JP2007080740A - Discharge lamp lighting device and lighting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the life end state or cumulative lighting time of a discharge lamp regardless of a kind, a state, a manufacturer, or using environment of the discharge lamp. <P>SOLUTION: A ratio (Rh/Rc) of filament resistance values at a point of time at actual starting of the discharge lamp 1 is detected from the computing result of a computing means. Since a hot resistance value (Rh) of the filament at the point of time of starting is affected by a degree of wear of an emitter of the discharge lamp independent of the kind or state of the discharge lamp, the degree of wear (the accumulated lighting time) of the emitter of the discharge lamp can be found by the magnitude of the ratio to cold resistance values. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a discharge lamp lighting device for lighting a hot cathode discharge lamp, and an illumination device using the discharge lamp lighting device.

  In the hot cathode type discharge lamp, the emitter of the filament is worn out as the lighting time elapses, and eventually the emitter is depleted and the lifetime is reached. However, in the process of reaching the complete life, that is, the point of failure, the lighting may continue to be performed in a state that does not change from the stable lighting in appearance. However, in this state, the wear of the emitter of the filament has progressed considerably, which can cause overloading and damage to the lighting device, or the filament can rise in temperature excessively, and this heat can cause the glass to be made of glass or resin at the end of the bulb. In some cases, secondary sockets such as falling and bursting may be caused by melting the socket. For this reason, many proposals have been made in the past to detect the end of life of a discharge lamp and to reduce or stop energizing the discharge lamp to prevent the above-described problems.

  In addition, in order to prevent unexpected problems due to the life of the discharge lamp, or the above-mentioned problems caused by continuing lighting at the end of life, by measuring the cumulative lighting time of the discharge lamp, In addition, there is a proposal for a technique that promotes lamp replacement by estimating the service life.

  Furthermore, in order to compensate for the attenuation of light output due to the aging of the discharge lamp, a technique that measures the accumulated lighting time and increases the light output according to the accumulated lighting time, thereby making the light output constant during the life of the discharge lamp. Has also been proposed.

  However, since most of the conventional end-of-life detection means detect lamp voltage and lamp current, there is still room for improvement in terms of detection accuracy. In other words, at the end of the lifetime when the lamp is lit in a state where it does not change from the stable lighting, the degree of change is not so great whether it is the lamp voltage or the lamp current, and detection may be difficult. In addition, the lamp voltage and lamp current fluctuate relatively depending on the type of discharge lamp, the manufacturer, and even the same discharge lamp depending on the ambient temperature in the usage environment. If the determination level to be detected is increased, the accuracy of abnormality detection is reduced.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 focuses on the resistance value of the filament and detects the time until the ratio (Rh / Rc) between the cold resistance value (Rc) and the preheated warm resistance value (Rh) reaches a predetermined value. A technique for determining that the discharge lamp is at the end of its life when this time is less than a preset minimum preheating time is shown. The predetermined value of the ratio of the resistance values (Rh / Rc) is a temperature resistance value and a cold resistance value when the filament is preheated to such a state that the starting voltage of the discharge lamp can be reduced and the damage to the filament can be reduced. It is said that this value does not depend much on the specification of the filament. Therefore, applying the starting voltage in the vicinity of the predetermined value is effective for extending the life of the filament, that is, the discharge lamp. Patent Document 1 uses the phenomenon that if the emitter is worn, the heat capacity of the filament is reduced and the temperature rises quickly, and the discharge lamp has a function of reaching the predetermined value of the resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc). It detects the end of life.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 discloses a method for measuring the cumulative lighting time of a discharge lamp using timer means and storage means.
JP 2004-221027 A JP 2001-15276 A

  However, Patent Document 1 has not yet been sufficient for the types of discharge lamps, variations among individual discharge lamps, or differences in filament design among manufacturers. That is, recently, a discharge lamp lighting device has been realized in which different discharge lamps such as FL40, FLR40, and FHF32 are lit by the same lighting device, but the cold resistance value (Rc) of these discharge lamps and the resistance after preheating are realized. The time until the ratio (Rh / Rc) to the value (Rh) reaches a predetermined value may differ depending on the type of the discharge lamp and the manufacturer.

