JP3888124B2 - Microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a microwave electrodeless discharge lamp apparatus using a magnetron.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 13, a microwave generator 10 that includes a magnetron and generates a microwave by supplying a driving power supply, and a waveguide 20 that transmits the microwave generated by the microwave generator 10, An electrodeless discharge lamp (hereinafter abbreviated as “lamp”) 6 is disposed inside, a microwave resonator 30 that resonates microwaves transmitted from the waveguide 20, and a microwave generator 10. There is provided a microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device including a power supply unit 40 for supplying the driving power to the power source.
[0003]
  The microwave generation unit 10 includes a magnetron probe (hereinafter abbreviated as “probe”) 11 for radiating microwaves to the outside, and the probe 11 is disposed in a form inserted into the waveguide 20. .
[0004]
  The microwave resonator 30 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that opens at one end, and is disposed so as to cover the coupling hole 21 provided in the waveguide 20. Such a microwave resonator 30 is made of a wire mesh having a high conductivity, suppresses the loss of microwaves input from the waveguide 20 through the coupling hole 21, and increases the aperture ratio of the mesh. By being formed in this way, the light transmissivity is high, and light from the lamp 6 disposed inside is efficiently led out to the outside.
[0005]
  The lamp 6 has a long life because no electrode is present inside. For example, when the lamp 6 is a high-intensity discharge lamp (HID lamp), the life is about 60,000 hours.
[0006]
  The magnetron provided in the microwave generation unit 10 forms an electromagnetic field between the cathode and the anode when a high voltage is applied between the cathode and the anode while thermionic electrons are emitted from the cathode. Generate waves. At this time, the power supply unit 40 heats the cathode filament constituting the cathode of the magnetron by applying a voltage to emit the thermoelectrons, and further applies a high voltage between the cathode and the anode of the magnetron. Drive power is supplied.
[0007]
  The magnetron described above has the advantage of being inexpensive and having a small number of parts.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the conventional microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device, the life of the cathode filament provided in the magnetron of the microwave generator 10 is as short as about 20,000 hours. There was a problem that it was shortened despite its long life.
[0009]
  Further, if the lifetime of the entire apparatus is to be extended in accordance with the lifetime of the lamp 6, the magnetron of the microwave generation unit 10 must be replaced. However, the replacement work requires specialized knowledge and the replacement cost increases. In addition to this, there was a risk of a microwave leakage accident due to work mistakes.
[0010]
  Furthermore, in order to extend the life, a high-output microwave semiconductor may be used for the microwave generator 10 without using a magnetron. However, in this case, since the microwave semiconductor is expensive, the entire apparatus is cost-effective. It will be up.
[0011]
  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and provides a microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device that extends the life of the entire device.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 1 includes a plurality of microwave generators that are provided with a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving a drive power supply, and a microwave generated by the microwave generators. A waveguide for transmitting a wave, a microwave resonator in which an electrodeless discharge lamp is disposed, and a microwave transmitted from the waveguide, and a power supply for supplying the driving power And switching setting means for selectively switching one of the plurality of microwave generation units to an operation state and selectively setting any one of the microwave generation units to an operation state.An operation determining means for determining whether or not the microwave generator set in the operating state is operating, an activation detecting means for detecting activation of the power supply section, and activation of the power supply section by the activation detection means When it is detected, and when it is determined that the microwave generation unit set to the operation state is not operated by the operation determination unit, the microwave generation unit set to the operation state is not set in the switching setting unit. Control means for switching to an operating state and switching other microwave generators to an operating state in a preset order;It is characterized by having,When the power supply unit is activated, the activation detection unit detects the activation, and the control unit causes the switching setting unit to switch the next microwave generation unit in the preset order to the operating state, thereby supplying power. Each time the unit is started, a plurality of microwave generators can be switched and operated sequentially, and as a result, deterioration of individual microwave generators can be suppressed and the life of the entire apparatus can be extended. At the same time, when the magnetron of the microwave generation unit that has been set to the operating state stops operating, for example, at the end of its life, the operation determination unit determines that the microwave generation unit has stopped operating, and from the control unit By making the switching setting means switch the other microwave generation unit to the operating state, it is not necessary to replace the magnetron as in the conventional example, and It can be turned an electrodeless discharge lamp by generating microwaves from other microwave generating unit.
[0013]
  The invention of claim 2To achieve the above objective,A plurality of microwave generators that have a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving drive power, a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators, and an electrodeless discharge lamp inside And a microwave resonator that internally resonates the microwave transmitted from the waveguide, a power supply unit that supplies the driving power, and an operating state of each of the plurality of microwave generation units And switching setting means for selectively setting any one of the microwave generators to the operating state, and an anode for detecting the anode current flowing in the magnetron of the microwave generator set to the operating state. The current detection means, the activation detection means for detecting the activation of the power supply section, and the anode current detection means for a certain period after the activation detection means detects the activation of the power supply section. When the value of the detected anode current is outside a predetermined range, the switch setting means, let switches the microwave generation part inoperative, and control means for shifting the other microwave generating unit to the operating stateIt is characterized by having,For example, if the magnetron of the microwave generation unit deteriorates due to the life, etc., the value of the anode current decreases, so the activation detection means detects the activation of the power supply unit, and the anode current flowing through the magnetron of the microwave generation unit in the operating state is detected. When the anode current value does not fall within a predetermined range within a predetermined period after the power supply unit is activated by the detection by the anode current detection unit, another microwave generator is connected from the control unit to the switching setting unit. By switching to the operating state, the electrodeless discharge lamp can be normally lit by generating microwaves from the other microwave generators without having to replace the deteriorated magnetron..
