DE10157817B4 - Modular system for establishing a separating spark gap for adapting the spark gap to different electrical and mechanical requirements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular system for building an isolating spark gap to adapt the isolating spark gap to different electrical and mechanical requirements, which consists of - a basic group consisting of two essentially opposite main electrodes, as well as at least one auxiliary or ignition electrode and insulating sections located between the individual electrodes The main electrodes have a cylindrical cup shape, the openings of which are arranged facing each other and accommodate the annular auxiliary or ignition electrode in the space, the main electrodes thus enclose a chamber-like volume in which contact points or surfaces are provided for the electrical connection of functional assemblies and - at least one functional module, which is provided for installation in the chamber volume of the basic module, exists.

Description

The invention relates to a modular system for constructing a separating spark gap for adapting the spark gap to different electrical and mechanical requirements according to claim 1.

Numerous and varied overvoltage protection devices are known from the prior art, wherein z. B. in the DE 42 36 584 C2 an overvoltage protection system is described, which summarizes individual overvoltage protection elements in the sense of energetic coordination. This is achieved in that each of the at least two overvoltage protection elements of an overvoltage protection system is arranged in a separate receiving housing and the receiving housing by means of terminals, recesses and clamping screws and connecting bridges are mounted.

According to the teaching DE 198 56 939 A1 It is known to realize compact designs of circuit arrangements for the protection of electrical installations against overvoltage events in that a spark gap is formed by two spaced apart electrode plates and on at least one of the plates a disc-shaped varistor is placed directly contacting.

In the GB 781,378 In the interior of two hemispherical main electrodes separated by insulating sections, a trigger arrangement is realized which, in addition to passive components, also provides contact points for contacting these functional modules.

Also the revelation of DE 27 18 188 A1 relates to an overvoltage protection device, which is characterized by a compact, space-saving and low-inductance, as well as inexpensive to manufacture. As a surge arrester serves a lightning current carrying air-disk spark gap, in which spark gap a varistor is spatially integrated.

The DE 199 21 772 A1 shows a spark gap insert for the protection of einschienigen track circuits, wherein two disc-shaped electrodes each have a recess which form a cavity in the assembled state and in the cavity a gas discharge tube is inserted, so that an electrical parallel circuit of Luftfunken- and gas discharge gap results with stepped response.

Spark gaps, mainly intended for use as a spark gap for galvanic isolation of system parts, which in case of overvoltage z. B. due to a lightning event can make a conductive connection between the normally normally separate system parts belong in different embodiments to the prior art.

Due to the extremely diverse applications very different electrical and mechanical requirements are placed on the respective spark gaps. The electrical requirements that vary depending on the application, z. B. different operating voltages of the spark gap at transient overvoltages, a different load capacity with lightning-related surge currents as well as a varying response of the spark gap at power frequency overvoltages. Also, the electrical behavior of the spark gap must be expected at operational or in case of failure expected DC or AC voltages, eg. B. in railway or corrosion protection systems adapted.

In the mechanical requirements, for example, different connection techniques such as bolts or clamps are to be considered or depending on the IP degree of protection or required explosion protection, open or closed spark gap designs, d. H. blow-out or non-blowing arrangements are used.

In principle, spark gaps have one or more pairs of electrodes which face each other at a certain distance. If a given field strength is exceeded by a voltage occurring between the electrodes, then an arc discharge occurs and a breakdown of the spark gap occurs. In this way, surges are limited and the resulting surge currents over the spark gap derived.

The response voltage of the respective spark gap can be specified via the setting of the electrode spacing. The derivation of larger surge currents requires a version with thermally and arc-resistant materials, however, in relatively large electrode intervals, which runs counter to the realization of a spark gap with the lowest possible threshold voltages. Furthermore, there are interactions between the sizes Ansprechstoß- and AC voltage and the actual quenching behavior. It has been shown that, for example, a predetermined parameter determines the value of other parameters unchangeable. An influence on individual electrical or mechanical requirements is possible according to the prior art only with increased technical effort, resulting in a variety of special solutions with a corresponding variety of types.

From the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide a further developed spark gap arrangement consisting of two substantially opposite main electrodes and at least one auxiliary or ignition electrode and between the electrodes located insulating sections, wherein the electrodes include a chamber-like volume and the possibility exists, the to perform relevant spark gap as a standard component, which can be adapted to a few changes to different electrical or mechanical requirements, so that the vorzuhaltende part or type variety can be minimized.