  Further, even for the same discharge lamp, the resistance ratio (Rh / Rc) suitable for starting varies depending on the cumulative lighting time, that is, the degree of wear of the emitter. That is, a discharge lamp having a long cumulative lighting time has a higher resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) suitable for starting than a small discharge lamp.

  Therefore, fluctuations according to the type and state of the discharge lamp as described above cannot be sufficiently covered by the technique of Patent Document 1 or are limited by the type of discharge lamp to be determined.

  Moreover, the thing of patent document 2 requires the timer means which measures lighting time, and the processing means accompanying timekeeping specially, and the cost of an apparatus will be correspondingly raised.

  The present invention pays attention to the ratio (Rh / Rc) between the temperature resistance value (Rh) and the cold resistance value (Rc) of the filament when the discharge lamp is actually started, and based on this ratio (Rh / Rc). An object of the present invention is to provide a discharge lamp lighting device capable of detecting, for example, an end-of-life state of a discharge lamp and an accumulated lighting time by using the detection result.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a discharge lamp lighting device that can control the output of the lighting device at the end of the life of the discharge lamp to prevent breakage of the lighting device, melting of the bulb of the discharge lamp, and the like.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a discharge lamp lighting device that can estimate the cumulative lighting time of a discharge lamp using a means other than the time measured by a timer means.

  Moreover, it aims at providing the illuminating device provided with the same effect | action as any or all of said discharge lamp lighting device.

  A discharge lamp lighting device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a lighting means for lighting a hot cathode discharge lamp; a preheating means for preheating a filament of the discharge lamp; a resistance value detecting means for detecting a resistance value of the filament; A storage means for storing data such as a filament resistance value detected by the value detection means; a ratio (Rh) of the cold resistance value (Rc) when the filament is not preheated and the warm resistance value (Rh) of the filament after the start of preheating / Rc) when the first condition set in advance is reached, starting means for applying a starting voltage to the discharge lamp; starting detection means for detecting start of the discharge lamp; and release detected by the starting detection means Calculating means for calculating a ratio (Rh / Rc) of the filament resistance value at the time when the electric lamp is started.

  In the invention described in claim 1 and the following invention, the definitions and technical meanings of terms are as follows.

  The hot cathode type discharge lamp has a preheated filament electrode, and may be used for general lighting, sterilization, decoration, etc. Any shape such as a so-called compact shape may be used.

  The lighting means, the preheating means, and the starting means may be configured separately, or the main parts may be configured in common. The typical examples that are configured separately have separate power supplies or frequency converters, and the typical examples that are configured to share the main part are common for the power supply or frequency converter and for lighting. The circuit unit, the preheating circuit unit, and the high voltage generation circuit unit are configured separately.

  The lighting means, the preheating means or the starting means preferably include a high-frequency generator from the viewpoint of ease of output control. However, the lighting means, the preheating means or the starting means may output a DC voltage or output a commercial frequency AC voltage. May be.

  The preheating means supplies preheating power so that the temperature resistance value of the filament increases after the filament preheating starts, and a constant current type or a constant voltage type that is generally used can be used. Further, stopping or reducing the supply of the preheating power after starting and lighting the discharge lamp is effective for power saving, but is not limited to this.

  It is preferable that the starting means intermittently apply a starting voltage because it is less likely to forcibly start the discharge lamp, and it is easier to detect the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the filament resistance value when starting more appropriately. . However, a starting voltage may be continuously applied as long as the voltage value is not extremely forced. Depending on the method of applying the starting voltage, it is possible to set a correspondence relationship with a second condition described later and the cumulative lighting time. The first condition is preferably a ratio of resistance values when preheating is performed to a state where the damage given to the filament is small as described above, but some width is allowed in the vicinity thereof.

  Any resistance value detecting means may be used as long as it can detect the resistance value. For example, the resistance value detecting means can be obtained by calculation using detection values of the current detecting means and the voltage detecting means. In this case, the detection values of the current detection means and the voltage detection means can be converted from analog to digital and processed by, for example, a calculation means, a control means, a lighting time estimation means, a calculation means, etc., which will be described later. Is relatively simple in configuration and can be realized at low cost.

