JP2016110981A - Led lamp with dual mode operation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an LED lamp having a dual mode operation, capable of being powered not only from an electronic ballast for a fluorescent lamp but also directly from power of a power supply.SOLUTION: A first circuit 110 in an LED lamp operates in a first mode to power an LED when first and second power connector pins 104, 106 at a first end of the lamp in a fluorescent lamp fixture are powered from power of a power supply. A second circuit 140 operates in a second mode to power the LED when the second power connection pin and a third connection pin 124 at a second end of the lamp are powered from an electronic ballast in the fluorescent lamp fixture. First and second conduction control means 350, 370 facilitate the operation during the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an LED lamp having dual mode operation from a fluorescent lamp fixture wired to provide either power supply power or power from an electronic ballast associated with the fluorescent lamp fixture.

One conventional elongated LED lamp can be retrofitted to existing fluorescent lamp fixtures whose wiring is reconfigured to supply power directly to the LED lamp. In such LED “retrofit” lamps, power is typically supplied to the lamp from a pair of power pins on one end of the lamp, and a pair of connector pins on the other end of the lamp does not power the lamp, Provides mechanical support for the lamp. The above configuration of powering the lamp from the power pin at one end of the lamp has the advantage of limiting exposure to a potentially life-threatening electric shock from the power supply current to the lamp installer during lamp installation.

A second conventional elongated LED lamp can be retrofitted to the fixture to use the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast contained within the fixture without reconfiguring the wiring of the existing fluorescent lamp fixture. As in the case of using fluorescent lamps, LED retrofit lamps derive power from the power pins at both ends (ie, opposite ends) of the lamp. A typical LED retrofit lamp of this type is disclosed in US Pat. The LED lamp of Patent Document 1 has a single mode operation from an existing fluorescent lamp ballast associated with a fluorescent lamp fixture. Patent Document 1 is the fourth column on pages 26 to 30 for “control the capacitance of a resonant circuit of a fluorescent lamp ballast” (reference translation: controlling the capacitance of a series resonant circuit of a fluorescent lamp ballast). Teach the use of capacitors C11-C14 in FIG. Since Patent Document 1 teaches a fluorescent lamp ballast (8th column on page 58 and 11th column on page 4) having a high frequency of 50 KHz, capacitors C11 to C14 are necessarily 50 Hz or 60 Hz. It has a high impedance at a typical power supply frequency. Capacitors C11-C14 are therefore typical to prevent potentially life-threatening electrical shock hazards when LED retrofit lamps are misplaced in fluorescent lamp ballasts wired directly to the power supply. Provides the advantage of fully damping any current to a typical power supply frequency.

Lamp designers would like to have LED retrofit lamps that have dual mode operation, either from existing fluorescent lamp ballasts associated with fluorescent lamp fixtures, or directly from the power supply. Recognize deafness. Chung et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,836 provides an LED lamp having dual mode operation. However, a single master circuit is used to power the LEDs in the lamp, whether power is supplied by an AC power source or power is supplied by an existing fluorescent lamp electronic ballast. . This attempt suffers from potential performance in terms of energy efficiency and stability compared to LED lamps that operate only from AC power supply or LED lamps that operate only from power supplied by fluorescent lamp electronic ballasts.

  The LED lamp of U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,836 is also deficient in that it cannot mitigate the risk of potentially life-threatening electric shock when the lamp is placed in an appliance wired directly to a power source. This is because in the case of AC power supply operation, power is applied across the LED lamps in the same circuit used where a fluorescent lamp electronic ballast is present. As a result, a potential shock hazard is created, which can be life-threatening for the lamp installer during lamp installation.

Therefore, not only from existing fluorescent lamp electronic ballasts associated with fluorescent lamp fixtures, but as another option, LED retrofit lamps with dual mode operation, directly from the power supply in an efficient and stable manner It would be desirable to provide. Also provided is a lamp that can avoid the potential life-threatening electrical shock hazard when placed in an appliance that is wired to supply power directly from a power source, for example. It would be desirable to do so.

The present invention combines dual modes of operation of LED retrofit lamps. In the first mode, the LED retrofit lamp receives power from a power source in the fluorescent lamp fixture. In another second mode, the LED retrofit lamp receives power from a fluorescent lamp electronic ballast in the fluorescent lamp fixture. In the first mode, the LED lamp may be wired to receive power from a pair of power pins at one end of the lamp. In the second mode, the LED lamp receives power from a fluorescent lamp electronic ballast associated with the lamp fixture. The dual mode operation is achieved by the use of first and second circuits dedicated to the first and second modes of operation, respectively. While the first and second circuits share one common power pin on the LED lamp and typically power the same LED, the first and second circuits are driven by a novel conduction control arrangement. They can be electrically isolated from each other.

In one form, the present invention has dual mode operation from a fluorescent lamp fixture wired to provide either power supply power or power from an electronic ballast that supplies AC power at a ballast frequency. An LED lamp is provided. The LED lamp includes an elongated housing having first and second ends. First and second power pins are provided at the first end of the elongated housing. A third power pin is provided at the second end of the elongated housing. The first circuit is for powering in the first mode and is adapted to provide primary power to at least one LED that provides light across a width along the length of the elongated housing. Intended for. The first mode is a fluorescent light source in which the LED lamp has a power connection directly connected to a power supply that houses the first and second power pins and supplies power at a power frequency much lower than the ballast frequency. Occurs when inserted into a lamp fixture. The first circuit limits the current to at least one LED to be powered in the first mode. The second circuit is for powering in the second mode and is adapted to provide primary power to at least one LED that provides light across a width along the length of the elongated housing. Intended for. The second mode is a fluorescent lamp fixture in which the LED lamp has electrical connections connected to the electronic ballast to accommodate the second and third power pins at the opposite lamp ends and to receive power from the electronic ballast. Occurs when inserted in The second circuit includes a rectifier circuit that receives power from the second and third power pins. The first conduction control means powers at least one LED to be powered in the second mode when the second and third power pins at the opposite lamp end are connected to the electronic ballast. To allow the second circuit, it is connected in series between the second power pin and the rectifier circuit. The second conduction control means powers at least one LED to be powered in the second mode when the second and third power pins at the opposite lamp end are connected to the electronic ballast. To enable the second circuit, it is connected in series between the third power pin and the rectifier circuit.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED to be powered in the first mode and the at least one LED to be powered in the second mode have at least one LED in common. In other embodiments, the at least one LED to be powered in the first mode and the at least one LED to be powered in the second mode do not have any common LEDs.

The LED lamp can be retrofitted into an existing fluorescent lamp fixture and can operate from an existing fluorescent lamp electronic ballast associated with the lamp fixture, or alternatively, directly from a power source. The dual mode operation is performed by any one of the above operations. Advantageously, the LED lamp is configured to mitigate the potential life-threatening electric shock risk when such a lamp is placed in an appliance wired to supply power directly from a power source. Can be done. Some embodiments of the lamp of the present invention are configured to provide additional protection against exposure of shock to the lamp installer.

In addition, the LED lamp senses whether the lamp fixture supplies power from an electronic ballast or directly from a power source, as the various prior art documents teach, and supplies the LED with the appropriate power. It operates more efficiently than using a single master circuit. Rather than using such a master circuit, the present invention teaches that the present invention provides first and second circuits, respectively, for receiving power supply power or power from an existing fluorescent lamp ballast, respectively. Is used. This approach eliminates the resulting loss of energy when using active LED drivers to reprocess power from existing fluorescent lamp ballasts. This approach also typically allows the second circuit to be formed inexpensively from few passive components such as a diode rectifier circuit and one or more capacitors.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like parts.

