JP2001102189A - Apparatus for lighting a discharge lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for lighting a discharge lamp that may reduce the size, weight and cost of the socket. SOLUTION: In addition to a pair of output lines 4a and 4b led from a light circuit 5 to light the discharge lamp, a power supply line 10 is provided to supply a power to a starting circuit 2 of the discharge lamp. The power is supplied from the lighting circuit 5 through the power supply line 10, the auxiliary electrode 8 of the lamp socket 1, peripheral electrode 6, and the output line 4a to the starting circuit 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a discharge lamp lighting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-298190 has a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the DC power supply 50 is used as a power supply,
Lighting circuit 5 composed of an inverter circuit that controls the voltage and power required by the inverter and converts it into AC and stabilizes it.
1, a starting circuit 53 for generating a high voltage (for example, 20 kV) required to start the discharge lamp 52, and a lamp 54 supporting the discharge lamp 52.

[0003] The discharge lamp lighting device thus configured is
When the discharge lamp lighting device is operated in a state where the discharge lamp 52 is not connected, a discharge occurs between the electrodes to which the discharge lamp 52 is connected due to the high voltage (for example, 20 kV) generated in the starting circuit 53.

FIG. 8 shows a discharge lamp lighting device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-298190 as another conventional example for preventing this. In FIG. 8, the lamp socket 1 has a built-in starting circuit 2 including a pulse transformer 2a and an igniter main circuit 2b for generating a pulse voltage in a primary winding 2Q of the pulse transformer 2a in a housing at a rear portion of the socket portion 1a. One output line 4a of the lighting circuit 5 composed of an inverter circuit for converting the DC power supply 9 into AC is connected to the outer peripheral electrode 6 on the outer periphery of the socket portion 1a, and the other output line 4b is connected to the pulse transformer 2a Next winding 2P
Is connected to the center electrode 7 at the center of the socket portion 1a through
The igniter main circuit 2b has one of a pair of power supply terminals for receiving power supply connected to a connection point between the lighting circuit 5 and the secondary winding 2P of the pulse transformer 2a, and the other connected to the lamp socket 1
The structure is connected to the auxiliary electrode 8 of FIG. In the configuration of this conventional example, when a discharge lamp (not shown) is mounted in the socket portion 1a, the auxiliary electrode 8 is connected to the outer peripheral electrode 6 through the conductive portion of the discharge lamp, and the power is supplied from the lighting circuit 5 to the igniter main circuit 2b. Is supplied, the starting circuit 2 operates, and when the discharge lamp is not mounted, power is not supplied to the igniter main circuit 2b, and the starting circuit 2 does not operate.

[0005]

The discharge lamp lighting device shown in FIG. 8 is safer than the one shown in FIG. 7 because the starting circuit 2 does not operate when the discharge lamp is not mounted. Since the power supply to the igniter main circuit 2b of the circuit 2 is such that the output voltage of the lighting circuit 5 is applied as it is, the voltage applied to the igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2 cannot be arbitrarily selected ( For example, in a lighting circuit (see FIG. 9) as disclosed in JP-A-6-349586, a voltage twice as high as the voltage supplied from the lighting circuit is applied to the primary side of the pulse transformer.) Needs to have a large turns ratio as the pulse transformer 2a for generating the
The shape of “a” becomes large. Alternatively, it is necessary to provide a booster circuit in the starting circuit 2, and as a result, the number of electronic components increases, and a large storage space is occupied.

Therefore, if a heavy pulse transformer is built in a lamp socket (socket) with a built-in starting circuit or the shape of the lamp socket becomes large for the above-described reason, the vehicle headlight device may be used. Is Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
As shown in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 315630, the optical axis of the discharge lamp is likely to be deviated due to vibration during traveling, which is a factor that hinders the stability of the optical axis. In addition, the size of the lamp socket cannot be reduced, which causes an increase in cost.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a discharge lamp lighting device capable of reducing the size, weight, and cost of a socket.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 includes a discharge lamp, a lighting circuit for lighting the discharge lamp, and a starting circuit for lighting the discharge lamp. A socket for mounting the discharge lamp,
In the lighting circuit, at least one of a pair of output lines for lighting output for stably lighting the discharge lamp connected to the discharge lamp via the starting circuit, and a power supply line for supplying power to the starting circuit. And a power supply unit configured to supply power to the starting circuit only when the discharge lamp is mounted in the socket.

