JPH04133397U - Electronic ballasts and lighting systems that use them - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide an economical and safe lighting system using electronic ballasts operating at high frequencies. [Structure] The system for supplying high frequency AC from a low frequency AC power source includes conversion means 7a to 7d for converting AC into DC.
and inverters 40a to 4 that convert direct current to high frequency alternating current.
Contains 0f. The inverter connects one or more fluorescent lamps 67a1
Power is supplied to ~67f and dimmed. This system is provided with an electronic ballast that supplies desired current and voltage to the fluorescent lamps 67a1 to 67f.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to electrical systems for supplying high frequency alternating current to discharge lamps. . This type of system is connected to a commercial AC power line, preferably a three-phase power supply. Sith The system has relatively flat voltages that are safe for transmitting alternating current into the normal building wiring system. A rectifying means for rectifying the direct current into a smooth direct current, and a high frequency of, for example, 20 to 30 KHz. , the voltage is switched to alternating current with a voltage suitable for supplying the discharge lamp, and the discharge lamp is electronic with or without filament heating means to control the current flowing through the and means. The invention most particularly refers to electronic ballasts or fixed Regarding the aforementioned electronic means, such as those called ballasts.

0002

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, in order to operate fluorescent lamps on AC with a frequency exceeding commercial 50 to 60 Hz, Various methods have been proposed for It is necessary to make the energy efficiency higher than when using increasing the frequency The potential benefits are the use of small, lightweight, and low-cost fluorescent accessories. It is possible. This has been the case since fluorescent lamps first came on the market, with ballasts and other While numerous improvements have been made to allow accessories to be used for 60 cycle operation, Control circuit components such as transformers, reactors and capacitors must be of a specified size and size. limits are reached in terms of weight and weight, and generally become more restrictive as frequency increases. This is to become. However, when high frequencies were first adopted, commercially available Several problems arose, including that the conversion equipment was expensive and relatively inefficient. after that Developments suggest that if frequency conversion is sufficiently improved, it will become more widely applicable. I understand what you mean. Control devices and circuits used at high frequencies are Suggested for possible general use.

0003 Thus, in this field, mainly experimental work and, by the end of the 1960s, 60 cycles of fluorescent lighting based on 2-3 systems installed under special circumstances. The advantages of operating at frequencies in excess of 1/2 seconds have become recognized. fluorescent light To realize the potential benefits of operating at high frequencies, , circuits, systems, and systems that are fully satisfactory in terms of efficiency, reliability, and cost. had to wait for the development of a conversion device.

0004 In fields other than fluorescent lighting, frequencies far exceeding 3000 cycles are used. Due to the need for communication, transportation became a means of meeting this need. Research on Zista became active. DC for use in fields other than lighting such as The successful development of a circuit based on transistors that inverts the current to alternating current results in , transistor circuits were also developed for use with fluorescent lamps. Tran The use of ballasts made it possible to manufacture fixed-state fluorescent lamp ballasts, and by 1976 , the fixed state ballast has a diode bridge rectifier and a filter, and 1 20KHz sine powered by 20V single phase AC to form a 170V DC feed circuit It was said to be equipped with a wave oscillator. The basic circuit is essentially a transistor Class C sine with filter choke added to further increase switching efficiency. It was a wave oscillator. Two specific applications for the basic circuit, namely 40W in particular Rapid start type fluorescent tubes and many 96 inch instant start type fluorescent tubes are required. Applications have been proposed to supply even higher starting voltages. The circuit size is small The efficiency is approximately 90%, and ``in the future, this standard will be used as the standard for all lamp ballasts.'' It was predicted that 90% efficiency would be adopted. This prediction then This was not realized for about six years.

[0005] The circuit that supplies alternating current to the solid-state rectifier here includes single-phase and three-phase power supply lines. It contained. Three-phase power supplies have the advantage that they produce relatively smooth direct current, especially after rectification. It is more advantageous than single-phase power supply.

[0006] One element of the preferred rectifier circuit of the present invention is the aforementioned known rectifier. this The neutral points of the six secondary windings are connected to the cathode through the load and smoothing inductance. Mercury with six anodes fed by a series of transformers in triangular-star configuration It is an arc rectifier.

[0007]

[Problem that the idea aims to solve]

Some proposed systems route high-frequency power through a number of runs through power distribution equipment. For example, an inverter can be used to supply all the lamps in a large building. There is one placed in the center. Such systems are not suitable for cities for several reasons. It wasn't well received in the field. First, central inverters are necessarily large and complex. This caused great inconvenience when repairing special equipment in the lighting area. again When high-frequency power is distributed over long distances, power losses are greater than normal. stomach. In addition, noise at audible frequencies and electricity emanating from long lines at even higher frequencies Wave noise is also a problem. Furthermore, when using a "rapid start type" lamp, A filament heating current must be supplied to the filament of these lamps. This makes wiring such systems complex and difficult, and requires filament addition. If the thermal currents are also distributed from a central point along with high-frequency currents, the wiring costs are further reduced. Often higher.

[0008] Traditionally, in general applications, 60Hz single-phase power is rectified at each fixture. It was distributed like a monkey. Therefore, in large buildings, a large number of rectifiers and usually requires a large capacitor, an electrolytic capacitor, and perhaps a large inductor. become. Inductors used for this purpose are inefficient, expensive, and noisy. Electrolytic capacitors are also unreliable, temperature sensitive, and have a limited lifespan. It is being Using a capacitor filter alone will result in a very low system power factor. Therefore, the power transmission loss becomes large.

[0009] The high frequency of the lamp is increased by rectifying the alternating current and providing the direct current to a high frequency inverter. Gain operating advantages and enable operation with the required high power factor, high efficiency and low noise Prior art systems for The results were either unsatisfactory in that respect. be accepted by the market, and A ballast that is safe, economical, reliable, efficient, and highly flexible, and about 2 Systems operating in the frequency range exceeding 0 to 30 KHz It was not possible to provide any services at all.

0010

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention fulfills this long-standing need.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention in the broadest sense is a rectifying means for converting alternating current into direct current, and a direct current converting means for converting alternating current into direct current. preferably a low frequency AC power source, including inverter means for converting the AC power into high frequency AC power. It consists of a system that supplies high-frequency alternating current. The inverter means is one or several or many discharge lamps, usually fluorescent lamps, e.g. all in a large building The lamp may include means for supplying power to the fluorescent lamp and dimming the lamp.

0012 In narrower embodiments, this invention refers to electronic ballasts or fixed state ballasts. electronic means that are (b) during operation of the lamp, in order to provide the necessary starting voltage to the lamp when To limit current flow in a lamp circuit when the resistance to current flow is relatively small. (c) to heat the filament or electrodes of the lamp; It preferably provides a high level of current during operation and a much lower level of current during operation. Provided to supply electric current.

[0013] The system typically consists of a single Preferably, a power distribution center is provided having a central transformer therein. transformer primary The windings are derived from the power source and typically carry line voltages that are too high to safely distribute throughout the building. The secondary winding receives the power from the distribution center and supplies the appropriate voltage for distribution to the building. supply to If the available power supply is at a voltage suitable for distribution to the building, the central No transformer required. A building's power distribution system is installed, for example, one on each floor. including multiple sub-centers. One option when the area to be controlled is not very wide It is sufficient to establish one subcenter on each floor, but one subcenter is not efficient. For areas that are too large to distribute electricity, several sub-centers will be established. . In a normal building, the power is distributed from the sub-center to the primary winding. The secondary winding is powered by a power source, typically between 110 and 260 volts. Power is supplied via a transformer connected to a power station. Properly placed subs The center converts alternating current into direct current, which is fed to multiple inverters near the lamps. A converting rectifier is provided. The primary winding of the subcenter transformer uses a triangular connection system. The secondary winding is connected to the common center of the windings, which acts as a terminal for the neutral or ground wire. Preferably, the wires are connected in a star pattern with the central connection point. The secondary winding is only the usual three windings. and is wound to supply six-phase current to the rectifier as described below. Preferably, it also includes three windings. When the six-phase current is rectified, it rectification to obtain almost smooth direct current is relatively easy. Moreover, it is performed at low cost. The rectifier is an inverter along with the neutral or ground wire mentioned above. The positive connected to the positive and negative lines forming the DC distribution system for supplying power to the comprises two six-phase diode groups providing direct current to the terminal and the negative terminal of the is preferable. Electronic ballasts have individual ballasts, depending on the number of lamps per fixture. For each fixture or group of adjacent fixtures, An inverter is provided. The inverter of the invention can be used for 1 to 4 inverters without the risk of overloading. Or even more lamps can be powered. Lamp and inverter ratings Easily determine the number of lamps and fixtures that can be powered by each ballast based on can be done.

[0014] The ballast converts the direct current received from the aforementioned system to a high frequency of e.g. 20-30 KHz. Inverter means for converting frequency alternating current and inverter means for this high frequency alternating current. converts the voltage generated in the stage into a voltage suitable for operating the lamp and and a transformer that heats the lamp filament accordingly. Does it require dimming? or, if desired, means may be provided to smooth the direct current before it is converted to alternating current. good. In addition, means to facilitate the starting of the lamp, as well as after starting to conduct current Means may be provided to limit the current flowing through the lamp. Inverter and related The means for doing so constitute the electronic ballast or solid state ballast of the present invention.

[0015] Hereinafter, the features and advantages of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016]

【Example】

As previously mentioned, the broadest embodiment of the invention is a discharge lamp, typically a fluorescent lamp. Consists of a device for supplying high frequency alternating voltage to a plurality of fixtures for lamps. Below The preferred equipment described below typically operates from any power supply such as is commonly used. Receives voltage low frequency (50-60Hz) alternating current and distributes this alternating current as needed Inverter means to convert direct current to high frequency, high voltage alternating current to a voltage suitable for The voltage is sent to rectifier means forming a three-wire DC circuit for power supply. Each inverter has a At least one fixture holding at least one fluorescent lamp has a high frequency 30KHz or higher). The fixture is for fluorescent lamp filaments or electric lamps. The poles are wired to connect to the high frequency, high voltage line coming out of the inverter. deer However, the present invention is not limited only to this preferred embodiment, but the present invention In place of AC power as described above in circuit fittings, or as an auxiliary supply in an emergency. A device that extracts the current to operate a fluorescent lamp from a DC power source used as a power source. Also includes location.