[0014]
  The invention of claim 3To achieve the above objective,A plurality of microwave generators that are provided with a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving supply of drive power, a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators, and an electrodeless discharge lamp inside And a microwave resonator for internally resonating the microwave transmitted from the waveguide, and A switching setting for selectively setting one of the microwave generators to an operating state by switching each of the plurality of microwave generators to an operating state and a non-operating state. Light detection means for detecting light from the electrodeless discharge lamp, activation detection means for detecting activation of the power supply unit, and light detection for a certain period after activation of the power supply unit is detected by the activation detection means When the intensity of the light detected by the means is out of the predetermined range, the switching setting means is caused to switch the microwave generator set to the operating state to the non-operating state, and set the other microwave generators to the operating state. Control means for switchingIt is characterized byFor example, if the magnetron of the microwave generation unit deteriorates due to its life, etc., the light intensity emitted from the electrodeless discharge lamp decreases, so the activation detection means detects the activation of the power supply unit and detects the light from the electrodeless discharge lamp. When the intensity of the light does not fall within a predetermined range within a predetermined period after the power supply unit is activated by the detection means, the microwave set in the operating state from the control means to the switching setting means By switching the generation unit to the non-operational state and switching the other microwave generation unit to the operation state, it is not necessary to replace the deteriorated magnetron, and the microwaves are generated from the other microwave generation unit. The electrodeless discharge lamp can be turned on normally.
[0015]
  The invention of claim 4 is claimed in claimAny one of 1-3In the invention ofThe switching setting means includes a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the cathodes of the magnetrons of the plurality of microwave generators, and a short-circuit setting means for short-circuiting / opening both ends of each cathode.It is characterized byIf both ends of one of the cathodes are opened by the short-circuit setting means and both ends of the other cathode are short-circuited, a voltage is applied to the one cathode by the voltage applying means, and the cathode is heated. The microwave generation unit having a plurality of operations by selecting a cathode whose both ends are opened by the short-circuit setting means by being in an operation state in which a thermoelectron is emitted from the cathode to generate a microwave. The microwave generator can be switched and operated to extend the life of the entire device..
[0016]
  The invention of claim 5 is the invention of any one of claims 1 to 4,The waveguide is formed so as to short-circuit one end opposite to the microwave resonator in the microwave transmission direction, and each of the plurality of microwave generators includes a probe for radiating the microwave to the outside. The probe is inserted into the waveguide at a position away from the short-circuited end of the waveguide toward the microwave resonator along the microwave transmission direction by a distance equal to an odd multiple of about a quarter wavelength of the microwave. ArrangedIt is characterized byOne end of the waveguide is short-circuited, and the probe of each microwave generator is separated from the short-circuited end of the waveguide by a distance equal to an odd multiple of about ¼ wavelength of the microwave. It is possible to increase the impedance on the short-circuit end side in the microwave generated from the power source, suppress power transmission by the microwave to the short-circuit end side, and transmit power only to the microwave resonator side.
[0017]
  The invention of claim 6 claims5In the invention ofThe waveguide includes a common part having a coupling hole for transmitting microwaves to the microwave resonator, and a plurality of branch parts branched from the common part and short-circuited at one end. Each of the generators is disposed on each branch of the waveguide, and the distance from the branch point where each branch branches to the short-circuited one end of each branch is about 1/4 wavelength of the microwave. Equal to an odd multiple ofIt is characterized byBy making the distance from the branch point to the short-circuited end an odd multiple of about ¼ wavelength of the microwave, the distance from the probe of each microwave generator to the branch point is about ½ of the microwave. Equal to an integral multiple of the wavelength, microwaves from each microwave generator can be efficiently transmitted to the microwave resonator side.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  (Reference example1)
  BookReference exampleSince the basic configuration is the same as that of the conventional example, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.Reference exampleOnly the characteristic features will be described in detail.
[0019]
  BookReference exampleThen, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the two microwave generators 10a and 10b, which are provided with the magnetron 12 and generate the microwaves upon receiving the drive power supply, and the two microwave generators 10a, 10a, 10b is provided with switching setting means for switching each of 10b between an operating state and a non-operating state.
[0020]
  BookReference exampleAs shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 40 includes a power transformer 42 having a primary winding n1 and two secondary windings n2a and n2b having different winding numbers, and a secondary winding having a larger number of turns. A diode 47 connected via a capacitor 46 is provided at both ends of the line n2a. The cathode of the diode 47 is grounded, and the connection point between the anode of the diode 47 and the capacitor 46 is connected to the other secondary winding n2b. Connected to one end.
[0021]
  Such a power supply unit 40 is activated when commercial power is applied to the primary winding n1 of the power transformer 42, and the voltage doubler rectifier circuit including the capacitor 46 and the diode 47 from the secondary winding n2a. A high voltage of several kilovolts is applied between the two magnetrons 12 and 12 of the two microwave generators 10a and 10b. Here, the magnetrons 12 of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b are each grounded on the anode side due to heat dissipation or the like, and a negative voltage is applied thereto.
[0022]
  The cathode filaments 12a in the magnetrons 12 of the two microwave generators 10a and 10b are connected in series, and the series circuit of the cathode filaments 12a and 12a is connected to both ends of the secondary winding n2b of the power supply unit 40. Is done. That is, the power supply unit 40 includes voltage application means for applying the voltage generated in the secondary winding n2b to the series circuit of the cathode filaments 12a and 12a when activated as described above.
[0023]
  Here, the switching setting means described above includes the voltage applying means and the short-circuit setting unit 50 that short-circuits either one of the cathode filaments 12a and 12a.
