JP3835234B2

JP3835234B2 - Discharge lamp lighting device

Info

Publication number: JP3835234B2
Application number: JP2001309658A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 英毅濱田; 寿夫片岡; 健一高松; 政利上野
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-10-05
Filing date: 2001-10-05
Publication date: 2006-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-05
Also published as: JP2003115396A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は放電灯点灯装置に関するものであり、特に高電圧パルス発生器付きの放電灯をコネクタで放電灯用安定器に接続して点灯させる放電灯点灯装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図１〜図３に従来の放電灯点灯装置の構成を示す。図中、１は放電灯用安定器、２はコネクタ、３は高電圧パルス発生器、４は放電灯である。放電灯用安定器１は放電灯点灯用の一対の出力と、パルス発生用コンデンサ充電用出力を備え、各出力はコネクタ２の端子Ｘ，ＹおよびＺを介して高電圧パルス発生器３に接続されている。高電圧パルス発生器３は、パルス発生用コンデンサＣと、パルストランスＰＴと、パルス発生用スイッチ素子ＳＧを備えている。パルス発生用コンデンサＣは、コネクタ２の端子Ｘ−Ｚ間に供給されるパルス発生用コンデンサ充電用出力により充電される。パルス発生用スイッチ素子ＳＧは電圧応答型の半導体スイッチ素子あるいは放電ギャップからなり、素子に印加される電圧が所定の電圧を越えるとオンされる。パルス発生用コンデンサＣが充電されて、パルス発生用スイッチ素子ＳＧがオンされると、パルストランスＰＴの１次巻線にパルス発生用コンデンサＣの充電電荷が放出され、パルストランスＰＴの２次巻線に高電圧が発生する。この高電圧はコネクタ２の端子Ｘ−Ｙ間に供給される放電灯点灯用出力と重畳されて放電灯４に印加され、放電灯４を始動させる。放電灯４が始動すると、コネクタ２の端子Ｘ−Ｙ間に供給される放電灯点灯用出力により放電灯４の点灯が維持される。
【０００３】
コネクタ２は図２に示すように安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２とからなり、安定器側コネクタ２１には放電灯用安定器１が接続されており、負荷側コネクタ２２には高電圧パルス発生器３と放電灯４が接続されている。図２の例では、高電圧パルス発生器３と放電灯４が一体となっている構成を例示しているが、高電圧パルス発生器３と放電灯４は分離されていても良い。
【０００４】
図３は安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２の詳細な構成を示している。安定器側コネクタ２１はメス端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１，Ｚ１を有しており、負荷側コネクタ２２はオス端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２を有している。安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２が嵌合すると、図１に示す回路図で端子Ｘ，Ｙ，Ｚが同時に電気的に接続される。安定器側コネクタ２１のメス端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１，Ｚ１は、いずれも同じ長さ、同じ形状であり、負荷側コネクタ２２のオス端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２も、同じ長さ、同じ形状である。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述の従来例では、安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２が半嵌合の場合、端子Ｘ，Ｙのどちらか一方が電気的に未接続で、端子Ｚが電気的に接続されている場合が起こり得る。その場合の動作を以下に説明する。パルス発生用コンデンサＣが充電され、パルス発生用スイッチ素子ＳＧの両端の電位差が所定の電圧になると、パルス発生スイッチ素子ＳＧがＯＮし、パルストランスＰＴの１次巻線に電流が流れ、高電圧パルスを発生する。放電灯点灯用の一対の出力端子Ｘ，Ｙが電気的に接続されている場合は、放電灯用安定器１より放電灯点灯用の電流が供給され、放電灯４が点灯状態となるが、端子Ｘ，Ｙのどちらか一方が未接続の状態では放電灯４は点灯せず、高電圧パルスが連続的に発生する。
【０００６】
このように、端子ＸまたはＹが完全に接続されず、端子Ｚが接続されている場合、放電灯４が点灯状態にならず、高電圧パルスが発生し、不安全である。また、点灯状態となっている場合でも、何らかの影響（振動等）で端子ＸまたはＹの電気的な接続が断たれた場合、高電圧パルスが発生し、不安全である。
