Circuit for the operating of gas discharge lamps

Details Circuit for the operating of gas discharge lamps Circuit for the operating of gas discharge lamps

1982-04-30

1984-09-04

LaRoche, Eugene R.

Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems

Discharge device and/or rectifier in the supply circuit

Plural discharge devices and/or rectifiers in the supply...

315171, 315173, 315240, 315290, 315DIG7, H05B 4116

Patent

active

044699816

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a circuit for the operating of gas discharge lamps, particularly fluorescent tubes, in which the gas discharge lamp is connected to a source of current, particularly a source of direct current, a starting circuit which has a starter transformer being provided for the starting of the gas discharge lamp as well as a source of auxiliary voltage which can be disconnected after starting.
One generally distinguishes between two different types of gas discharge lamps based on the construction of the electrodes, namely lamps with preheatable electrodes (coiled-filament electrodes), which require a relatively low starting voltage, and lamps with non-preheatable electrodes which require higher starting voltages.
In alternating-current operation, for the starting and operating of gas discharge lamps having preheatable electrodes, inductors (series reactors) are generally used for the limiting of the current and, together with a starter connected in parallel with the lamp for the starting. The preheating of the electrode limits the life of the lamp due to the thermal stressing of the incandescent filament. Furthermore, the starting of the lamp is generally not effected upon the first attempt to start by the starter, resulting in a so-called flickering start.
In the case of a defective lamp it may happen that the electrodes are continuously heated since the lamp does not start. The series reactor must, on the one hand, be of high enough inductance to sufficiently limit the lamp current or generate a large enough starting peak, as a result of which a large number of turns is necessary; on the other hand, the entire current of the lamp flows through the winding, as a result of which the dimensions and the weight of the reactor become relatively large. If the diameter of the wire is reduced, the ohmic losses of the reactor increase, as a result of which the economy of the arrangement is reduced and heating thereof occurs.
In lamps with non-preheated electrodes, use may be made for starting and operation of a transformer which, when connected, produces such a high, powerful starting peak that the starting of the lamp is assured. The transformers used in this connection are, however, in their turn, relatively large arrangements of expensive construction. Furthermore, due to the high, powerful starting peak required the life of the lamp is substantially reduced, in general by 30 to 50%.
Starting and operating arrangements for the operating of gas discharge lamps with direct current operate with the use of a multiplier circuit with charging capacitors and inductors (smoothing chokes) in order to reduce the harmonic content. The disadvantage of these arrangements, aside from the large dimensions of their individual component parts, is the fact that the lamp burning voltage must correspond approximately to the DC voltage in order to assure economic operation. Arrangements of this type, furthermore, have a capacitive cos .phi. of 0.5 which must be compensated for.
The known starting and operating devices for alternating current operation as well as the arrangements indicated for direct-current operation are of considerable dimensions and considerable weight, which is undesirable. Furthermore, when the ordinary starting devices are used the lamps are so acted on by high energy-rich starting peaks upon the starting process that a reduction of 30 to 50% in the life of the lamp generally results.
The purpose of the present invention is to create a circuit of the aforementioned type in which the disadvantages of the known circuits are avoided and, in particular, a substantial reduction in the spatial dimensions and weight of the starting and operating system is obtained, particularly in order to permit the construction of gas discharge lamps in the form of lamps units which can be screwed into ordinary incandescent lamp sockets and, by the gentle type of ignition selected, to obtain a substantial improvement, particularly in the case of direct current operation. Another object is to increase the life

REFERENCES:
patent: 3334270 (1967-08-01), Nuckolls
patent: 3448336 (1969-06-01), Hochstein

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Circuit for the operating of gas discharge lamps does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Circuit for the operating of gas discharge lamps, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Circuit for the operating of gas discharge lamps will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1894302