[0024]
  The short-circuit setting unit 50 includes a terminal c connected to the connection point between the cathode filaments 12a and 12a, a terminal a connected to the connection point between the cathode filament 12a and the secondary winding n2b in the microwave generation unit 10a, and microwave generation. A terminal b connected to the connection point of the cathode filament 12a and the secondary winding n2b in the portion 10b, and the terminal c is switched to the terminals a and b for connection.
[0025]
  For example, when the terminal c is connected to the terminal a in the short-circuit setting unit 50, both ends of the cathode filament 12a in the microwave generation unit 10a are short-circuited, and both ends of the cathode filament 12a in the microwave generation unit 10b are opened. When the power supply unit 40 is started in such a state, the voltage generated in the secondary winding n2b is applied to the cathode filament 12a of the microwave generation unit 10b, and only this cathode filament 12a is heated to emit thermoelectrons. To do. As a result, when a high voltage is applied between the two poles of the magnetron 12 from the power supply unit 40 as described above, the microwave generation unit 10b receives the drive power from the power supply unit 40 and generates a microwave. It will be in the operation state which operates as follows. On the other hand, the magnetron generator 10a becomes inoperative because the cathode filament 12a of its own magnetron 12 is not heated and does not emit thermoelectrons, and even if a high voltage is applied between the two poles of the magnetron 12, the drive power supply Cannot be supplied and will not work.
[0026]
  Contrary to the above, when the terminal c is connected to the terminal b in the short-circuit setting unit 50, the microwave generation unit 10a is in an operating state to generate microwaves, and the microwave generation unit 10b is inoperative. Switch to state.
[0027]
  In this way, the switching setting means selectively activates only one of the microwave generators 10a and 10b.
[0028]
  Ie bookReference exampleThen, by connecting the terminals c and a and the terminals c and b to the short-circuit setting unit 50 of the switching setting means, the microwave generators 10a and 10b are switched to operate and the lamp 6 is lit. is there. Thereby, the lifetime of the whole apparatus can be extended.
[0029]
  For example, every time the power supply unit 40 is activated or every predetermined time after the power supply unit 40 is activated, the short-circuit setting unit 50 is switched and connected between the terminals a to c, so that the microwave generation unit 10a, If the 10b is operated alternately, the deterioration of the respective magnetrons 12 of the microwave generators 10a and 10b can be suppressed for a long time, and the lifetime of the entire apparatus can be further extended.
[0030]
  Further, for example, the magnetron 12 of the microwave generation unit 10a is operated until it reaches the end of its life, and when the lifetime is reached, the contacts c and a are connected to the short-circuit setting unit 50 to operate the microwave generation unit 10b. For example, it is not necessary to replace the magnetron 12 of the microwave generation unit 10 as in the conventional example, the lamp 6 can be turned on, and the life of the entire apparatus can be extended.
[0031]
  By the way, bookReference exampleWhen the cathode filament 12a to which the voltage of the secondary winding n2b is applied is switched, the short-circuit setting unit 50 switches between the terminals c and a and between the terminals c and b so that one cathode filament is short-circuited. By opening both ends of 12a and short-circuiting both ends of the other cathode filament 12a, the potential difference between the terminals is at most several volts, and the short-circuit setting unit 50 does not require a switch for high-voltage switching. And cost reduction can be achieved. Furthermore, since arc discharge does not occur at the time of switching connection, safety can be improved, and generation of noise can be suppressed and reliability can be improved.
[0032]
  More booksReference exampleThen, by connecting the secondary winding n2b of the power supply unit 40 and the cathode filaments 12a in the two microwave generation units 10a and 10b in series, the number of wires can be reduced as compared with the case where they are connected in parallel. Reliability can be further improved.
[0033]
  Further, when the control circuit for switching operation is provided in the short-circuit setting unit 50, the control circuit side, the microwave generation units 10a and 10b, and the power supply unit 40 require electrical insulation. Since the potential difference between the terminals of the short-circuit setting unit 50 is about several volts at most, the short-circuit setting unit 50 includes, for example, a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode, a light-receiving element that receives light from the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element, It can be composed of a semiconductor relay including an optical fiber for optically coupling the light receiving element. As a result, further downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved. In addition, you may comprise the short circuit setting part 50 with the small relay which opens and closes between terminals mechanically other than a semiconductor relay.
[0034]
  By the way, bookReference exampleThe waveguide 20 is formed in an elongated shape, and both ends in the longitudinal direction are short-circuited. A coupling hole 21 is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 20, and two microwave generators 10 a and 10 b are arranged on the other end side in such a manner that the probes 11 a and 11 b are inserted into the waveguide 20. It is installed. Such a waveguide 20 transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators 10 a and 10 b along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 20.
[0035]
  Here, the distance L1 from the short-circuit wall 22 on the side opposite to the coupling hole 21 in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 20 to the probe 11a is equal to about ¼ wavelength of the microwave, and from the short-circuit wall 22 to the probe 11b. The distance L2 is set equal to an odd multiple (three times or more) of about a quarter wavelength of the microwave. Thereby, the impedance on the short-circuit wall 22 side in the microwave generated from any one of the probes 11a and 11b of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b can be sufficiently increased, and power transmission by the microwave to the short-circuit wall 22 side is possible. Thus, power can be transmitted only to the coupling hole 22 side.
[0036]
  Also bookReference exampleHowever, since the resonance frequency of the cavity resonator inside the magnetron is different for each magnetron, the microwave generators 10a and 10b are provided with microwaves. Even if a wave is generated, the microwave does not adversely affect the magnetron 12 of the other microwave generators 10a and 10b.
