Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – High frequency starting operation for fluorescent lamp
Patent
1997-08-22
1999-04-27
Wong, Don
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
High frequency starting operation for fluorescent lamp
315189, 313234, 313607, H05B 3700
Patent
active
058982744
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrical lighting device comprising a tube containing an ionizable gas.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Systems for starting and regulating gas discharge tubes, such as fluorescent tubes, are generally comprised of transformers and ballasts with a winding and magnetic cores having high magnetic losses, series inductances, starters or heated filaments to permit starting the tubes and regulating their intensity.
They can also comprise heating filaments and resistances or again using high-frequency electronic ballasts, voltage multipliers to permit starting. These elements have various drawbacks such as weight and the relatively large size of the lighting stabilization circuits, heat generation of the self-systems, parasitage and pollution of the current lines.
Such systems are often heavy and cumbersome, thereby limiting the possibilities of the lighting designer.
French patent application 87 07146 discloses a continuous voltage doubling device, adapted to the ends of the tube and permitting starting without a ballast or a starter.
French patent application 89 04356 discloses a voltage doubling device provided with a switch reversing the polarity of the voltage at the terminals of the tube so as to avoid dissymmetry of operation, which causes premature darkening of the tube.
The state of the art can also be defined by U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,562, which relates to a lamp comprising a fluorescent tube, a load resistance, starting means and terminal connections to connect a plurality of lamps together.
This system, although less cumbersome, still utilizes on the one hand a load resistance and on the other hand starter means. No element combining these two functions is used, which would permit further decreasing the costs of fabrication and the size of the lamp thus equipped.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has for its object a device combining the functions of assisting with starting and regulation of the gas tubes, being of small size and reduced weight, permitting freer design of lighting and protective lighting systems comprising a fluorescent tube and an integrated system to help with starting and regulation.
This lighting device according to the invention is particularly remarkable in that it uses characteristics of resistivity and adaptability of production of loaded polymers.
To this end, the present invention provides a device to help in starting and regulation of fluorescent tubes, such as a gas discharge tube supplied by two electrodes from an electric circuit, each electrode being located at one of the ends of the tube, characterized by the fact that the electric circuit comprises a member of loaded polymer, this member being located adjacent the tube, and that said member of loaded polymer serves as a ballast for the tube with the functions of assisting starting and regulation of the correct operation of said tube.
At least one of the electrodes is coupled with a condenser and a diode-resistance assembly having for its operation to more easily start the discharge and the adjustment of the brilliance of the tube by means of the loaded polymer.
According to a first embodiment, the loaded polymer is constituted of polyvinyl chloride and/or nylon with inclusions of metal and/or carbon black.
According to a second embodiment, the loaded polymer is constituted by polymers such as ionized polyacetylene.
The ions used are constituted by sodium, iodine and/or mercury.
The member of loaded polymer constitutes a frame serving as a support and reflector for the tube.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a general schematic view of the device according to the invention.
FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 show embodiments of the device according to the invention as a function of the characteristics of the different tubes to be started.
DESCRIPTION OF THE
REFERENCES:
patent: 4092562 (1978-05-01), Campbell
patent: 4415837 (1983-11-01), Sodini
Vu David H.
Wong Don
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