed EVG device: to a central control unit Serial interface enables remote control of an IM • m 16 117464 electronic pre-switching device with a digital command signal or a digital command word, such a digital signal is provided with an 8 bit data word. 1a, from the distribution voltage of the control switching circuit 17 or, respectively, the transmit and receive switching circuit 10, and is then supplied via a damping capacitor C12 to the digital input DAT of the interface 10. This will attenuate both the 50 Hz mains frequency * and keep the input currents of each connection low. *

Fig. 8b shows another form of bus connection. Hereby, both bus lines 12 are connected inductively to the data input of the digital interface. If the EVGs are used with the switching filter shown in Fig. 8a at different stages of the AC network, compensatory currents can be applied, which interfere with the data transmission. These compensating currents can flow from the well has mukaises- Figure 8b · sa coupling, but they are canceled because there is no connection to the primary mass. A preferred embodiment of this coupling is illustrated in Figure 8c.

Using a secondary winding with center tap, ···. it becomes Navigation Safe. Can also be used for optical switching * · *! . This, however, has increased power consumption.

* '· • · ♦ · · • · * · | ". The set signals are 255 (according to 8 bits) luminance: · ί: value. Similarly, the control signal" AUS "is possible, represented by the binary word" zero ". With the above signal AUS immediately or after a short period of time enters the power saving mode. (SLEEP) It has the following size: · * · The measuring power consumption of the pre-switching device changes to the minimum * ··. **. The inverter 30 and the control circuit 31 are stopped · »« and possibly after a slight second delay also by the control circuit. essential structural groups.

• · * ... * Reception only for transmitting and receiving device 10 *. switching and emergency monitoring (NOT) recognition monitoring switch • «·; the field remains activated. The total circuit power thus decreases • «1 17464 17: less than 1 W. However, if a new control signal occurs in such a state, does control and regulation circuit 17 perform? immediately switch-on cycle, which leads to constant operation by preheating and ignition (ZUND) and provides quick adjustment of the desired luminance value (DIMM).

In addition to controlling the luminosity and emergency lighting and switching (SLEEP) operation, the control and regulating circuit 17 also has the function of retrieving information from each of the above process variables that is important for monitoring and controlling the EVG.

These include voltage monitoring, back-up maintenance and control of fluorescent lamps for spiral fracture or gas failure. The measured quantities also distinguish between different operating conditions of the fluorescent lamps, such as ignition, preheating and standard operation. The following are the process quantities measured and used for inspection: distribution voltage Uac, UN, undervoltage uNmin, UNmax,: ·, battery voltage UB, • ·! intermediate voltage UQ, U (jc,: lamp current / operating current lL1, tl2 'j "lamp voltage UL1' UL2 'M: output voltage UHF, output current IHF,:.: · * coil current iwl, iW2 - alternating current generator current • •. ·· • ·

On the basis of the quantities presented, the overvoltage and the undervoltage * are assembled. voltage in the intermediate circuit and in the distribution circuit. The control · · ·: field 17 then deactivates all functions when * «»,: * ··· * becomes too high, and can only start • again after the power has been switched off once and for a while. Connected to ** · ·.

• · 18 117464

The occurrence of undervoltage - which results in a dangerous capacitive operation of the inverter - is answered by closing control circuit 31. As long as the mains supply does not have the necessary voltage to guarantee the coil heating event and to avoid capacitive operation, the control and regulating device 17 will not perform the ignition. Only after the predetermined threshold value is exceeded is the ignition event triggered. This happens automatically,

The switching of the emergency operation to the preset emergency illumination illumination occurs, for example, when the control circuit 17 detects a direct voltage uN through the conventional ac voltage input of the switching circuit 20 and the measuring sensor R21, C25 (Fig. 4). For this purpose, a fall logic operates which, in the event that the preset threshold is exceeded or undershot, triggers a fallback action. This can occur after a predetermined delay time that overrides single, possibly missing, half waves.

If the lighting system loses the normally supplied AC voltage Uac, UN, then the backup voltage distribution UB, which :-. • from the batteries or the generator, set the mains voltage • ·! . take the lead. This is automatically detected by EVG devices.

• In the standby mode, the fluorescent lamps are no longer digitally controlled with a predetermined luminance value of DIMM, but distributed with a device preset value, * «· v: preset via the input υΝΟφ. If the EVG is in SLEEP mode when this backup operation occurs, i. with the lamp and inverter off, it will first perform a normal ignition (ZUND) event to set this. after the emergency light.