  (Reference example2)
  BookReference exampleThe basic structure ofReference exampleIn order to share the same parts as those in FIG.Reference exampleOnly the characteristic features will be described in detail.
[0037]
  BookReference exampleThen, as shown in FIG. 3, the coupling hole 21 of the waveguide 20 is provided at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 20, and the microwave generators 10 a and 10 b are respectively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 20. It is arrange | positioned at the direction both ends. In FIG. 3, the power supply unit 40 and the short circuit setting unit 50 are omitted.
[0038]
  The probe 11a of the microwave generator 10a is separated from the one short-circuit wall 22a in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 20 toward the coupling hole 21 by a distance L1 equal to about ¼ wavelength of the microwave along the longitudinal direction. Similarly to the probe 11a, the probe 11b of the microwave generation unit 10b is also equal to about ¼ wavelength of the microwave from the other short-circuit wall 22b in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 20 along the longitudinal direction. The distance L1 is located away from the coupling hole 21 side. Further, the coupling hole 21 of the waveguide 20 is a distance equal to an odd multiple (three times or more) of about 1/4 wavelength of the microwave along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 20 from each of the short-circuit walls 22a and 22b. They are located apart by L3 and L4.
[0039]
  Book like thisReference exampleThen, the probes 11a and 11b of the microwave generators 10a and 10b are respectively separated from the short-circuit walls 22a and 22b at both ends of the waveguide 20 by about 1/4 wavelength of the microwave toward the coupling hole 21 side. By beingReference example1, the electric power generated by the microwaves generated from the microwave generation units 10 a and 10 b can be transmitted only to the coupling hole 21 side. Furthermore, since the coupling hole 21 is located away from each probe 11a, 11b by an integral multiple of about 1/2 wavelength of the microwave, the microwave from each probe 11a, 11b is efficiently microwave resonator. 30 can be transmitted.
[0040]
  In addition, by arranging the two microwave generators 10a and 10b at a distance from both ends of the waveguide 20,Reference exampleCompared to 1, the microwave generators 10a and 10b can be easily disposed, and the manufacturing can be facilitated.
  (Reference example3)
  BookReference exampleThe basic structure ofReference exampleIn order to share the same part as 1 or 2, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.Reference exampleOnly the characteristic features will be described in detail.
[0041]
  BookReference exampleThen, as shown in FIG. 4, the waveguide 20 has a common portion 20a having a coupling hole 21 at one end in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal direction from one end of the common portion 20a opposite to the longitudinal coupling hole 21. It consists of two branches 20b, 20b that branch in a substantially vertical direction and whose one end is short-circuited, and are formed in a substantially T-shape as a whole. Also bookReference exampleIncludes a case 60 having a substantially rectangular box shape, and a waveguide 20 and microwave generation units 10a and 10b, and a short-circuit setting unit 50 and a power supply unit 40 (not shown) are provided in the case 60. ing.
[0042]
  BookReference exampleThe probes 11a and 11b of the two microwave generators 10a and 10b areReference exampleSimilarly to 1 and 2, each of the branch portions 20b is located at one end of each branch portion 20b away from the common portion 20a by about 1/4 wavelength of the microwave along the longitudinal direction of the branch portion 20b. The branch point where each branch part 20b branches from the common part 20a is an odd number (three times) of about 1/4 wavelength of the microwave along the longitudinal direction of the branch part 20b from the short-circuit ends 22a and 22b of each branch part 20b. And so on).
[0043]
  Above bookReference exampleIn the conductive tube 20,Reference example2, the branch point is located away from each probe 11 a, 11 b by an integral multiple of about ½ wavelength of the microwave, so that the microwave from each probe 11 a, 11 b can be efficiently microwaved. It can be transmitted to the resonator 30.
[0044]
  Furthermore, by arbitrarily setting the length and routing of the common portion 20a, for example, the microwave resonator 30 and the microwave generation portions 10a and 10b can be arranged in a desired positional relationship, and the degree of freedom in design Can be increased.
  (Reference example4)
  BookReference exampleThe basic structure ofReference example3 are the same as those in FIG.Reference exampleOnly the characteristic features will be described in detail.
[0045]
  BookReference exampleThen, as shown in FIG. 5, each branch part 20b, 20b of the waveguide 20 is E-branched from the wide surface (E surface) of the common part 20a and is in contact with each other along the longitudinal direction. The wave tube 20 is formed in a fork shape as a whole.
[0046]
  Book like thisReference exampleIn the waveguide 20, the two branch portions 20 b and 20 b are in contact with each other along the longitudinal direction.Reference exampleCompared with 3, the surface area occupied by the waveguide 20 can be reduced.
[0047]
  Further, as described above, the both branch portions 20b and 20b are in contact with each other along the longitudinal direction, whereby the microwave generation portions 10a and 10b areReference exampleCompared to 3, it will be closer to each other. As a result, in order to dissipate the heat generated from the microwave generators 10a and 10b, for example,Reference example3, two heat dissipating mechanisms must be provided independently in the vicinity of the microwave generators 10a and 10b.Reference exampleThen, since both the microwave generators 10a and 10b are close to each other, only one heat dissipating mechanism needs to be provided in the vicinity of both the microwave generators 10a and 10b, and the heat dissipation design can be facilitated. is there.
[0048]
  By the way, bookReference exampleThen, each branch portion 20b of the waveguide 20 is E-branched from the common portion 20a. However, as shown in FIG. 6, both branch portions are branched from the narrow surface (H surface) of the common portion 20a. You may make 20b and 20b contact on each narrow surface. In this case, the two microwave generators 10a and 10b may be arranged side by side on one wide surface side of each branch part 20b, so that the microwave generators 10a and 10b are brought closer to each other to design a heat dissipation. Can be easily.