【０００７】
本発明は上述のような点に鑑みてなされたものであり、高電圧パルス発生器付きの放電灯をコネクタで安定器に接続して点灯させる放電灯点灯装置において、コネクタの接続が不完全な場合に高電圧パルスの発生を防止して安全性を高めることを課題とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の放電灯点灯装置によれば、上記の課題を解決するために、図１に示すように、放電灯４と、放電灯４を始動させるためのパルス発生用の電荷を充電されるコンデンサＣと、前記コンデンサＣの電荷を放電させるためのパルス発生用スイッチ素子ＳＧと、前記スイッチ素子ＳＧを介して前記コンデンサＣの電荷を１次巻線に放出されて２次巻線に放電灯始動用の高電圧パルスを発生させるパルストランスＰＴとを備える高電圧パルス発生器３と、放電灯点灯用の電流を供給する第１および第２の出力線と前記パルス発生用コンデンサＣに充電電流を供給する第３の出力線とを備える放電灯用安定器１と、各出力線にそれぞれ対応するコネクタ端子Ｘ，Ｙ，Ｚを備え、各コネクタ端子Ｘ，Ｙ，Ｚが接続されることにより放電灯用安定器１の出力が高電圧パルス発生器３に入力されるように構成されたコネクタ２とを有する放電灯点灯装置において、放電灯用安定器１と高電圧パルス発生器３をコネクタ２にて接続する際に、第１および第２の出力線が接続された後、第３の出力線が接続されるように前記コネクタ２を構成したことを特徴とするものである。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
（実施の形態１）
図４は本発明の実施の形態１におけるコネクタの断面図である。放電灯点灯装置の全体構成は図１と同様である。コネクタ２は図４に示すように安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２とからなり、安定器側コネクタ２１は放電灯用安定器１の出力に接続されており、負荷側コネクタ２２は高電圧パルス発生器３の入力に接続されている。安定器側コネクタ２１のコネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１，Ｚ１はそれぞれメス端子からなり、負荷側コネクタ２２のコネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２はそれぞれオス端子からなり、オス・メス端子を接続することにより放電灯用安定器１の出力が高電圧パルス発生器３に入力される。コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｘ２が接続されて放電灯点灯用端子Ｘとなり、コネクタ端子Ｙ１，Ｙ２が接続されて放電灯点灯用端子Ｙとなり、コネクタ端子Ｚ１，Ｚ２が接続されて高電圧パルス発生用端子Ｚとなる。
【００１０】
この実施の形態において、負荷側コネクタ２２のコネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２はいずれもオス端子であり、図４に示すように、コネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２はコネクタ端子Ｚ２よりも形状が距離ｄだけ長い。これにより、安定器側コネクタ２１と嵌合するとき、コネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２がコネクタ端子Ｚ２よりも先に接続され、確実に放電灯点灯用の電流経路を確保し、高電圧パルスが発生すると確実に点灯状態に移行でき、安全である。また、コネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２が不完全に接続された状態でコネクタ端子Ｚ２が接続される不安全な状態を防止できる。また、負荷側コネクタ２２と安定器側コネクタ２１を開放するとき（振動等で外れる場合も含む）、コネクタ端子Ｚ２が先に外れるので、不用意な高電圧パルスの発生を防止でき、安全である。
【００１１】
この実施の形態は図２に示すように高電圧パルス発生器３と放電灯４が一体となっている構成であっても良いし、図５に示すように、高電圧パルス発生器３と放電灯４がソケット５により接続される構成であっても良い。
【００１２】
（実施の形態２）
図６は本発明の実施の形態２におけるコネクタの断面図である。放電灯点灯装置の全体構成は図１と同様である。コネクタ２は図６に示すように安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２とからなり、安定器側コネクタ２１は放電灯用安定器１の出力に接続されており、負荷側コネクタ２２は高電圧パルス発生器３の入力に接続されている。安定器側コネクタ２１のコネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１，Ｚ１はそれぞれオス端子からなり、負荷側コネクタ２２のコネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２はそれぞれメス端子からなり、オス・メス端子を接続することにより放電灯用安定器１の出力が高電圧パルス発生器３に入力される。コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｘ２が接続されて放電灯点灯用端子Ｘとなり、コネクタ端子Ｙ１，Ｙ２が接続されて放電灯点灯用端子Ｙとなり、コネクタ端子Ｚ１，Ｚ２が接続されて高電圧パルス発生用端子Ｚとなる。