Therefore, when the discharge lamp is not connected to the socket, power is not supplied to the starting circuit and a high-voltage pulse is not generated between the electrodes of the socket, so that damage to the socket and accidents can be prevented. In addition, since a power supply line for supplying power to the starting circuit is newly provided separately from a pair of output lines for lighting output for stably lighting the discharge lamp, it is possible to arbitrarily set the power to be supplied to the starting circuit. By appropriately setting the supplied power, it is possible to prevent the starting circuit from being increased in size and weight in order to generate a high-voltage pulse, and to reduce the cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a DC voltage is applied to the power supply line to the starting circuit from the lighting circuit via one of output lines. It is characterized by. Therefore, one of the output lines can be shared by a pair.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the DC voltage applied to the power supply line to the starting circuit is supplied to a pulse transformer for generating a high-voltage pulse in the discharge lamp. Is supplied. Therefore, a high-pressure pulse can be generated in the discharge lamp.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the lighting circuit has a bridge circuit, and the direct-current voltage includes an output voltage of the bridge circuit. The bridge circuit is controlled. Therefore, the DC voltage supplied to the starting circuit can be increased.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the output voltage of the bridge circuit is set to a negative potential with respect to a housing housing the bridge circuit. Therefore, the discharge lamp can be turned on at a negative potential with respect to the housing, and the life of the discharge lamp is prolonged.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the starting circuit has a switching element made of a semiconductor element, and the switching circuit operates through the switching operation of the switching element. Thus, a high-voltage pulse is generated in the starting circuit. This configuration is a desirable embodiment of the starting circuit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the starting circuit has a switching element serving as a spark gap, and the switching circuit operates via a switching operation of the switching element. A high voltage pulse is generated in the starting circuit. This configuration is a desirable embodiment of the starting circuit.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the lighting circuit, the starting circuit, and the socket are integrated. This configuration is a desirable embodiment of the discharge lamp lighting device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the power supply means supplies power to the starting circuit via one of the electrodes of the discharge lamp. It is characterized by doing. Therefore, power can be supplied to the starting circuit only when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the power supply means supplies electric power to the starting circuit via a conductive material other than an electrode of the discharge lamp. Is supplied. Therefore, power can be supplied to the starting circuit only when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the power supply means is provided inside the socket when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket. Power is supplied to the starting circuit by switching a switch mechanism. Therefore, power can be supplied to the starting circuit only when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket.

[0020]

(Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, the same components as those in FIG. 8 showing the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG.
A pair of output lines 4a and 4b for lighting output for stably lighting the discharge lamp is connected between a lighting circuit 5 for lighting the discharge lamp and the lamp socket 1 as a socket to which the discharge lamp is mounted. 8 is the same as FIG. 8 except that power is newly supplied to the starting circuit 2 and a power supply line 10 constituting power supply means is connected together with the output lines 4a and 4b.
And different. 8, one of a pair of power supply terminals of the igniter main circuit 2b is connected to a connection point between the output line 4b from the lighting circuit 5 and the secondary winding 2P of the pulse transformer 2a. FIG. 1 also differs in that one of the power supply terminals is connected to a power supply line 10. Here, a voltage of, for example, about 300 to 400 V is applied between the pair of output lines 4a and 4b when the discharge lamp is started. 8, the starting circuit 2 includes a pulse transformer 2a and an igniter main circuit 2b, and is arranged inside the lamp socket 1.

The discharge lamp shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on the socket portion 1a of the lamp socket 1 shown in FIG. Discharge lamp 22
As shown in FIG. 2, the base 29, the lamp socket 1
The center electrode 25 of the base 29 where the center electrode 7 contacts, the outer electrode 26 of the base 29 where the outer electrode 6 of the lamp socket 1 and the auxiliary electrode 8 come into contact, and the lamp socket 1 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base 29. It has a fixed pin 27 for holding the discharge lamp 22 and a peripheral wall portion 28 located on the outer periphery of the central electrode 25.

The auxiliary electrode 8 of the lamp socket 1 has the same configuration as the outer electrode 6 and is provided concentrically with the outer electrode 6 with the center electrode 7 as the center. The outer electrode 6 and the auxiliary electrode 8 are connected to the discharge lamp 22. When the base 29 is mounted on the lamp socket 1, the outer peripheral electrodes 26 of the base 29 are connected in phase. Further, a mounting slit 19 for fixing the fixing pin 27 and holding the discharge lamp in the lamp socket 1 is provided in the lamp socket 1 by inserting and rotating the base portion 29 of the discharge lamp 22 into the lamp socket 1.