  Further, the resistance value detecting means measures the cold resistance value of its own filament and stores it in the storage means so as to obtain a ratio (filament resistance detected value / cold resistance value) with the temperature resistance value of the filament. Good. In this case, the cold resistance value is measured immediately after the filament preheating is started every time the discharge lamp is turned on (a period in which the filament temperature is not increased or negligible due to preheating). However, in the case of restarting immediately after the light is turned off, it is excluded from detection. Such a thing can be configured by using a microcomputer and storage means described later.

  However, the cold resistance value of the filament during non-preheating may not be detected. If not detected, the data of the cold resistance value created separately may be input to the storage means.

  The start detection means may be any means as long as it can detect that the discharge lamp has been started. For example, the start detection means can be configured by means for detecting a lamp current or light output.

  It is advantageous in terms of downsizing and processing speed that the calculation means is constituted by an IC, a microcomputer, or the like. In this case, it may be integrated with the storage means. The same applies to control means, lighting time estimation means, calculation means, and the like, which will be described later.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the filament resistance value at the time when the discharge lamp is actually started is detected by the calculation result of the calculation means. The temperature resistance value (Rh) of the filament at the time of actual starting is affected by the degree of wear of the emitter of the discharge lamp regardless of the type and state of the discharge lamp. It is possible to know how much the emitter of the discharge lamp is worn (what is the cumulative lighting time). Therefore, the accuracy of detection of the end of life of the discharge lamp and estimation of the cumulative lighting time is improved.

  A discharge lamp lighting device according to a second aspect of the invention comprises a lighting means for lighting a hot cathode discharge lamp; a preheating means for preheating a filament of the discharge lamp; a resistance value detecting means for detecting a resistance value of the filament; Storage means for storing data such as a filament resistance value detected by the value detection means; a temperature resistance value (Rh) of the filament increases after the start of preheating of the filament, and a cold resistance value (Rc) at the time of non-preheating A starting means for applying a starting voltage to the discharge lamp when the ratio (Rh / Rc) reaches a first preset condition; a start detecting means for detecting the start of the discharge lamp; and a detection by the start detecting means Control means for controlling the output of the lighting means by judging whether the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the filament resistance at the time when the discharge lamp is started is within a preset second condition range; It is characterized by having To.

  In the invention of claim 2, the definitions and technical meanings of terms are as follows.

  Controlling the output of the lighting means means that the output voltage of the lighting means is stopped or reduced to such an extent that the above problem due to the end-of-life discharge lamp being kept on does not occur. This can be realized, for example, by stopping the operation of the high frequency generation means or changing the output by controlling the oscillation frequency when the lighting means is composed of high frequency generation means such as an inverter. . That is, by controlling the oscillation frequency, the output of the resonance circuit normally included in the high-frequency generating means is changed, or the output is changed by using the change of the impedance value of the inductive or capacitive impedance device. Can do.

  In this case, the discharge lamp starting means can be configured to switch the oscillation frequency of the high-frequency generating means. That is, as described above, the output voltage of the high-frequency generating means can be changed by changing the frequency, and a starting voltage can be obtained.

  The range of the second condition set in advance can be arbitrarily set, may be an area having a certain width, or may define one upper limit.

  In such a discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 2, the temperature resistance value (Rh) of the filament at the time when the discharge lamp is started and lit is detected, and the ratio to the cold resistance value (Rc) stored in the storage means ( Rh / Rc) is determined. The control means determines whether or not the value of the ratio (Rh / Rc) is within a preset second condition range, and if it is within the range, the output of the lighting means is stably lit by the discharge lamp. The value is set in advance. In addition, when it is out of the range of the second condition, the output of the lighting means is stopped or reduced.