19 117464 luminance value (DIMM) if this occurred prior to requiring standby.

Through the coil current assembly, it is detected whether one lamp has gone out of service or whether one or both coils are broken. In one of these faults, inverter 30 is operated at its maximum frequency fmax, which on the one hand causes the heating current to continue to flow when the defective lamp is replaced, and on the other hand reduces the voltage in the defective lamp to the lowest? as much as possible. This is important to maintain the VDE safety regulations. At the high frequency mentioned above, the inductive portion of the serial resonant circuit at the output becomes so high with respect to the capacitive resistance of the ignition capacitor C17 that the voltage at the output is limited to non-hazardous values and there is no danger to service personnel.

When a functional lamp is used, the ignition event (ZUND) is triggered without further action after the preheating time.

·· • · • ··.

j Internal access control in control and regulator circuit 17

»I I

* continues to set the number of start attempts to two and j "sets (sends) whenever a fault occurs, • · · ϊ · ί ϊ when, for example, a lamp is missing, a spiral is broken, or * · ** · a gas error occurs, and reception * * · V · * through device 10 to bidirectional bus 12. This is also true for standby operation, as the lamp cannot be followed in case of faulty standby: · * ·.

The wiring errors leading to a short circuit in the discharge • • * 'of the lamp can be summed up on the basis of process signals, when the lamp voltages are monitored at a predetermined minimum *: · *; in terms of its value. In this case, under this predetermined value, * · ·, as in the case of mains overvoltage monitoring, the entire EVG * * will be switched off.

20 117464

Also, the lamp's non-flammability, for example due to a gas fault, is detected by a control and adjustment circuit 17 if the lamp cannot be lit within a predetermined time for ignition, p. if no voltage drop occurs in the ignition condenser C17 during this time period, said closure will take effect.

In addition to a complete shutdown and fault indication, a recovery time can also be expected, after which the ignition and restart attempts are made again. Also, if no ignition is obtained, the control and regulating switching device 16 reacts, as in the case of a glow coil, to set the frequency converter 30 to a maximum value fmax.

When replacing a lamp, which the control and regulating circuit 17 recognizes when the lamp voltage is increased or the filament current is changed, an attempt is made to re-ignite after installing a new lamp.

In order to adjust the brightness of fluorescent lamps, the following is explained. Authentic brightness control is used as this ensures the same lamp output regardless of lamp type - essential; , ·, Therefore at the same lamp efficiency. Actual values are determined by * · * background quantities of the lamp current, lamp voltage multiplied and • · · analogously or digitally compared with the preset * * · · »transmitter and transmitter 10 via the transmitter 10. The comparison result immediately or via the tr # *. * * Controller controls the frequency f of the alternator 30.

If a more accurate luminance gradation is desired, then the logarithmic setpoint adjustment can be performed. In the same way, an exponential actual value multiplication can be performed. The lamp. In addition to being independent of the type of lamp, compensation is also provided for lamp age, ambient operating temperature, and also for possible varying network voltage UN * *; · *.

• φ * 4 * h *:: Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr ess Pr Pr Pr Pr ess Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr: Pr: Pr Pr Pr: Pr::: Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr Pr:::::::: Pr Pr:: The latter is due to the energy stored in the output circuit due to the event of ignition, which is then discharged shockingly into the lamp after ignition. For suppression or counter-elimination, a fast ignition detection is provided - by changing the operating voltage of the lamp UL1, uL2 and rapidly reducing the lamp current after ignition. The latter by the instantaneous shift of the inverter output frequency to higher frequencies. This artificially extends the glow range between ignition and constant gas discharge. This would reduce the lamp life under normal conditions. However, this is avoided in the exemplary embodiment, since the heh-phase extension is used only for critical low luminance values. For high luminance values, the current is maintained at a higher level, which results in a shorter glow phase. This can be adjusted through the digital control words and the transmitting and receiving device 10 by software.

Fig. 9 is a light-time diagram showing the lattice time in Fig. 1. The illumination of the lamp controlled by EVG according to the standard EVG will vary * · j depending on the time. First, a maximum luminance I "'is provided, then follows a predetermined cut-off period through bus line 12 and digital interface% 10. The luminance» ϊ ί ϊ is reduced after a predetermined rise to zero, then inverter 30, controller switch 31 and The essential components of the control IC 17 * · V · stop to save power, and the following emergency lighting mode will - despite the system being switched off - lead to a controlled ignition and to a luminous brightness of the pre-set illumination (NOT). This can be changed with a setpoint preset UNO for each distributed EVG, and the maximum and minimum luminance values shown in Figure 9 ** can be adjusted or equalized (MIN, MAX). according to the corresponding ·· «·. *.: setpoint setting.