When the discharge lamp 22 is mounted on the lamp socket 1, the output line 4 b from the lighting circuit 5 is connected to the secondary winding 2 P of the pulse transformer 2 a of the starting circuit 2 and the center electrode 7.
And the output line 4 a from the lighting circuit 5 is connected to the discharge lamp 22 via the outer peripheral electrode 6.

When the discharge lamp 22 is connected to the lamp socket 1, the outer peripheral electrode 6 and the auxiliary electrode 8 of the lamp socket 1 are connected to the base 29 of the discharge lamp 22 as described above.
Of the lighting circuit 5 →
Power supply line 10 → igniter main circuit 2b → auxiliary electrode 8 → outer electrode 26 of discharge lamp 22 → outer electrode 6 → output line 4
a → DC voltage is supplied to the igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2 through the path of the lighting circuit 5, and a high-voltage pulse is applied between the central electrode 25 and the outer peripheral electrode 26 of the discharge lamp 22 via the pulse transformer 2a. Then, the discharge lamp 22 is discharged. Thus, the power supply line 1 to the starting circuit 2
A DC voltage is applied from 0 to the lighting circuit 5 via the output line 4a, and this DC voltage supplies power to the pulse transformer 2a for generating a high-voltage pulse in the discharge lamp 22.

With the above configuration, when the discharge lamp 22 is not mounted on the lamp socket 1, no voltage is applied to the igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2, so that no high-voltage pulse is generated, and It is safe even under a load, and when the discharge lamp 22 is mounted on the lamp socket 1, the discharge lamp 22 can be started as described above.

According to this embodiment, when the discharge lamp is not connected to the lamp socket 1, no power is supplied to the starting circuit 2 and no high-voltage pulse is generated between the electrodes of the lamp socket 1. Power supply to the starting circuit 2 is provided separately from the output lines 4a and 4b, so that the power to be supplied to the starting circuit 2 is supplied to the lighting circuit 5. Can be set arbitrarily, and by suitably setting the supplied power,
The step-up ratio (turn ratio) of the pulse transformer 2a for generating a high-voltage pulse can be set so as not to be large, and the size, weight, and cost of the pulse transformer 2a can be reduced.
It is possible to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the lamp socket 1 incorporating the lamp socket.

(Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the same components as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. 3, the lighting circuit 5 of FIG. 1 has the following internal configuration. First, a series circuit of the primary winding N1 of the flyback transformer T1 and the switching element S0 is connected to both ends of the DC power supply 9, and one end of the secondary winding N2 of the flyback transformer T1 is connected to the cathode of the diode D1. The other end of the secondary winding N2 is connected to the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer T1, and
A capacitor C1 is connected between the other end of the next winding N2 and the anode of the diode D1. The anode of the diode D2 is connected to one end of the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer T1 which is not connected to the secondary winding N2,
A capacitor C2 is connected between the other end of the tertiary winding N3 and the cathode of the diode D2. Here, the DC voltage circuit 11 is constituted by the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer T1, the diode D2, and the capacitor C2.

A series circuit of a switching element S1 and a switching element S3 and a series circuit of a switching element S2 and a switching element S4 are connected to both ends of the capacitor C1.
The output line 4a is output from the connection point 3 and is connected to the outer peripheral electrode 6 of the lamp socket 1. The output line 4b is output from the connection point of the switching element S2 and the switching element S4. It is connected to the secondary winding 2P. Here, the switching elements S1 to S4
Constitutes a bridge circuit FB, and the switching of the switching elements S1 to S4 is controlled by the control unit 18.

The connection point between the diode D2 and the capacitor C2 is connected to one end of a resistor R1, and the other end of the resistor R1 is connected to an igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2 as a power supply line 10 to the starting circuit 2. I have. Note that the negative side of the DC power supply 9 is connected to the ground FG.

The operation of the thus configured discharge lamp lighting device will be described. DC power supply 9 is flyback transformer T
1. By a switching operation of the switching element S0 of the DC / DC converter constituted by the switching element S0, the diode D1, and the capacitor C1, a predetermined voltage (300 to 300 V when the discharge lamp is started) is applied across the bridge circuit FB (both ends of the capacitor C1). 400V).
At this time, a predetermined voltage is also generated in the capacitor C2 via the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer t1.