FIG. 1 is a partial block schematic electrical circuit diagram of a fluorescent lamp fixture wired to directly provide power to the power pins of an LED lamp according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but provides power supply power to all four power connections of the fluorescent lamp fixture. FIG. 3 is a partial block schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of a fluorescent lamp fixture and LED lamp including a corresponding fluorescent lamp electronic ballast. FIG. 4 is a partially block schematic circuit diagram of a fluorescent lamp fixture and LED lamp including a corresponding fluorescent lamp electronic ballast. FIG. 5 is a schematic electric circuit diagram of the circuit in the LED lamp shown in FIGS. FIG. 6 is an electric circuit schematic diagram showing a preferred LED circuit for connecting the LEDs shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an electric circuit schematic diagram showing a preferred LED circuit for connecting the LEDs shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 5 except that an isolation transformer is provided between the second circuit and the first and second conduction control means and operating at a ballast frequency. FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, except that an automatic transformer is provided between the second circuit and the first and second conduction control means and operating at a ballast frequency. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an LED power supply electrical circuit including a high frequency isolation transformer between the electrical input and the electrical output. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of an LED power source that does not include means for isolating the electrical output from the electrical input. FIG. 11 is various electrical schematics of another embodiment of the conduction control means shown in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 8-10 in tabular form and provides other modifications for those embodiments. 12 is an electric circuit schematic diagram of a circuit in the LED lamp shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 showing another form of the LED lamp shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an electric circuit schematic diagram of a circuit in the LED lamp shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 showing another type of the LED lamp shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an electric circuit schematic diagram of a circuit in the LED lamp shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 showing another form of the LED lamp shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view and a partial electric circuit schematic diagram of a configuration for an electric shock hazard test using an LED lamp. FIG. 16 shows, in tabular form, various electrical circuit schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the conduction control means shown in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 12-14, showing other conditions necessary for such an embodiment.

  The examples and drawings provided in the detailed description are merely examples and should not be used to limit the scope of the claims in any claim configuration or interpretation.

Definitions In this specification and the appended claims, the following definitions will apply.

"Active component" means a controllable electrical component that provides controllable energy in the form of voltage or current to a circuit that includes the active component. An example of an active component is a transistor.

“Active circuit” means a circuit using a control loop incorporating feedback and an active element intended to limit the current to the load.

  “Passive component” means an electrical component that cannot externally supply controllable energy in the form of voltage or current to a circuit that includes the passive component. Examples of passive components are rectifier diodes, LED diodes, resistors, capacitors, inductors, or magnetic ballasts operating at 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

“Passive circuit” means a circuit that does not contain active components as defined herein.

“Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps” etc. use instant start ballasts, rapid start ballasts, program start ballasts, and others that use switch-mode power supplies to achieve current limiting for fluorescent lamps Means ballast. “Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamp ballasts” do not include so-called magnetic ballasts.

“Power supply” means a conductor through which AC or DC electrical power is supplied to an end user. AC power is typically supplied at a frequency of about 50-60 Hz, typically about 100-347 volts rms. A special power supply supplies power at 400 Hz. The zero frequency for the power supply corresponds herein to DC power.

As used herein, “isolated” transformers are not limited to those having a winding ratio of 1: 1.

Other definitions are provided in the following description, by way of example “conduction control means” and “enable”.

Fluorescent Lamp Apparatus FIG. 1 shows an exemplary fluorescent lamp apparatus 100 for an elongated LED lamp 102. Fluorescent lamp fixture 100 is wired to supply power from power source 108 to first and second power pins 104 and 106 via respective power connections 105 and 107. The power connections 125 and 127 are not wired to receive power supply power and house third and fourth power pins 124 and 126, respectively, to mechanically support the power pins. The first circuit including the LED power supply 110 regulates the power supplied by the power source 109 to drive the LEDs (not shown) in the LED lamp 102, for example, by limiting the current to the LEDs. The LED lamp 102 also includes a second circuit 140 that is not used in FIG. 1, because the second circuit 140 is configured to be powered from a fluorescent lamp electronic ballast that is not used in FIG. Because.

The power source 109 may be a typical power supply frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz or an AC source having 400 Hz. The power source 109 can also be a DC power source, in which case the power supply frequency is considered zero.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the claimed invention contemplates first and second power pins on one end of the LED lamp 102 and a third power pin 124 on the other end of the lamp. It is not important that the first power pin 106 be off-axis with the third power pin 124 as shown in FIG. 1, and they can also be aligned on each other on the axis. In FIG. 2, the second circuit 140 in the LED lamp 102 is not used, but the reason is that it is configured to receive power from a fluorescent lamp electronic ballast that is not used in FIG. Because.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary fluorescent lamp fixture 115 that is similar to FIG. 1, but provides power supply from the power source 109 to all four power pins 104, 106, 124, and 126 of the LED lamp 102. The power supply is supplied to the third and fourth power pins 124 and 126 via the power connections 125 and 127 of the fluorescent lamp fixture 115, respectively. The first circuit 110 that includes the LED power supply regulates the power supplied by the power source 109 to drive the LED 300 in the LED lamp 102, for example, by limiting the current to the LED. In contrast to the fluorescent lamp fixture 100 of FIG. 1, when the LED lamp 102 is inserted backwards into the fluorescent lamp fixture 115, the power source is supplied to the LED power supply 110 via the power connections 125 and 127. Will be supplied.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a fluorescent lamp fixture 120 including an instantaneous start type fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Electric power is supplied to the LED 300 through the second circuit 140. The second circuit 140 is supplied with power through the power pins at both ends of the fluorescent lamp at the frequency of the instantaneous start type fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122. This is in contrast to the first circuit 110 in FIGS. 1 and 2 being powered by power pins 104 and 106 at the same end of the lamp 102. In FIG. 3, the electrical power from the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122 passes through the second power pin 106 through the electrical connection 107 and through the third power pin 124 through the electrical connection 127 to the LED. Supplied to the lamp 102. Second and third power pins 106 and 126 are at opposite ends of the lamp. For convenience, when using the instant start fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122, the electrical connections 105 and 107 can optionally be shorted together by an electrical short 108 and the electrical connections 125 and 127 are both together by an electrical short 128. Can be short-circuited. The fourth power pin 126 need not be connected to circuitry in the lamp as shown.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary fluorescent lamp fixture 130 that includes a fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122, which is different from the instant start type fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122 (FIG. 3). For example, the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 123 (FIG. 4) may be a quick start type or a program start type. As shown in FIG. 3, the fluorescent lamp apparatus 130 supplies power to the LED 300 of the same LED lamp 102 via the second circuit 200 as shown in FIG. 1 or 2. The second circuit 200 is powered by a different power pin than the fluorescent lamp fixtures 100 and 115 of FIGS.
The main difference between the fluorescent lamp fixture 120 (FIG. 3) and 130 (FIG. 4) is that the fluorescent lamp fixture 130 provides a separate conductor for each of the power pins 104, 106, 124, and 126. . The use of separate conductors is typical for fluorescent lamp fixtures 130, for example, rapid start or program start.

A mode in which the same LED lamp 102 operates when directly wired to the power supply in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 and a second mode in which operation is performed from the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122 as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. Note that it is explained.