• · · 4 ·: 22; 117464

Figure 10 oh schematically shows a software controlled "soft start" as a luminance-time diagram. First, the EVG 60 is in Off mode (AUS). The "soft start" command now results either in an auto-incremental increase in lamp brightness - after the lamp is turned on - or in a program-controlled incremental increase in lamp brightness. in the latter case, incrementally increasing luminance values are transmitted from the central control device 50. Distributed EVGs meet these requirements almost without delay. This allows the rate-controlled (controlled) increase or decrease of the diffused light sources.

* · · * _ • * • * · ·· * '• · * * * * * * • • * *.

• * · ·· # * · • · · · · · · · · · ···? • * * • • * * * 't t t it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it%,%

Claims (35)

117464 23 1. A method for controlling the brightness of gas discharge lamps by dimming and controlling the operation via electronic pre-switching devices (EVG 60-1 ... 60i), characterized in that: a) fluorescent lamps (LAI, LA2) are used as gas discharge lamps, • · -¾ b) all pre-switching devices are common a bus line pair (12), c) a central control device (50, 51) (cl) coupled to each pre-switching device; . (EVG 60-1 ... 60i) through a common pair of bus wires (12), 15 c2) comprises means for generating digital mode control signals and generating digital ,, dimming signals for each lamp of the electronic pre-switching device •: • Eson) and / or Lamp Power (PSoii) • · j ”20 and means for transmitting the mode control •« · ·· *: signals and dimming signals to the respective bus cable pair (12), * · * · • * · c3) comprises means for receiving and evaluating digital error messages and / or digital operation information · · '-> 1 transmitted from each electronic * ··· pre-switching device to a pair of bus wires • # * "· * (12), • f · • · »t ·". D) Each electronic pre-switching device (EVG 60-30 1 ... 60Ϊ) comprises 117464 24 dl) rectifier circuit (GR, 20) which: can be connected to an AC network (Netz), d2) an alternating voltage generator (30, WR) which is supplied by a rectifier circuit (GR, 20) 5 and whose output voltage (UHf) can be changed, d3) a load circuit (40) comprising at least one serial oscillator circuit at least one fluorescent lamp (LA1, LA2), supplied by a central control unit of digital control (10) of a digital interface (10) configured as a transmitter and connected to a bus line (12) and supplied by an alternating voltage generator (30) with an adjustable 10 output voltage (UHf); 15 for receiving signals and dimming signals, and for transmitting digital error messages and / or digital status information to a central control unit, ··· · d5) a controller (17) connected to a digital interface (10), which evaluates • * · • ** on the Gital Interface (1 0) Digitized * * * · · "i: mode control signals and dimming signals to remain or adjust the electronic pre-switching device and evaluate the signal values (*). UL1, VL2, lWi, Iw2, Udc, Uac) and generate digital error messages and operate from these. sample data and convert it to digital. ***. 30 e) The control device (17) of each electronic pre-switching device also functions as a control device by evaluating ··· the measured value signals received (ULi, Ul2 / Iwi »117464 25 Iw2> Udcf Uac ) the actual state control signals and dimming signals transmitted to it via the digital interface as reference values and respectively generating digital control signals for controlling the output voltage (UHF) of the alternator 5 generator (30), f) digital state control signals an interface via a pair of bus-lead wires (12) or via an electronic prechannel device (EVG 60-l .., 60-i) connected to each control and regulating device (17), ig) each connected electronic precharger device (EVG 60 -1 ... 60-Ϊ) can be manipulated, controlled, and dimmed via command words individually or As 15 groups of samples, ": ih) each pre-switching device (EVG 60-1 ... 60-i) is provided with an address which enables individual pre-switching devices to be triggered via a central control ··· * ··· device address, in particular digital ·. ·; 20 error messages or status information ·· • * ·. asking questions or giving orders. • »· * * · i The method according to claim 1, characterized by ··· ♦♦ • ♦ ... in which, in the cut-off mode in which the fluorescent lamp is cut off, the alternating current generator (WR, 30) is stopped via control, 25 and (31) control. and adjusting device (17) after a predetermined period of time. i · • * * 11 Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the control and regulating device (17) is stopped at the same time as the alternating voltage generator (WR, 30). , · 30 delayed or slightly delayed, and, upon receipt, the digital luminous command • · ί / * ί and the actuator (17) and the AC generator (30) are reactivated. 