When the discharge lamp is started, the control unit 18 controls the switching elements S2 and S3 of the bridge circuit FB to be turned on, and the central electrode 7 of the lamp socket 1 is turned on.
A predetermined voltage required at the time of starting the discharge lamp is applied between the electrode and the outer peripheral electrode 6. At this time, the discharge lamp is
If it is mounted on the capacitor C2 → resistor R1 →
Igniter main circuit 2b of starting circuit 2 → auxiliary electrode 8 of lamp socket 1 → discharge lamp electrode (not shown) connected to auxiliary electrode 8 of lamp socket 1 and outer peripheral electrode 6 →
A DC voltage is applied to the igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2 through a path of the outer peripheral electrode 6 of the lamp socket 1, the output line 4a, the switching element S3, the capacitor C1, and the capacitor C2. Flows, a high-voltage pulse is generated in the secondary winding 2P, and the discharge lamp is started.

On the other hand, when the bridge circuit FB is controlled so that the switching elements S1 and S4 are turned on, a necessary voltage is applied between the central electrode 7 and the outer peripheral electrode 6 of the lamp socket 1 when starting the discharge lamp. However, the voltage applied to the igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2 is a capacitor C
2 is only the voltage between both ends.

As described above, the switching elements S2 and S
By controlling the bridge circuit FB so as to turn on the capacitor C3, the capacitor C, which is the output voltage of the bridge circuit FB,
1 and the voltage of the capacitor C2, which is the output voltage of the DC voltage circuit 11, are applied to the starting circuit 2 in an additive manner, that is, the voltage including the output voltage of the bridge circuit FB is supplied to the starting circuit 2. Thus, the voltage of the capacitor C2 and the number of turns of the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer T1 can be reduced, and the size and cost of the capacitor and the flyback transformer can be reduced.

After the discharge lamp is turned on, the voltage supplied from the lighting circuit 5 to the discharge lamp is reduced to a voltage at which the discharge lamp is stably turned on, and the voltage supplied to the starting circuit 2 generates a high-voltage pulse. The starting circuit 2 is stopped and the switching element S of the bridge circuit FB is stopped.
1, S3 and the switching elements S2, S4 are alternately turned on, and the diagonal switching elements S1, S4 and the switching elements S2, S3
The switching operation that turns on each at the same time,
A high-frequency current is applied to the discharge lamp via the output lines 4a and 4b, and the discharge lamp is lit stably.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 3, the voltage supplied to the starting circuit 2 via the power supply line 10 can be arbitrarily set by changing the values of the capacitor C2 and the resistor R1. , The starting circuit 2a can obtain a desired supply power without increasing the size of the pulse transformer 2a or providing a booster circuit.
It is possible to prevent an increase in the size, weight, and cost of a lamp socket containing the lamp socket.

(Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
Will be described with reference to FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. 4 is different from FIG. 3 in that the DC voltage circuit 1 in FIG.
1 is configured so as to generate a voltage more negative than the ground FG (for example, a stable potential that is substantially the same as the housing), and in FIG. 4, the igniter main circuit 3b specifically includes a capacitor C3. , Resistors R2, R3, and R4, a trigger element D3, a thyristor S5 serving as a switching element and a semiconductor element, and a diode D4.

That is, in the DC voltage circuit 11, one end of the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer T1 constituting the DC voltage circuit 11 is connected to the anode of the diode D1, and the tertiary winding N3
Is connected to the cathode of the diode D2, and a capacitor C2 is connected between one end of the tertiary winding N3 and the anode of the diode D2. One end of a resistor R1 is connected to a connection point between the anode of the diode D2 and the capacitor C2, and the other end of the resistor R1 is connected to the igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2 as a power supply line 10 to the starting circuit 2. .

As the igniter main circuit 2b,
A capacitor C3 is connected between the power supply line 10 and the auxiliary electrode 8, and a series circuit of a resistor R2 and a resistor R3 is connected to both ends of the capacitor C3. The connection point between the resistors R2 and R3 is connected via a trigger element D3 and a resistor R4 to the gate of a thyristor S5 connected in series with the primary winding 2Q of the pulse transformer 2a at both ends of the capacitor C3. . This thyristor S5 has a diode D
4 are connected in anti-parallel.

