CN109687393B

CN109687393B - Overvoltage protection device

Info

Publication number: CN109687393B
Application number: CN201811216245.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M.迪泰特; J.黑格费尔德; C.拉姆塞尔
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2017-10-18
Filing date: 2018-10-18
Publication date: 2020-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-18
Also published as: CN109687393A; DE102017124224A1; DE102017124224B4

Abstract

An overvoltage protection device (1) is shown and described, having a housing (4, 5), having at least one overvoltage-limiting component (6), having at least one disconnection device, and having a signal transmitter for remotely reporting the status of the overvoltage protection device (1), wherein the at least one disconnection device is arranged movably in the housing (4) and electrically disconnects the overvoltage-limiting component (6) in the event of an overload of the associated overvoltage-limiting component in that: moving the disconnect device from the first position into the second position. In the overvoltage protection device (1) according to the invention, remote reporting of the state of the overvoltage protection device (1) in a simple manner and with few components is achieved by: the disconnection device has a region (11) which can conduct electricity; the signal transmitter has at least two electrical contacts (12, 13) and the electrically conductive region (11) of the disconnection device forms a switch together with the at least two contacts (12, 13), wherein the two contacts (12, 13) are connected to one another in one position of the disconnection device by means of the electrically conductive region (11) and the two contacts (12, 13) are not connected to one another in another position of the disconnection device.

Description

Overvoltage protection device

Technical Field

The invention relates to an overvoltage protection device having a housing, having at least one overvoltage-limiting component, having at least one disconnection device, and having a signal transmitter for remotely reporting the status of the overvoltage protection device, wherein the at least one disconnection device is arranged movably in the housing and electrically disconnects the overvoltage-limiting component in the event of an overload of the assigned overvoltage-limiting component, in that: moving the disconnect device from the first position into the second position.

Background

Overvoltage protection devices are widely used in different implementation variants for protecting circuits, installations, machines and devices. Depending on the application and the protection class, the overvoltage protection device has different components and forms for limiting the overvoltage. In this case, in particular spark gaps, gas-filled surge arresters and varistors and combinations of these components are used as components for limiting overvoltage.

Due to aging and the short-term occurrence of overvoltages (TOV) in the secondary region, particularly in overvoltage protection devices with varistors as arresters, an undesirable increase in the leakage current of the varistor occurs at the operating voltage. Overvoltage protection devices with varistors as arresters therefore usually have thermal disconnection means by means of which the varistor, which can no longer operate properly, is disconnected from the current path to be monitored. In the case of known overvoltage protection devices, the state of the varistor is monitored on the basis of the principle of a temperature switch, wherein, in the event of an overheating of the varistor, for example due to the occurrence of a leakage current, the soldered connection provided between the varistor and the electrically conductive connecting element is broken, which results in the varistor being electrically disconnected.

DE 69503743T discloses an overvoltage protection device with two parallel-connected varistors which can be individually disconnected at the end of their life. For this purpose, two electrically conductive connecting elements, which are designed as elastic disconnection tongues, are provided, in the normal state of the varistor, with their first ends being fastened via the soldering points to the connection tongues of the varistor, while their second ends are fixedly connected to the connection contacts. If an inadmissible heating of the varistor occurs, this can lead to a melting of the soldered connection. Since the elastic disconnection tongue is deflected from its rest position in the soldered state (normal state of the varistor) and is thus pretensioned, the free end of the disconnection tongue springs away from the connection tongue of the varistor when the soldered connection softens, as a result of which the varistor is electrically disconnected.

An overvoltage protection device with a thermal disconnection device is also known from DE 202004006227U 1, wherein the varistor is also used as an arrester here according to the exemplary embodiment (fig. 5). The overvoltage protection element disclosed in DE 202004006227U 1 has, in addition to an electrically conductive connecting element and a thermally disconnectable connection, an insulating disconnection element which is displaceably arranged in the housing and can be moved from a first position into a second position by the force of a spring element. The first connection contact is permanently connected in an electrically conductive manner to the first connection of the varistor. The second connection contact is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a first end of the electrically conductive connection element. In the normal state of the overvoltage protection element, i.e. when the varistor is not allowed to heat up, the second end of the electrically conductive connecting element is connected to the second connection of the varistor by a thermally broken connection. Furthermore, the insulating disconnection element is held in its first position against the spring force of the spring element by means of a soldered connection realized between the second end of the electrically conductive connection element and the second terminal of the varistor.

If the surge arrester heats up so strongly due to a permanent overload of the varistor that a predetermined boundary temperature is exceeded, this then leads to the soldered connection being broken. The insulating disconnection element is moved into its second position by the force of the spring element, in which second position a section of the disconnection element is arranged between the second end of the electrically conductive connection element and the second connection of the varistor, so that the varistor is electrically disconnected. By moving the disconnection element into its second position, an arc which may occur in the disconnected position is also extinguished (gel foster) by means of an insulating disconnection element introduced into the disconnected position.