【００１３】
この実施の形態において、安定器側コネクタ２１のコネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１，Ｚ１はいずれもオス端子であり、図６に示すように、コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１はコネクタ端子Ｚ１よりも形状が距離ｄだけ長い。これにより、安定器側コネクタ２１と嵌合するとき、コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１がコネクタ端子Ｚ１よりも先に接続され、確実に放電灯点灯用の電流経路を確保し、高電圧パルスが発生すると確実に点灯状態に移行でき、安全である。また、コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１が不完全に接続された状態でコネクタ端子Ｚ１が接続される不安全な状態を防止できる。また、負荷側コネクタ２２と安定器側コネクタ２１を開放するとき（振動等で外れる場合も含む）、コネクタ端子Ｚ１が先に外れるので、不用意な高電圧パルスの発生を防止でき、安全である。
【００１４】
この実施の形態における安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２の外観を図７に示す。安定器側コネクタ２１には放電灯用安定器１が接続されており、負荷側コネクタ２２には高電圧パルス発生器３と放電灯４が接続されている。図７の例では、高電圧パルス発生器３と放電灯４が一体となっている構成を例示しているが、高電圧パルス発生器３と放電灯４は分離されていても良い。
【００１５】
（実施の形態３）
図８は本発明の実施の形態３におけるコネクタの断面図である。放電灯点灯装置の全体構成は図１と同様である。コネクタ２は図８に示すように安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２とからなり、安定器側コネクタ２１は放電灯用安定器１の出力に接続されており、負荷側コネクタ２２は高電圧パルス発生器３の入力に接続されている。安定器側コネクタ２１のコネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１，Ｚ１はそれぞれメス端子からなり、負荷側コネクタ２２のコネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２はそれぞれオス端子からなり、オス・メス端子を接続することにより放電灯用安定器１の出力が高電圧パルス発生器３に入力される。コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｘ２が接続されて放電灯点灯用端子Ｘとなり、コネクタ端子Ｙ１，Ｙ２が接続されて放電灯点灯用端子Ｙとなり、コネクタ端子Ｚ１，Ｚ２が接続されて高電圧パルス発生用端子Ｚとなる。
【００１６】
この実施の形態において、安定器側コネクタ２１のコネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１，Ｚ１はいずれもメス端子であり、図８に示すように、安定器側コネクタ２１のメス型コネクタ端子Ｚ１が他のメス型コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１よりも距離ｄだけ深い位置にある。これにより、安定器側コネクタ２１と嵌合するとき、コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１がコネクタ端子Ｚ１よりも先に接続され、確実に放電灯点灯用の電流経路を確保し、高電圧パルスが発生すると確実に点灯状態に移行でき、安全である。また、コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１が不完全に接続された状態でコネクタ端子Ｚ１が接続される不安全な状態を防止できる。また、負荷側コネクタ２２と安定器側コネクタ２１を開放するとき（振動等で外れる場合も含む）、コネクタ端子Ｚ１が先に外れるので、不用意な高電圧パルスの発生を防止でき、安全である。
【００１７】
なお、この実施の形態では安定器側コネクタ２１にメス端子、負荷側コネクタ２２にオス端子を用いているが、逆であっても良く、安定器側コネクタ２１にオス端子、負荷側コネクタ２２にメス端子を用いても良い。
【００１８】
（実施の形態４）
図９は本発明の実施の形態４におけるコネクタの断面図である。放電灯点灯装置の全体構成は図１と同様である。コネクタ２は図９に示すように安定器側コネクタ２１と負荷側コネクタ２２とからなり、安定器側コネクタ２１は放電灯用安定器１の出力に接続されており、負荷側コネクタ２２は高電圧パルス発生器３の入力に接続されている。安定器側コネクタ２１のコネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｙ１，Ｚ１はそれぞれメス端子からなり、負荷側コネクタ２２のコネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２はそれぞれオス端子からなり、オス・メス端子を接続することにより放電灯用安定器１の出力が高電圧パルス発生器３に入力される。コネクタ端子Ｘ１，Ｘ２が接続されて放電灯点灯用端子Ｘとなり、コネクタ端子Ｙ１，Ｙ２が接続されて放電灯点灯用端子Ｙとなり、コネクタ端子Ｚ１，Ｚ２が接続されて高電圧パルス発生用端子Ｚとなる。