The operation of the thus configured discharge lamp lighting device will be described. A bridge circuit F is formed by a DC / DC converter including a flyback transformer T1, a switching element S0, a diode D1, and a capacitor C1.
B, a predetermined voltage is generated at both ends of the switching element S.
1, S4 is turned on, and a voltage required for starting the discharge lamp is applied between the central electrode 7 and the outer peripheral electrode 6 of the lamp socket 1.

At the same time, when the discharge lamp is mounted on the lamp socket 1, a predetermined voltage is generated at both ends of the capacitor C2 by the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer T1, and the capacitor C2 → capacitor C1 → switching. Element S1 → outer peripheral electrode 6 of lamp socket 1 → auxiliary electrode 8 of lamp socket 1 and electrode (not shown) of a discharge lamp connected to outer peripheral electrode 6 → auxiliary electrode 8 of lamp socket
The voltage is charged to the charging capacitor C3 of the igniter main circuit 2b through the path of the capacitor C3, the resistor R1, and the capacitor C2. Then, when the voltage divided by the resistors R2 and R3 of the voltage across the capacitor C3 exceeds the trigger voltage of the trigger element D3, the thyristor S5 is turned on and a current flows through the primary winding 2Q of the pulse transformer 2a to cause a secondary winding. Line 2
A high-voltage pulse is applied to P to start the discharge lamp.

As shown in FIG. 4, the DC voltage circuit 11 is configured to generate a voltage lower than the ground potential which is substantially equal to the case of the discharge lamp lighting device housing the lighting circuit 5 and the like. In addition to the effects, the voltages of the output lines 4a and 4b and the power supply line 10 can be reduced as compared with the case of FIG. 3, and the structure of the discharge lamp lighting device can be made to have a structure with a small withstand voltage. Can be

(Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. 5 is different from FIG. 3 in that the bridge circuit F shown in FIG.
B, the connection side of the switching element S1 and the switching element S2 is connected to the ground FG, and the bridge circuit FB
And the starting circuit 2
Igniter main circuit 2b is composed of a capacitor C4, a discharge resistor R5, and a spark gap (discharge gap) S6 as a switching element, and a filter circuit F including a capacitor C5 and an inductor L1 at the output of the DC voltage circuit 11. Are connected. In FIG. 5, the lamp socket 1 is provided with a reflector 12 for adjusting the light distribution of the discharge lamp, and is connected to the ground FG to have the same potential as the housing.

More specifically, the DC voltage circuit 11 of the lighting circuit 5
Is connected to a resistor R1 connected to the inductor L of the filter circuit F.
1, one end of the inductor L1 is connected via a power supply line 10 to one end of a capacitor C4 of the igniter main circuit 2b, and the other end of the capacitor C4 is connected to an auxiliary electrode 8 of the lamp socket 1. ing. One end of the capacitor C5 is connected to a connection point between the resistor R1 and the inductor L1, and the other end of the capacitor C5 is connected to the switching elements S1 and S1 of the bridge circuit FB connected to the ground FG.
2 connection points. A resistor R5 is connected to both ends of the capacitor C4 of the igniter main circuit 2b, and a series circuit of the spark gap S6 and the primary winding 2Q of the pulse transformer 2a is connected to both ends of the resistor R5.

The operation of the thus-configured discharge lamp lighting device will be described. A bridge circuit F is formed by a DC / DC converter including a flyback transformer T1, a switching element S0, a diode D1, and a capacitor C1.
A predetermined voltage is generated at both ends of B (both ends of the capacitor C1), and the switching elements S2 and S3 are controlled so as to be in an on state. When the discharge lamp is started between the central electrode 7 and the outer peripheral electrode 6 of the lamp socket 1 Apply the required voltage.

At the same time, when the discharge lamp is mounted on the lamp socket 1, a predetermined voltage is generated at both ends of the capacitor C2 by the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer T1, and the capacitor C2 → the resistor R1 → the inductor. L1 →
Capacitor C4 → auxiliary electrode 8 of lamp socket 1 → discharge lamp electrode (not shown) connected to auxiliary electrode 8 and outer electrode 6 of lamp socket 1 → outer electrode 6 of lamp socket → switching element S3 → capacitor C1 → The capacitor C4 of the igniter main circuit 2b is charged with a voltage through the path of the capacitor C2. When the voltage across the capacitor C4 exceeds the trigger voltage of the spark gap S6, the spark gap 6 is turned on, a current flows through the primary winding 2Q of the pulse transformer 2a, and a high-voltage pulse is applied to the secondary winding 2P to discharge. The light starts. Other operations are the same as those in FIG.