Preferred Apparatus First, FIG. 1 will be described. The apparatus of FIG. 1 draws power from a common commercial power source (not shown). Terminals 1a, 1b and 1c of the primary winding of the transformer 2 are connected to the power source. In most countries around the world, commercial power is generated and transmitted as low-frequency (50-60 Ha) alternating current, and in order to minimize I ² R losses during transmission, it is necessary to The voltage is stepped up by a transformer to a voltage much higher than the output of the generator and then gradually lowered, usually by continuously dropping the voltage, from the main power line to each user. The voltage should be set to a level that does not pose a danger to various parts of the power transmission system. This supply voltage may range from 110 to 240 volts, which is considered a safe voltage for distribution to buildings where people gather, such as homes, stores, churches, theaters, etc. In many cases, especially in recent years, the voltages supplied to users are much higher than this. This tendency is particularly strong when the building to which electricity is to be supplied is a church, school, commercial building, or the like. In such cases, it is common practice to provide a central transformer room inside the building that houses the transformers necessary to reduce the supplied voltage to a voltage suitable for the building to which it is distributed. be. The transformer 2 is such a central transformer, the primary winding of which is insulated for safe operation even at high supply voltages. The secondary winding has a number of turns in the correct relationship to the number of turns of the primary winding in order to drop the voltage to a voltage suitable for distribution within the building, and is connected to the building by means of output leads or output terminals 3a, 3b and 3c. connected to the power distribution system. The primary winding of the three-phase circuit may be triangularly connected or Y-connected similarly to the secondary winding.

[0018] The building power distribution system shown is a three-wire circuit originating from transformer 2. , by lines 4, 5 and 6 connected to the output terminals 3a, 3b and 3c of the secondary winding. It is formed.

[0019] Lines 4, 5 and 6 are connected to multiple rectifying means in the sub-centers of the distribution system. Connected. In FIG. 1, four rectifying means 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are shown as an example. However, in the following explanation, these will be collectively considered as the rectifying means 7. I can do it. Generally, each floor of a large building has at least one subcenter; If the area is too large to efficiently supply power with a single subcenter, one Two or more sub-centers may be placed on each floor as appropriate.

[0020] If a voltage suitable for distribution can be extracted from the commercial power source within the premises of a building, a transformer can be used. 2 is not needed and the building's power distribution system begins with lines 4, 5 and 6. in this case , the line is connected directly to the power supply, but receives power in the center of the building and There is a need to allocate power to the lines leading to the center.

[0021] Each rectifying means 7 has a low voltage supply voltage having a distribution voltage on its input side, i.e. on its primary side. It receives the frequency alternating current and from its output side, i.e. the secondary side, preferably a three-wire direct current. power to the lines 8, 9 and 10.

[0022] The primary is then Reference will now be made to FIGS. 2 and 3 showing the winding (11) and the secondary winding (18). Three-phase Instead of a transformer, three single-phase transformers may be provided. For three-phase power supply, the primary winding 11 has three windings 12, 13 and 14, as shown in FIG. are connected in a triangular connection system providing power terminals 15, 16 and 17, to which lines 4, 5 and 6 are connected.

[0023] The secondary winding 18 of the rectifier transformer has six windings 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 2 4, even if there is a common connection 25 in the center, one end on the output side of the rectifying means 7 A child 26 is formed. Terminal 26 may be grounded as shown at 27, and this specification In books, it is called common terminal, neutral terminal, or ground terminal. In Fig. 1, the rectifying means 7a Line 9, which is shown connected to terminal 26 of Sometimes called a ground line.

[0024] The rectifier transformer is Chester L. Daws. "A Course in Electronic Engineering" Volume 2 "Alter "Nating Carets" 4th edition (1947, McGraw-Hill Book Campaign) As described in Figure 485 on pages 573 and 574 of Constructed, wound and wired. Lines 8, 9 and 10 are connected by the rectifying means 7a. The current supplied to and the voltage across these lines are relatively smooth. of each winding If we graph the relationship between EMF and time, the envelope of consecutive positive peaks is 13 ．． Shows a maximum change of 3%. That is, Dawes wrote on page 574, No. 48 of his book. In Figure 7(a), the sine waves E1, E2, E3, E4, E5 and E6 are illustrated. As shown, the central connection 25 as well as the terminals 28, 2 of the six windings of the secondary winding Peak EMF or maximum EMF at both ends of 9, 30, 31, 32 and 33 is 1 and the minimum EMF is 0.867. I will explain the circuit of this invention later. Add smoothing inductance and/or capacitance in the load line to By using the A completely different circuit for a mercury arc rectifier is described on pages 533-576 of As seen in do not have.

[0025] The terminals 28 to 33 of the six windings 19 to 24 of the secondary winding each have one leg It has a diode 34 pointing outwards and the other leg has a diode 35 pointing inwards. It is connected to the center point of a forked line with a The cathode of each diode 34 is connected to a common line 36, and the anode of each diode 34 is connected to that of the secondary winding through the leg of the forked line. It is connected to different outer ends of each winding 19-24. Similarly, six diodes The anode of each of the leads 35 is connected to the common line 37, and the cathode connects the leg of the bifurcated line to the common line 37. are connected to different outer ends of each winding 19 to 24 of the secondary winding. Both The common line 36 is connected to the terminal 38 and the common line 37 is connected to the terminal 39 at the output of the rectifying means 7. connected on the power side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the line 8 is connected to the terminal 38 and The lines 10 are connected to terminals 39, respectively. The voltage between terminal 26 and terminal 38 is , equal to the voltage between terminals 26 and 39, except for polarity, as shown in FIG. Thus, the voltage between terminals 39 and 38 is doubled. What about these voltages? The question of which value to choose is the design of the secondary winding relative to the primary winding. Actually, two It is sufficient that the peak voltage across the next winding is 170 volts, so that terminal 2 The DC voltage between terminal 6 and terminal 38 and between terminal 26 and terminal 39 is also about 170 volts. , and the voltage between terminal 38 and terminal 39 is twice that, 340 volts.

[0026] A rectifier transformer is used to energize AC loads such as electrical outlets and AC motors. It's okay. Currently, in the United States, 277/480 volt three-phase power supply is installed in the premises of large buildings. It is common to distribute current power and energize lighting devices directly from this power source. Ko Loads such as electrical outlets require 120 (110-130) volts, currently 4 A large number of dry ties are used to convert 80 volt three-phase AC to 120/208 volts. A transformer is used. Although voltage standards differ between the United States and other countries, However, the transformer used in the rectifier shown in FIG. , 30 or 32 or if connected to the neutral terminal 25, the desired phase and A current with voltage, for example 120 volts single phase current, is supplied to the load and the load is 28, 30 and 32, it supplies three-phase current to the load and are connected to terminals 28 and 30 or 28 and 32 or 30 and 32 supplies 208 volts of single phase current to the load. Furthermore, as schematically illustrated in FIG. In a three-wire arrangement, terminals 28 and 31 are connected to neutral terminal 25, and terminals 28 and 3 120/240 volts single phase from combination 2 or 30 and 33 with neutral terminal 25 I get the output. The output terminals of the circuits in Figures 4 and 5 are (not rectified and shown in Figure 1). (not shown) are placed on the output side of the rectifying means 7 for easy reference. are designated by the numbers 28, 30 and 32, and 28, 25 and 31 in the figure. Ru. The rectifying means of Figure 2 can be used in modern building power distribution systems. is a three-phase transformer, such as that used to power 240 volt alternating current loads. include. By using this transformer in combination with the DC power supply device of this invention, Cost reduction can be achieved compared to high frequency lighting devices.

[0027] If desired, voltages other than +170 volts or -170 volts from the rectifying means of FIG. It is also possible to extract the DC output voltage. In other words, if you want to obtain a low voltage, use 12 The diodes 34 and 35 are connected to the taps of the six windings 19 to 24 of the secondary winding (not shown). high voltages can be connected by connecting these windings with extensions (not shown). (without). For equipment other than lighting equipment used today. When used, according to established standards, ±120 volts DC Power is especially desirable.

[0028] Three-wire DC distribution systems allow the use of thinner wires and separate each turn of the secondary winding. Wires 19-24 can be utilized even more fully, and the windings are wound twice during one cycle. When conduction and DC loads are equal on positive and negative lines 36 and 37, these DC does not flow through the winding and neutral terminal 25, and the positive DC power supply is connected to the negative power supply due to failure. Two-wire Advantageous over DC power distribution system.

[0029] When the illustrated rectifier operates, the six windings 19/24 of the secondary winding are A sinusoidal AC voltage that changes in one cycle from -170 volts to +170 volts. Generates pressure. In order for the primary winding 11 of the transformer to be energized in three phases, the outside of the six windings is The voltages at terminals 28 to 33 on the side are distributed at equal intervals within one cycle of the low frequency current. A positive peak value is reached at successive points. At a certain moment, terminals 28, 29, One of 30, 31, 32 and 32 is more positive than all other terminals in this group. The voltage value increases to about 170 volts, which is more positive than the neutral terminal 25. This way The diode 34 connected to the positive terminal connects this terminal to the line 36. Continue. The remaining five diodes are non-conducting at this point. time has passed As the voltage increases, the other five diodes 34 also conduct in sequence, one at a time, with the most positive Connect the winding , which is , to the line 36 . That is, the line 36 is always connected to the neutral terminal 25. maintained at approximately 170 volts positive, the AC transformer voltage is rectified to a DC voltage. Shiiru. The six diodes 35 operate in sequence in the same way, and the groups of terminals 28 to 33 are connected to each other. The most negative terminal of the group is connected to the line 37. This line 37 is a neutral terminal 25 is maintained at 170 volts more negative. The rectifier in Figure 2 has a ribble Approximately 4.5%, it generates a good DC output with little ripple, and is suitable for line 4 of a three-phase power supply circuit. , 5, and 6 have a high power factor of about 95.5%.

[0030] Three-wire direct current supplied from respective terminals 38, 26 and 39 of rectifying means 7a Lines 8, 9 and 10 connect multiple negatives via lines 8 and 9 for one load circuit. connected to the load, and for another load circuit connected to the load across lines 9 and 10. Ru. For maximum efficiency, these loads should be balanced against each other. Each load is connected to an inlet connected to a fluorescent lamp 67 (the number and arrangement can vary widely). This is a converter means 40. In FIG. 1, six inverter means are shown as an example. There is. In Figure 1, six inverter means are shown as 40a-40f. However, for a description of the inverter means shown in FIG. 6 below, general reference is made to Use number 40. A description of the circuit of FIG. 6 includes the inverter means 40a to 4. This applies to both 0f. Inverter means 40a, 40c and 40e are line The inverter means 40b, 40d and 40 are parallel to each other across the inverter means 8 and 9. f are parallel to each other across lines 9 and 10. As an example, there are 6 in total. Although inverter means are provided, according to the invention a single output circuit of the rectifier means 7 any number of inverter hands from 1 to as many as possible given the rating of the rectifying means. You can use steps. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine the inverter with an allowable rating based on the rectifier rating. The maximum number of data means can be easily determined. Rectifying means 7b, 7c and 7d each have a load circuit similar to that shown and described for the rectifying means 7a. do.