Circuit in LED Lamp FIG. 5 shows the circuit 200 in the LED lamp 102 of FIGS. The circuit 200 includes a first circuit 110 and a second circuit 140, wherein (a) the fluorescent lamp apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) or 115 (FIG. 2) is used, or (b) the fluorescent lamp apparatus 120 (FIG. 3) or Depending on whether 130 (FIG. 4) is used, any of them may power LED 300. In FIG. 5, the LED 300 is shown as a single series of LEDs connected in series, where “series” means at least one LED. A series of LEDs 300 connected in series can be obtained by one skilled in the art by (a) a series of LEDs connected in parallel, or (b) one or more series of LEDs connected in parallel and in series, or (c) It can also be replaced with one or more of a combination of (a) and (b) topology. Preferred LED circuits 303 and 304 including LED 300 are illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

The electrolytic capacitor 324 shown in the second circuit 130 may be shared with the first circuit 110. Alternatively, when the optional blocking diode 325 is connected between the node 308 and the field capacitor 324, the first circuit 110 is configured as such when the first circuit 110 powers the LED 300. There is no need to charge a new capacitor. In some embodiments, the inventors have not been able to properly charge the electrolytic capacitor 324 having a relatively large capacitance in the first circuit 110, resulting in a partial flickering of the LED 300. ) Was found to occur. The blocking diode 325 may be a pn diode or another device that provides unidirectional current, such as a Schottky diode or a silicon controller rectifier (SCR). Can be formed. The description of the blocking diode that appears in other figures of this specification (eg, FIGS. 5, 12, and 13) is the same as that described above, in accordance with the above-mentioned description “the same reference number indicates the same component”. It is. The electrolytic capacitor 324 may be omitted when another energy storage for supplying power to the LED 300 is provided. By way of example, such another energy storage may be an electrolytic capacitor in fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122 (FIG. 3) or 123 (FIG. 4), or another electrolytic capacitor in first circuit 110 (FIG. 5).

FIG. 6 shows LED circuit 303 that implements LED 300 and is connected to the following nodes in circuit 200 of FIG. 5: upper nodes 306 and 308, lower nodes 310 and 312. FIG. The LED 300 in FIG. 6 is interconnected with current steering diodes 314, 315, 316, 317 and 320. The LEDs 300 are shown as two separate series, which are preferably the same number when the LEDs are at the same voltage rating. This is to prevent the current in each of the series of LEDs 300 from greatly differing when receiving power from the first circuit 110. The current direction control diode may be formed using a pn diode or another device that provides a unidirectional current, such as a Schottky diode or a silicon controller rectifier (SCR). it can.

When the LED 300 is powered by the first circuit 110 (FIG. 5), the current direction control diodes 314, 315, 316 and 317 conduct current, but the current direction control diode 320 is biased in the opposite direction so that the current Do not flush. As a result, the two series of LEDs 300 operate in parallel. If the number of LEDs in each series 300 is 20, and the individual LEDs have a nominal voltage of about 3 volts, the voltage generated by the first circuit 110 between nodes 306 and 310 is about 60 volts (DC ). Such a voltage is efficiently applied over the entire typical range of the power source 109 (FIGS. 1 to 4) of the power source, for example, the entire region from the RMS effective value of 100 volts to the RMS effective value of 300 volts. Can be generated.

On the other hand, when the LED 300 in the LED circuit 303 of FIG. 6 is supplied with power by the second circuit 140 (FIG. 5), the current is supplied to the two series of LEDs in series. That is, from node 308, through the series of LEDs 300 shown on the left side, then through the current direction control diode 320, down the series of LEDs 300 shown on the right side, and then to node 312. . The current direction control diodes 314, 315, and 317 do not conduct electricity when the LED 300 is supplied with power from the second circuit 140. When the number of LEDs in each series of LEDs is 20, and the standard voltage of each LED is about 3 volts as described above, when the LED 300 receives power supply in series from the second circuit 140, the node The voltage generated by the second circuit 140 between 308 and 312 is about 120 volts (DC). Such a high volt number, on the other hand, provides an electrical load comparable to, for example, a typical 600 mm fluorescent lamp, for the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast that powers the second circuit 140. This voltage number is approximately twice the voltage provided by the first circuit 110. By operating the second circuit 140 at a high voltage, the current level in the second circuit 140 can be lowered. This reduced current level reduces electrical shock hazards that can endanger human life exposed to current from the second circuit 140. Thus, for example, in the United States, a quick start type fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122 (FIG. 3) or a fast start type or other type of fluorescent lamp electronic ballast known to operate at frequencies as low as about 25 KHz. The device 123 (FIG. 4) (including other older ballasts) can pass the UL electrical shock hazard test described in the UL 1598c standard and referred to in the UL 935 standard. When the second circuit 140 is not operated at a high voltage as described above, the UL electric shock hazard test described in the UL 1598c standard for a new type ballast operating at about 45 KHz and mentioned in the UL 935 standard is passed. While it is possible, it is typically not possible to pass the shock hazard test for older ballasts known to operate at frequencies as low as about 25 KHz as described above. .

Operating the second circuit 140 at a high voltage operates the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast more efficiently, particularly when receiving power from the instantaneous start type fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122 (FIG. 3). Sometimes it is possible. Operating the second circuit 140 in this manner at high voltages also makes one or more capacitors used to limit the current in the LED 300 smaller and more various in various embodiments. It is also possible to reduce the cost. This advantage is discussed below.

The following is relevant to routine work skills for those skilled in the art from the above description of FIG. 6 for each series of LEDs 300 shown on the left and right side. That is, each individual LED can be replaced with two or more parallel LEDs.

FIG. 7 shows that the operation of the second circuit 140 is performed at a higher voltage, thereby making it easier to pass the electric shock test described below for the operation from the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast. Thus, an LED circuit 304 that allows more efficient operation of the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast is shown. In various embodiments, the LED circuit 304 provides an electrical load comparable to, for example, various wattage 900 mm or 1200 mm fluorescent lamps at higher voltages. Further, in various embodiments, the LED circuit 304 reduces the size and price of various current limiting capacitors, as described below, while the LED 300 receives a current supply from the first circuit 110. The provision of parallel operation at constant voltage is maintained. The LED current 304 includes two LED circuit units 326 and 327 that are completely identical.

In the LED circuit unit 326 of FIG. 7, the current direction control diodes 314, 315, 316, 317, 320 associated with the two series of LEDs 300 shown on the left are shown in the LED circuit 303 of FIG. Is the same. The LED circuit unit 326 further includes a series of LEDs 300 associated with current direction control diodes 318, 319, 321. When the LED 300 receives power from the first circuit 110, the current direction control diodes 318 and 619 conduct electricity, but the current direction control diode 321 does not conduct electricity. This is because it is biased in the opposite direction. When the above example is used where the number in each series of LEDs is 20 and the nominal voltage of each LED is about 3 volts, when the first circuit 110 (FIG. 5) supplies power to the LEDs, The voltage applied by each first circuit 110 to each of the series of LEDs 300 between nodes 306 and 310 in the LED circuit unit 326 is an RMS RMS value of about 60 volts.

When the second circuit 140 (FIG. 5) supplies power to the LED 300 of the LED circuit unit 326 of FIG. 7, the current direction control diodes 320 and 321 are formed by connecting each of the three series of LEDs shown in series. Galvanize through. If a series of 20 LEDs has an individual LED with a nominal voltage of about 3 volts, the voltage applied in series to the three series of LEDs will be about 180 volts. The current direction control diodes 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319 in this case do not conduct electricity. By operating the second circuit 140 at a high voltage, the advantages mentioned in the above two paragraphs can be achieved.

