Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Current and/or voltage regulation
Patent
1993-11-12
1996-09-03
Pascal, Robert J.
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Current and/or voltage regulation
315127, 315307, H05B 3702
Patent
active
055526802
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on a device for operating a gas-discharge lamp as defined in the main claim. This type of, the device, including a starting member connected to the lamp and a power member for the power supply of the lamp. Such a device is known from the technical publication, "Lamps and Lighting," Thorn EMI Lighting Ltd., Edward Arnold Publisher, London, 1983, P. 334. The power member is configured as a ballast having a choke and is connected to the current supply. The pulses for the starting voltage occurring directly at the lamp react with the power member. The choke present in the ballast draws a portion of the starting power provided by the starting member. This energy must additionally be made available by the starting member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the invention to reduce the reactions of the starting pulse emitted by the starting member to the power member.
This object and other objects are attained by a device of the type first mentioned above wherein there is further included a switch connected between the power member and the lamp and responsive to a starting of the lamp for connecting the power member with the lamp.
The switch arranged according to the invention between the lamp and the power member separates the power member from the lamp at least at the initiation of the starting process during which high peak values of the starting pulse voltage occur. The switch does not connect the power member with the lamp until after the starting process has been initiated. This measure effectively prevents reactions which the starting pulse could produce in the power member. It is especially advantageous that the starting energy made available by the starting member can be supplied entirely to the lamp.
Various advantageous modifications and improvements of the device are possible within the scope of the invention.
The switch may be realized, for example, as an electrically activatable switch.
An optically activatable switch in which a galvanic separation exists between the switch and its activator, is especially suitable. The activation of the switch is especially easy if the radiation emitted by the lamp is used for operating the switch after the initiation of the starting process. The radiation may be guided, for example, by way of a light waveguide, which may be dispensed with, however, if the switch is aligned properly in relation to the lamp,--such that the radiation of the lamp reaches the switch directly.
A further advantageous modification provides means for detecting the initiated starting process. Each of these means emit an activation signal to an electrically activatable switch.
The means provided may comprise, for example, a device for detecting the voltage applied to the lamp or the speed of voltage variation, a sensor for detecting the current flowing through the lamp, or a sensor for detecting the radiation emitted by the lamp.
In an advantageous modification of the device according to the invention an optically activatable breakover diode is provided as a switch.
The device according to the invention is especially suitable for operating high-pressure gas-discharge lamps, because these lamps require especially high starting voltages compared to the subsequent burning voltage during continuous operation.
Further advantageous modifications of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a block circuit diagram of a device according to the invention.
FIGS. 2-5 are block circuit diagrams of further embodiments of a device according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In FIG. 1 a power member 10 is provided for the power supply of a gas-discharge lamp 11. Power member 10, which may be a ballast having a choke is connected to a current supply 9. A switch 12, to which an input signal 13 can be supplied, is arranged between lamp 11 and power memb
REFERENCES:
patent: 4286193 (1981-08-01), King, Jr. et al.
Drews Ulrich
Gerhard Albert
Herden Werner
Konrad Johann
Vogel Manfred
Pascal Robert J.
Robert & Bosch GmbH
Shingleton Michael B.
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-1952603