  The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 3 is a lighting means for lighting a hot cathode type discharge lamp; a preheating means for preheating a filament of the discharge lamp; a resistance value detecting means for detecting a resistance value of the filament; The filament resistance value detected by the value detection means is stored, and the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the filament resistance value (Rh) and the cold resistance value (Rc) at the time of non-preheating when the discharge lamp is started and the discharge lamp Storage means for storing data indicating the correspondence relationship with the cumulative lighting time of the first; the filament resistance value increases after the filament preheating starts, and the resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) is preset. Starting means for applying a starting voltage to the discharge lamp when the condition is reached; start detecting means for detecting start of the discharge lamp; filament at the time when the discharge lamp detected by the start detecting means is started Based on the resistance ratio (Rh / Rc), the cumulative lighting time of the discharge lamp is obtained from data indicating the correspondence between the filament resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) stored in the storage means and the cumulative lighting time of the discharge lamp. And a lighting time estimating means for estimating.

  In the invention according to the third aspect, the temperature resistance value (Rh) of the filament at the time when the discharge lamp is started and lit is detected, and the ratio (Rh / Rc) to the cold resistance value (Rc) is obtained. Based on this value, the lighting time estimation means estimates the cumulative lighting time with reference to the correspondence relationship between the resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) stored in the storage means and the cumulative lighting time of the discharge lamp.

  As an example, when the cumulative lighting time exceeds a preset time, it is displayed that it is time to replace the lamp. Thus, if the user replaces the lamp, the inconvenience caused by continuously lighting the end-of-life discharge lamp can be solved.

  As another example, the output of the lighting means is controlled so that the light output is stored in advance according to the cumulative lighting time. In this case, the data stored in advance changes the dimming degree so that the light output increases as the cumulative lighting time elapses. This makes it possible to control the light output to be constant during the life of the discharge lamp.

  However, the present invention is based on the assumption that the discharge lamp is turned off and on repeatedly, for example, every day or every week.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the resistance value detecting means is a current detecting means for detecting a current value of the filament; Voltage detecting means for detecting; A / D converting means for analog / digital conversion of detection signals of these detecting means; and calculating means for calculating a resistance value from each output signal of the A / D converting means. It is characterized by being.

  Since the invention according to claim 4 has A / D conversion means, it is suitable when the calculation means, control means and lighting time estimation means according to claims 1 to 3 are constituted by a microcomputer.

  The lighting device according to claim 5 is a lighting fixture main body; a hot cathode type discharge lamp provided in the fixture main body; and the discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for lighting the discharge lamp. And;

  The lighting device may be indoor or outdoor, and the lighting device may or may not be built in the lighting fixture body.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the ratio between the temperature resistance value and the cold resistance value of the filament at the time when the discharge lamp is actually started is detected, the wear of the emitter of the filament is determined regardless of the type and situation of the discharge lamp. The degree can be known with high accuracy.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the invention described in claim 1, since the end of life of the discharge lamp is detected and the output of the lighting means is controlled, there are various kinds of operations caused by the end-of-life discharge lamp being continuously lit. Inconvenience can be prevented.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the invention described in claim 1, since the cumulative lighting time of the discharge lamp is detected, the end of life of the discharge lamp is displayed or the light output during the life of the discharge lamp is kept constant. It can be made.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide resistance value detection means suitable for combination with a digital signal processing unit such as a microcomputer.

  According to invention of Claim 5, the illuminating device which has an effect of the invention in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 can be provided.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a lighting device, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is a hot cathode discharge lamp, 2 is a lighting means for lighting the discharge lamp, and 3 is a preheating means for preheating the filament of the discharge lamp 1. Both the lighting means 2 and the preheating means 3 supply a high frequency voltage.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a filament resistance value detecting means, which is provided corresponding to only one filament in FIG. 1, but may be provided for both filaments. The resistance value detecting means 4 detects the resistance value of the filament at a predetermined interval during the starting period of the discharge lamp 1.

  The storage means 5 receives the detection value from the resistance value detection means 4 and stores it. Further, the storage means 5 is preliminarily inputted with a certain value as the first condition and the second condition regarding the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the temperature resistance value (Rh) and the cold resistance value (Rc) of the filament. is doing.