The operation of the LED circuit unit 327 of the LED circuit 304 of FIG. 7 is the same as the operation of the LED circuit unit 326 described above. This is because, in the case of the LED circuit unit 327, the current direction control diodes 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, and 335 are the current direction control diodes 314, 315, 316, and 317 in the case of the LED circuit unit 326. This is because 318, 319, and 320 function in the same manner. It is also preferred to remove the LED circuit unit 327 for lower power LED lamps (eg, about 9 watts) to include LED circuit units for higher power LED lamps (eg, about 18 watts). In any case, the second circuit 140 loads about 18 volts (direct current) to each series of LEDs having 20 LEDs in the above example, and the standard voltage of each LED is about 3 volts. Are more suitable for incorporation into 900 mm or 1200 mm fluorescent lamps.

The inventors have found that when the second circuit 140 powers the LED 300 at a much higher voltage than the first circuit 110, it can cause various undesirable effects during operation of the second circuit 140. discovered. Such an undesirable effect includes that an extremely high voltage exceeding the standard voltage of the components of the first circuit 110 is applied to the components of the first circuit 110. Due to such undesirable effects, the level of reverse leakage current flowing through one or more current direction control diodes 314-321 and 328-335 in LED circuit 304 of FIG. It can be a thing. Due to the reverse leakage current that causes such damage, the LED 300 does not emit light when necessary, intermittently flashes, or emits light intermittently. This was discovered when the voltage from note 307 to node 311 was biased in the opposite direction to a level that would cause damage, but such bias would cause the components of first circuit 110 to flow. The current may be excessive and not desirable, or a part or all of the LED 300 may not emit light. In order to avoid such a negative result, the first circuit 110 is simply connected to the second circuit 140 via the LED 300 when the second circuit 140 is operated to power the LED 300 as intended. Isolated from unipolar current.

The preferred means for isolating the first circuit 110 from the unipolar current coming from the second circuit 140 via the LED 300 is one or both of the following: (a) n-channel interface field effect Placing a transistor (hereinafter "FET") 337 in a first conductor 339 in series with the first conductor 339, disposed between the node 306 and the LED circuit unit 326; and (b ) A p-channel type FET 342 is arranged in series with a second conductor 344 disposed between the node 310 and the LED circuit unit 326. FETs 337 and 342 are referred to as “interface” FETs because they are between the first circuit 110 and the LED 300 and connect each other. The interface FETs 337 and 342 are biased by bias circuits 340 and 345, respectively, so that when the voltage loaded on the nodes 306 and 310 reaches a voltage that powers the LED 300, the interface FETs 337 and 342 are either DC or substantially DC. Electricity flows at a frequency. In the example described above for LED 300 in FIG. 7, the voltage to power LED 300 is approximately 60 volts. Biasing the circuits 340 and 345 to sense voltage in the first circuit 110 is routinely performed by those skilled in the art based on the above conditions.

FETs 337 and 342 typically have body diodes that allow current of all frequencies to pass in one direction. Such body diodes for FETs 337 and 342 are illustrated as diodes 338 and 343, respectively, and are oriented to achieve the following goals when diodes 338 and 343 are not conducting electricity: Is preferred. That is, the second circuit 140 is higher than the standard output voltage of the first circuit 110 loaded from the node 306 to the node 310 and from the node 306 to the node 310 (for example, about 60 volts in the above example). Preventing the voltage from being loaded; and preventing the second circuit 140 from loading a negative voltage from the node 306 to the node 310. However, because the body diodes 338 and 343 allow unidirectional conduction from an alternating current (AC) power source, the FETs 337 and 342 are fluorescent lamp electronic ballasts 122 or 123 respectively illustrated in FIGS. It is preferable to pass current in both directions at a frequency of approximately 45 kHz, typically about 45 kHz, and more typically in the range of 20 kHz to 100 kHz. The purpose of this is to limit the charging of the capacitor in the first circuit 110 that causes the LED 300 to blink intermittently or emit light intermittently, and the charge is accumulated. The purpose is to prevent energization in only one direction of an alternating current that causes damage to the high voltage. For this purpose, a bypass capacitor 341 is preferably provided in the interface FET 337 and a bypass capacitor 346 is preferably provided in the interface FET 342. This allows bidirectional energization of current at the ballast frequency defined above in FETs 337 and 342 for the purposes described above in this paragraph. Similar bypass capacitors (not shown) can also be used in FETs, diodes or similar devices that unidirectionally block current flow at the ballast frequency.

The inventors have discovered that in some embodiments, it is preferable to have the following isolation means in series with the first conductor 339 and the second conductor 344. However, in other embodiments, such as intermittent blinking of LEDs or intermittent light emission is negligible, the first circuit 110 may be the first conductor 339 or the second conductor. It is possible to isolate the LED 300 from only one isolation means in any one of 344.

Variation types of the isolation means described above in the LED circuit 304 include replacing the n-channel FET 337 with a p-channel FET. Another variation is to simply replace the p-channel FET 342 with an n-channel FET, a bipolar junction transistor, a silicon controlled rectifier, or a mechanical switch.

By comparing the description of LED circuits 303 and 304 of FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more series of LEDs 300 can be added to each of LED circuit units 326 and 327. This is a routine work skill. This further increases the voltage provided to the LEDs at the nodes 308 and 312 by the second circuit 140 while maintaining the same value as the voltage provided at the notes 306 and 310 by the first circuit 110.

One or more additional LED circuit units, eg, LED circuit unit 327, can be added to the LED circuit 304 circuit of FIG. This allows longer (for example, 1500 mm, 1800 mm, 2400 mm, or longer types) fluorescent lamps to be retrofitted and more evenly arranged with lower cost LEDs more densely arranged by LED lamps. It becomes possible to ensure dispersion light.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the circuit 200 includes first conduction control means 350 and second conduction control means 370. The first conduction control means 350 and the second conduction control means 370 are LED lamps in a fluorescent lamp fixture comprising a power connector receptacle (not shown) for supplying power to the lamp power pins. It can also be used to reduce the possibility of an electric shock that is related to human life when inserting the.

When using the fluorescent lamp apparatus 100 or 115 of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, the power source 109 supplies power to the first and second power pins 104 and 106 via the power source power line. The first circuit 110 adjusts the power for driving the LED 300. The first circuit 110 includes an LED power supply as shown in FIGS. Both non-isolated and electrically isolated power supplies are contemplated in the first circuit 110.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit 380 which is similar to the circuit 200 of FIG. 5 with the difference between the rectifier circuit 282 of the second circuit 140 and the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370. In addition, an isolation transformer 382 operating at the ballast frequency (defined above) is inserted.

The LED 300 in the circuit 380 of FIG. 8 advantageously includes a series of parallel LEDs in addition to the single series of LEDs shown.

FIG. 9 shows a circuit 390 that is similar to the circuit 380 of FIG. 8, with the difference that the isolated transformer 382 (FIG. 8) has been replaced with an automatic transformer 392.

The LED 300 in the circuit 390 of FIG. 9 advantageously includes a plurality of series of LEDs in parallel in addition to the single series of LEDs shown.

FIG. 10 shows a typical isolated LED power supply 220 of the first circuit 110 for the LED lamp 102 (FIGS. 1-4), which is connected to the first and second power pins 104 and 106. In response to the supply of power, the adjusted power is supplied to the outputs 222 and 224 and finally supplied to the LED 300 of FIG.

The use of the isolation transformer 228 in FIG. 10 is when operating the LED lamp 102 in either the fluorescent lamp fixture 100 (FIG. 1) or 115 (FIG. 2) that is powered by the first circuit 110. Helps reduce electric shock hazards.