In this embodiment, the bridge circuit FB
Connection point of the switching elements S1 and S2 of the
And the output voltage of the bridge circuit FB is set to a negative potential with respect to the potential of the housing, so that in addition to the effects described in the above embodiments, the discharge lamp is more negative than the housing (reflection plate 12). Lighting can be performed at a potential, which has the effect of extending the life of the discharge lamp.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 3 is that, in FIG. 6, when the discharge lamp is mounted in the lamp socket 1, the discharge lamp is pushed in the mounting direction (P direction) of the discharge lamp and the electric wire supply line 10 of the igniter main circuit 2b.
The lamp socket 1 is provided with a mechanical component 13 that moves so as to turn on a mechanical switch S7 provided between one end on the side not connected to the output line 4a and the output line 4a.

For this purpose, when the discharge lamp is mounted on the lamp socket 1, the capacitor C2 → the resistor R1 → the igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2 → the auxiliary electrode 8 of the lamp socket 1 → the auxiliary of the lamp socket 1 in FIG. An electrode (not shown) of the discharge lamp connected to the electrode 8 and the outer peripheral electrode 6 → the outer peripheral electrode 6 of the lamp socket 1 → the output line 4a → the switching element S3 → the capacitor C1 → the capacitor C2. 6, the capacitor C2 → the resistor R1 → the igniter main circuit 2b of the starting circuit 2 → the mechanism switch S7 → the output line 4a in FIG.
A DC voltage is applied to the starting circuit 2 through the path of the switching element S3, the capacitor C1, and the capacitor C2. Here, the auxiliary electrode 8 is not provided in the lamp socket 1 in FIG.

In FIG. 6, instead of supplying power to the starting circuit 2 through the electrodes of the discharge lamp as shown in FIG.
The power is supplied to the starting circuit 2 by switching so that the switch mechanism including the mechanism switch S7 and the mechanical component 13 provided inside is turned on.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since power is not supplied to the starting circuit 2 through the auxiliary electrode 8 and the outer peripheral electrode 6 of the lamp socket 1 as shown in FIG. A power line different from the output line 4a is wired from the lighting circuit 5, and a DC voltage that is not related to the output voltage of the bridge circuit FB is transmitted from the lighting circuit 5 to the starting circuit 2 by two lines of the power line and the power supply line 10. It becomes possible to supply.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a DC voltage is supplied from the lighting circuit 5 to the starting circuit 2 through the electrodes of the discharge lamp. However, a conductive material other than the electrodes is supplied to the base of the discharge lamp. A power may be supplied to the starting circuit 2 through the provision.

In each of the above embodiments, the lighting circuit 5, the starting circuit 2, and the lamp socket 1 may be formed integrally.

In each of the above embodiments, the inverter of the lighting circuit 5 is a flyback type DC / DC converter (flyback transformer T1, switching element S0,
Although the DC voltage circuit 11 is composed of the diode D1 and the capacitor C1) and the full bridge inverter (bridge circuit FB), and the DC voltage circuit 11 is composed of the tertiary winding N3 of the flyback transformer T1, the diode D2, and the capacitor C2.
The gist of the present invention is that, only when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket, the power supply means is provided so that a DC voltage is supplied from the lighting circuit to the starting circuit inside the socket.
It goes without saying that another circuit configuration may be used.

[0054]