[0049]
  Also bookReference exampleThen, both the branch portions 20b and 20b are brought into contact with each other along the longitudinal direction. However, the branch portions 20b and 20b are separated from each other toward the distal end side along the longitudinal direction, that is, the waveguide 20 is entirely disposed. You may form in a substantially Y shape.
  (Embodiment1)
  The basic configuration in this embodiment isReference exampleSince they are the same as 1 to 4, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only the parts that characterize the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0050]
  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, an anode current detection unit 48 composed of, for example, a current transformer that detects an anode current flowing in one of the microwave generation units 10 a and 10 b that is set in an operating state. And a control circuit unit 70 that causes the short-circuit setting unit 50 to switch the connection between the terminals a to c based on the detection result of the anode current detection unit 48.
[0051]
  In the control circuit unit 70, when the value of the anode current detected by the anode current detection unit 48 is within a predetermined range, one of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b set in the operating state is operating. When the value of the anode current is outside the predetermined range, it is determined that the microwave generation units 10a and 10b are not operating. That is, in the present embodiment, the anode current detection unit 48 and the control circuit unit 70 constitute an operation determination unit.
[0052]
  When it is determined that one of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b set to the operating state is not operating, the control circuit unit 70 causes the short-circuit setting unit 50 to switch the connection of the terminals a to c. When one of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b set in the operation state is switched to the non-operation state, the other microwave generation unit 10a and 10b is switched to the operation state.
[0053]
  Accordingly, in the present embodiment, for example, when the microwave generation unit 10a is set to the operating state and the microwave generation unit 10a generates a microwave to turn on the lamp 6, the magnetron of the microwave generation unit 10a When the cathode filament 12a is disconnected due to the life of the coil 12 and the microwave generation unit 10a does not operate, the control circuit unit 70 generates the microwave in the short-circuit setting unit 50 from the detection result of the anode current of the anode current detection unit 48. By switching the unit 10b to the operating state, it is not necessary to replace the magnetron 12 of the microwave generation unit 10a, and the lamp 6 can be turned on by generating a microwave from the microwave generation unit 10b.
[0054]
  By the way, for example, when the magnetron 12 of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b is deteriorated due to the lifetime or the like, the value of the anode current becomes small.
[0055]
  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a start detection unit (not shown) for detecting the start of the power supply unit 40 is provided, and a short circuit is provided to the control circuit unit 70 according to the detection results of the start detection unit and the anode current detection unit 48. The connection between the terminals a to c of the setting unit 50 may be switched. For example, when the value of the anode current detected by the anode current detection unit 48 is outside a predetermined range for a certain period after the activation detection unit detects the activation of the power supply unit 40, the control circuit unit 70 It is determined that the magnetron 12 of one of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b has deteriorated, and the short circuit setting unit 50 switches the connection between the terminals a to c. As a result, the other microwave generators 10a and 10b are in an operating state, so that it is not necessary to replace the deteriorated magnetron 12, and microwaves are generated from the other microwave generators 10a and 10b, so that the lamp 6 Can be lit normally.
  (Embodiment2)
  The basic configuration in this embodiment is the first embodiment.And Reference Examples 1 to 4Therefore, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0056]
  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the activation of the power supply unit 40 is detected from the electrical signal on the primary winding n1 side of the power transformer 42 of the power supply unit 40, and the activation detection signal according to the detection result , And an optical sensor 82 as light detecting means for detecting light from the lamp 6, and the optical sensor 82 outputs a light detection signal composed of a voltage signal corresponding to the detected light intensity. To do.
[0057]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit unit 70 of the present embodiment outputs a timer signal that is at an H level for a predetermined time of about 30 seconds, for example, when the activation detection signal from the activation detection unit 81 is input. A timer signal output circuit 84 composed of a stable multivibrator and the like; an integration circuit 85 that integrates a light detection signal output from the optical sensor 82; and outputs an integration signal corresponding to the result of integration; An AND circuit 86 that calculates the logical product of the timer signal and the integration signal from the integration circuit 85 and outputs a binary operation signal, and a latch circuit 87 that outputs a control signal according to the operation result of the AND circuit 86. The short-circuit setting unit 50 switches the connection between the terminals a to c with the control signal output based on the activation detection signal and the light detection signal.
[0058]
  Here, an example of the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0059]
  First, when commercial power is supplied to the power supply unit 40 at time t1, the power supply unit 40 is activated, whereby an activation detection signal is output from the activation detection unit 81 and one of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b. , The lamp 6 is turned on, and a light detection signal is output from the light sensor 82.
[0060]
  Then, when the activation detection signal output from the activation detection unit 81 is input to the timer signal output circuit 84 of the control circuit unit 70, the timer signal output circuit 84 from time t1 to time t3 as shown in FIG. During this period, a timer signal that becomes H level is output. Further, the integration circuit 85 of the control circuit unit 70 outputs an integration signal in which the voltage value h gradually increases from time t1, as shown in FIG. 10B, based on the light detection signal from the optical sensor 82.
[0061]
  Here, when the voltage value h of the integral signal becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value h1 at time t2 before reaching time t3, the logical product circuit 86, as shown in FIG. During this time, an H level arithmetic signal is output. Then, when the H level arithmetic signal is input at time t2, the latch circuit 87 outputs an H level control signal as shown in FIG. 10D, and even if the arithmetic signal becomes L level at time t3. The H level control signal is continuously output.