Another preferred way for the second circuit 140 to drive the LED 300 at a higher voltage than the first circuit 110 is to use the series and parallel connected LEDs of FIGS. 6 and 7, or FIG. There is a method of using the isolated transformer 382 of FIG. 9 or the automatic transformer of FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the non-isolated LED power supply 250 of the first circuit 110 for the LED lamp 102 (FIGS. 1-4), which is powered via the first and second power pins 104 and 106. In response to the supply of power, regulated power is supplied to the outputs 222 and 224, and finally supplied to the LED 300 of FIG.

Bypass capacitors 262 and 263 are shown connected to certain diodes of full-wave rectifier 230, which is the ballast frequency (as described above) when second circuit 140 powers the LED. The current flow in the definition) is for example to limit the charging of the capacitors 254 and 258.

In addition, it may be preferred to use all four capacitors 262, 263, 264, 265, but these four are part of the corresponding fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122 or 123 of FIGS. Preferred for type.

The above-described LED power supplies 220 and 250 of FIGS. 10 and 11 are shown as their basic form and are representative of isolated and non-isolated LED power supplies.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, both isolated and non-isolated LED power supplies 220 and 250 typically include active electrical components such as FETs 232 or 252, for example.

Referring back to the circuit 200 of FIG. 5, the second circuit 140 is typically a simple passive circuit (defined above).

Various advantages are obtained by using the first circuit 110 and the second circuit 140 (FIG. 5), which are derived from existing fluorescent lamp ballasts that are compatible with direct operation from power supply and lamp fixture, respectively. It is dedicated to the operation.

Further, the first circuit 110 and the second circuit 140 (FIG. 5) can be configured as an active circuit and a passive circuit (the terms are defined herein), respectively, to achieve higher efficiency as described above. In addition, it is preferable to obtain a stable operation in a wider range.

FIG. 12 shows another type of circuit 1200 of the LED lamp 102 described above in FIGS.

The second circuit 110 allows the circuit designer to optimize one or both of the first circuit 110 and the second circuit 140 by causing only a portion of the LED 300 that is powered by the first circuit 110 to supply power. More design options for

FIG. 13 shows yet another type of circuit 1300 in the LED lamps of FIGS. 1-4 described above.

In order for the circuit designer to optimize one or both of the first circuit 110 and the second circuit 140 by causing the first circuit 110 to supply power to only a part of the LED 300 that is supplied with power by the second circuit 140. More design options for

Referring to the first circuit 110 of FIG. 5, the first circuit 110 of FIGS. 11 and 12 is implemented, for example, as either the isolated LED power supply 220 of FIG. 10 or the non-isolated LED power supply 250 of FIG. it can.

FIG. 14 shows yet another circuit 1400 in the LED lamp 102 of FIGS. 1-4 described above.

The first circuit 110 in FIG. 14 is configured to supply power to the LED 301, and the second circuit 140 is configured to supply power to a different LED 302, so that the circuit designer has the first circuit 110 and the second circuit. More design options are available to optimize one or both of 140.

(4) Make it possible to achieve shock hazard protection.
The fourth possible function of the first conduction control means 350 (and the possible function of the cooperating second conduction control means 370) is such that such a lamp 102 (FIGS. 1-2) is installed by the installer. It is possible to mitigate the risk of potentially life-threatening electric shocks when inserted into the fluorescent lamp apparatus (100, 115) of FIGS. FIG. 15 shows a configuration 1500 for an electrical shock hazard test for the LED lamp 102, which is similar to the configuration described in the UL 1583c standard and referred to the UL 935 standard for such a test. . The lamp 102 has first and second power pins 104 and 106 at one end and third and fourth power pins 124 and 126 at the other end. A lamp holder 1510 for a two-pin fluorescent lamp includes first and second power pins 1511 and 1512. Alternatively, each of the power connections 1511 and 1512 may be a simple electrical clip that attaches to any of the power pins 104, 106, 124, 126. The first power connection portion 1511 of the lamp holder 1510 is connected to a voltage source 1520 having an AC voltage corresponding to the intended power line voltage. The voltage source 1520 can also provide a range of voltages, which is indicated by the arrow in the symbol for the voltage term 1520. The second power connection 1512 of the lamp holder 1510 is connected to the neutral power line of the voltage source 1520, which is connected to ground. Another lamp holder 1530 can be mounted on the device 1535 having the lamp holder 1510, but is not used in this test. The test was performed at the intended power line voltage and frequency for powering the first circuit 110. In a retrofit LED lamp, this typically corresponds to a voltage source 1520 voltage from RMS RMS 110 VAC to RMS 277 VAC and a line frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. The test can be performed at a constant voltage that meets the conditions of a single contemplated power supply voltage, if desired. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other contemplated power supply voltages may be implemented, such as RMS rms 347 VAC or RMS rms 480 VAC. This is merely an assessment of the power supply voltage used for a particular installation of the LED lamp 102.

In the shock hazard test, the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370 can each be realized as either a capacitor or an open switch. Each of the exposed power pins 104, 106, 124, 126 of the LED lamp 102 is configured in an open state, which is a predefined RMS RMS value in milliamps than in all of the intended power supply voltage range. This is to prevent the power supply frequency at a value exceeding 1 and the conduction of current at 50 Hz and 60 Hz (I = V / R, FIG. 15). In this case, a circuit directly connected between each of the exposed power pins (with the electric probe 1540 interposed) and the ground ground, the first and second connected components 1550 in series. The first component 1550 is composed of a 1500 ohm resistor non-dielectric and a 0.22 microfarad capacitor, and the second component 1555 is measured as a current flowing through a circuit composed of 1555. Are composed of non-dielectrics of 500 ohm resistance, these configurations for each of the following cases:
(1) The first and second power pins 104 and 106 are inserted into the lamp holder 1510, the first power pin 104 supplies power to the power connection 1511, and the second power pin 106 Supplying power to the power connection 1512 and the probe 1540 is connected to the power pin 124;
(2) The first and second power pins 104 and 106 are inserted into the lamp holder 1510, the first power pin 104 supplies power to the first power connection 1511, and the second power Pin 106 supplies power to second power connection 1512 and probe 1540 is connected to power pin 126;
(3) The first and second power pins 124 and 126 are inserted into the lamp holder 1510, and the third power pin 124 supplies power to the first power connection 1511, and the fourth power. Pin 126 supplies power to second power connection 1512 and probe 1540 is connected to first power pin 104;
(4) The first and second power pins 124 and 126 are inserted into the lamp holder 1510, and the third power pin 124 supplies power to the first power connection 1511, and the fourth power. Pin 126 supplies power to second power connection 1512 and probe 1540 is connected to second power pin 106;
(5) The first and second power pins 106 and 104 are inserted into the lamp holder 1510, and the second power pin 106 supplies power to the first power connection 1511, and the first power. Pin 104 supplies power to the second power connection and the probe is connected to third power pin 124;
(6) The first and second power pins 106 and 104 are inserted into the lamp holder 1510 so that the second power pin 106 supplies power to the first power connection 1511 and the first power. Pin 104 supplies power to second power connection 1512 and probe 1510 is connected to fourth power pin 126;
(7) The first and second power pins 124 and 126 are inserted into the lamp holder 1510, the second power pin 126 supplies power to the first power connection 1511, and the third power Pin 124 supplies power to second power connection 1512 and probe 1540 is connected to first power pin 104; and (8) First and second power pins 124 and 126 are lamp holders. Inserted into 1510, the fourth power pin 126 supplies power to the first power connection 1511, the third power pin 124 supplies power to the second power connection 1512, and the probe 1540 is connected to the second power pin 106.