  The starting means 6 is provided in parallel to the discharge lamp 1 so that a starting voltage can be applied to the discharge lamp 1. When the ratio (Rh / Rc) between the detected value of the resistance value detecting means 4 and the cold resistance value reaches the first condition (for example, 4.4), the starting means 4 supplies the starting voltage to the discharge lamp 1. To start.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes a start detection means for detecting the start of the discharge lamp 1, which is provided in series with the discharge lamp 1, and detects the start of the discharge lamp 1 by detecting that the lamp current has started to flow.

  When the start detecting means 7 detects the start of the discharge lamp 1, the calculating means 8 calculates the ratio (Rh / Rc) between the filament temperature resistance value (Rh) and the stored cold resistance value (Rc) at that time. Calculate. In the configuration of FIG. 1, it is determined whether or not the calculated value is less than a preset second condition (for example, 6.0). If the value is less than the second condition, the lighting means 2 is determined. Lighting power is supplied to the discharge lamp 1. Further, when the second condition is exceeded, the operation of the lighting means 2 is stopped or reduced.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the discharge lamp 1 is started, preheating power is supplied from the preheating means 3 to the filament of the discharge lamp 1 to preheat (S1). At this time, the lighting means 2 may be operating, but should not be applied with a voltage higher than the starting voltage.

  The resistance value detecting means 4 detects the resistance value of the filament at a predetermined interval, for example, 1/100 second interval (S2). The detection value is calculated by calculating a ratio with the cold resistance value (Rc) for each detection to obtain (Rh / Rc) (S3), and is compared with the first condition (4.4) (S4). ).

  When the first condition (4.4) is reached, the starting means 6 intermittently applies a starting voltage to the discharge lamp 1 (S5). Filament preheating is continued during the application period of the starting voltage (S6), and the resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) is obtained (S7). Thereafter, this operation is repeated until the discharge lamp 1 starts or until a predetermined time t2 described later elapses.

  When the start detection means 7 detects the start lighting (S8), the operation of the start means 6 is stopped (S9), and the resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) at that time is obtained (S10).

  The resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) at the time of starting lighting is compared with the second condition 6.0 (S11), and when it is less than 6.0, lighting is continued as a normal lamp. However, when it is 6.0 or more, lighting of the discharge lamp 1 is stopped at the end of the life. That is, in this embodiment, the operation of the lighting means 2 and the preheating means 3 is stopped.

  If the resistance ratio (Rh / Rc) does not reach the first condition 4.4 even after the time t1 has elapsed after the start of preheating, it is determined that the discharge lamp 1 is not installed or the filament is disconnected. Then, the starting lighting of the discharge lamp 1 is stopped (S12). If the discharge lamp 1 does not start even after the time t2 has elapsed after the start-up voltage application or preheating has started, it is determined that the life of the discharge lamp 1 has been reached and the start-up lighting of the discharge lamp 1 is stopped (S13). ).

  Next, a second embodiment of the discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the discharge lamp lighting device, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) and the cumulative lighting time, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the output voltage of the lighting means of the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, the same or corresponding parts as in FIG. In the present embodiment, the lighting means 2 is composed of a high-frequency generator, and a pair of FETs 21 and 22 connected in series constituting a half-bridge inverter and a drive circuit 23 for alternately turning on and off the FETs 21 and 22. have. Further, a DC cut capacitor 24 and a current limiting / resonant inductor 25 provided in series with the discharge lamp 1 are provided. Then, by controlling the output of the drive circuit 23 and changing the switching frequency of the pair of FETs 21 and 22, the output voltage (output power) can be changed by the resonance characteristics or the impedance characteristics of the current limiting inductor 25.

  The preheating means 3 is composed of a capacitor also serving for resonance provided between the non-power supply side filaments of the discharge lamp 1. That is, the lighting means 2 operates during preheating, and the pair of FETs 21 and 22 are alternately turned on and off, whereby a series resonance circuit including the capacitor 24, the current limiting and resonance inductor 25 and the capacitor as the preheating means 3 is obtained. The filament is preheated by this series resonance current.