[0062]
  The short-circuit setting unit 50 does not switch the connection between the terminals a to c while the H level control signal is output from the latch circuit 87 of the control circuit unit 70, and operates from the time of starting the power supply unit 40. One of the microwave generators 10a and 10b that are being operated is continuously operated.
[0063]
  Contrary to the above, when the voltage value h of the integration signal does not become equal to or higher than h1 by time t3, the logical product circuit 86 does not output an H level operation signal. As a result, since the H level control signal is not output from the latch circuit 87, the short-circuit setting unit 50 switches the connection between the terminals a to c and is set to the operating state when the power supply unit 40 is started. The microwave generators 10a and 10b are switched to the non-operating state, and the other microwave generating units 10a and 10b are switched to the operating state.
[0064]
  As described above, in the present embodiment, the activation detection unit 81 detects the activation of the power supply unit 40, and the light intensity of the lamp 6 detected by the optical sensor 82 within a certain period after the activation of the power supply unit 40. Is not within the predetermined range, one of the microwave generators 10a and 10b in the operating state is switched to the non-operating state, and the other microwave generators 10a and 10b are switched to the operating state. That is, in the present embodiment, even when the magnetron 12 of one of the microwave generation units 10a and 10b is deteriorated due to the lifetime or the like, and the light intensity emitted from the lamp 6 is reduced, the deteriorated magnetron 12 is replaced. Therefore, the lamps 6 can be normally lit by generating microwaves from the other microwave generators 10a and 10b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the voltage range h1 in FIG. 10B is increased by narrowing the predetermined range of the above-described light intensity, which is a reference when the microwave generators 10a and 10b are switched and operated. By setting, it is possible to determine the deterioration at an early stage and switch the microwave generators 10a and 10b to operate.
[0065]
  In addition, since the control circuit unit 70 includes the integration circuit 85, even if the lamp 6 emits light instantaneously, the influence of this light can be suppressed, and the control circuit unit 70 outputs an incorrect control signal. Can be prevented.
[0066]
  By the way, the latch circuit 87 of this embodiment may be constituted by an electronic circuit made of electronic parts such as a semiconductor element or a latching relay. When the latch circuit 87 is made of a latching relay, the electronic circuit The number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the circuit is configured.
[0067]
  Further, in the present embodiment, a power cutoff device (not shown) that forcibly cuts off the supply path of the commercial power source to the power supply unit 40 according to the input of the power cutoff signal is provided, and the control circuit unit 70 is short-circuited. As a result of switching the connection of the terminals a to c to the setting unit 50, if the light intensity of the lamp 6 is outside the predetermined range regardless of which of the microwave generation units 10 a and 10 b is operated, the control circuit unit 70 is connected to the power source. A blocking signal may be output. Thereby, the safety | security of the whole apparatus can be improved.
  (Embodiment3)
  The basic configuration in this embodiment is the embodiment.1Or2Therefore, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0068]
  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, three microwave generators 10 a to 10 c are provided, and the control circuit 70 is connected to the short circuit setting unit 50 in the magnetron 12 of each of the microwave generators 10 a to 10 c. Either one end of each cathode filament 12a is selectively opened, and the other two ends are short-circuited.
[0069]
  Further, in the present embodiment, an operation detection unit 88 that outputs a non-operation detection signal when the voltage value of the light detection signal from the optical sensor 82 decreases below a predetermined value is provided. From 88, the operation | movement discrimination | determination means which discriminate | determines whether any one microwave generation part 10a-10c set to the operation state is operate | moving is comprised.
[0070]
  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the short-circuit setting unit 50 includes switching elements 51 to 53 that respectively short-circuit / open both ends of the cathode filaments 12 a of the three magnetrons 12.
[0071]
  The control circuit unit 70 is based on the two diodes D1 and D2 and the non-operation detection signal of the operation detection unit 88 and the activation detection signal of the activation detection unit 81 input through the diodes D1 and D2, respectively. A ternary counter ring counter circuit 70a that sequentially turns on any one of the switching elements 51 to 53 of the short-circuit setting unit 50 in a preset order. Further, the cathodes of the two diodes D1 and D2 are connected to each other, and this connection point is connected to the input terminal of the ring counter circuit 70a.
[0072]
  In such a control circuit unit 70, when the activation detection signal is input from the activation detection unit 81 via the diode D1 to the ring counter circuit 70a, the non-operation detection signal is transmitted from the operation detection unit 88 via the diode D2. When input to the counter circuit 70a, the ring counter circuit 70a turns off one switching element 51 to 53 that is turned off among the switch elements 51 to 53 of the short-circuit setting unit 50 each time the signal is input. Turns on and turns off the next switching elements 51 to 53 in the preset order.
[0073]
  Thereby, in this embodiment, every time the power supply unit 40 is activated, the control circuit unit 70 sequentially turns off any one of the switching elements 51 to 53 of the short-circuit setting unit 50 by inputting the activation detection signal. Thus, the microwave generators 10a to 10c can be sequentially switched and operated.
[0074]
  Furthermore, even when one magnetron 12 that has been operated among the microwave generation units 10a to 10c does not operate due to its life, and the lamp 6 that has been turned on is extinguished, the control circuit unit 70 operates the operation detection unit 88. By turning on one of the switching elements 51 to 53 that is turned off with respect to the short-circuit setting unit 50 and inputting the other switching element 51 to 53 in the next order by the input of the non-operation detection signal from Without exchanging the magnetron 12, the other microwave generators 10a to 10c can be operated to light the lamp 6.