When a capacitor is used to realize one or both of the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370, the capacitance of the capacitor is calculated by the above column and the following column (both “to drive the LED”). It may be advantageous to select to further limit the current, as described in the section entitled “Limit Current”.

上記のデータは、Charles Dalzielにより作成されたものであるが、このCharles Dalzielは、人体に対する電流の効果についての米国における主要な研究者であり、このデータは健康な被験者に関するものである。予め定めたＲＭＳ実効値ミリアンペアとしての１０は、女性の場合に「痛みを感じ筋肉制御が失われる」ことの原因になる敷居値よりも若干低く、この場合、ＲＭＳ実効値０．５ミリアンペアの差が安全幅となっている。男性の場合の敷居値は更に高い（即ち、ＲＭＳ実効値１６ミリアンペア）。筋肉制御を失うことは危険であり、この理由は、ランプ設置者が、例えば、高さ３メートルの梯子から落下する原因になり得るからである。予め定めたＲＭＳ実効値が５と云うより低い値は、米国におけるUL 1598c規格に合格するものとしての６０Ｈｚでの米国におけるＵＬにより選択された値であり、この規格は、ＬＥＤランプを設置する者に対しての上述のように可能性のある人命に関わる電気ショックハザードを低減する為にＵＬにより規定されたものである。上記の一覧表から、予め定めたＲＭＳ実効値が５であることは、「痛みがあるが筋肉制御は維持される」という敷居値よりも低くて好ましいと言える。 The highest value of the RMS effective milliampere value determined in advance is 10 at 50 Hz and 60 Hz for all voltage values in the range of the power supply voltage described above, for example, the RMS effective value 110 VAC to the RMS effective value 277 VAC. It can also be a value. The highest value of the predetermined RMS rms milliamp is preferably a lower value, eg, 5 at 50 Hz and 60 Hz. The importance of these values is explained in the context of the following table.

The above data was generated by Charles Dalziel, who is the leading researcher in the United States on the effects of current on the human body, and this data is for healthy subjects. The predetermined RMS effective value of 10 milliamperes is slightly lower than the threshold value that causes “feeling pain and loss of muscle control” in the case of women. In this case, the RMS effective value of 0.5 milliamperes is different. Is a safety margin. The threshold for men is even higher (ie RMS RMS 16 milliamps). Losing muscle control is dangerous because it can cause the ramp installer to fall from, for example, a 3 meter high ladder. A lower RMS RMS value of 5 is the value selected by the United States UL at 60 Hz as passing the UL 1598c standard in the United States, and this standard is for those who install LED lamps. In order to reduce the electric shock hazard related to the potential human life as described above, it is defined by UL. From the above list, it can be said that the RMS effective value determined in advance is preferably lower than the threshold value of “there is pain but muscle control is maintained”.

In the above-mentioned UL 1598c standard, for example, a test at 60 Hz and a test at a frequency generated by a fluorescent lamp electronic ballast are required. The human body can tolerate higher current levels at higher frequencies compared to the last two columns of data shown in the above table. As pointed out above, such ballasts can have a variety of frequencies, which are typically in the range of 20 kHz to 100 kHz. Since the human body can tolerate higher current levels at frequencies higher than the 50 Hz or 60 Hz mentioned above, the UL 1598c standard has even higher current levels, ie, current levels of about 59 milliamps at 25 kHz and about 120 milliamps at 50 kHz. Permissible.

Possible Functions of Second Conduction Control Means Referring to FIGS. 5, 8-9, and 12-14, the second conduction control means 370 preferably performs one or more of the following functions: .

(1) The operation of the second circuit is enabled.
The second conduction control means 370 conducts power at the frequency of the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122 or 123 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (hereinafter referred to as “ballast frequency”), which is typically about 45 kHz, for example. It can be realized as a capacitor. The term “enable” is defined above with respect to function (1) of the first conduction control means.

(2) The second circuit can operate without interfering with the first circuit.
The second conduction control means 370 also ensures that the second circuit 140 is connected to power supply power during the intended operation of the first circuit 110, ie, the first circuit is connected to the power supply via the first and second power pins 104 and 106. If so, it may perform functions that allow it to operate without interfering with the first circuit 110. In order to realize this function, the conduction control means 370 is connected to the third power pin 124 and the second circuit as a capacitor or switch located in the open position, for example, when the first circuit 110 is operating. 140 is configured to limit the conduction of current from the power source to the LED 300 via the rectifier circuit 282. For example, when the fluorescent lamp apparatus 115 of FIG. 2 is used, the power supply power is supplied to the third power pin 124. Such a limitation of the current from the power supply is the first or second significant level deviation of the light from the LED 300 compared to the average luminance intensity of such an LED that would occur from the stand-alone first circuit 110. Prevent migration. The first circuit 110 will be standalone if virtual disconnections 266 and 268 are made to the circuits of FIGS. Two types of light shifts are contemplated:
[3] Flicker-type shift of light from LED 300 in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 200 Hz [4] Continuous shift of light from LED 300

  The first significant level of flicker and continuous light shift is 10 percent. The second significant level of flicker and continuous light shift is 5 percent which minimizes bothersome flicker and continuous light shifts. The measurement of luminance intensity for the purpose of calculating light flicker is well known and a photovoltaic cell can be used to constantly measure the light from the light source.

(3) Limit current for driving the LED.
The second conduction control means 370 can further appropriately limit the current for driving the LED 300. The second conduction control means 370 can achieve this function when implemented as a capacitor, which presents an impedance that is much greater at the power supply frequency than the frequency of the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast 122. The power supply frequency is much lower than the ballast frequency, which is a natural consequence of the fact that the ballast frequency is above 10 kHz while the power supply frequency is in the range of 0-500 Hz.

(4) Make it possible to achieve shock hazard protection.
Another possible function of the second conduction control means 370 is that such a lamp 102 (FIGS. 1-4) can be made fluorescent by a installer (eg, 100, 115, 120 of FIGS. 1-4, or 130) enabling the mitigation of the risk of potentially life-threatening electric shock when inserted into. For this purpose, the second conduction control means 370 starts with the paragraph “(4) Enables shock hazard protection to be achieved” above and ends with the heading “A possible function of the second conduction control means”. As described above, the first conduction control means 350 is configured to cooperate.

Providing Shock Hazard Protection-Other Techniques The above possible features that allow protection of shock hazard for the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370 in FIGS. 5, 12-13, and 14 Can be realized in other ways. For example, instead of implementing the second conduction control means 370 as a capacitor or switch, rather than a non-isolated LED power supply, an isolated transformer 382 (FIG. 8) or an isolated LED power supply, eg 220 (FIG. 11). Rather, an isolated LED power supply, such as 220 (FIG. 6) may be used. It is also possible to aggregate multiple means to prevent source power from reaching any “exposed power pin” without departing from the teachings of the present invention. “Exposed power pin” has the same meaning as described above in the shock hazard protection function with respect to the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370.

List Display by Tables of Embodiments 1-13 of First and Second Conduction Control Means FIG. 16 shows a list display by tables of Embodiments 1-13 of the first and second conduction control means. The tabular list display includes a column relating to a request for an isolated type or a non-isolated type of the first circuit 110 shown in FIGS. 5, 8 to 9, 12, and 13. Another column in the tabular listing is which of the fluorescent lamp fixtures 100 (FIG. 1), 115 (FIG. 2), 120 (FIG. 3), or 130 (FIG. 4) is associated with each embodiment. Show. A further column describes, for each embodiment, an LED in the sense that such an embodiment powers such an LED for illumination across one width along the length of the LED lamp 102. Whether to share the LED or not share the LED. Circuits 200 (FIG. 5), 380 (FIG. 8), 390 (FIG. 9), 1200 (FIG. 12), 1300 (FIG. 12) share an LED between the first and second circuits 110 and 140, and circuit 1400 (FIG. 14) does not share LEDs between the first and second circuits 110 and 140.