[0031] The fluorescent lamp 67 in FIG. 1 includes an inverter means 40a, 67a1, 67a2 in correspondence with 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e and 40f ~67f, etc., are each specified and designated. That is, invar Among the fluorescent lamps supplied with power from the data storage means 40a, 67a1 and 67a2 are connected in series. 67a3 and 67a4 are connected in parallel, and 67a5 and 67a6 are connected in parallel. Each is powered independently. Similarly, a fluorescent lamp supplied with power from the inverter means 40b Of these, 67b1 and 67b2 are each supplied with power independently, and 67b3 and 67b 4 are connected in parallel. Further, a fluorescent lamp supplied with power from the inverter means 40c 67c1, 67c2 and 67c3 are all independent, and the inverter means 40d The fluorescent lamps 67d1 and 67d2 that are supplied with power are also independent from each other. inverter Fluorescent lamps 67e1 and 67e2 supplied with power from means 40e are in parallel and inverter. A fluorescent lamp supplied with power from the data storage means 40f is indicated by 67f.

[0032] Fluorescent lamps must be electrically connected to high frequency alternating current and kept in place during use. Must be. In general, the method of electrically connecting fluorescent lamps to high frequency alternating current from inverter means is One or more pairs of sockets arranged in stages at appropriate intervals are fixed. It is common to use a fitting with a holder as a receiving or retaining means. Fi Socket according to standards for lament type fluorescent lamps allows for removal and replacement of fluorescent lamps It is something. Each socket connects to the contact pin or terminal at the end of the fluorescent tube. It has at least one electrically engaging contact. For filament fluorescent lamps , the filament is connected to two contact pins on each end, which connects the fluorescent lamp to the socket. When properly seated in the filament, at each end the filament will be connected to a heating current source. It will be done.

[0033] inverter means Next, FIG. 6 will be explained. The inverter means 40 has a positive input terminal 41 and a negative input terminal 41. It has an input terminal 42. These input terminals 41 and 42 are connected to the lines 8 and 9 or It is connected via lines 9 and 10 to a DC line exiting from the rectifying means 7. Rectifier means When using a DC power source other than 7 (which is possible with this invention as mentioned above), the input Power terminals 41 and 42 are for emergency use or for use in locations far away from commercial power. connected to any power source used, such as a battery circuit, solar cell, or fuel cell. It will be done. On the output side of the inverter means 40 there is a Output terminals 43 and 43a that output the high frequency current generated by the means described above are connected to two There is one. Circuit from positive and negative input terminals 41 and 42 to output terminals 43 and 43a The whole includes respective inverter means 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e and and 40f.

[0034] The inverter means 40 is a high output class B bush bull collector tuned current driven oscillation It further comprises two transistors 44 and 45, which are active elements of the device. this species The oscillator is used to generate a large amount of AC power from a DC power supply, and is generally used as an oscillator. This is called an inverter, and here we will refer to circuits of the present invention that include such elements. and use this name. The transistor 44 has a base 46 and a collector 47. , an emitter 48, and the transistor 45 has a base 49, a collector 50, It has an emitter 51. The tuned circuit has a magnetic core 55, for example a ferrite core. The inductor or windings 52 and 53 of an inverter transformer 54 are included. Winding 5 2 and 53 are connected to the collector 4 by means of a common center 57 and lines 65 and 70, respectively. and terminals 58 and 59 connected to terminals 7 and 50. This circuit is (1) To increase the efficiency of fluorescent lights, (2) to make them inaudible, and (3) To enable the use of small, virtually lossless circuit components, Both are tuned to vibrate or resonate at a frequency of 20 KHz. Windings 52 and 5 3 is wound on the magnetic core 55 of the transformer 54 along with other windings as described later. It will be done. During operation, terminals 58 and 59 of windings 52 and 53 are supplied with a sinusoidal high voltage alternating current. appears. A feedback winding 61 is provided on the magnetic core 55, and this is A much lower voltage is induced in the windings than in windings 52 and 53. This is the return This is because the number of turns of the winding 61 is smaller than that of the windings 52 and 53. of the feedback winding 61 The terminals are connected to bases 46 and 49 of transistors 44 and 45, respectively. Ru. The polarity of the feedback voltage is determined to provide the positive feedback from the oscillator that is necessary to maintain oscillation. selected so that it occurs toward the target. Transistors are efficient alternating switches. operates in switching mode, at some point one transistor is completely off When the other transistor is fully turned on, it has the same state as a closed switch. It's become saturated. from one state to the other due to the feedback signal to the base A switch is made to Transistors with more positive base voltages are in saturation, that is, it is in the "on" state, and the transistor with a more negative base voltage is in the "off" state. ” condition. To complete the switch from one state to the other, a short Transition time is required.

[0035] Direct current flowing into the inverter means 40 from the rectifying means 7 or other power source as mentioned above. is wound around a fuse 63, a diode 64 and a magnetic core 66 by a conductor 62. connected to the common center 57 of windings 52 and 53 via an inductor or winding 76; It enters the positive input terminal 41. Winding 76 is a conductor, as will be explained in more detail below. Keep the current in line 62 constant. This can be done by line 69 instead of conductor 62 if desired. You can do it. At a common center point 57, the current can take one of two paths. You have to take one side. One path connects the winding 52, the terminal 58, and the winding 65. and the collector 47 and emitter 48 of the transistor 44, and the current rectifying means 7 or includes lines 68 and 69 returning to another power source via input terminal 42. transis When the terminal 44 is conducting, the current takes this path. The other path is the winding 53, Terminal 59, line 70, collector 50 and emitter 51 of transistor 45 , a line 69 and an input terminal 42 for returning the current to the rectifying means 7 or other power source. When transistor 44 is off and transistor 45 is on, the current follows this path. Take. The current that flows alternately through the windings 52 and 53 of the transformer 54 is wound around the magnetic core 55. Generates an alternating voltage in all turned-off windings. This is due to the operation of the inverter means 40. This is the desired result obtained by using

[0036] Generally, a transistor turns on faster than it turns off. So, on the other hand One transistor turns on before the other transistor turns off completely. It is possible that As a result, at each switching time, windings 52 and 53 A substantial short circuit condition briefly occurs across terminals 58 and 59. winding 76 and The current flowing through its associated circuit elements remains approximately constant, so The collector current of the transistor should not rise significantly during a short circuit or overlapping conduction. so there is no harm in the event of a short circuit. In this way, the transistor , when the collector voltage is essentially zero and the collector current is externally limited. The switching operation is initiated and completed under ideal conditions.

[0037] In line 72, for example, a junction between adjacent terminals of diode 64 and winding 76 A resistor 71 connecting conductor 62 with the center point of feedback winding 61 at a positive input Two transistors 44 and 4 are connected from the terminal 41 and the conductor 62 via the feedback winding 61. A low current is conducted to the respective bases 46 and 49 of 5. The inverter means When first turned on, this is the only base current source, ensuring reliable starting. It is essential for this purpose. When vibration occurs, as explained in more detail below, Most of the base current is derived from the voltage induced in the feedback winding 61.

[0038] Diode 64 does not need to be used, but if input terminals 41 and 42 are The fuse will blow if connected to the DC feed line 8, 9 or 9, 10 with the same polarity. It works to prevent

[0039] Diode 73 is connected to resistor 75 and magnetic core 66, which are used as described below. The base 46 of the transistor 44 is connected to the line 69 through a winding 80 wound around the Diode 74 then connects transistor 45 via resistor 75 and winding 80. Connect base 49 to line 69.

[0040] The difference in operation between a typical prior art base connection configuration and the circuit of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. This will become clear by comparing it with FIG. In Figure 7, the corresponding part The minutes are indicated by adding a after the reference numerals used in FIG.

[0041] A typical base connection configuration according to the prior art includes transistors 44a and 45a; A single diode 73a connected in series with a winding 80a and a resistor 75a. Prepare. This combination connects the center tap of the feedback winding 61a to the two transistors 44 a and 45a to emitters 48a and 51a. This circuit consists of feedback winding 6 By rectifying the low voltage of 1a, a large DC component of the base current can be efficiently provided. The purpose is to provide Rectified by base-emitter junction of transistor action is provided and winding 80a has an AC feedback voltage of zero during the switching time. As it passes, it maintains a base current in at least one resistor. Thailand Ord 73a is simply a small starting component of the base current flowing out of resistor 71a. It only prevents it from happening. Depending on the characteristics of the transistor, either base voltage cannot exceed the emitter voltage by more than about 0.8 volts. For that purpose, Most of the feedback voltage across the return winding 61a is in the "off" state at any given time. appears as a negative voltage at the base of one of the transistors It won't happen. Also, the center tap of the feedback winding 61a is connected to each base once in each cycle. goes negative twice in each cycle. When the center tap becomes negative, the voltage The current is in the on state through diode 73a, winding 80a and resistor 75a. continues to flow to the base of one of the transistors. Most of this current is Used to turn on the register. As previously mentioned, winding 80a has a Provides a stable power supply for one or the other base by keeping the current at approximately constant are doing.

[0042] For prior art circuits, the maximum voltage across feedback winding 61a is only a few volts. Yes, limited by the peak reverse voltage rating of the transistor's emitter-base junction. Ru. Most of this voltage is distributed between the diode 73a and the emitter base of the transistor. is lost at the base joint. In this way, as in the case of "voltage drop" etc. When the feedback voltage decreases due to low line voltage, the base drive current becomes very low. , causing intermittent vibrations. More specifically, the transistor is saturated conducts current without any Therefore, the amount of power dissipated is high and the transistor is damaged in a short time.

[0043] In the case of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, the center tap is simply Instead of one diode, one diode is provided at each end of the feedback winding 61. Iodes 73 and 74 are connected. As a result, the voltage available for rectification is doubled. and low input so that the transistor is well protected under all low voltage conditions. Stable operation can be maintained up to high voltage.

[0044] In FIGS. 6 and 7, winding 80(a) is not necessarily required, but may be used. In this case, the peak of the base current is reduced and resistor 75a (FIG. 7) or resistor 75 The amount of power dissipated in (FIG. 6) can be reduced. In Figure 7 If it is desirable to provide an equivalent to winding 80a, instead of winding 80a, As shown in FIG. It is even more economical to use the ear by wrapping it several times. Acts as main inductor Due to the transformer action from winding 76, several wires of winding 80 are exposed to additional magnetic cores and A voltage equal to the delamination voltage of winding 80a is induced without using a bobbin. Winding 80 receives the alternating current component of the voltage obtained from feedback winding 61 at the apex of resistor 75. An alternating current voltage equal to the same as that provided by the additional winding 80a in the prior art. The same constant base current is obtained.

[0045] A small capacitor 83 is placed at the junction 57 between the windings 52 and 53 and the feedback winding 61. Preferably connected. This capacitor is turning off at the appropriate time. Alternatively, the base current can be taken out from the base of one of the transistors, and the momentary The switch is then turned on by applying a base current to the transistor that is turning on. speed up the processing operation.