【００１９】
この実施の形態の構成において、負荷側コネクタ２２のコネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２はいずれもオス端子であり、図９に示すように、コネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２の一部分がバネ等の伸縮できる材質で出来ており、嵌合前はコネクタ端子Ｚ２よりも長くなっている。これにより、安定器側コネクタ２１と嵌合するとき、図１０に示すように、負荷側コネクタ２２のコネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２がコネクタ端子Ｚ２よりも先に接続され、その後、コネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２が縮みながら最後にコネクタ端子Ｚ２が接続される。このように、確実に放電灯点灯用の電流経路を確保し、高電圧パルスが発生すると確実に点灯状態に移行でき、安全である。また、コネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２が不完全に接続された状態でコネクタ端子Ｚ２が接続される不安全な状態を防止できる。嵌合後は、図１１に示すように、コネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２，Ｚ２の長さは同じになるので、端子長のばらつきによる嵌合状態の不安定な状態を避けることができる。また、負荷側コネクタ２２と安定器側コネクタ２１を開放するとき（振動等で外れる場合も含む）、コネクタ端子Ｚ２が先に外れる、つまり、バネによる伸びでコネクタ端子Ｘ２とＹ２の接続状態が続き、最後にコネクタ端子Ｘ２，Ｙ２が外れるので、不用意な高電圧パルスの発生を防止でき、安全である。
【００２０】
なお、この実施の形態では安定器側コネクタ２１にメス端子、負荷側コネクタ２２にオス端子を用いているが、逆であっても良く、安定器側コネクタ２１にオス端子、負荷側コネクタ２２にメス端子を用いても良い。
【００２１】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、放電灯用安定器と高電圧パルス発生器をコネクタにて接続する際に、放電灯点灯用の電流を供給する第１および第２の出力線が接続された後に、パルス発生用コンデンサに充電電流を供給する第３の出力線が接続されるようにコネクタを構成したので、確実に放電灯点灯用の電流経路を確保し、高電圧パルスが発生すると確実に点灯状態に移行でき、安全である。また、コネクタを開放するときには、パルス発生用コンデンサに充電電流を供給する第３の出力線が先に外れるので、不用意な高電圧パルスの発生を防止でき、安全である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の放電灯点灯装置のブロック回路図である。
【図２】本発明の放電灯点灯装置の安定器と放電灯の接続部の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図３】従来例におけるコネクタの断面図である。
【図４】本発明の実施の形態１におけるコネクタの断面図である。
【図５】本発明の放電灯点灯装置の安定器と放電灯の接続部の他の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図６】本発明の実施の形態２におけるコネクタの断面図である。
【図７】本発明の放電灯点灯装置の安定器と放電灯の接続部の別の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図８】本発明の実施の形態３におけるコネクタの断面図である。
【図９】本発明の実施の形態４のコネクタの嵌合前の断面図である。
【図１０】本発明の実施の形態４のコネクタの嵌合途中の断面図である。
【図１１】本発明の実施の形態４のコネクタの嵌合後の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１放電灯用安定器
２コネクタ
３高電圧パルス発生器
４放電灯[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a discharge lamp lighting device, and more particularly to a discharge lamp lighting device for lighting a discharge lamp with a high voltage pulse generator connected to a discharge lamp ballast by a connector.