[0075]
  Further, in the present embodiment, the microwave generators 10a to 10c are switched and operated every time the power supply unit 40 is activated. Therefore, the performance of the magnetron 12 of one microwave generator 10a to 10c is reduced, that is, the lifespan. Compared to the serial usage method in which the magnetrons 12 of the other microwave generation units 10a to 10c are driven after the operation is performed until the operation becomes, the deterioration of each magnetron 12 is substantially suppressed, and the lifetime of the entire apparatus is further increased. Can be long.
[0076]
  Also, the present embodiment and the first embodiment, 2 and Reference Examples 1-4Then, although two or three microwave generation units are provided, four or more microwave generation units may be provided. When the life of the entire apparatus is made to correspond to the life of the lamp 6, the life of the lamp 6 is generally three times or less than the life of the magnetron 12, so it is sufficient to provide three microwave generators. It is.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
  The invention of claim 1 includes a plurality of microwave generators that are provided with a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving a drive power supply, and a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators. A microwave resonator in which an electrodeless discharge lamp is disposed and which resonates a microwave transmitted from the waveguide; a power supply unit that supplies the driving power; and the plurality of microwaves Switching setting means for switching each of the generating units to an operating state and a non-operating state and selectively setting any one of the microwave generating units to an operating state;An operation determining means for determining whether or not the microwave generator set in the operating state is operating, an activation detecting means for detecting activation of the power supply section, and activation of the power supply section by the activation detection means When it is detected, and when it is determined that the microwave generation unit set to the operation state is not operated by the operation determination unit, the microwave generation unit set to the operation state is not set in the switching setting unit. Control means for switching to an operating state and switching other microwave generators to an operating state in a preset order;So thatWhen the power supply unit is activated, the activation detection unit detects the activation, and the control unit causes the switching setting unit to switch the next microwave generation unit in the preset order to the operating state, thereby supplying power. Each time the unit is started, a plurality of microwave generators can be switched and operated sequentially, and as a result, deterioration of individual microwave generators can be suppressed and the life of the entire apparatus can be extended. At the same time, when the magnetron of the microwave generation unit that has been set to the operating state stops operating, for example, at the end of its life, the operation determination unit determines that the microwave generation unit has stopped operating, and from the control unit By making the switching setting means switch the other microwave generation unit to the operating state, it is not necessary to replace the magnetron as in the conventional example, and It can be turned an electrodeless discharge lamp by generating microwaves from other microwave generating unitThere is an effect.
[0078]
  The invention of claim 2A plurality of microwave generators that have a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving drive power, a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators, and an electrodeless discharge lamp inside And a microwave resonator that internally resonates the microwave transmitted from the waveguide, a power supply unit that supplies the driving power, and an operating state of each of the plurality of microwave generation units And switching setting means for selectively setting any one of the microwave generators to the operating state, and an anode for detecting the anode current flowing in the magnetron of the microwave generator set to the operating state. The current detection means, the activation detection means for detecting the activation of the power supply section, and the anode current detection means for a certain period after the activation detection means detects the activation of the power supply section. When the value of the detected anode current is outside a predetermined range, the switch setting means, let switches the microwave generation part inoperative, and control means for shifting the other micro generator into operationSo thatFor example, if the magnetron of the microwave generation unit deteriorates due to the life, etc., the value of the anode current decreases, so the activation detection means detects the activation of the power supply unit, and the anode current flowing through the magnetron of the microwave generation unit in the operating state is detected. When the anode current value does not fall within a predetermined range within a predetermined period after the power supply unit is activated by the detection by the anode current detection unit, another microwave generator is connected from the control unit to the switching setting unit. By switching to the operating state, the electrodeless discharge lamp can be normally lit by generating microwaves from the other microwave generators without having to replace the deteriorated magnetron.There is an effect.
[0079]
  The invention of claim 3A plurality of microwave generators that are provided with a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving supply of drive power, a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators, and an electrodeless discharge lamp inside And a microwave resonator that internally resonates the microwave transmitted from the waveguide, a power supply unit that supplies the driving power, and an operating state of each of the plurality of microwave generation units Switching setting means for selectively setting any one of the microwave generators to an operating state, a light detection means for detecting light from the electrodeless discharge lamp, and starting the power supply section And a switching setting unit when the intensity of light detected by the light detection means is outside a predetermined range for a certain period after the start of the power supply unit is detected by the start detection means. To, let switched the microwave generation part that is set to the operating state to the inoperative state, and control means for shifting the other microwave generating unit to the operating stateSoFor example, if the magnetron of the microwave generation unit deteriorates due to its life, etc., the light intensity emitted from the electrodeless discharge lamp decreases, so the activation detection means detects the activation of the power supply unit and detects the light from the electrodeless discharge lamp. When the intensity of the light does not fall within a predetermined range within a predetermined period after the power supply unit is activated by the detection means, the microwave set in the operating state from the control means to the switching setting means By switching the generation unit to the non-operational state and switching the other microwave generation unit to the operation state, it is not necessary to replace the deteriorated magnetron, and the microwaves are generated from the other microwave generation unit. The electrodeless discharge lamp can be turned on normallyThere is an effect.
[0080]
  The invention of claim 4The switching setting means includes a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the cathodes of the magnetrons of the plurality of microwave generators, and a short-circuit setting means for short-circuiting / opening both ends of each cathode.SoIf both ends of one of the cathodes are opened by the short-circuit setting means and both ends of the other cathode are short-circuited, a voltage is applied to the one cathode by the voltage applying means, and the cathode is heated. The microwave generation unit having a plurality of operations by selecting a cathode whose both ends are opened by the short-circuit setting means by being in an operation state in which a thermoelectron is emitted from the cathode to generate a microwave. The microwave generator can be switched and operated to extend the life of the entire device.There is an effect.