The known overvoltage protection device consists of a lower device part provided with a connecting clip and an overvoltage protection element designed as a "plug part", which can be simply plugged onto the lower device part. In this case, in the overvoltage protection element, the connection contacts are designed as plug pins or plug blades (steckerchwerer), and plug bushings corresponding to the connector plugs are arranged in the device lower part, which plug bushings are connected to a connection clamp for electrically connecting the overvoltage protection device. Furthermore, overvoltage protection devices are known which have an optical status display and a converter contact as a signal transmitter for remotely reporting the status of the overvoltage protection element, wherein both the converter contact in the lower part of the device and the optical status display on the plug part can be actuated by means of a common mechanical actuating system.

DE 102009036125 a also discloses an overvoltage protection element with a varistor which is disconnected by a thermally broken connection in the event of an inadmissible heating. In this overvoltage protection element, the electrically conductive connecting element is connected to the insulating disconnection element in such a way that, in the event of a broken thermal connection, the insulating disconnection element is moved between the terminals of the varistor and the associated connecting contacts. The connecting element is preferably designed as a metal part and is arranged in a disconnection element formed by a rigid insulating-material plate.

For moving the disconnection element, a spring-loaded release slider (Ausl microstrip) is arranged in the housing, by means of which the insulating disconnection element is moved into the second position when the thermal connection is disconnected. A hole is also formed in the release slider, in which hole a release pin for actuating the remote reporting contact is arranged. The lower end of the release pin protrudes in the normal state of the overvoltage protection element through an opening arranged on the underside of the housing, so that a microswitch arranged in the lower part of the device is actuated by the release pin as a signal transmitter for remote reporting of the state of the overvoltage protection device.

The known overvoltage protection device enables a reliable disconnection of damaged overvoltage-limiting components, in particular piezoresistors. Furthermore, the overvoltage protection element has, in part, an optical status display and additionally also enables remote reporting of the status of the overvoltage protection device. However, it is disadvantageous here that the overvoltage protection device requires a relatively large number of components, as a result of which installation becomes costly and thus expensive. If the overvoltage protection device has not only an overvoltage limiting component but also at least two overvoltage limiting components, this applies in particular if the components are to be monitored independently of one another and disconnected if they are damaged. In this case, a plurality of microswitches are then arranged in the lower part of the device, whereby the number of components and also the costs are increased.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide an overvoltage protection device of the type mentioned in the introduction which is as simple as possible and can be produced inexpensively. In particular, remote reporting of the state of the overvoltage protection device should be possible in a simple and reliable manner.

This object is achieved by the overvoltage protection device described in the present invention. In the overvoltage protection device according to the invention, the disconnection means has an electrically conductive region and the signal transmitter has at least two electrical contacts, wherein the electrically conductive region of the disconnection means together with the at least two contacts functionally forms a switch. The two contacts are connected to one another in one position of the disconnection device by the electrically conductive region, while the two contacts are not connected to one another in another position of the disconnection device.

In the overvoltage protection device according to the invention, the use of conventional switches, in particular microswitches, can be dispensed with by configuring the electrically conductive regions of the at least two electrical contacts and the disconnection means, which is associated with considerable saving possibilities. Rather, the function of the switch is taken over directly via the contact and the electrically conductive region of the disconnection device, so that mechanical actuating elements between the disconnection device and the switches normally used can also be dispensed with. In this case, it is possible to use the ends of two lines or conductor tracks simply as electrical contacts, which can be connected to one another via an electrically conductive region of the disconnection device. However, it is also conceivable for the electrical contact to be formed by two contact sleeves, whereby the electrically conductive region then has two corresponding contact pins which are electrically connected to one another and into which the contact pins can be inserted. Of course, the arrangement of the contact sleeves and contact pins can also be changed, so that the electrical contacts are formed by the respective contact pins and two contact sleeves electrically connected to one another are provided as electrically conductive regions.

According to press the bookInvention of the inventionOne kind of overvoltage protection deviceIn a preferred embodiment, the two contacts are connected to one another via an electrically conductive region of the disconnection device when the disconnection device is in its first position in which the overvoltage limiting component is not disconnected. The two contacts are then not electrically connected to each other in the second position of the disconnection device, in which the overvoltage limiting component is electrically disconnected by the disconnection device. The two electrical contacts and the electrically conductive region of the disconnection device thus functionally form a disconnector, i.e. the electrical connection between the two contacts is interrupted when the disconnection device is moved from its first position into its second position, in which the overvoltage limiting component is also electrically disconnected.

According to an alternative embodiment, the disconnection device is designed such that the two contacts are not electrically connected to one another when the disconnection device is in its first position in which the overvoltage limiting component is not open. If an overload of the overvoltage limiting component occurs, so that the tripping device is moved from its first position into its second position, this then leads to the following: that is, the two electrical contacts are connected to each other by a region of the disconnection device that is capable of conducting electricity. The two electrical contacts and the electrically conductive region of the disconnection device thus functionally form a closer, i.e. an electrical connection is established between the two contacts when the disconnection device is moved into its second position, in which the overvoltage limiting component is opened.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the signal transmitter has not only two electrical contacts, but also three electrical contacts, wherein the first contact and the second contact are connected to one another in one position of the disconnection device, and the first contact and the third contact are connected to one another in another position of the disconnection device by an electrically conductive region. In this position, the first contact and the second contact are then no longer connected to one another. In this embodiment, the three electrical contacts together with the electrically conductive regions of the disconnection device functionally form a transformer.