[0002]
[Prior art]
1 to 3 show the configuration of a conventional discharge lamp lighting device. In the figure, 1 is a discharge lamp ballast, 2 is a connector, 3 is a high voltage pulse generator, and 4 is a discharge lamp. The discharge lamp ballast 1 has a pair of outputs for lighting a discharge lamp and an output for charging a capacitor for generating a pulse, and each output is connected to a high voltage pulse generator 3 via terminals X, Y and Z of the connector 2. Has been. The high voltage pulse generator 3 includes a pulse generation capacitor C, a pulse transformer PT, and a pulse generation switch element SG. The pulse generating capacitor C is charged by the pulse generating capacitor charging output supplied between the terminals X and Z of the connector 2. The pulse generating switch element SG is composed of a voltage response type semiconductor switch element or a discharge gap, and is turned on when a voltage applied to the element exceeds a predetermined voltage. When the pulse generating capacitor C is charged and the pulse generating switch element SG is turned on, the charge generated in the pulse generating capacitor C is discharged to the primary winding of the pulse transformer PT, and the secondary winding of the pulse transformer PT is discharged. High voltage is generated on the wire. This high voltage is superimposed on the discharge lamp lighting output supplied between the terminals XY of the connector 2 and applied to the discharge lamp 4 to start the discharge lamp 4. When the discharge lamp 4 is started, lighting of the discharge lamp 4 is maintained by the discharge lamp lighting output supplied between the terminals XY of the connector 2.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 2, the connector 2 includes a ballast-side connector 21 and a load-side connector 22. The ballast-side connector 21 is connected to the ballast 1 for a discharge lamp, and the load-side connector 22 has a high voltage. A pulse generator 3 and a discharge lamp 4 are connected. In the example of FIG. 2, a configuration in which the high voltage pulse generator 3 and the discharge lamp 4 are integrated is illustrated, but the high voltage pulse generator 3 and the discharge lamp 4 may be separated.
[0004]
FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the ballast side connector 21 and the load side connector 22. The ballast side connector 21 has female terminals X1, Y1, and Z1, and the load side connector 22 has male terminals X2, Y2, and Z2. When the ballast-side connector 21 and the load-side connector 22 are fitted, the terminals X, Y, and Z are electrically connected simultaneously in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. The female terminals X1, Y1, and Z1 of the ballast side connector 21 are all the same length and shape, and the male terminals X2, Y2, and Z2 of the load side connector 22 are also the same length and shape.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above conventional example, when the ballast-side connector 21 and the load-side connector 22 are half-fitted, one of the terminals X and Y is not electrically connected and the terminal Z is electrically connected. Can happen. The operation in that case will be described below. When the pulse generating capacitor C is charged and the potential difference between both ends of the pulse generating switch element SG reaches a predetermined voltage, the pulse generating switch element SG is turned on, and a current flows through the primary winding of the pulse transformer PT, thereby causing a high voltage. Generate a pulse. When a pair of output terminals X and Y for lighting a discharge lamp are electrically connected, a discharge lamp lighting current is supplied from the discharge lamp ballast 1 and the discharge lamp 4 is turned on. When either one of the terminals X and Y is not connected, the discharge lamp 4 is not lit and high voltage pulses are continuously generated.