Embodiments 1-13
For all embodiments 1-13 shown in FIG. 16, the following first conduction control function can be achieved according to the following table.

As is well known in the art, capacitor 352 may be more generally referred to as capacitance. The more general term “capacitance” covers the use of multiple capacitors to achieve the desired capacitance.

For all embodiments 1-13 shown in FIG. 16, the following second conduction control function may be achieved according to the following table.

The short circuits 352 and 358 of the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370 are included in the phrase “conduction control means” as used herein. However, the “control” aspect of short circuits 352 and 358 should always be conductive. This contrasts, for example, with the “control” of a switch that can alternatively be conductive and non-conductive.

Further, the short circuit 352 of the first conduction control means 350 is intended to enable conduction between the second power pin 124 and the second circuit 140. Similarly, the short circuit 358 of the second conduction control means 370 is intended to enable conduction between the third power pin 124 and the second circuit 140.

For all Embodiments 1-13, reference is made to the list display in the table in FIG. 16, the contents of which are not necessarily repeated here. For all embodiments 1-13, providing a warning on the product package, etc., indicating that the lamp should be installed or removed only when the power to the fluorescent lamp fixture is turned off Is desired.

Embodiments 1-2 and 11-13 cannot achieve the shock hazard protection described above as a possible function of the first and second current conduction control means 350 or 370. This is because Embodiments 1 and 2 and Embodiments 11 to 13 realize the first conduction control means 350 as the short circuit 358. Therefore, in these embodiments, it is particularly important to provide warnings on product packages, etc., as described above.

Both of the nine and tenth embodiments, both of which relate to the circuit 1400 of FIGS. 14 and 16, show two possible combinations of the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370. Alternatively, the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370 of FIG. 14 may be embodied in the same manner as that shown by way of example for embodiments 5-8 in FIG.

For embodiments 5-10, it is preferred to use a less expensive non-isolated first circuit 110, but a more expensive isolated first circuit 110 may also be used.

Referring to FIG. 11, embodiment 11 implements first and second conduction control means 350 and 370 as short circuits 358 and 372, respectively. By avoiding the fluorescent lamp fixture 115 (FIG. 2) that supplies power to all four power pins 104, 106, 124, and 126, and by creating an isolated type first circuit 110, The following advantages are achieved: That is, as described above, non-interference by the second circuit 140 to the first circuit 110 is achieved for both the flicker phenomenon and continuous interference.

Embodiment 12 uses the isolated type first circuit 110 to achieve the following advantages: non-interference by the second circuit 140 to the first circuit 110, and all four power pins 104, The use of fluorescent lamp fixture 115 (FIG. 2) that supplies power to 106, 124, and 126 is avoided.

In the thirteenth embodiment, the first and second conduction control means 350 and 370 are realized as short circuits 358 and 372, respectively. However, the following advantages are obtained: the non-interference by the second circuit 140 to the first circuit 110. To accomplish, we rely on LED non-sharing in the sense of powering such LEDs for illumination over one width along the length of the LED lamp 102.

Referring to FIG. 16, switches 344 and 376 can be implemented in a variety of forms, which can constitute a mechanical switch, and in embodiment 8 using both switches, one switch's Preferably, the switches are mechanically coupled to each other as indicated by the dotted line 400 so that the control controls both switches. This type of mechanical switch is known as a double pole single throw switch. Switches 354 and 376 can alternatively be configured as electronic switches, such as FETs, that are non-inductive when not energized.

For safety, it is desirable that any switch used to implement the first or second conduction control 350 or 370 be provided to the installer in an open or non-inductive state. When the installer confirms that the lamp is installed in either the fluorescent lamp fixture 100 (FIG. 1) or 115 (FIG. 2), the switch should be left open. In contrast, if the installer confirms that the lamp is installed in either fluorescent lamp fixture 120 (FIG. 3) or 130 (FIG. 4), the switch should be closed.

Capacitors 352 and 374 shown in FIG. 16 are sized as described above for these diagrams when LED 300 of circuit 200 of FIG. 5 is implemented as shown in either FIG. 6 or FIG. And can reduce the cost.

The following is a list of reference numbers and associated parts used in the specification and drawings.

The above can be retrofit into existing fluorescent lamp fixtures, dual mode, from existing fluorescent lamp electronic ballasts associated with the lamp fixture and / or directly from the power supply An LED lamp having operation will be described. Advantageously, the LED lamp is configured to mitigate the potential life-threatening electric shock risk when such a lamp is placed in an appliance wired to supply power directly from a power source. Can be done. Some embodiments of the lamp of the present invention are configured to provide additional protection against exposure of shock to the lamp installer.

The claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the written description as a whole.

Claims (21)