  The resistance value detecting means 4 is a current detecting means 41 for detecting the current value of the filament, a voltage detecting means 42 for detecting the voltage across the filament, and analog / digital conversion of the detection signals of these detecting means 41, 42. A / D conversion means 43 and calculation means (calculation means) 44 comprising a CPU or the like for calculating a resistance value from each output signal of the A / D conversion means. The calculation means (calculation means) 44 includes a timer means 45.

  The storage means 5 stores data different from the embodiment of FIG. That is, the first condition is stored in the same manner, but the correspondence between the resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) and the cumulative lighting time is stored as shown in FIG. 4 as an example instead of the second condition. is doing. Further, the relationship between the light output and the cumulative lighting time is stored as shown in FIG. 5 as an example.

  In FIG. 4, when the resistance ratio (Rh / Rc) is 4.4, the cumulative lighting time is 0, and when it is 6.0, the accumulated lighting time is 12,000 hours. Therefore, if the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the resistance value at the actual starting lighting time of the discharge lamp 1 is calculated, the cumulative lighting time is estimated by comparing with the data of FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the light output is 70% with respect to the rated lighting when the cumulative lighting time is 0, and 100% when the cumulative lighting time is 12,000 hours, and the interval is linearly changed. That is, at the initial stage of a discharge lamp having a high light output, the light is dimmed and turned on, and the light is increased so as to compensate for the light output that attenuates as the cumulative lighting time increases.

  The calculation means 8 has an interface 82 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the calculation means (calculation means) 44 and the drive circuit 23. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the calculating means (calculating means) 44 calculates the resistance value of the filament and calculates the cold resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc). Further, the cumulative lighting time is estimated from the resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) at the time of starting lighting of the discharge lamp 1, and the drive circuit 23 is controlled so as to obtain a light output corresponding to the estimated time. That is, the calculation means 8 also functions as lighting time estimation means for estimating the cumulative lighting time of the discharge lamp 1.

  3 is a commercial AC power source, and 200 is a rectifier that rectifies an AC voltage and smoothes it as necessary.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same part as in FIG. 2 is omitted. First, the operation of the lighting means 2, the preheating means 3 and the starting means of this embodiment will be described. When starting the discharge lamp 1, the lighting means 2 is operated. Accordingly, the pair of FETs 21 and 22 are alternately turned on and off, and a resonance voltage is generated in the series resonance circuit including the capacitor 24, the inductor 25 for current limiting and resonance and the capacitor as the preheating means 3, and the filament of the discharge lamp 1 Preheated by series resonant current. In addition, the output frequency of the drive circuit 23 is controlled so that the resonance voltage at this time becomes a value insufficient to start the discharge lamp 1 (FIG. 7A).

  When the resistance value of the filament rises until it reaches the first condition, the computing means 8 changes the output frequency of the drive circuit 23 so that the resonance voltage generated in the series resonance circuit can start the discharge lamp 1 ( FIG. 7 (b)). Therefore, in this embodiment, the starting means is not required as an individual configuration.

  Furthermore, after the discharge lamp 1 is started and lit, the output frequency of the drive circuit 23 is controlled again to obtain an output voltage suitable for stable lighting (FIG. 7 (C)).

  Next, the operation is the same as that in FIG. 2 until the discharge means 1 is started and lit, the starting means is stopped, and (Rh / Rc) at the time of lighting is calculated, but in this embodiment, the calculation is performed ( The cumulative lighting time is estimated based on (Rh / Rc) (S14).

  Then, the light output is determined according to the estimated accumulated lighting time (S15), and the output frequency of the drive circuit 23 is controlled so as to obtain this light output.

  Further, the calculation means may act as a lighting time estimation means for estimating the cumulative lighting time.

  In the above embodiment, instead of the output control of the lighting means, the life of the discharge lamp may be simply displayed, and as the display means in this case, for example, the discharge lamp is forcibly blinked, An indicator lamp provided in the lighting fixture can be turned on.

  Next, an embodiment of the illumination device will be described with reference to FIG. The lighting device of the present embodiment is a ceiling-mounted lighting fixture. 81 is a lighting fixture body, 82 is a socket provided in the lighting fixture body 81, 83 is a reflector, 84 is a hot cathode discharge lamp mounted in the socket 82, and 85 is a discharge lamp built in the lighting fixture body 81. It is a lighting device.