[0006]
As described above, when the terminal X or Y is not completely connected and the terminal Z is connected, the discharge lamp 4 is not turned on and a high voltage pulse is generated, which is unsafe. Even in the lighting state, if the electrical connection of the terminal X or Y is disconnected due to some influence (vibration or the like), a high voltage pulse is generated, which is unsafe.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in a discharge lamp lighting device for lighting a discharge lamp with a high voltage pulse generator connected to a ballast with a connector, the connection of the connector is incomplete. In this case, it is an object to improve the safety by preventing the generation of a high voltage pulse.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, as shown in FIG. 1, the discharge lamp 4 and a capacitor charged with a charge for generating a pulse for starting the discharge lamp 4 are provided. C, a pulse generating switch element SG for discharging the charge of the capacitor C, and the charge of the capacitor C is discharged to the primary winding via the switch element SG and the discharge lamp is started to the secondary winding. A high voltage pulse generator 3 having a pulse transformer PT for generating a high voltage pulse for use, first and second output lines for supplying a discharge lamp lighting current, and a charging current to the pulse generating capacitor C. A discharge lamp ballast 1 having a third output line to be supplied and connector terminals X, Y, and Z corresponding to the output lines, respectively, are connected to the connector terminals X, Y, and Z to release the ballast. Electric ballast 1 In a discharge lamp lighting device having a connector 2 configured such that an output is input to a high voltage pulse generator 3, the discharge lamp ballast 1 and the high voltage pulse generator 3 are connected by the connector 2. The connector 2 is configured so that the third output line is connected after the first and second output lines are connected.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The overall configuration of the discharge lamp lighting device is the same as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 2 comprises a ballast-side connector 21 and a load-side connector 22, and the ballast-side connector 21 is connected to the output of the discharge lamp ballast 1, and the load-side connector 22 has a high voltage. It is connected to the input of the pulse generator 3. The connector terminals X1, Y1, and Z1 of the ballast-side connector 21 are respectively female terminals, and the connector terminals X2, Y2, and Z2 of the load-side connector 22 are respectively male terminals. By connecting the male and female terminals, a discharge lamp The output of the ballast 1 is input to the high voltage pulse generator 3. The connector terminals X1 and X2 are connected to become a discharge lamp lighting terminal X, the connector terminals Y1 and Y2 are connected to become a discharge lamp lighting terminal Y, and the connector terminals Z1 and Z2 are connected to a high voltage pulse generating terminal Z. It becomes.
[0010]
In this embodiment, the connector terminals X2, Y2 and Z2 of the load side connector 22 are both male terminals, and as shown in FIG. 4, the connector terminals X2 and Y2 are longer than the connector terminal Z2 by a distance d. . As a result, when the ballast-side connector 21 is fitted, the connector terminals X2 and Y2 are connected before the connector terminal Z2, and a current path for lighting the discharge lamp is surely secured, and a high voltage pulse is surely generated. It is safe to switch to the lit state. Further, it is possible to prevent an unsafe state where the connector terminal Z2 is connected in a state where the connector terminals X2 and Y2 are incompletely connected. Further, when the load side connector 22 and the ballast side connector 21 are opened (including the case where the load side connector 22 is disconnected due to vibration or the like), the connector terminal Z2 is disconnected first. .
[0011]
This embodiment may be configured such that the high voltage pulse generator 3 and the discharge lamp 4 are integrated as shown in FIG. 2, or the high voltage pulse generator 3 and the discharge lamp 4 as shown in FIG. The electric lamp 4 may be configured to be connected by the socket 5.
[0012]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The overall configuration of the discharge lamp lighting device is the same as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the connector 2 includes a ballast-side connector 21 and a load-side connector 22. The ballast-side connector 21 is connected to the output of the discharge lamp ballast 1, and the load-side connector 22 has a high voltage. It is connected to the input of the pulse generator 3. The connector terminals X1, Y1, and Z1 of the ballast-side connector 21 are male terminals, and the connector terminals X2, Y2, and Z2 of the load-side connector 22 are female terminals. By connecting the male and female terminals, a discharge lamp The output of the ballast 1 is input to the high voltage pulse generator 3. The connector terminals X1 and X2 are connected to become a discharge lamp lighting terminal X, the connector terminals Y1 and Y2 are connected to become a discharge lamp lighting terminal Y, and the connector terminals Z1 and Z2 are connected to a high voltage pulse generating terminal Z. It becomes.