[0046] A diode is used to limit the maximum peak voltage that can be applied to a transistor circuit. 84 and a Zener diode 85 are connected in series to both ends of the winding 76. Otherwise, during the transition state, the inverter means will receive a low current from the rectifying means 7. When switched to an impedance power supply, dangerous voltages are generated that can destroy transistors. There is a risk of death.

[0047] A diode 86 may be placed across the DC input line. This dioh conducts only at the moment the DC input is interrupted. The diode 86 is connected to the winding 76 attenuates when the current stored in the input conductor 62 is no longer able to flow through the input conductor 62. Provide a controlled path for The diode 86 further includes a DC input voltage This suppresses the occurrence of arcing during switching (not shown) that turns off the switch. Daio The nodes 84 and 86, the Zener diode 85, and the capacitor 83 are used to suppress transitions. form a circuit.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment shown, several windings are arranged on the magnetic core 55 of the transformer. This eliminates the need to use two expensive transformers, as was common in the past. There's no need.

[0049] The AC output of the inverter means can be used in various ways. According to Figure 6, Drives three or more "rapid start type" fluorescent lamps 67a5, 67a6 and 67a7. It is used to move. These fluorescent lamps have a filament at both ends. It has a shaped electrode and the current generated by the low voltage does not heat the filament. Must be. For ease of explanation, the filament of the fluorescent lamp 67a5 is 0a5 and 91a5, fluorescent lamp 67a6 filament 90a6 and 91a6, It is assumed that the filaments of the fluorescent lamp 67a7 are 90a7 and 91a7. filament 9 The heating currents 0a5, 90a6, and 90a7 are applied to a low voltage wound around the magnetic core 55. obtained from the thermal winding 92. Filament 91a5, 91a at the other end of each fluorescent lamp 6 and 91a7 are separate heating windings wrapped around the same magnetic core, as shown in FIG. Requires 93, 94 and 95. Discharge lamps, including fluorescent lamps, have negative impedance. Since they have dance characteristics, it is practically ineffective to operate them directly in parallel. That's it A stable impedance must be placed in series with the fluorescent lamp to limit the current. . Each inductor or capacitor performs a stable function without consuming energy. can be fulfilled. Figure 6 shows capacitors 96, 97 and 98 as ballasts. It is shown. Windings 53 and 53 provide a sinusoidal high voltage high frequency power supply for fluorescent lamps. Configure. The voltage in these windings is determined by the DC voltage applied to the inverter means. Although almost completely determined, the voltage applied to the fluorescent lamp is determined by the voltage applied to the low voltage tap 99. independently by tapping either or both windings 52 and 53. Can be set. Voltages higher than this may be applied to either or both windings. Wrap the wire further past the point where it connects to the collector of the transistor (as shown). (but see Figure 8) by extending the windings.

[0050] For fluorescent lamps, a completely separate secondary winding of the desired voltage (not shown, but in Figure 11 (see FIG. 14) may be used by forming it on the magnetic core 55, and if necessary or The transformer may be completely isolated if desired.

[0051] Other loads can be arranged in various ways and are further explained in Figure 1 and below. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, more (or less) fluorescent light in the circuit of FIG. You can also use lights. This parallel operation method allows some fluorescent lamps to be removed from the fixture. This allows you to dim the lighting without significantly affecting the remaining fluorescent lights. especially If the number of fluorescent lamps is even, the fluorescent lamps may be operated in series or series-parallel. You can also Such a configuration reduces the number of required stabilizing capacitors. The stabilizing capacitance can be adjusted as described in more detail below. This allows for dimming.

[0052] In many discharge lamps, including fluorescent lamps, the filament must be heated separately. If such a lamp is used without heating windings 92, 93, 94 and 9. 5 is unnecessary.

[0053] FIG. 8 shows the circuit of FIG. 6 for two rapid start type fluorescent lamps 101 and 102. An embodiment modified to operate in series is shown. In the circuit of Fig. 8, the element of Fig. 6 Corresponding elements are designated by the same reference number followed by the letter b; It is not particularly explained here. One or two extension windings 103 and 104 on the magnetic core 55b By adding , a voltage higher than the voltage between the collector of the transistor can be obtained. It will be done. The windings 92b, 106 and 110 are fluorescent lamp filaments 105, 107, Provides power to heat 108 and 109. A single capacitor 111 is , is a stabilizing capacitor that controls the current of two fluorescent lamps.

[0054] Dimming The rapid start type fluorescent lamp has the capacitance of the stabilizing capacitor 111 in Figure 8. By reducing the amount of light, dimming can be easily controlled. In this case, conventional switching means (as shown) into the circuit manually or by remote control in various combinations (without) Capacitor 111 is configured by several independent capacitors that can be switched. This is an easy method to form. Another applicable to adjust area lighting The method involves plugging in various values of capacitor 111 according to the desired lighting level. Is Rukoto. Dimming by adjusting the stabilizing capacitor allows for all lighting levels. A sufficient starting voltage can be obtained using the method, and it is therefore superior to the voltage drop method. Here's the explanation The preferred method of dimming is to use a filament, which is normally desired for dimming. This method keeps the voltage constant.

[0055] Further, dimming can also be performed using the circuit shown in FIG. 14, which will be described later.

[0056] Flashing Inverter means 40 can also be readily used to electronically control blinking; In this case, part of the circuit shown in FIG. 6 must be modified. Figure 9 looks like this A part of the modified circuit is shown below. The circuit elements corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are the same. They are indicated by the letter c after the reference number and are not specifically described here. do not have. A separately provided transformer 112 connects the magnetic core 113 and the primary winding to any frequency. A primary winding 114 having terminals 115 and 116 connected to several AC power sources, and a fluorescent A series of secondary heating the filaments of lights 67a5c, 67a6c and 67a7c. windings 92c, 93c, 94c and 95c, independent of the inverter means. operates to keep the filament heated at all times, so that no energy is generated from the inverter itself. No filament winding is required. The DC power input to the inverter means A low level signal (less than 1 volt) between ground 115 and ground 116 turns on and off. It is controlled by a transistor 114 that can be turned off. This switching method is suitable for AC circuits. It is easier to implement than switching at In place of transistor 114, A mechanical switch may also be used.

[0057] filament control FIG. 10 shows a modification of the circuit of FIG. 8, where parts corresponding to FIG. 8 have the same reference numbers. are shown with the letter d attached to them. The filaments of fluorescent lamps 101d and 102d are , rather than being directly powered by the constant voltage inverter transformer 54 of FIGS. 6 and 8. Power is supplied from the transformer 54d. The primary winding 52d of the transformer 54d is connected to both ends of the fluorescent lamp. receives its input voltage from the voltage of Stable before arcing occurs in fluorescent lamps. A slight voltage drop occurs across the capacitor 111d, which actually causes the inverter to All means voltages are applied to the primary winding of transformer 54d. As a result, transformer 54 d, secondary windings 92d, 106d and 11 for rapidly heating the filament. The output at 0d will be quite high. If an arc occurs, immediately remove the arc voltage from the fluorescent lamp. The voltage has dropped significantly, causing the voltage on all windings of transformer 54d to drop, especially winding 9. The heating voltages of 2d, 106d and 110d are reduced. The heating voltage will be lower. This means that less power is consumed and the circuit operates more efficiently than it otherwise would. It means what you say. Unlike traditional systems, to reduce heating power No switch is required. By placing a heating winding on the transformer 54d, The design of the transformer 54, which is relatively complicated, is simplified. Due to the high frequency used, Transformer 54d can be constructed in a very small and low cost manner, with no total power loss. Not. If heating is completely stopped, the life of some filaments may be shortened. Therefore, avoid stopping completely. Normally, at startup, the correct operating temperature is reached. The filament is at its largest when the ions collide with the filament before reaching receive damage. Due to the control action of the transformer 54d, this collision time is shortened. , the lifespan of fluorescent lamps is extended and the operating energy efficiency is improved.

[0058] Figure 11(A) shows that when the fluorescent lamp is first turned on at the start of the lighting cycle, When a high current is supplied to the filament of a filament type fluorescent lamp and stable operation is reached, A circuit that can immediately and automatically reduce the current flowing through the filament shows. This circuit consists of an inverter represented by block 120 (which was previously described). circuit (which may be the same as the circuit or another circuit that performs the same function) and block A ballast (such as an inductor or capacitor) represented by lock 122 electronic elements), electrical connection lines 124 between the inverter and the ballast, and the ballast A line 125 from 122 to a load 126, which will be described later, and a return line to an inverter 120. A return connection line 128 is provided. The load shown has one terminal connected to line 125. and an autotransformer 130 whose other terminal is connected to the return connection line 128. , a fluorescent lamp 13 having a filament 134 at one end and a filament 136 at the other end. 2. The heating current of the filament 134 is applied from one end of the autotransformer 130 to 1 Supplied from one end of the autotransformer by a tap 138 located at a turn or several turns. The heating current of the filament 136 is one or several turns from the other end of the autotransformer. A tap 140 at the position of the turn feeds from the other end.

[0059] After the inverter 120 is turned on, the filament 1 of the fluorescent lamp or tube 132 34 and 136 are in the fluorescent lamp and ballast circuit before the arc occurs between the cathode. Almost no current is flowing. Therefore, the voltage drop across the ballast 122 impedance Almost all of the voltage obtained from the inverter 120 is an autotransformer. appears throughout the windings of the device 130. Rapidly remove filaments or cathodes 134 and 136. The voltage suitable for heating to Guided to the later wire. After a short period of heating, the cathode or filament Enough electrons are emitted from 134 and 136 so that an arc is generated between the cathodes. Ru. Therefore, a large amount of current flows through the fluorescent lamp and the ballast, and the voltage of the ballast drops significantly. Ru. The voltage remaining between the terminals of a fluorescent lamp (between the filament or between the cathode) is It drops to a very low value, for example, to about 1/2 of the original value, even if there is a slight difference. . This fluorescent lamp voltage is applied to the autotransformer, so any windings in the autotransformer The voltage drops at some points. More specifically, taps 138 and 140 The voltage of the heating wire that exceeds the voltage drops and the cathode heating voltage decreases to the low value mentioned above. lower to The power to directly heat the cathode is determined according to the square of the voltage, so the The thermal power is reduced to a value substantially less than 1/2 of its original value. This method allows you to Typically, two-thirds of the energy used for direct heating of the poles can be saved. It is true. No electronic or other switches are required and fluorescent lamps - ballasts - The filament-transformer circuit is connected to the inverter by just two lines. Ru. Therefore, this circuit is low cost and different from fixtures with built-in inverters. It is convenient for use in fluorescent light fixtures. One or two fluorescent lights Operating systems containing several holding fixtures from a common inverter However, in this case, for economical reasons, the inverter should be operated at full power. Should be loaded.