  The illuminating device having such a configuration obtains the ratio of the filament resistance value and the cold resistance value when the hot cathode discharge lamp 84 is started and lit, detects the life state, controls the extinction of the discharge lamp 84, and the light output. Provides control or life display. As a result, inconvenience and unexpected turn-off due to continuous lighting of the discharge lamp 84 in the end of life state are reduced.

Block diagram showing a first embodiment of a discharge lamp lighting device Flow chart showing operation of the embodiment Circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of a discharge lamp lighting device The figure which shows an example of the correspondence of resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) and accumulation lighting time. Diagram showing the relationship between light output and cumulative lighting time Flow chart showing the operation of the second embodiment The figure which shows the output voltage of the lighting means of 2nd Embodiment The perspective view which shows one Embodiment of an illuminating device

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 84: Hot cathode type discharge lamp, 2: Lighting means, 3: Preheating means, 4: Resistance value detection means, 5: Storage means, 6: Start-up means, 7: Start-up detection means, 8: Calculation means, 81 : Luminaire body.

Claims (5)

Lighting means for lighting a hot cathode discharge lamp;
Preheating means for preheating the filament of the discharge lamp;
Resistance value detecting means for detecting the resistance value of the filament;
Storage means for storing data such as the filament resistance value detected by the resistance value detection means;
When the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the cold resistance value (Rc) when the filament is not preheated and the temperature resistance value (Rh) of the filament after preheating starts reaching the first preset condition, the discharge lamp is started Starting means for applying a voltage;
Start detection means for detecting the start of the discharge lamp;
Calculating means for calculating a ratio (Rh / Rc) of filament resistance values at the time when the discharge lamp detected by the start detecting means starts;
A discharge lamp lighting device comprising: Lighting means for lighting a hot cathode discharge lamp;
Preheating means for preheating the filament of the discharge lamp;
Resistance value detecting means for detecting the resistance value of the filament;
Storage means for storing data such as the filament resistance value detected by the resistance value detection means;
When the filament's thermal resistance value (Rh) increases after the start of preheating of the filament and the ratio (Rh / Rc) to the cold resistance value (Rc) at the time of non-preheating reaches a preset first condition, Starting means for applying a starting voltage;
Start detection means for detecting the start of the discharge lamp;
The output of the lighting means is controlled by determining whether or not the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the filament resistance value at the time when the discharge lamp detected by the start detection means is started is within a preset second condition range. Control means to perform;
A discharge lamp lighting device comprising: Lighting means for lighting a hot cathode discharge lamp;
Preheating means for preheating the filament of the discharge lamp;
Resistance value detecting means for detecting the resistance value of the filament;
The filament resistance value detected by the resistance value detecting means is stored, and the ratio (Rh / Rc) of the filament resistance value (Rh) at the time of starting the discharge lamp and the cold resistance value (Rc) at the time of non-preheating is released. Storage means for storing data indicating a correspondence relationship with the cumulative lighting time of the lamp;
Starting means for applying a starting voltage to the discharge lamp when the resistance value of the filament increases after the start of preheating of the filament and the ratio of the resistance values (Rh / Rc) reaches a preset first condition;
Start detection means for detecting the start of the discharge lamp;
Based on the filament resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) at the time when the discharge lamp detected by the start detection means starts, the filament resistance value ratio (Rh / Rc) stored in the storage means and the cumulative discharge lamp Lighting time estimation means for estimating the cumulative lighting time of the discharge lamp from data indicating the correspondence with the lighting time;
A discharge lamp lighting device comprising: The resistance value detecting means includes
Current detection means for detecting the current value of the filament;
Voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage across the filament;
A / D conversion means for analog / digital conversion of detection signals of these detection means;
Calculating means for calculating a resistance value from each output signal of the A / D conversion means;
The discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A lighting fixture body;
A hot cathode type discharge lamp provided in the luminaire body;
The discharge lamp lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which energizes the discharge lamp;
An illumination device comprising:

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