The object of the invention is achieved with a modular system for establishing a spark gap for adapting the spark gap to different electrical and mechanical requirements according to the features of claim 1, wherein the dependent claims comprise at least useful embodiments and refinements.

Accordingly, the basic idea of the invention is to provide a separating spark gap which is of modular design and consists of individual, coordinated functional groups which can be put together virtually as desired, but which can also be extended.

Accordingly, it is assumed that a base assembly comprising the primary components of a spark gap, namely at least two main electrodes and an auxiliary electrode. This standardizable basic module can then be adjusted or adapted by function modules to the respective requirements.

The additional equipment by means of functional assemblies is such that selbige are in the free inner or chamber volume of the base assembly, so that no changes in the basic dimensions of the base assembly are given. By this measure, there is the particularly advantageous possibility of standardization of the outer housing or housing, which accommodate the base assembly and meet the specific, predominantly mechanical requirements of the entire unit.

The base assembly includes a spark gap with external terminals and consists of an electrode assembly having at least two main electrodes and an ignition or auxiliary electrode. The cylindrical main electrodes have a cup shape. The ignition electrode itself is designed as a circular ring and adapted to the outer diameter of the cup-shaped main electrodes.

The cup-shaped main electrodes are arranged with their openings facing each other, wherein the annular ignition electrode is located in the intermediate space. All electrodes are mutually insulated, with an arc-quenching gas donating insulating material can be used as insulating material.

The shape cylinder or cup of the main electrodes and their arrangement to each other creates a freely available volume inside, which can accommodate the mentioned additional functional modules.

These supplementary function modules, which can be integrated in the free volume of the basic module and electrically connected to the latter via corresponding connections, now serve to set electrical properties.

So it may be z. B. be provided to introduce an ignition assembly to reduce the Ansprechstoßspannung or provide thermal monitoring quasi as a current fuse. Furthermore, the supplementary function module may comprise a filter function in the sense of a high-pass filter or for DC decoupling, or there is the possibility of energetic evaluation and control by means of an arranged parallel resistor or similarly acting elements (VDR, PTC, and the like).

The electrical connections for the functional modules are designed so that they lie directly between the two main electrodes with their inner contact surfaces, so that the line adjusting there is bridged by the shortest path. The fact that the supplementary functional modules can be arranged completely within the basic module, results in a both electrically and mechanically closed unit without the occurrence of parasitic effects.

According to the invention, therefore, contacted in the chamber volume created directly internally with the electrodes, at least one parameter-determining functional assembly introduced. As discussed, this functional assembly may be an ignition aid for reducing the spark gap response, but may also include impedance termination or thermal monitoring circuitry. The electrodes of the base assembly with the insulating sections are virtually standardizable, wherein in the interior of the chamber volume contact points or surfaces are provided for the respective parameter-determining function module.

It is within the meaning of the invention that also deviating from a cylindrical shape the Main electrodes of the base assembly may have a different cross-sectional area, as long as it is ensured that a sufficient free volume is formed.

Furthermore, it is proposed to surround the base assembly supplemented with the respective parameter-determining functional subassembly with an at least two-part outer housing, wherein at least the main electrodes are contacted via the outer housing and a solid mechanical composite is produced.

The outer housing may consist of a tubular insulating piece and two conductive lid-like terminations. In the latter case, the cover inner sides Kontaktierungsvorsprünge over which a frictional connection is made to the arrangement provided inside and the contacting is feasible.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment and with the aid of figures.

Hereby show:

1 a schematic representation of the base assembly with cup-shaped electrodes, auxiliary or ignition electrode and the free volume V;

2a the representation of a known in the prior art external wiring of a spark gap with additional functional assemblies T;

2 B a representation of the inventive integration of a supplementary function module T in the created chamber volume V;

3a to d schematic diagrams of the embodiments of possible parameter-determining functional modules;

4 a practical embodiment of a function module for reducing the Ansprechstoßspannung; and

5 an embodiment of an outer housing for the base assembly of the spark gap assembly.

As in 1 represented in the spark gap arrangement according to the embodiment of a base assembly, which two opposing main bowl-shaped electrodes 1 having. Between the main electrodes 1 is an auxiliary or ignition electrode 2 arranged, wherein corresponding insulating portions are provided. With A, B and C external electrical connection points of the modular spark gap arrangement are designated.