An LED lamp having dual mode operation from a fluorescent lamp fixture wired to provide either power supply power or power from an electronic ballast that provides AC power at a ballast frequency,
a) an elongated housing having first and second ends;
b) a first end of the elongated housing provided with first and second power pins;
c) a second end of the elongated housing provided with a third power pin;
d) a first intended to provide main power to at least one LED that is to be powered in a first mode and that provides light outward along the length of the elongated housing; A first mode wherein the LED lamp is directly connected to a power supply that houses the first and second power pins and supplies power at a power frequency much lower than the ballast frequency A first circuit for limiting current to the at least one LED to be powered in a first mode, which occurs when inserted into a fluorescent lamp fixture having a connected power connection;
e) a second intended to provide main power to at least one LED that is to be powered in a second mode and that provides light outward along the length of the elongated housing. A second mode in which the LED lamp is connected to the electronic ballast for receiving the power from the electronic ballast, housing the second and third power pins at the opposite lamp ends. A second circuit that includes a rectifier circuit that occurs when inserted into a fluorescent lamp fixture having an electrical connection and receives power from the second and third power pins;
f) powering the at least one LED to be powered in the second mode when the second and third power pins at the opposite lamp end are connected to the electronic ballast; First conduction control means connected in series between the second power pin and the rectifier circuit to enable two circuits;
g) powering the at least one LED to be powered in the second mode when the second and third power pins at the opposite lamp end are connected to the electronic ballast; An LED lamp comprising: second conduction control means connected in series between the third power pin and the rectifier circuit to allow two circuits. a) the at least one LED to be powered in the first mode and the at least one LED to be powered in the second mode have at least one LED in common;
b) the first conduction control means is configured to supply power when operation of the first circuit is enabled by direct connection of the first and second power pins to a power supply that supplies power at a power frequency. The interference level of power is prevented from reaching the second circuit via the second power pin, and the interference level of the power supply power is a flicker type and continuous type deviation, the stand-alone first circuit. At least 10 percent in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 200 Hz when compared to the average luminance intensity of the light of the at least one LED to be powered in the first circuit mode that would occur from The flicker-type shift of light from the at least one LED to be powered in one mode, and at least 10 percent in the first mode Wherein a continuous-type shift of the light from the at least one LED for the force supplied, is defined by,
The LED lamp according to claim 1. a) the at least one LED to be powered in the first mode and the at least one LED to be powered in the second mode have at least one LED in common;
b) the second conduction control means is operable when the operation of the first circuit is enabled by direct connection of the first and second power pins to a power supply supplying power at a power supply frequency. The interference level of power is prevented from reaching the second circuit via the third power pin, and the interference level of the power supply power is a flicker-type and continuous-type deviation, the stand-alone first circuit. At least 10 percent in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 200 Hz when compared to the average luminance intensity of the light of the at least one LED to be powered in the first circuit mode that would occur from The flicker-type shift of light from the at least one LED to be powered in one mode, and at least 10 percent in the first mode Wherein a continuous-type shift of the light from the at least one LED for the force supplied, is defined by,
The LED lamp according to claim 1. The first conduction control means includes first and second power pins of a pair of power pins on opposite ends of the lamp associated with first and second power connections that receive power from the appliance. Including the following,
a) a first power pin of the pair of power pins is inserted into the first power connection and a power pin is not inserted into the second power connection;
b) the first power pin of the pair of power pins is inserted into the second power connection, and no power pin is inserted into the first power connection;
c) a second power pin of the pair of power pins is inserted into the first power connection and no power pin is inserted into the second power connection;
d) the second power pin of the pair of power pins is inserted into the second power connection, and no power pin is inserted into the first power connection;
e) the first power pin of the pair of power pins is inserted into the first power connection, and the second power pin of the pair of power pins is within the second power connection. And f) the second power pin of the pair of power pins is inserted into the first power connection, and the first power pin of the pair of power pins is the second For each of the situations inserted into the power connection, the effective value is 10 milliamps as measured by a non-inductive 500 ohm resistor connected directly between each exposed power pin and ground. The LED lamp of claim 1, wherein the LED lamp is configured for each exposed power pin to prevent current conduction at an excess amount of the power frequency. 6. The LED lamp according to claim 5, wherein the transformer is an isolated transformer. The LED lamp according to claim 5, wherein the transformer is an automatic transformer. The first and second conduction control means are effective in RMS (Root Mean Square) at 50 Hz and 60 Hz when measured with a probe directly connected between a selected power pin and the ground. When the value of the LED lamp is connected to the first and second power connections, the value is configured to prevent current conduction exceeding 10 milliamperes and connected in series The first component comprises a non-inductive 1500 ohm resistor and a 0.22 microfarad capacitor connected in parallel, the second component comprising: It consists of a non-inductive 500 ohm resistor,
In such a configuration, the first power connection unit is supplied with power by a voltage that changes over a voltage range that matches a constant voltage, a power supply voltage, or a voltage for supplying power to the first circuit. LED lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that this feature is realized in each of the following cases:
a) when the first power pin is connected to the first power connection, the second power pin is connected to the second power connection, and the probe is connected to the second power pin;
b) when the first power pin is connected to the first power connection, the second power pin is connected to the second power connection, and the probe is connected to the fourth power pin;
c) When the third power pin is connected to the first power connection, the fourth power pin is connected to the second power connection, and the probe is connected to the first power pin;
d) When the first power pin is connected to the first power connection, the fourth power pin is connected to the second power connection, and the probe is connected to the second power pin;
e) when the second power pin is connected to the first power connection, the first power pin is connected to the second power connection, and the probe is connected to the third power pin;
f) when the second power pin is connected to the first power connection, the first power pin is connected to the second power connection, and the probe is connected to the fourth power pin;
g) the fourth power pin is connected to the first power connection, the third power pin is connected to the second power connection, and the probe is connected to the first power pin; and h) The fourth power pin is connected to the first power connection, the third power pin is connected to the second power connection, and the probe is connected to the second power pin. 8. The LED lamp according to claim 7, wherein the first and second conduction control means are configured to realize a value of 5 as the value of the predetermined RMS effective value milliampere. .   The LED lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit is an active circuit and the second circuit is a passive circuit.   The LED lamp of claim 1, wherein the number of at least one LED to be powered in the first mode is greater than the number of the at least one LED to be powered in the second mode.   The LED lamp of claim 1, wherein the number of at least one LED to be powered in the second mode is greater than the number of the at least one LED to be powered in the first mode. a) The first circuit is isolated between an input for receiving power supply power and an output providing regulated power to the at least one LED to be powered in a first mode Including transformers,
b) the isolated transformer prevents source power from passing through the second circuit and interfering with the first circuit during the first mode of operation;
The LED lamp according to claim 1. a) The first and second circuits are configured such that the at least one LED to be powered in the first mode and the at least one LED to be powered in the second mode are separated from each other. Configured,
b) the second circuit is configured to avoid powering the at least one LED to be powered during the first mode during the first mode of operation;
The LED lamp according to claim 1. a) the at least one LED powered in the first mode and the at least one LED powered in the second mode are all shared, and a plurality of series of LEDs, each of the series A series of LEDs characterized in that the LEDs comprise at least one LED;
b) an LED circuit connected to the plurality of LEDs, the LED circuit being a first LED circuit unit, wherein the LED circuit is connected to at least a first and second series of LEDs of the series of LEDs; A first LED circuit unit that
Each of the at least first and second series of LEDs is configured to apply a substantially equivalent voltage when supplied with power from the first circuit,
c) The first LED circuit unit is configured such that when the first circuit receives power supply, the at least first and second series of LEDs operate in parallel and a substantially equivalent voltage is applied. And
d) When the first LED circuit unit is further supplied with power by the second circuit, the at least first and second series of LEDs operate in series, and the at least first first by the second circuit. The voltage applied to the second and second series of LEDs is configured to be approximately equal to the total value of the voltage applied to each of the at least first and second series of LEDs, respectively. LED lamp described in 1. The first LED circuit enables the at least first and second series of LEDs to operate in parallel when receiving power supply from the first circuit, and when receiving power supply from the second circuit. 15. The LED lamp according to claim 14, comprising a current steering diode for enabling operation in series. a) the LED circuit is connected to at least a first and second series of LEDs that are different from each other in the series of LEDs, and each of the at least first and second series of LEDs that are different from each other; A second LED circuit unit configured to apply a substantially equivalent voltage when receiving power from the first circuit,
b) When the second LED circuit unit is supplied with power from the first circuit, at least the first and second series of LEDs that are different from each other operate in parallel, and substantially equal voltages are applied to each of the LEDs. Join,
c) When the second LED circuit unit is further supplied with power from the second circuit, the first and second series of different LEDs operate in series, and the second circuit causes the mutual mutual connection. The LED lamp according to claim 14, wherein the LED lamp is configured to be substantially equal to a total value of voltages applied to at least the first and second series of LEDs different from each other. a) the first circuit is connected to the LED circuit by first and second conductors;
b) corresponding isolation means are provided in series with the first and second conductors, respectively, so that at least one of the first and second conductors is powered by the LED from the second circuit. 17. A device according to claim 14 or 16, wherein when configured, the first circuit is isolated from a unipolar current coming from the LED circuit unit. LED circuit. 18. The LED circuit according to claim 17, wherein each of the isolation means includes a field effect transistor. a) each corresponding isolating means is provided in series with the first conductor, and the first conductor is configured such that when the LED is powered by the second circuit, the first circuit, Isolating from the unipolar current coming from the LED circuit unit,
b) each corresponding isolating means is provided in series with the second conductor, and the second conductor, when the LED is configured to receive power from the second circuit, the first circuit, 18. The LED circuit according to claim 17, wherein the LED circuit is isolated from a unipolar current coming from the LED circuit unit. 18. The LED circuit according to claim 17, wherein the isolating means includes a field effect transistor. 20. The LED circuit according to claim 19, wherein each corresponding isolating means comprises a field effect transistor.

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