[0013]
In this embodiment, the connector terminals X1, Y1, Z1 of the ballast-side connector 21 are all male terminals. As shown in FIG. 6, the connector terminals X1, Y1 have a shape that is a distance d from the connector terminal Z1. long. As a result, when the ballast-side connector 21 is fitted, the connector terminals X1 and Y1 are connected before the connector terminal Z1, and it is ensured that a current path for lighting the discharge lamp is ensured and a high voltage pulse is generated. It is safe to switch to the lit state. Further, it is possible to prevent an unsafe state where the connector terminal Z1 is connected in a state where the connector terminals X1 and Y1 are incompletely connected. Further, when the load-side connector 22 and the ballast-side connector 21 are opened (including cases where the load-side connector 21 and the ballast-side connector 21 are detached due to vibration or the like), the connector terminal Z1 is removed first. .
[0014]
The external appearance of the ballast side connector 21 and the load side connector 22 in this embodiment is shown in FIG. The ballast-side connector 21 is connected to the discharge lamp ballast 1, and the load-side connector 22 is connected to the high-voltage pulse generator 3 and the discharge lamp 4. In the example of FIG. 7, a configuration in which the high voltage pulse generator 3 and the discharge lamp 4 are integrated is illustrated, but the high voltage pulse generator 3 and the discharge lamp 4 may be separated.
[0015]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The overall configuration of the discharge lamp lighting device is the same as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the connector 2 comprises a ballast-side connector 21 and a load-side connector 22, and the ballast-side connector 21 is connected to the output of the discharge lamp ballast 1, and the load-side connector 22 has a high voltage. It is connected to the input of the pulse generator 3. The connector terminals X1, Y1, and Z1 of the ballast-side connector 21 are respectively female terminals, and the connector terminals X2, Y2, and Z2 of the load-side connector 22 are respectively male terminals. By connecting the male and female terminals, a discharge lamp The output of the ballast 1 is input to the high voltage pulse generator 3. The connector terminals X1 and X2 are connected to become a discharge lamp lighting terminal X, the connector terminals Y1 and Y2 are connected to become a discharge lamp lighting terminal Y, and the connector terminals Z1 and Z2 are connected to a high voltage pulse generating terminal Z. It becomes.
[0016]
In this embodiment, the connector terminals X1, Y1, Z1 of the ballast side connector 21 are all female terminals, and the female connector terminal Z1 of the ballast side connector 21 is another female type as shown in FIG. It is at a position deeper than the connector terminals X1 and Y1 by a distance d. As a result, when the ballast-side connector 21 is fitted, the connector terminals X1 and Y1 are connected before the connector terminal Z1, and it is ensured that a current path for lighting the discharge lamp is ensured and a high voltage pulse is generated. It is safe to switch to the lit state. Further, it is possible to prevent an unsafe state where the connector terminal Z1 is connected in a state where the connector terminals X1 and Y1 are incompletely connected. Further, when the load-side connector 22 and the ballast-side connector 21 are opened (including cases where the load-side connector 21 and the ballast-side connector 21 are detached due to vibration or the like), the connector terminal Z1 is removed first. .
[0017]
In this embodiment, a female terminal is used for the ballast-side connector 21 and a male terminal is used for the load-side connector 22. However, the reverse may be possible, and the male terminal and the load-side connector 22 may be used for the ballast-side connector 21. A female terminal may be used.
[0018]
(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The overall configuration of the discharge lamp lighting device is the same as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the connector 2 includes a ballast-side connector 21 and a load-side connector 22, and the ballast-side connector 21 is connected to the output of the discharge lamp ballast 1, and the load-side connector 22 has a high voltage. It is connected to the input of the pulse generator 3. The connector terminals X1, Y1, and Z1 of the ballast-side connector 21 are respectively female terminals, and the connector terminals X2, Y2, and Z2 of the load-side connector 22 are respectively male terminals. By connecting the male and female terminals, a discharge lamp The output of the ballast 1 is input to the high voltage pulse generator 3. The connector terminals X1 and X2 are connected to become a discharge lamp lighting terminal X, the connector terminals Y1 and Y2 are connected to become a discharge lamp lighting terminal Y, and the connector terminals Z1 and Z2 are connected to a high voltage pulse generating terminal Z. It becomes.