As described above, the invention of claim 1 includes a discharge lamp, a lighting circuit for lighting the discharge lamp, and a starting circuit for lighting the discharge lamp, for mounting the discharge lamp. A socket, and a pair of output lines for a lighting output for stably lighting a discharge lamp connected to the discharge lamp at least one of which is connected to the lighting circuit via the starting circuit,
A power supply line for supplying power to the starting circuit, and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the starting circuit only when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket. When the discharge lamp is not connected to the socket, power is not supplied to the starting circuit and no high-voltage pulse is generated between the electrodes of the socket, so that damage to the socket and accidents can be prevented, and the starting circuit By newly providing a power supply line for supplying power in addition to a pair of output lines for lighting output for stably lighting the discharge lamp, it is possible to arbitrarily set the power to be supplied to the starting circuit. Is set appropriately, it is possible to prevent the starting circuit from increasing in size and weight in order to generate a high-voltage pulse, and to achieve cost reduction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a DC voltage is applied to the power supply line to the starting circuit from one of the output lines from the lighting circuit. , One of the pair of output lines can be shared.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the DC voltage applied to the power supply line to the starting circuit is supplied to a pulse transformer for generating a high-voltage pulse in the discharge lamp. , A high-pressure pulse can be generated in the discharge lamp.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the lighting circuit has a bridge circuit, and the DC voltage includes an output voltage of the bridge circuit. Since the bridge circuit is controlled, the DC voltage supplied to the starting circuit can be increased.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the output voltage of the bridge circuit is set to a negative potential with respect to a housing for housing the bridge circuit. As a result, the lamp can be lit at a negative potential, and the life of the discharge lamp is prolonged.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the starting circuit has a switching element made of a semiconductor element, and the switching circuit operates through the switching operation of the switching element. As a result, a high-voltage pulse is generated in the starting circuit, so that the same effects as those of the claims can be obtained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the starting circuit has a switching element serving as a spark gap, and the switching circuit operates via a switching operation of the switching element. Since a high-voltage pulse is generated in the starting circuit, the same effects as those of the claims can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 8 is the same as any one of claims 1 to 7, because the lighting circuit, the starting circuit, and the socket are integrated with each other. The effect is obtained.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the power supply means supplies electric power to the starting circuit via one of the electrodes of the discharge lamp. Therefore, power can be supplied to the starting circuit only when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the power supply means supplies electric power to the starting circuit via a conductive material other than the electrodes of the discharge lamp. Therefore, power can be supplied to the starting circuit only when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the power supply means is provided inside the socket when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket. Since power is supplied to the starting circuit by switching the switch mechanism, power can be supplied to the starting circuit only when the discharge lamp is mounted on the socket.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a discharge lamp lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially broken sectional view showing the structure of the discharge lamp in the discharge lamp lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a discharge lamp lighting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a discharge lamp lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a discharge lamp lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a discharge lamp lighting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a conventional discharge lamp lighting device.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of another conventional discharge lamp lighting device.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of still another conventional discharge lamp lighting device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 lamp socket 2 starting circuit 2a pulse transformer 2b igniter main circuit 4a output line 4b output line 5 lighting circuit 6 outer electrode 7 center electrode 8 auxiliary electrode 9 DC power supply 10 power supply line

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A discharge lamp, a lighting circuit for lighting the discharge lamp, and a socket for mounting the discharge lamp including a starting circuit for lighting the discharge lamp, wherein the lighting circuit has at least One of the discharge lamps includes a pair of output lines for lighting output for stably lighting the discharge lamp connected to the discharge lamp via the start circuit, and a power supply line for supplying power to the start circuit. A discharge lamp lighting device, characterized by further comprising a power supply means configured to supply power to the starting circuit only when is mounted on the socket. 2. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a DC voltage is applied to the power supply line to the starting circuit from the lighting circuit via one of output lines. 3. The discharge lamp according to claim 2, wherein the DC voltage applied to a power supply line to the starting circuit supplies power to a pulse transformer for generating a high-voltage pulse to the discharge lamp. Lighting device. 4. The lighting circuit according to claim 2, wherein the lighting circuit includes a bridge circuit, and the bridge circuit is controlled such that the DC voltage includes an output voltage of the bridge circuit. Discharge lamp lighting device. 5. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 4, wherein an output voltage of said bridge circuit is set to a negative potential with respect to a housing housing said bridge circuit. 6. The starting circuit according to claim 1, wherein the starting circuit has a switching element made of a semiconductor element, and a high-voltage pulse is generated in the starting circuit through a switching operation of the switching element. A discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of the above. 7. The starting circuit according to claim 1, wherein the starting circuit includes a switching element having a spark gap, and a high-voltage pulse is generated in the starting circuit through a switching operation of the switching element. 2. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 1. 8. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting circuit, the starting circuit, and the socket are integrated.
The discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 1, wherein said power supply means supplies power to said starting circuit via one of said discharge lamp electrodes. . 10. The discharge lamp according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit supplies power to the starting circuit via a conductive material other than an electrode of the discharge lamp. Lighting device. 11. The power supply means supplies power to the starting circuit by switching a switch mechanism provided inside the socket when the discharge lamp is mounted in the socket. The discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.