117464 26 Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the change in the supply voltage (UN, Uac) supplying the rectifier circuit (20) is determined and thereafter the control and regulating device (17) respectively changes the operating state and / or light (E) of the fluorescent lamp (LAI, LA2). ), especially when detecting direct voltage (Ub), adjusts a predetermined emergency lighting level (NOT). Method according to claim 1 or 4, characterized by a change in the DC link voltage (U0, U <ac) supplying the ac voltage generator (30) 10 before and / or during the standard operation and subsequently affecting the operation state of the fluorescent lamp (LAI, LA2). , especially it is cut off when the predetermined overvoltage value (UNmax) is exceeded, and not lit when the undersized earvo (UNmins) is reached. Method according to claim 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that the identification of the direct voltage (Ua) supplying the electronic pre-switching device (60) is detectable by a logic which monitors or respectively, instead of a regular distribution alternating voltage (UN), Uac). recognize pre- • ··; . ·. The occurrence of 20 adjustable thresholds at a time interval · · * lu voltage (UN, UB). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by means of the adjusting element (R7, C28, R6), the pre-set emergency lighting level 25 command-level luminance levels and possibly ϊ. · # Ϊ cut-off modes, such as AUS or SLEEP. * * * • * * * The method of claim 7, wherein the activating. r ..li * when the emergency lighting level is restored, it returns to the shutdown * * * mode when the latter has occurred · * · ,, 30 before activating the emergency lighting level. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of adjustable setpoints (NOT, TRI, 117464 27 TR2) are preset as illumination levels of the fluorescent lamp (s) for the control unit or each the control and regulating device (17) or the connection or each connection (10) by means of potentiometers, regulating resistors or voltage divertors (R2, R6, R7, R32, R33) which can be individually called via command words in the digital interface (10); correspondingly adjusting by the control and regulating device (17) via the alternating voltage generator (30) in the fluorescent lamp (s) (40). 10 C16). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimmable luminance values are changed through a logarithmically or exponentially operating actuator in the set point channel or actual channel of the luminance control circuit (Psou. Eiat). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and / or adjustment of the luminance (E) and operating states of the fluorescent lamp (s) (LA1, la2) is achieved by changing the frequency of the alternating voltage (UHf) transmitted from the ac voltage generator (40). (f) or • ·· ",. 20 by changing the frequency of the alternating voltage (UHf) (f) *« · • * · "* * and the gain ratio to change the luminosity of the fluorescent lamp (s). NoSt), especially in the lower anchoring region I * "*, the key ratio is selected lower. I» ··· The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the serial command words are fed through a bandpass filter or; or a differentiation element (C22, C23, R4, R5, C12) in a digital • • * j * · * · To the socket (10). • · · mml \ ' 13. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the serial statement words are inductively supplied with a transform: *. 30 to the digital interface (10). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to avoid parasitic brilliant pulses during the ignition event, rapid detection of the ignition and detection of the ignition is provided. a fast lamp current reduction is provided. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the lamp current reduction is effected by an immediate conversion of the inverter output frequency (f) to higher frequencies. A method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the ignition rate is constant and nominal; The duration of the glow phase between the 10 dimming operations is varied depending on the constant brightness. Method according to Claim 16, characterized in that the duration of the glow phase is extended for low constant light. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminance is controlled from the cut-off state of the gas discharge lamp by an assembly command or by additional: *.> Dimming commands to a rate constant controlled by the desired constant *. parasite or vice versa. • * · ·· »· * ·: ** 20 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal flow control prevents a plurality of predetermined number of ignition attempts of the fluorescent lamp (s) (LAI, LA2), in particular two, after a failed ignition attempt. • · · • · * A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the internal flow control initiates new ignition attempts for the prevention of ice if the fluorescent lamp is replaced. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control and input device (17) to which a plurality of (m) measured value signals, such as 117464 29, can be supplied. * '' lamp current (Ili, Il2) / lamp alternating voltage (ULi, Ul2) / incandescent j coil current (IWi, Iw2) »alternator voltage branch current (Ikap), inverter output voltage (Uhf) r intermediate circuit voltage Udc immediately decentralized and -f 5 a plurality of (n) setpoints, such as back-up level, upper and lower luminance threshold and value, operating light level (On / Psoii), either directly distributed or indirectly centrally via interface (10). Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the measured values of the lamp current (IL1, IL2) and the lamp voltage (ULi, Ul2) determine the actual lamp power (Pist) or its luminance (EiSt) respectively and are comparable to a centrally preset luminance value (Psoll, Esoll) and that, on the basis of the difference signal, a frequency change (f) of the ha-15 dipped AC voltage generator (30) is performed in the electronic pre-switching device (EVG 60-i). A method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the control and regulating device (17) determines ··, the lamp current (Iu, Il2) and the alternating voltage generator; 20 Output Voltage (UHf) measurement values by comparing both * · ·. '· *! load capacitance circuit (40) of gauge (UHf, Ili? il2) or i · * • relative phase between them, respectively. When capacitive operation is detected and such a mode is detected, the frequency of the AC voltage generator (30) is shifted (f). *. ·, Ϊ A method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the measured value of the glow coil current (Iwi, Iw2) is controlled proportionally so that it exceeds a pre-***. and that, if the AC voltage generator (30) falls below a predetermined threshold, the control and regulator (17) is adjusted to its maximum frequency (fmax), and that a digital output is provided via the interface (10). fault signal. 117464 30 A method according to claim 24, characterized in that the measurement value of the glow coil current (IW1, Iw2) is also monitored when the ac voltage generator (30) is operating at maximum frequency to initiate a restart 5 when a newly installed lamp is detected. Method according to one of Claims 21 to 25, characterized in that an insignificant direct current component, which is present in the range of low luminance values 10 of the fluorescent lamp (LA1, LA2), in particular 1% of the lamp current, can be placed over the lamp current (III, I12). Method according to one of Claims 11, 21 or 22, characterized in that a change in the frequency (f) of the alternating voltage generator (30) is achieved by means of a voltage controlled oscillator 15 (VCO) arranged in the control and regulating device (17). Method according to one of Claims 21 or 22, characterized in that, in the standby operation, the central predetermined luminance value (Pson, Esou) is decentrally replaced by each electronic pre-switching device (EVG 60-i) • * I, * · 20 in the relevant control and regulation device **: *** (17) at a pre-set level of emergency lighting:, · ·. • · * · · • * t ... t The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic pre-switching device 25 (EVG 60-1 ... 60-Ϊ) comprises: - at least one series of resonant circuits (L2, C15, L3, C16) a pair that combines the output of an alternator (30, IM ·. ** ·. WR) output fluorescent lamps (LA1, LA2, GE lamp) into one pair, • * • ·· * 30. at least one pair of ignition capacitors (17, Cl8), each pair of which is connected in parallel to each other by 117464 46 31 fluorescent lamps (LAI, LA2), and - at least one inductive symmetry element (TRI), which can be magnetized opposite to fluorescent lamps 5 (LAI, LA2) at each pair of lamp currents (IL1, T12) · Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the ignition capacitor (C17, C18) couples the coil (L2, L3) of the serial resonance circuit and the capacitor (C15, A method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the symmetry element (TRI) is a double-winding transformer having the same revolutions in both windings. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that at least one pair of parallel connections of current measuring means (R31, R32) is provided, in particular one of the current currents -: · · "backing element (R31, R32). is connected in series to one •; *. with respect to a fluorescent lamp, that at least one pair of voltage measuring means (R25-R28), in particular the voltage j. ·. a pair of splitters, whereby one voltage measuring element (R25, R27, R26, R28) is connected in parallel with respect to one fluorescent lamp, and that all the measured quantities (ULi, UL2, Ilu Il2) ) is entered. , ·, 25 to the control and / or regulator. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that, in each case, the filaments of one fluorescent lamp can be heated in a voltage-controlled manner from one filament to the other. ·· t of the heat transformer (L5, L4) with one primary and • · · 30 secondary winding for each filament lamp * * * coil, each filament transformer (L4, L5) 32 Π 7464 is connected in parallel on the primary side to the fluorescent lamp in the ratio that it heats up in the glow coils. 34. A method according to claim 33, characterized in that for each glow transformer (L4, L5), in each case, a primary current measuring element (R10, R11) is connected to the series on the primary side, the respective output signal (IL1, Il2) being and / or a control device (17) for detecting the glow coil state and for transmitting the fault signal. io A method according to claim 26 and claim 29 or 33, characterized in that the direct current component is provided in the lamp current by a zener diode (V16, V17) connected in series to the filament transformer (s) (l4, l5). · »• · I M • • • • • • • • • • • * • * · · · · ·. • * »· · • · · **** '····· * · · * · ···· ♦ · * ♦ · · * ♦ · ··· • · * • · a. * · · ♦ ··· ··· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·