Power supply circuit for an arc lamp, in particular for a motor vehicle headlight
US5065072A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1990 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S315/07
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power supply circuit for an arc lamp, in particular for a motor vehicle headlight, the power supply circuit being wherein it comprises: means for converting electricity from a low voltage DC supply such as a vehicle battery into an alternating voltage of amplitude which is variable as a function of the state of the lamp; and a voltage-raising transformer, the variable alternating voltage being applied to the primary winding of the transformer and the lamp being connected to the terminals of the secondary winding of the transformer, either directly or else by means of non-inductive components. Optionally, the circuit includes means for generating first voltage pulses across the terminal of at least one capacitor and for applying them to the lamp for the purpose of striking an arc in the lamp, and for generating second voltage pulses for maintaining the arc after it has been struck on the basis of a current flowing through at least one inductance and under the control of switch means including at least two switches controlled as a function of the value of the current flowing through the lamp. The invention is applicable to powering the lamps of motor vehicle headlights.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.