[0060] The autotransformer 130 not only saves energy, but also There is no disadvantage that the heating means is completely turned off, as seen in some cases. Save energy without showing. A limited number maintained over the length of each cathode voltage causes an initial cathode-to-cathode arc between the ends of the cathodes where the voltage difference is greatest. Occur. A heating spot is formed where most of the electrons are emitted. One end of each cathode Once the electron-emitting oxide from the In this way, the entire filament is removed during the useful life of the fluorescent lamp. Proceed step by step. If the prescribed voltage is not provided across the filament, The heating point moves in an uncontrollable manner, and there is still a significant oxide film. It does not reach the cathode. As a result, premature failure of the cathode occurs.

[0061] As explained above, one of the features of the present invention is that it saves 2/3 of the cathode heating power. while maintaining the voltage at each cathode at a sufficient value to properly move the heating point. That's true.

[0062] Similar to end-wound transformer 130, but with additional filament windings, some of which are not commonly conductively connected as in an autotransformer and are not connected in common as in a conventional transformer. A direct extension of the aforementioned circuit by means of a one-filament transformer insulated with Two more fluorescent lamps connected in series can be operated.

[0063] As in the prior art, this system In the system, an additional winding (not shown) or the primary winding of the main inverter transformer is At least one connected to the inverter output in front of the stable impedance The heating means can be energized directly from the intermediate transformer.

[0064] FIG. 11(B) shows a variation of the circuit of FIG. 11(A) that provides constant heating power. vinegar. In FIG. 11(B), circuit elements corresponding to those in FIG. 11(A) are the same. They are represented by the same reference numbers with the letter a added, and will not be particularly described here. Figure 11 The major difference between the circuit (B) and the circuit in Figure 11 (A) is that the filament transformation The inverter 130a spans the lines 124a and 128a, for example, terminal 142 connected to an inverter (not shown) such as 0 and ballast 122a. and 144. The heating current of the filament 134a is The heating current of the filament 136a is supplied from the next winding 146, and the heating current of the filament 136a is One turn from one end of the winding of the transformer 130a is supplied from a tap located several turns around. be provided. The voltage across this transformer is affected by the voltage drop in ballast 122a. The filaments 134a and The voltage that supplies current to and 136a remains approximately constant during lighting of the fluorescent lamp. high The frequency filament transformer 130a has a magnetic core, for example a ferrite core 148. Preferably, the transformer is a transformer that

[0065] FIG. 11(C) shows yet another modification of the circuit of FIG. 11(A), and similarly, FIG. Circuit elements corresponding to circuit elements in 11(A) are designated by the same reference numeral with the letter b appended. It is shown. The difference between these two circuits is that tap 13 of autotransformer 130b 8b and 140b are one from the ends of the windings connected to lines 125b and 128b. located at a turn or several turns, leading to filaments 134b and 136b. The point is that the ground wire is connected to the transformer terminal, not to the winding tap. Figure 1 1(B) and FIG. 11(A) are explained for the circuit in FIG. 11(A). The operation is almost the same as the previous one.

[0066] FIG. 12 shows the high frequency output from an inverter such as inverter 120 in FIG. 11(A). A heating current is supplied to the filament of the fluorescent lamp from the wave alternating current output lines 124c and 128c. Here are some circuits for supplying power.

[0067] The first circuit 150 in FIG. 12 is connected in parallel across lines 124c and 128c. a pair of fluorescent lamps 152 and 154, and cathodes 156 and 158 of fluorescent lamp 152. and various means for heating the cathodes 160 and 162 of the fluorescent lamp 154. . The means for heating the filament 156 has one end in contact with one end of the filament 156. The other end is a transformer winding 154 connected to the line 162. this railway One end of filament 162 is connected to the other end of filament 156; is connected to the junction connecting the capacitor 160 and one terminal of the capacitor 164. Ru. The other terminal of capacitor 164 is connected to line 124c by line 166. It will be done. One end of the filament 158 of the fluorescent lamp 152 is connected to the line 12 by a line 168. Connected directly to 8c. The other end of the filament 158 is connected to a transformer by a line 172. It is connected to one end of winding 170. The other end of transformer winding 170 is connected to line 168 be done. One end of the filament 162 of the fluorescent lamp 154 is connected to the line 1 by a line 174. 72, and the other end is connected to the line 128c by a line 176. Fluorescent light 1 The filament 160 of the fluorescent lamp 152 is similar to the filament 156 of the fluorescent lamp 152. 124c, but with an inductance of 1 instead of capacitor 164. 82 is provided, a winding 178 is provided in place of the winding 160, and an inductance 182 and winding 178 act as a ballast for the fluorescent lamp. ballast capacitor and stable A high output coefficient can be maintained at the output end of the inverter due to the combination of inductor and inductor. Main a The inverter transformer consists of windings 160, 170 and 178 and provides constant thermal power. do. When starting a fluorescent lamp (same as the circuit in Figures 11(A) and (C)) ), this circuit connects fluorescent lamps 152 and 1 via lines 124c and 128c. 54, but ballast capacitor 164 and ballast inductor 18 The voltage drop across 2 substantially reduces the voltage during operation.

[0068] The second circuit 184 has a filament 188 at one end and a filament 19 at the other end. A single fluorescent lamp 186 with 0 is provided. This circuit includes lines 124c and 12 8c from intermediate autotransformers connected to lines 194 and 196, respectively. Receives constant filament power. The heating power source for the filament 188 is a high frequency power source. 200, for example a transformer 198 having a ferrite core. single One end of wound transformer winding 192 forms the primary winding of transformer 198 . The secondary winding is , one end is connected to one end of filament 188 and the other end is connected to line 204. This is the winding 202. One end of the line 204 is connected to the other end of the filament 188. The other end connects the junction of the winding 202 and the line 204 and the stabilizing capacitor 2. It is connected to one terminal of 06. The other terminal of the stabilizing capacitor 206 is connected to the line 208 to the line 124c. One end of the filament 190 is connected to the line 2 10 to line 196, and the other end is connected to autotransformer winding 1 by line 212. 92 tap 214.

[0069] The third circuit 216 has the same reference numeral as the second circuit 184 but with the letter a. The number of autotransformer circuits at both ends is By using the turns, for example, one end of the filament 188a can be turned into a single turn. Connect to the tap 202a located several turns from the end of the pressure coil 192a. , thereby omitting a separate transformer 198. Filament of fluorescent lamp 186a receives variable power from this circuit. In other words, after an arc occurs in a fluorescent lamp, , the filament voltage decreases.

[0070] The fourth circuit 218 includes a ballast inductance instead of the ballast capacitor 206a. It is the same as the third circuit 216 except that it uses the circuit 206b. the Other circuit elements are the same as corresponding elements of second circuit 184 and third circuit 216. They are shown with the letter b appended to their reference numbers and will not be specifically described here. third circuit 216 stabilizing capacitor 206a and the fourth circuit 218 stabilizing inductor 2 If combined with 06b, the power factor will increase.

[0071] The second, third and fourth circuits 184, 216 and 218 are all essentially the same. When starting, the inverter to which lines 124c and 128c are connected After supplying all the power to the fluorescent lamp and the fluorescent lamp enters stable operation, it will be much lower Supply voltage. In the second circuit 184, all voltages are always applied to the filament. However, in the third and fourth circuits 216 and 218, the filament is imprinted. The applied voltage is automatically reduced as the voltage across the fluorescent lamp becomes lower.

[0072] The fifth circuit 220 is connected in series via lines 124c and 128c and Two fluorescent lamps 222 and 2 controlled by a single filament transformer 192c 24. One end of one filament 226 of the fluorescent lamp 222 is As with line 216, it is connected to tap 202c of autotransformer winding 192c. , the other end is connected to the end of the autotransformer winding 192c, and the capacitor 20 6c and the line 124c via the line 208c. Fluorescent tube 228c At one end, filament 190c is several turns from the end of autotransformer winding 192c. It is connected to the tap 214c at the opposite end, and the line 210c and the other end are connected to the tap 214c. 196c to the line 128c. Adjacent fluorescent lights 222 and 224 Filaments 227 and 228 each have a primary winding connected to autotransformer winding 192. Connect in parallel across the terminals of the short winding 230 forming the secondary winding of the transformer c. be done. A small capacitor 23 is placed across the fluorescent lamp 224 (or fluorescent lamp 222). 2 (or inductor) to help start and get good operation. May be used to reduce the need to use.

[0073] The sixth circuit 234 uses inductors instead of capacitors 206c and 232. This circuit is the same as the fifth circuit except that it uses buses 206d and 232d. 6th Other parts of the fifth circuit 234 have the same reference numbers as corresponding parts of the fifth circuit 220. It is indicated by the letter d appended to the number, and will not be particularly explained here.

[0074] The fifth circuit 220 and the sixth circuit 234 are the third circuit 216 and the fourth circuit 218 except that it has two fluorescent lamps connected in series instead of a single fluorescent lamp. and operates essentially the same as the third and fourth circuits.

[0075] As shown in Figure 12, the circuit of the present invention can be used in various ways without changing the operating principle. Can be transformed. For example, you can operate the filament with a constant voltage. , by lowering the voltage across the fluorescent lamp filament, at maximum voltage during operation. The heating current after startup can be reduced and the power factor can be increased.

[0076] The present invention uses a resistor having a relatively high resistance value, for example, 100 kilohms. The current flowing through the resistor 71d (a) flows directly into the base 46d, and (b) ) winding 61d and a resistor with a relatively low resistance value, e.g. 10 ohms; 240d to the base 49d, and a feedback winding wound around the magnetic core 55d. Lines 79d and 79ad connect resistor 75d to diode 73d and diode 74. The circuit of Fig. 6 is different from that in that it is inserted into each terminal line extending to d. Slightly different. It includes a modified circuit as shown in FIG. Therefore, the base 46d is , a diode 73d, two series-connected windings 79d and 79ad, and a diode 73d. The diode 73d and the winding are connected to the base 49d via the diode 74d. Connected to line 96d via line 79d, resistor 75d, and choke coil 78d. is connected to supply power to the bases of transistors 44d and 45d.