[0081]
  The invention of claim 5The waveguide is formed so as to short-circuit one end opposite to the microwave resonator in the microwave transmission direction, and each of the plurality of microwave generators includes a probe for radiating the microwave to the outside. About a quarter wavelength of microwave from the shorted end of the waveguide The probe is inserted into the waveguide at a position separated from the microwave resonator along the microwave transmission direction by a distance equal to an odd multiple of.SoImpedance on the short-circuit end side in the microwave generated from each microwave generator can be increased, and power transmission by the microwave to the short-circuit end side is suppressed, and power is transmitted only to the microwave resonator side. be able toThere is an effect.
[0082]
  The invention of claim 6The waveguide includes a common part having a coupling hole for transmitting microwaves to the microwave resonator, and a plurality of branch parts branched from the common part and short-circuited at one end. Each of the generators is disposed on each branch of the waveguide, and the distance from the branch point where each branch branches to the short-circuited one end of each branch is about 1/4 wavelength of the microwave. Equal to an odd multiple ofSoThe distance from the probe of each microwave generation unit to the branch point is made equal to an integer multiple of about 1/2 wavelength of the microwave, and the microwave from each microwave generation unit is efficiently moved to the microwave resonator side. Can be transmittedThere is an effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1]Reference example1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing 1. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of the above.
[Fig. 3]Reference exampleFIG.
[Fig. 4]Reference exampleFIG.
[Figure 5]Reference exampleFIG.
FIG. 6 is another schematic configuration diagram of the above.
FIG. 7 is an embodiment.1FIG.
FIG. 8 is an embodiment.2FIG.
FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of the control circuit unit of the above.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are operation explanatory views of the same. FIG.
FIG. 11 shows an embodiment.3FIG.
FIG. 12 is a circuit configuration diagram showing the magnetron, switching unit, and control circuit unit of the above.
FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
    6 Electrodeless discharge lamp
    10a, 10b Microwave generator
    20 Waveguide
    30 Microwave resonator
    40 Power supply unit
    50 Short-circuit setting section

Claims (6)

A plurality of microwave generators that are provided with a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving supply of drive power, a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators, and an electrodeless discharge lamp inside And a microwave resonator that internally resonates the microwave transmitted from the waveguide, a power supply unit that supplies the driving power, and an operating state of each of the plurality of microwave generation units And switching setting means for selectively setting any one of the microwave generators to the operating state, and determining whether the microwave generator set to the operating state is operating or not. An operation determining means; a start detecting means for detecting the start of the power supply section; a microwave set in the operating state when the start of the power supply section is detected by the start detection means; When it is determined that the live part is not operated by the operation determining unit, the switching setting unit is caused to switch the microwave generating unit set to the operating state to the non-operating state, and in the preset order, A microwave electrodeless discharge lamp apparatus comprising: control means for switching the microwave generator to an operating state . A plurality of microwave generators that are provided with a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving supply of drive power, a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators, and an electrodeless discharge lamp inside And a microwave resonator that internally resonates the microwave transmitted from the waveguide, a power supply unit that supplies the driving power, and an operating state of each of the plurality of microwave generation units And switching setting means for selectively setting any one of the microwave generators to an operating state, and an anode for detecting an anode current flowing in the magnetron of the microwave generator set to the operating state. The current detection means, the activation detection means for detecting the activation of the power supply section, and the anode current detection means for a certain period after the activation detection means detects the activation of the power supply section. When the value of the detected anode current is outside a predetermined range, provided the switch setting means, let switches the microwave generation part inoperative, and control means for shifting the other microwave generating unit to the operating state microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device, characterized in that the. A plurality of microwave generators that are provided with a magnetron and generate microwaves by receiving supply of drive power, a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated from the microwave generators, and an electrodeless discharge lamp inside And a microwave resonator that internally resonates the microwave transmitted from the waveguide, a power supply unit that supplies the driving power, and an operating state of each of the plurality of microwave generation units Switching setting means for selectively setting any one of the microwave generators to an operating state, a light detection means for detecting light from the electrodeless discharge lamp, and starting the power supply section And a switching setting unit when the intensity of light detected by the light detection means is outside a predetermined range for a certain period after the start of the power supply unit is detected by the start detection means. To, let switched the microwave generation part that is set to the operating state to the inactive state, other microwave generating unit microwave electrodeless discharge, characterized in that a control means for shifting the operation state Lamp device. Switch setting means, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the cathode of the magnetron of the plurality of the microwave generation part, and a short circuit setting means for short-circuiting / opening both ends of each of the cathode 4. The microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device according to any one of items 1 to 3 . The waveguide is formed so as to short-circuit one end opposite to the microwave resonator in the microwave transmission direction, and each of the plurality of microwave generators includes a probe for radiating the microwave to the outside. The probe is inserted into the waveguide at a position away from the short-circuited end of the waveguide toward the microwave resonator along the microwave transmission direction by a distance equal to an odd multiple of about a quarter wavelength of the microwave. The microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device is arranged in the form described above. The waveguide includes a common part having a coupling hole for transmitting microwaves to the microwave resonator, and a plurality of branch parts branched from the common part and short-circuited at one end. Each of the generators is disposed on each branch of the waveguide, and the distance from the branch point where each branch branches to the short-circuited one end of each branch is about 1/4 wavelength of the microwave. 6. The microwave electrodeless discharge lamp device according to claim 5, which is equal to an odd multiple of .

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