The cylindrical, cup-shaped main electrodes 1 and an annular auxiliary electrode 2 include a free volume V suitable for receiving parameter determining function assemblies T, with the equivalent connection points A ', B', C 'as in principle 2 B shown, serves.

The supplementary, parameter-determining functional assemblies T are taken up by the free volume of the base assembly and integrated there and electrically connected via the terminals A ', B' and C '. Essential to the invention here is that both the electrical connections and the function module itself is located inside the base assembly and not, as in 2a shown, an external wiring is necessary.

The supplementary function module T lies with its two terminals A ', B' directly between the two main electrodes 1 with the provided there connections A and B and bridges thus over the shortest route this route.

The 3a to d show exemplary conceivable parameter-determining functional modules. So is in the 3a an assembly as a starting aid for reducing the Ansprechstoßspannung and in 3b a module with thermal monitoring shown as current fuse. Following the assembly 3c there is the possibility of an additional DC decoupling or a high-pass function by means of a capacitance K. 3d is analog 3c executed, but here an additional energy rating over a parallel resistor R is possible.

Of course, functional assemblies may also be provided as pure impedance terminations in the form of an L, R and / or C circuit, which are combined as line termination, bandpass or the like with the base assembly.

In the arrangement according to 4 is a concrete Zündhilfe arranged as a supplementary function module in the free chamber volume. This starting aid comprises a first inductance L1 and a second inductance L2. Furthermore, a rollover path U is provided, which is in series with the first inductance L1, and their connection line, as in 4 shown, the inductance L1 forms.

The above-described standard base assembly comprising essentially main electrodes 1 , Auxiliary electrode 2 and corresponding insulating portions, can from an outer housing to 5 , which is also standardizable to be included.

The outer housing consists in the example shown of a tubular insulating piece 3 and two lid-like finishes 4 , The inside of the lid have contacting projections 5 , via which a frictional connection to the base assembly provided inside and their electrical contacting via the terminals A, B can be produced. The lids 4 can be bolted to the tubular insulator, but also fixed by crimping or other non-positive, positive or cohesive connections.

At the points A '' and B '' are on or in the lid 4 Terminals, bolts, threaded holes or similar means provided, which establishes an electrical connection of the now complete spark gap arrangement to the environment. The connection point C is completed internally by the integrated arrangement of the supplementary parameter-determining functional modules and does not have to be led to the outside.

If necessary, channels of small cross-section can be provided in order to allow the explosion caused by the arc explosive internal pressure targeted escape over a predetermined period of time, so that adjusts a pressure compensation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

main electrodes

2

auxiliary electrode

3

tubular insulating piece

4

cover

5

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Claims (5)

Modular system for setting up a separating spark gap for adapting the spark gap to different electrical and mechanical requirements, consisting of - a base assembly with external connection points, consisting of two substantially opposite main electrodes ( 1 ), and at least one auxiliary or ignition electrode ( 2 ) and between the individual electrodes located insulating sections, wherein the main electrodes ( 1 ) have a cylindrical cup shape, whose openings are arranged facing each other and record in the space the annular auxiliary or ignition electrode, the main electrodes thus enclose a chamber-like volume in the contact points or surfaces (A ', B', C ') for the electrical Connection of functional assemblies are provided and - at least one functional assembly, which is provided for installation in the chamber volume of the base assembly. Modular system for establishing a spark gap according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional assembly an ignition aid for reducing the operating voltage of the spark gap, at least one impedance termination, a thermal monitoring circuit, a filter, a decoupling circuit and / or an energy evaluation circuit via a parallel resistor or the like electronic Comprises means. Modular system for constructing a spark gap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an at least two-part outer housing accommodates the modular system, wherein at least the main electrodes are contacted via the outer housing and a solid mechanical composite is produced. Modular system for constructing a separating spark gap g according to Claim 3, characterized in that the outer casing consists of a tubular insulating piece ( 3 ) and two conductive cover-like statements ( 4 ) consists. Modular system for constructing a separating spark gap according to Claim 4, characterized in that the cover inner sides have contacting projections ( 5 ), via which a frictional connection to the arrangement provided in the interior and the contacting can be realized.

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