[0077] The current flowing through resistor 71d has a very low initial bias that ensures reliable starting. Provide electric current. The operation of the modified circuit shown in FIG. 13 is as follows. at least When one of the transistors turns on, current flows from the input terminal 41d to the inductor 76d. , center tap 57d, and primary windings 52d and 53d of main inverter transformer 54d. flows through alternately. In this way, voltage is applied to the primary windings 52d and 53d. When this occurs, a voltage is induced in the low voltage feedback winding 61d provided on the same magnetic core 55d. Ru. One terminal of the feedback winding 61d is connected to the base 46d of the transistor 44d. be done. The other terminal of the feedback winding 61d is connected to a transformer via the resistor 240d mentioned above. It is connected to the base 49d of the resistor 45d. The polarity of the feedback winding 61d is It is set to strengthen certain actions of the star. That is, the transistor 44d is initially more heavily conductive than transistor 45d, the feedback signal is transferred to transistor 45d. An attempt is made to further turn on transistor 44d, and transistor 45d is turned off. condensate The sensor 60d resonates with the primary windings 52d and 53d, and all the wires provided on the magnetic core 55d The polarity of the voltage is periodically reversed in the winding. First, one transistor conducts, then the other transistor conducts. Winding 76d has a current flowing through it. keep constant. Therefore, the sum of the collector currents of the two transistors must be constant. Must be. During the transition time, one transistor switches to the other. switching has taken place, both transistors are turned on redundantly, and the windings 52d and When windings 76d and 53d are shorted, winding 76d is operated to prevent excessive current from flowing. use

[0078] Connected to bases 46d and 49d via slow diodes 73d and 74d. , high voltage feedback windings 79d and 79ad connected to resistor 75d at the center point. A voltage is also induced at , which turns on diodes 73d and 74d. If enough oscillation occurs to cause the transistor's base current to flow Powered by a new power source. The base current is supplied from the 120 volt input power supply to the magnetic core 55 It is much more efficient to feed it from several wires of two windings located at d. stomach. While a base current of only about 1.2 mA flows through the resistor 71d, A current of about 80 mA is obtained from these two windings 79d and 79ad. This structure With this configuration, approximately 9 watts can be saved. Diodes 73d and 74d have other important fulfills the following functions. These diodes transfer the starting current from resistor 71d to resistor 71d. Instead of flowing out through the transistor 75d, it flows into the base of the transistor. Of course. Diodes 73d and 74d are used during switching time. , two relatively high voltage feedback windings 79d and 79ad are connected to the two bases. , provides a large feedback signal, ensures fast and reliable switching, and one transistor is turned off very quickly while the other transistor is turned off very quickly. Turn on. Diodes 73d and 74d are connected to transistors 44d and 45d. It is a slow diode with a long charge storage time. Therefore, one diode normally While conducting, the other diode indicates that the transistor to which it is connected is fully It conducts in the opposite direction for a short time until it is turned off. However, the base Before it gets too negative, that diode stops conducting and the voltage at its base drops to a low voltage. voltage drop to the extent allowed by the pressure feedback winding 61d (for example, approximately -4.5 volts). can do.

[0079] At the common junction of the two feedback windings 79d and 79ad and the resistor 75d The voltage has a negative DC component of approximately 4.5 volts with respect to input terminal 42d, and a series of half-positive DC components. It has an AC component composed of a string wave. The AC component at this common junction is , has the same waveform as the AC component at the center tap 57d, apart from polarity and amplitude. Ru. The AC component of center tap 57d appears at both ends of winding 76d. Same magnetic core 66 Add a secondary winding 78d with a very small number of turns to d and connect it as shown. As a result, the AC component of the voltage between the resistor 75d and the winding 78d is changed to the resistor 75d. and the two feedback windings 79d and 79ad are approximately equal to the AC component at the junction point. can do. Therefore, the potential across the resistor 75d is exactly 4.5V DC current. It can be said that the voltage is applied to one of the transistors 44d and 45d via the resistor 75d. A constant current of approximately 80 mA flows through the base or the other base. Sum of collector currents is kept constant by the inductor 76d, so the sum of the base currents is also kept constant. is appropriate and effective.

[0080] The voltage at the center tap 57 in FIG. 6 or the center tap 57d in FIG. As the voltage increases sufficiently to exceed the voltage of 41d, the Zener diode 85 and 85d turn on, preventing the voltage from increasing further and turning on the transistor. Protect. When on for several cycles, center taps 57 and 57d Abnormally high voltage may be generated. Diode 84 is normally operated When the voltage at the center tap 57 drops below the voltage at the input terminal 41, as occurs in , prevents the Zener diode 85 from conducting.

[0081] Diode 86 and diode 86d connect winding 76 and diode 86d only when off. 76d, each serves to form a current discharge path.

[0082] Capacitor 81d helps reduce radio noise returned to the DC supply line. . Inductors 76 and 76d are very effective in this respect, but this is because the inductor's main It's not a function.

[0083] The secondary winding 237d is wound around the magnetic core 55d of the transformer 54d and attached to the end thereof. , instead of or in addition to the output terminals 43 and 43a of FIG. and 43ad.

[0084] In this modified circuit of Figure 13, the fluorescent lamp is As shown for fluorescent lamp 67 in FIG. You can connect it to any pair of terminals using almost the same method as above.

[0085] Each fluorescent lamp or pair of fluorescent lamps operates independently of the other fluorescent lamps, and each It has a dedicated stabilizing inductor or stabilizing capacitor. Using an inductor and capacitor together As far as the inverter is concerned, the null effect is canceled out by using Therefore, negative The power factor of the load is high and the frequency of the inverter is is almost independent of load.

[0086] Inductor 76 or transformer 54 utilizes an air gap with a stable inductor. rice According to the standards for commercially available switches and circuit breakers of this rating in Japan, approximately 120V A DC input voltage of is selected, so that an incandescent lamp is operated from the same circuit be able to. Other rated switches and circuit breakers are available, if available. You may use the same voltage.

[0087] In the modified circuit of Fig. 13, as in the case of Fig. 6, the filament of the fluorescent lamp Power can be supplied by one turn of winding wound around the magnetic core of the transformer 54d. All fluorescent lamps can be connected together and have one winding at one end. However, individual windings are required at the ballast end. Alternatively, the same installation can be done with the inverter. To reduce the number of wires for fluorescent lamps that are not stored in the fixture or for fluorescent lamps In order to reduce the power of the filament after it is turned on, one or two abnormal A vertical filament transformer can be used.

[0088] Diodes are added to lines 65 and 65d, and diodes are added to lines 70 and 70d. to prevent reverse current flow to the lines 65, 65d and 70, 70d. By doing so, the circuit of FIG. 6 and the modified circuit of FIG. 13 may be modified.

[0089] In FIG. 6 it is connected across inductor 76 (via diode 84). In the modified embodiment of FIG. 13, the anodes of the Zener diodes 85, 85d are It is directly connected to the base 46d of the transistor 44d, and the feedback winding 61d and It is connected to the base 49d of the transistor 45d via a low resistance resistor 240d. Ru. Alternatively, you can connect the anode of the Zener diode directly to the lines 69, 69d. good. Line 62 is connected to line 72 via Zener diodes 85b and 84d. Therefore, the input DC voltage (120V) is centered at approximately 120V. The Zener die should be designed to conduct the maximum voltage of 240V required for 57 It is added to the conduction voltage of the ode 85. The modified circuit in Figure 13 and the diode 84 are omitted. The anode of the Zener diode 85d is directly connected to the base 46d or the line 69d. In the above-mentioned variant, the Zener diode 85d is connected to approximately 240 volts. It must be conductive at the When diode 84 is used, it becomes a zener diode. The cathode voltage of the Zener diode 85 periodically occurs in normal operation. When the voltage drops below 120 volts, it loses continuity. zenerdaio When the anode of wire 85 is connected directly to line 69, connect this anode to the negative input terminal. Although it is possible to connect directly to the child 42, if this simple connection method is adopted, the above-mentioned deformation The voltage and current of the Zener diode 85 are set to a higher level than in the example case. Must match.

[0090] A variation of FIG. 13 in which the anode of the Zener diode 85d is directly connected to the base 46d. The circuit is further modified by adding two diodes 299 and 300. You may do so. The cathode of the diode 299 is connected to the collector 47d of the transistor 44d. The anode is connected to the junction between the anode of the diode 73d and the feedback winding 79d. be done. The cathode of the other diode 300 is connected to the collector 50 of the transistor 45d. d, and the anode is connected to the junction point between the anode of the diode 74d and the feedback winding 79ad. connected to. By providing two diodes in the circuit in this way, the gain All the base current not required by the transistor is normal or high. , these two diodes 299 and 300 (i.e. catching diodes ) and one of the transistors is nearing saturation. When the resistor 75d is connected so that the current flows from the base to the collector of that transistor, resistance rating can be set. As a result, the transistor is not fully saturated. and can be turned off more quickly than in the case where it can become heavily saturated. Therefore, two data Iodes 299 and 300 operate transistors with widely different current gains. It also functions to adjust the inverter so that the These two additional diodes are , as mentioned above, the anode of the Zener diode 85 is directly connected to the base 46d. Although it has been used only in circuits where If so, it may be used in a circuit with another configuration.

[0091] The anode of the Zener diode 85d is connected to either one of the transistors 44d or 4. When connected to the base of 5d, when diode 85d is turned on, these diodes are At least one of the odes is heavily turned on. This of transistors 44d and 45d The current flowing through the zener diode 85d is as effective as the current flowing through the zener diode 85d. transistors 44d and 44d can limit the collector voltage to much larger than the current that the Zener diode 85d must conduct under the condition It has the advantage of being able to conduct a high current. Therefore, Zener diode The comparison is made by turning on transistors 44d and 45d using gate 85d. This allows the use of low-current, low-cost Zener diodes.

[0092] The driving current of the transistors 44 and 45 described above is significantly higher than that of conventionally known circuits. It has been greatly improved. In order to meet the conflicting requirements in an optimal manner, the main Two independent feedback windings of the inverter transformer 54 are used. switching time Minimize the overlap time during which both transistors are partially on. to turn off one transistor and the feedback voltage to turn off the other transistor. It is desirable to increase the However, the feedback voltage must be high enough for this purpose. Then, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, if only one feedback winding is used, the switch The reverse base voltage of the transistor turned off during the switching time becomes too high. The low current obtained from the + input terminal 41d flows through the resistor 71d and is connected to the transistor. A very small amount of bias current is supplied to the bases of terminals 44d and 45d. this is, This is enough current to start the transistor oscillating in a conventional manner. That is, The outputs of the collectors of the two transistors are connected to a low voltage source provided in the magnetic core of the transformer 54d. Magnetically coupled to the bases 46d and 49d of the transistors via the pressure feedback winding 61d. It is connected to a transformer 54d by matched windings 52d and 53d. feedback polarity is set to strengthen and maintain the oscillation state, and each transistor has a positive From the input terminal 41 through the inductor 76d and the line 62d, and then to any of the transformers 54d. A current is passed through one of the windings 52d or 53d, and the current is sent to the negative input terminal 42d. to return.

[0093] When the amplitude of vibration becomes large enough, as mentioned above, in the modified circuit of Fig. 13, The voltage induced in the high voltage feedback windings 79d and 79d causes the diodes 73d and 74d is turned on and off alternately. obtained from either of these feedback windings. The base current is quite high due to the current being The base is driven efficiently. The voltage of these feedback windings becomes the voltage of the feedback winding 61d. However, it is still lower than the input voltages of input terminals 41d and 42d. sand In other words, compared to the drop resistor 71d which has a high resistance value, the voltage from these feedback windings is higher. Base current can be obtained efficiently.

