Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Periodic switch in the supply circuit – Silicon controlled rectifier ignition
Patent
1993-08-17
1995-03-14
Pascal, Robert J.
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Periodic switch in the supply circuit
Silicon controlled rectifier ignition
315219, 315DIG7, 315DIG5, 315307, 315247, 315330, 315261, 363 15, H05B 3700
Patent
active
053979656
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on a device for operating a gas discharge lamp of the type having a voltage transformer which transforms the direct voltage of an energy source into a predetermined output voltage, and a bridge circuit connected with the output of the transformer, with the lamp being disposed in the diagonal of the bridge. The technical journal ELEKTOR, No. 6, 1988, "Leuchtstofflampen-Elektronik" [Electronics for Fluorescent Lamps], pages 14-19, discloses an electronic input device for operating a gas discharge lamp. The input device includes a voltage transformer which converts a given input voltage, in this case, for example, the mains voltage, into a predetermined alternating output voltage. A bridge circuit configured as a half-bridge is connected with the output of the voltage transformer and with the gas discharge lamp being disposed in the diagonal of the half-bridge. The voltage transformer includes a transformer that ensures a potential separation between the mains voltage at the input and the bridge circuit. Due to an unavoidable stray capacitance between the gas discharge lamp and components, such as, for example, a light fixture disposed in the vicinity of the lamp, an average potential of zero volts will be established between the lamp and the components.
Other suitable voltage transformers for operating a gas discharge lamp are known from the textbook by U. Tietze and Ch. Schenk, entitled "Halbleiter-Schaltungstechnik" [Semiconductor Circuit Technology], 6th Edition, 1983, published by Springer-Verlag, pages 545-552. Described are basic circuits of voltage transformers such as, for example, an up-transformer and inverting transformers without potential separation as well as single-ended flyback converters, single-ended flow converters and push-pull converters with potential separation during the transformation.
When operating a gas discharge lamp, care must be taken that no direct current component develops that flows through the lamp to avoid ion migration. Already in the year 1938, the textbook by Dr. W. Uyterhoeven, entitled "Elektrische Gasentladungslampen" [Electrical Gas Discharge Lamps], published by Springer-Verlag, 1938, pages 249-252, pointed out that the service life of gas discharge lamps, demonstrated by the example of sodium high pressure lamps, is limited, among others, by the interaction of the sodium ions with the lamp body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the invention to provide a device for operating a gas discharge lamp in which the gas discharge lamp has a long service life.
The above object is generally achieved according to the present invention in that in a device for operating a gas discharge lamp of the type initially mentioned above, and wherein a component which is able to carry a potential is disposed in the vicinity of the lamp such that an electric field is able to develop between the lamp and the component, the voltage transformer feeds a predetermined direct voltage to the bridge circuit, and the component is connected with that output terminal of the voltage transformer at which the potential is positive with respect to that at the other terminal.
The device according to the invention is based on the realization that an average potential of zero volt between the lamp and at least one component able to carry an electrical potential and disposed in the vicinity of the lamp is not sufficient in all cases to reliably prevent undesirable ion migration, particularly a diffusion of ions into the lamp body. Such a component is, for example, a lamp socket or a lamp fixture in which the lamp is installed. The component, however, is not limited to the lamp fixture. Generally, the component may be a component disposed in the vicinity of the lamp, with it being significant that this component is able to carry an electrical potential so that an electrical field may develop between the lamp and the component. It is therefore also not necessary for the component to be electrically conductive. It must merely be possible that
REFERENCES:
patent: 3909666 (1975-09-01), Tenen
patent: 4200823 (1980-04-01), Keeran et al.
patent: 4233546 (1980-11-01), Berthiaume
patent: 4949016 (1990-08-01), De Bijl et al.
"Leuchtstofflampen-Elektronik" (Electronics for Fluorescent Lamps), Elektor, No. 6, 1988, pp. 14-19.
U. Tietze et al., "Halbleiter-Schaltungstechnik" (Semiconductor Circuit Technology), Springer-Verlag, 6th Edition, 1983, pp. 545-552.
Dr. W. Uyterhoeven, "Elektrische Gasentladungslampen" (Electrical Gas Discharge Lamps), Springer-Verlag, 1938, pp. 249-252.
Drews Ulrich
Gorille Ingo
Jacob Wolfgang
Pascal Robert J.
Robert & Bosch GmbH
Shingleton Michael
LandOfFree
Device for operating a gas discharge lamp does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for operating a gas discharge lamp, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for operating a gas discharge lamp will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-715056