[0019]
In the configuration of this embodiment, the connector terminals X2, Y2 and Z2 of the load side connector 22 are both male terminals, and as shown in FIG. 9, a part of the connector terminals X2 and Y2 is made of a material such as a spring that can be expanded and contracted. It is made and is longer than the connector terminal Z2 before fitting. Thereby, when fitting with the ballast-side connector 21, as shown in FIG. 10, the connector terminals X2 and Y2 of the load-side connector 22 are connected before the connector terminal Z2, and then the connector terminals X2 and Y2 are connected to each other. Finally, the connector terminal Z2 is connected while shrinking. In this way, a current path for lighting the discharge lamp is ensured, and when a high voltage pulse is generated, the lighting state can be reliably shifted to be safe. Further, it is possible to prevent an unsafe state where the connector terminal Z2 is connected in a state where the connector terminals X2 and Y2 are incompletely connected. After the fitting, as shown in FIG. 11, the connector terminals X2, Y2, and Z2 have the same length, so that an unstable state of the fitting state due to the variation in the terminal length can be avoided. Further, when the load-side connector 22 and the ballast-side connector 21 are opened (including the case where the load-side connector 22 and the ballast-side connector 21 are detached due to vibration or the like), the connector terminal Z2 is removed first. Finally, since the connector terminals X2 and Y2 are disconnected, the occurrence of inadvertent high voltage pulses can be prevented, which is safe.
[0020]
In this embodiment, a female terminal is used for the ballast-side connector 21 and a male terminal is used for the load-side connector 22. However, the reverse may be possible, and the male terminal and the load-side connector 22 may be used for the ballast-side connector 21. A female terminal may be used.
[0021]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when the discharge lamp ballast and the high voltage pulse generator are connected by the connector, the pulse is generated after the first and second output lines for supplying the discharge lamp lighting current are connected. Since the connector is configured so that the third output line for supplying the charging current to the generating capacitor is connected, a current path for lighting the discharge lamp is surely secured, and when the high voltage pulse is generated, the lighting state is surely established. It can be migrated and is safe. In addition, when the connector is opened, the third output line for supplying the charging current to the pulse generating capacitor is disconnected first, so that inadvertent generation of a high voltage pulse can be prevented and it is safe.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a discharge lamp lighting device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a connecting portion between a ballast and a discharge lamp of the discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connector in a conventional example.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another example of the connecting portion between the ballast and the discharge lamp of the discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of the connecting portion between the ballast and the discharge lamp of the discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view before fitting a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in the middle of fitting of the connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view after fitting of the connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Discharge lamp ballast 2 Connector 3 High voltage pulse generator 4 Discharge lamp

Claims

A discharge lamp,
A capacitor charged with a charge for generating a pulse for starting a discharge lamp, a switch element for generating a pulse for discharging the charge of the capacitor, and the charge of the capacitor via the switch element as a primary winding A high voltage pulse generator comprising a pulse transformer that is discharged to generate a high voltage pulse for starting a discharge lamp in a secondary winding;
A discharge lamp ballast comprising first and second output lines for supplying a current for lighting the discharge lamp and a third output line for supplying a charging current to the pulse generating capacitor;
A discharge lamp having a connector terminal corresponding to each output line, and a connector configured such that the output of the discharge lamp ballast is input to the high voltage pulse generator by connecting each connector terminal In the device
The connector is configured such that when the discharge lamp ballast and the high voltage pulse generator are connected by a connector, the third output line is connected after the first and second output lines are connected. A discharge lamp lighting device characterized by that.

Each of the connector terminals comprises a male terminal and a female terminal, and the male terminal for connecting the first and second output lines has a longer terminal shape than the male terminal for connecting the third output line. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 1.

Each of the connector terminals comprises a male terminal and a female terminal, and the female terminal for connecting the third output line has a connecting portion at a position deeper than the female terminal for connecting the first and second output lines. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 1, wherein:

The male terminal for connecting the first and second output lines has a variable length, is longer than the male terminal for connecting the third output line before connection, and the third output line after connection. The discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the discharge lamp lighting device has the same length as a male terminal for connecting the two.