Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Plural load device systems – Plural discharge device loads
Patent
1992-11-20
1994-11-22
Pascal, Robert J.
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Plural load device systems
Plural discharge device loads
315341, 315 56, 315 51, H05B 3700
Patent
active
053672291
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electrical apparatus and more particularly although not exclusively to circuits for fluorescent laps, metal halide lamps, high pressure sodium lamps, mercury lamps and other energy efficient lamps.
2. Description of the Related Art
With existing circuits for lighting installations of the above types any additional functions such as dimming, radio frequency interference or electromagnetic interference, circuit harmonic distortion correction, power factor correction, line surge protection, soft starting, emergency back up or remote switching are normally built into the separate driver (ballast) circuits for each lamp. This causes the housing for each lamp to be unduly bulky, the circuit for each lamp to be extremely complicated and also leads to substantial costs in large installations involving many lamps. Maintenance costs are also high as the built-in functions of each ballast have to be serviced individually.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages and accordingly a circuit for a plurality of lamps of the above types is disclosed, said circuit comprising a common DC power supply/control unit, means adapted to receive common plug-in function modules for said lamps, means for connecting said power supply to an AC mains supply, a bus network and ballast for respective ones of said plurality of lamps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic components of the invention in one preferred embodiment thereof.
One preferred embodiment of this invention will now be described with reference to the attached figure 1 which shows the basic components of a circuit for fluorescent lamps.
There is a common DC power supply/control unit 1 which is connected to input lines 2 and output 3 by means of a plug-in socket 4. There is a supply bus 4A to which a plurality of individual lamp drivers (electric ballasts) 5 are connected at various points throughout a room or building etc. The drivers are preferably of a plug-in design and engage in sockets 6 as described later. Each driver operates a separate lamp (not shown) through its respective socket.
The DC power supply/control unit 1 may be of three sizes which have inputs of 90-140 V. 60 HZ, 180-260 V. 50 HZ or 250-300 V. 60 HZ depending upon the country of use. The unit may also have a selection switch or jumper or automatic input selection circuit. The output may be of any selected DC voltage of say 150, 220, 300 or 380 depending mainly upon the efficiency and functions required of the lamps. The output Is also preferably regulated to .+-.2%. In accordance with this invention the power supply is adapted to receive a plurality of common plug-in modules A to E which carry the circuitry and components for any desired lighting function such as for example: fails. person enters or leaves a room. The sensing may be by infrared or ultrasonic means. daylight enters a room. This provides constant light while reducing energy consumption. supply/control unit for the installation of future modules.
The socket 4 is preferably a connector device only and has no consumable electric components (either active or inactive) inside. The AC input terminals of the socket (not shown) are preferably of either a screw type or push-in type.
The individual sockets 6 for the lamp ballasts are also preferably without consumable components or any component that can break down, and are thus substantially maintenance free. They may include pin locations for the ballasts only with terminals or leads for connection to the lamps, or alternatively they can be adapted as multiple sockets to receive plug-in lamps as well as the ballasts. Preferably the socket pin locations are varied with different ballasts.
The individual drivers or ballasts 5 may be universal for all mains power supplies. Because the additional functions required for the lamps are incorporated as common modules with the power supply/control unit 1
REFERENCES:
patent: 3040170 (1962-06-01), Chwan
patent: 3249806 (1966-05-01), Genuit
patent: 4375607 (1983-03-01), Morton et al.
patent: 4414489 (1983-11-01), Young
Pascal Robert J.
Philogene Haissa
LandOfFree
Lamp ballasts does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Lamp ballasts, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Lamp ballasts will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1993158