[0094] Diodes 73d and 74d receive charge from the bases 46 and 49 of the transistors. It is an inexpensive, low voltage, slow diode with a long storage time. That is, either one When the anode of diode 73 or 74 becomes negative with respect to the cathode, the diode becomes direct. It is not immediately turned off, but conducts in the opposite direction, causing the transistor connected to that diode to Pull out all the charge stored in the base of the transistor. The other diode is is being turned on even faster. Therefore, during this critical switching time, the high voltage feedback The windings are connected directly to very low impedance diodes 73d and 74d. , the low voltage windings are effectively isolated by resistor 240d. Trang going off Before the voltage at the base of the resistor drops below a safe value, the stored charge in the associated diode must be The load disappears (driving current through the series resistor mentioned above) and the diode The code is turned off. Therefore, the negative peak base voltage can be reversed by the low voltage feedback winding, if desired. determined solely by line 61d. Collectors 47 and 45 of transistors 44 and 45 The currents flowing through zener diode 85 and 50 are the same as the current flowing through zener diode 85. The collector voltage can be effectively limited, and the transistor much more current than the conductor diode 85 needs to conduct in this circuit. It has the advantage of being able to conduct a large amount of current. That is, transition By using a Zener diode 85 to turn on the Low-cost Zener diodes can be used with current.

[0095] Figure 14 shows a stable condenser with means for heating the filament of all fluorescent lamps. The main parts of the inverter are two pairs, which use both a sensor and a stable inductor to obtain a high power factor. This shows a circuit that connects series-connected fluorescent lamps. Terminal 241 supplies the inverter. terminal 242 connects the inverter to the negative terminal of the feed line (not shown). Connect to the terminal. The current flowing into the inverter from terminal 241 flows through the winding of the circuit of FIG. Through a winding 243 similar to wire 76, a magnetic core, for example a ferrite core 248, is connected. The center tap 244 of the two windings 245 and 246 of the primary winding of the transformer 247 flows to The transformer 247 has a main secondary winding 249 that provides the output circuit of the inverter. has. Several short secondary windings are also provided, as described below. Winding 2 The free terminal 46 connects to line 251. A capacitor similar to capacitor 60 in FIG. Capacitor 252 is connected to line 250 at one terminal and connected to line 250 at the other terminal. and is connected to the line 251. The line 250 is connected to a transformer via a diode 253. It is also connected to register 255. Similarly, line 251 passes through diode 254. and connected to transistor 256. The transistor 255 has a base 257 and It has a collector 258 to which a diode 253 is connected, and an emitter 259. Transistor 256 has a base 260 and a collector connected to diode 254. 261 and an emitter 262. The base includes the magnetic core 24 of the transformer 247. Power is supplied from a low voltage secondary winding 263 of 8. In other words, the secondary winding has a very large number of turns. For example, a feedback winding with two turns is required. Emitters 259 and 262 are negative It is commonly connected to the terminal 242 of the two terminals.

[0096] Fluorescent lamps 246 and 265, along with fluorescent lamps 266 and 267, connected in series to the output circuit of the controller. A short double strand provided in the magnetic core 248 of the transformer 247 A secondary winding 268 connects a heating voltage to a filament 269 at the first end of the fluorescent lamp 264. supply flow. The ballasts for fluorescent lights 264 and 265 are as shown. , one terminal is connected to one terminal of the secondary winding 249, and the other terminal is connected to one terminal of the secondary winding 249. by an inductor 270 connected to a track connecting wire 268 to filament 269 molded. Another secondary winding 271 provided on the magnetic core 248 is a secondary winding 271 of the fluorescent lamp 264. 2 and the filament 272 at the first end of the fluorescent lamp 265. A filament heating current is supplied to the filament 273. The plate provided on the magnetic core 248 Another short secondary winding 274 is connected to the filament 2 at the second end of the fluorescent lamp 266. 75 and a filament 276 at the first end of the fluorescent lamp 267. Supply heating current. An additional secondary winding 277 provided on the magnetic core 248 is a fluorescent providing filament heating current to filament 278 at the first end of lamp 266; do. Fluorescent lamps 266 and 267 connect the secondary winding 277 to the filament at one terminal. 278 and of the secondary winding 249 at the other terminal. It has a capacitor ballast 279 connected to the same terminal as 0. One end is the secondary winding 2 49, and the other end is connected to the filament at the second end of the fluorescent lamp 267. 281 and a filament 282 at the second end of the fluorescent lamp 265. The short secondary winding 280 that has these two filaments Connect in parallel across the lines coming out from 0. The operation of this circuit is similar to that described above. Since it is clear from the explanation of the inverter output circuit, it will not be explained here. in the circuit By combining an inductor ballast and a capacitor ballast in rate will be higher.

[0097] The circuit shown in Figure 14 connects two pairs of two series-connected fluorescent lamps in parallel. It can be modified to power four fluorescent lamps instead of just one. deformation circuit In the circuit shown in FIG. The components of the inverter are the same, and the modification is the connection of four fluorescent lamps connected in parallel. Concerning only. All of these fluorescent lights are connected to terminal 4, with the three fluorescent lights in Figure 6 3 and 43a in parallel to the secondary winding 249 in substantially the same way as connected to the secondary winding 249. . In other words, a transformer such as 54 in FIG. The four ends of a fluorescent lamp powered by windings 92 and short windings such as 92 The filament is connected to the filament at the other end of the fluorescent lamp, and the other terminal 249 in FIG. 14 connected to four filaments with short secondary windings upright. It has a secondary winding like. That is, one terminal of the secondary winding is connected to 26 in FIG. 2 through a stable inductor for filament circuits containing short secondary windings such as 8 A short secondary winding such as 277 in Figure 14 is connected in parallel to each of the two fluorescent lamps. The other two fluorescent lamp ends through the stabilizing capacitor for the filament circuit including connected to. In FIG. 6, three fluorescent lamp filaments are connected to winding 92. Similarly, a single short winding such as 92 in FIG. 6 and 280 in FIG. Each is connected to the filament at the other end of four parallel-connected fluorescent lamps. . The operation of this circuit is clear from the above description of the inverter output circuit. Also , as mentioned above, inductor ballast and in inverter output circuit for fluorescent lamps. By combining it with a capacitor ballast, the power factor of the output circuit will definitely be high. Ru.

[0098] According to yet another variation of the circuit of FIG. 14, starting with two pairs of series-connected fluorescent lamps, Mobility aids are added. The starting aid is two capacitors, one of which The capacitor connects the filament circuit 268 to the filament circuit 271 and the inductor 270. and the other capacitor connects the filament circuit 274 to the filament circuit 27 7 and a capacitor 279. Such a starting aid is the first aid for fluorescent lamps. to generate an arc between the cathode (filament) at the end of the filament and the second end of the filament. It has characteristics that reduce the starting voltage required for

0099 Figure 15 shows an inverter like the one in Figure 14 and different inverter outputs. 1 shows a dimming circuit comprising a circuit. The elements of the circuit in Figure 15 correspond to the circuit in Figure 14. These parts are designated by the same reference numeral with the letter c appended. Figure 15 The output circuit includes three fluorescent lamps 264c, 265c and 266c, with fluorescent lamp 264 c and 265c are connected in series, and this fluorescent lamp combination is connected to the inverter transformer 24 It is connected in parallel with the fluorescent lamp 265c across the terminal of the secondary winding 249c of 7c. Fluorescent lamps connected in series connect short winding 268c and filament 278c A capacitor ballast 279c is provided between the line and the terminal of the secondary winding 249c. common The column of fluorescent lamps 266c has a short winding 277c connected to the filament 27 of the fluorescent lamp 266c. An inductor ballast 284 is provided between the line connected to 8c and the terminal of the secondary winding 249c. do. Short windings 268c, 274c and 280c connect inverter transformer 247c The primary winding 287 receives voltage from the secondary winding 249c of the has a voltage induced in it.

[0100] The primary of a saturable reactor 291 with a magnetic core 292, for example a ferrite core The winding 290 can be connected to DC terminals 241c and 242c or other DC power source. An auxiliary circuit 289 is provided consisting of a series combination of resistors 293 . The secondary winding of the reactor 291 is a winding 26 whose one terminal is shorter than the line 295. 8c to the filament 278c, and a short winding provided on the magnetic core 292. The wire 277c is connected to the track connecting the filament 278c of the fluorescent lamp 266c. A short winding 294 is connected to an inductor 298.

[0101] The stabilizing capacitor 297c and the stabilizing inductor 284 provide a small voltage during low light operation. The current is conducted to each fluorescent lamp. To make it even brighter, use a saturable reactor. Additional current flows through winding 294 to stabilizing capacitor 297 and stabilizing inductor 298. flows to The amount of additional current is determined by the direct current in the primary winding 290 of the saturable reactor. This direct current is manually controlled by a variable resistor 293 or other equivalent means. controlled manually or automatically. In this way, the luminous intensity can be changed according to various needs. I can do that.

[0102] In all inverter circuits, the line exiting from the positive DC terminal (line 62 in Figure 6) and the corresponding lines in other figures) or the line to the negative DC terminal (lines 69 and 69 in Fig. 6) (corresponding lines in other diagrams), the ballast is manufactured by Underwriters Laboratory in the United States. Fluorescent lamp installations to pass fixture leakage current safety regulations A small capacitor may be used to connect to the metal structure (ground) of the fixture. .

[0103] Avoidance of the primary-secondary capacitance of the main inverter transformer 54 and the fixture itself. Hazardous Fluorescent Lights - High frequency currents flowing or leaking through fixture capacitances It may happen. An additional capacitor eliminates this leakage current without leaving the fixture. Provides a short local path for the flow to return to the point of origin (primary winding).

[0104] Yet another useful variation of the inverter circuit uses Zener diodes. without limiting the collector current of the transistor. To explain with reference to FIG. 13, This variation effectively moves with and from the positive DC input line 62d from its original location. includes a movable inductor 76d that effectively connects the negative line 69d to the negative line 69d. In more detail, Line 69d is interrupted between the connection point of capacitor 81d and emitter 48d, and Conductor 76d is connected between these connection points and Zener diode 85d. Furthermore, two conventional diodes whose anodes are both connected to the negative input terminal 42d The code is also added. Among the diodes added, the cathode of one of the diodes is connected to the It is connected to a tap near the midpoint of the next winding 52d, and the cathode of the other diode is The primary winding 53d of the voltage generator 54d is symmetrically connected to a tap near the midpoint. child In a modified circuit, excessive voltage appears at the collector of one of the transistors. each time the primary winding is connected to the primary winding connected to the other transistor. The above tap becomes negative, turning on one of the additional diodes and turning the primary winding A constant DC input voltage across a portion of the center tap 57d and an additional Connect between the apex to which the diode is connected. After that, the transformer 54d The voltage does not increase any further in any winding. Therefore, it accumulates in the inductor 76d. The excess energy generated is dissipated in a Zener diode or transistor. Instead, it is returned to the DC power supply. By changing the position of the inductor 76d in this way Therefore, there is no need to provide an additional winding to the winding 78d on the same magnetic core 66d. , the winding 76d can be extended and used instead. As a result, windings 76d and 78 The number of terminals required for d is reduced (by one) and there is no need to insulate these windings from each other. This simplifies the configuration.

[0105] The circuit of the present invention, especially the electronic ballast circuit, has high efficiency and can reduce costs. Therefore, it is very advantageous to use it for public facilities. This invention uses electricity for lighting. It also has great value in that it can save a lot of power consumption even when .

[0106] Fluorescent lamps operate more efficiently at frequencies higher than the 50-60Hz of commercial AC power. As mentioned above, this fact has been recognized for many years. I don't care about that A safe, non-toxic device that operates at high frequencies, e.g. in the range of 20-30 KHz and above It has the advantages of a system that is economical, reliable, efficient, and highly flexible. systems and the safety, economy, reliability, efficiency and flexibility of current fluorescent lighting equipment. Ballasts that incorporate a Not on the field. The system and ballast of the present invention are suitable for high frequencies in the range of 20-30 KHz. Utilizing the high efficiency obtained by frequency, power losses are transferred to inverters and ballasts. In practice, it is possible to minimize 90%), avoid using components such as electrolytic capacitors, and minimize the number of components. The use of components provides reliability, lowers noise, reduces radio noise and suppress

[0107] The inverter has a symmetrical class B bushy cobble current in which the high and low feedback windings are switched. It can be said that it is a limited transistorized oscillator. It starts automatically and is efficient is stable over a wide range of input voltages (with or without load). ).

[0108] The systems and ballasts for several embodiments and their variations have been illustrated and explained above. However, without departing from the principle of the present invention, further modifications may be made within the scope of the utility model registration claim. It is clear that changes are possible.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows a commercial power supply supplying three-phase current and a central transformer of the building, the central transformer is located in a central power room and converts the high voltage supplied from the central transformer to alternating current to direct current. of a preferred inverter device such that the voltage is reduced to a voltage suitable for distribution to a sub-center, preferably a three-wire DC power transmission system, for rectification, and feeding a plurality of inverters to supply the desired high frequency power for operating the fluorescent lamps. It is a block diagram.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the secondary winding of a transformer, for example in a rectifier, where the relevant parts provide three-wire direct current to an inverter;

3 shows an example of a primary winding suitable for the transformer of FIG. 3; FIG.

[Figure 4] Additional secondary winding installed on the transformer of the central power room or the transformer of the inverter to extract single-phase or three-phase alternating current used in outlets of air conditioning equipment, cleaning equipment, appliances, etc. It is a diagram showing lines.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 4 showing the means for obtaining a single phase current of 120/240 volts;

6 is a circuit diagram of an inverter circuit suitable for use as an electronic ballast in the device of FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a portion of a transistorized inverter according to the prior art;

8 is a circuit diagram of a variation of a portion of the circuit of FIG. 6 showing how a plurality of rapid start fluorescent lamps connected in series are operated; FIG.

9 is a circuit diagram of a portion of the circuit of FIG. 6 modified to enable flashing of a fluorescent lamp; FIG.

10 is a circuit diagram illustrating yet another variation of a portion of the circuit of FIG. 6 that provides a means for reducing the power supplied to the electrodes of a fluorescent lamp after start-up; FIG.

FIG. 11 (A) provides two levels of filament heating current to the two filaments or electrodes of a fluorescent lamp, i.e. (1) provides full heating current at startup of the fluorescent lamp; During operation, much lower filament current, e.g. about 1/3 of normal filament power
(B) is a circuit diagram of a circuit that supplies a constant heating power to the filament of a fluorescent lamp.
The circuit diagram of the right part of 1 (A), (C) shows the same result but with a slightly different connection to the transformer.
It is a circuit diagram which shows yet another modification of the right part of (A).

[Figure 12] A method of connecting multiple lamps from an inverter via a high-frequency, high-voltage power supply line using both a capacitor ballast and an inductor ballast to obtain a good power factor on the high-frequency, high-voltage power supply line. FIG.

FIG. 13 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, but with two
2 is a circuit diagram of an inverter circuit with means modified to supply current to the bases of two transistors and the alternating connection of a Zener diode; FIG.

Figure 14: All fluorescent lamps have a means of heating their filaments and obtaining a high power factor at the inverter output using both a capacitor ballast and an inductor ballast, with two pairs of inverters connected in series. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a circuit connected to a fluorescent lamp.

FIG. 15: Two fluorescent lamps are connected in series, and the pair is
Connecting an inverter to multiple fluorescent lamps, including a saturable reactor connected in parallel with a single fluorescent lamp to dim the fluorescent lamps via lines exiting the high frequency high voltage secondary winding of the transformer It is a circuit diagram of a circuit.

Claims (18)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. An electrical system for supplying a high frequency alternating current voltage to a discharge lamp, comprising: (a) rectifier means for converting the alternating current voltage to a rectified direct current voltage; (b) a pair of input terminals and a pair of input terminals; converter means having an output terminal and coupled to the output of said rectifier means for converting said rectified DC voltage appearing at said pair of input terminals into a high frequency AC voltage at said pair of output terminals; hand,
(1) oscillator means comprising first and second switching transistors, each of the transistors having a base, a collector, and an emitter, the emitter of the transistor being connected to one of the pair of input terminals; (2) Tuning comprising a transformer having first and second series connected inductive windings connected to an output terminal and a collector of said transistor, respectively, and a feedback winding connecting a base of said transistor. circuit means (3) connected between the other of the pair of input terminals and a junction point intermediate the first and second inductive windings, the circuit means being connected between the other of the pair of input terminals and a junction intermediate the first and second inductive windings; (4) capacitor means connected between said junction and said feedback winding to limit the base current of the untuned transistor; (c) converter means for increasing the switching speed of the first and second transistors by decreasing and increasing the base current of the tuned transistor; means for coupling a discharge lamp to the pair of output terminals of the converter means;
Electrical system with. 2. An electrical system for supplying a high frequency alternating current voltage to a discharge lamp, comprising: (a) rectifier means for converting the alternating current voltage to a rectified direct current voltage; (b) a pair of input terminals and a pair of input terminals; output terminals, the converter means being coupled to the output of the rectifier means for converting the rectified DC voltage appearing at the pair of input terminals into a high frequency AC voltage at the pair of output terminals, ,
(1) oscillator means comprising first and second switching transistors each having a base, a collector, and an emitter, the emitter of the transistor being connected to one of the pair of input terminals; and (2) the transistor a pair of primary windings connected in series between the collectors of
A transformation comprising a first feedback loop winding connecting the bases of the first and second transistors, and a second feedback loop winding connecting the bases of each of the transistors through a pair of forward diodes. (3) connected between the other of said pair of input terminals and an intermediate junction point of said pair of primary windings, said first and second transistors during a period of simultaneous conduction of said transistors; (c) means for coupling at least one discharge lamp to the pair of output terminals of the converter means. electrical system. 3. Further comprising a resistor and a third winding in series with the resistor, the resistor and the third winding being between one of the input terminals and an intermediate point of the second feedback loop winding. 3. The electrical system of claim 2, wherein the electrical system is connected to. 4. A high frequency AC illumination system for discharge lamps, comprising a plurality of electrical fittings distributed over the area to be illuminated by the discharge lamp, removably holding the discharge lamp, and a plurality of electrical fittings with available voltages and phases. one or more subcenters for receiving commercial AC power at;
means for rectifying the alternating current power to direct current power at each of the subcenters for distribution from the one or more subcenters to the plurality of fixtures; wiring means for distributing to said fixture; and a plurality of converter means for receiving said DC power at an input terminal and converting said DC power to a high frequency alternating current at an output terminal, each of said converter means distributing said DC power to said fixture. a plurality of converter means comprising semiconductor switching means arranged and electrically connected to the plurality of discharge lamps at the output terminals and electrically connected to a transformer. 5. Each said fixture comprises ballast means electrically connected to a discharge lamp carried by said fixture, each said converter means having its own said ballast means. 5. The lighting system of claim 4, wherein the lighting system is electrically connected to a plurality of adjacent fixtures. 6. The lighting system of claim 5, wherein each said transducer means is connected to one or more ballast means of an adjacent fixture by two loading lines. 7. A lighting system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the ballast means includes an inductor. 8. A lighting system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the ballast means includes a capacitor. 9. A lighting system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the ballast means includes an inductor and a capacitor. 10. A lighting system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein each said converter means further comprises a pair of transistors in push-pull connection with a collector transformer. 11. Each said fixture holds at least one discharge lamp having one or more filaments;
11. The lighting system of claim 10, wherein each said converter means further comprises a heater winding in said transformer adapted to electrically connect said filament of one or more said discharge lamps. 12. Said means for electrically connecting output terminals of said transformer means comprises a separate magnetic core transformer, said heater winding drawing induction from said separate magnetic core. lighting system. 13. Energy saving transformer means for drawing lamp filament voltage from and proportionally to lamp arc voltage to reduce lamp filament power after arc voltage has decreased as said discharge lamp is fully turned on. 5. The lighting system of claim 4, further comprising: 14. Each said fixture holds at least one said discharge lamp having a filament, and each said transducer means is located in a first fixture and electrically connected to a second fixture. 5. A lamp according to claim 4, wherein said second fixture comprises transformer means for heating the filament of each discharge lamp in said fixture and ballast means for each discharge lamp in said fixture. lighting system. 15. The lighting system of claim 4, wherein said DC power is conveyed to each said transformer means by a two-wire circuit. 16. The lighting system of claim 4, wherein said DC power is conveyed to each said converter means by a balanced three-wire circuit. 17. Voltage transformation means for inputting the alternating current power to the rectifier means, comprising: (a) a single-phase output terminal; (b) a three-phase output terminal; and (c) a six-phase output terminal. 5. The lighting system of claim 4, further comprising voltage conversion means having means for converting the commercial AC power to a voltage suitable for a conventional AC installation including at least one. 18. A high frequency AC lighting system for a discharge lamp, comprising: one or more sub-centers for receiving commercial AC power at available voltages and phases; and a sub-center for distributing from the one or more sub-centers. means for rectifying the alternating current power into direct current power;
a plurality of electrical fixtures for removably holding a discharge lamp having one or more filaments; wiring means for distributing said direct current power from said one or more subcenters to said fixture; converter means, both provided in association with one of said fixtures, for receiving said DC power at an input terminal and converting said DC power to a high frequency AC power at an output terminal connected to said discharge lamp; , transformer means comprising semiconductor switching means electrically connected to the transformer; and energy saving transformer means electrically connected in parallel to at least one said discharge lamp, said discharge lamp being completely energy saving transformer means for extracting lamp filament voltage from and proportionally to the lamp arc voltage to reduce lamp filament power after the arc voltage decreases as it turns on.