According to a first embodiment of this embodiment, the first contact and the second contact are connected to one another in the first position of the disconnection device by an electrically conductive region. If the disconnection device is moved from its first position into its second position, this then results in the first contact and the second contact no longer being electrically connected to one another via the region which can conduct current, but rather in the first contact and the third contact being electrically connected to one another via the region which can conduct current. The three contacts are thus arranged one after the other in the direction of movement of the disconnection device, wherein the first contact is located between the second contact and the third contact.

In a further embodiment variant of the signal transmitter having three electrical contacts, the first contact and the second contact are connected to one another by a movable contact piece in the first position of the disconnection device. In the second position of the disconnection device, the first contact and the third contact are then connected to one another via the electrically conductive region of the disconnection device, while the connection between the first contact and the second contact is disconnected via the movable contact piece. In this case, the electrically non-conductive region is preferably formed on the disconnection device, which is arranged adjacent to the electrically conductive region. The electrically non-conductive region of the disconnection device serves here to move the movable contact piece into a position in which the first contact and the second contact are not connected to one another when the disconnection device is moved from its first position into its second position.

In the overvoltage protection device according to the invention, the conventional switch is thus replaced by at least two electrical contacts and an electrically conductive region of the disconnection device, and a plurality of overvoltage limiting components can also be monitored individually in a simple manner, wherein each overvoltage limiting component is then assigned an disconnection device with an electrically conductive region and two electrical contacts. As already explained above, the electrical contacts, by means of which the remote reporting of the state of the overvoltage protection device can be effected, can here be formed simply by the two ends of two lines or two conductor tracks. The electrically conductive region of the disconnection device is formed here, for example, by the cable used or a correspondingly metallized region of the disconnection device. It is also possible for the disconnection device to be formed in the respective region from a conductive synthetic material.

According to two embodiments of the overvoltage protection device in principle, in which at least two overvoltage-limiting components and correspondingly also at least two disconnection devices are provided, wherein the overvoltage-limiting components are each assigned a disconnection device, it is provided according to the invention that the signal transmitter has two electrical contacts and a movable, electrically conductive connection piece which functionally form a switch, wherein the contact piece is loaded in the region of its middle by a spring element applied thereto with a spring force which is directed perpendicularly to its longitudinal extension. In this case, the two disconnecting devices in their first position each act on one end of the contact piece, so that the contact piece is held in the first position against the spring force exerted thereon. If, on the other hand, at least one of the two disconnection devices is in its second position, the electrically conductive connection is moved into the other position by the spring force exerted thereon. In one position of the connection, the two contacts are electrically connected to one another here by the connection, while in another position of the connection, the two contacts are not electrically connected to one another.

In one embodiment of the overvoltage protection device, the movable, electrically conductive connection forms a rocker (Wippe) which is then held in its first position only against the spring force of the spring element when the two disconnection means are in their first position. If, on the other hand, one or both of the two disconnection devices is/are in its second position, the connection piece is moved from its first position into the second or third position as a result of the spring force of the spring element.

According to a first embodiment of the overvoltage protection device, the two electrical contacts and the movable connecting piece together form a disconnector in which the two electrical contacts are connected to one another by the electrically conductive connecting piece when the two disconnection means are in their first position. If, on the other hand, at least one of the two disconnection devices is in its first position, this results in the electrically conductive connection piece being moved into another position, in which the two contacts are no longer electrically connected to one another by the connection piece, as a result of the spring force of the spring element.

According to an alternative embodiment, the two electrical contacts and the electrically conductive connecting element can also be designed as a closer. In this case, the electrically conductive connecting element is electrically connected to one of the two contacts. If both disconnection means are in their first position, the electrically conductive connection piece is held by the two disconnection means against a spring force exerted thereon in a position in which the connection piece is not electrically conductively connected to the second contact. If, on the other hand, at least one of the two disconnection devices is in its second position, the electrically conductive connection piece is moved into a position in which it is electrically connected with the second contact at least with one of its two ends as a result of the spring force of the spring element.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, which can be used in the previously described embodiment variants, the disconnection device or the disconnection devices each have a connection element that can be electrically conductive and an insulating disconnection element. In the normal state of the overvoltage limiting component, the terminal of the overvoltage limiting component is connected in an electrically conductive manner here by a thermally disconnectable connection to the first end of the associated electrically conductive connecting element, wherein the associated insulating disconnecting element is held in the first position by the electrically conductive connecting element in a manner that counteracts a force exerted thereon. In the event of a predetermined boundary temperature of the overvoltage limiting component being exceeded, the thermal connection is broken, so that the disconnection element is moved into a second position by a force exerted thereon, in which second position the disconnection section of the disconnection element is arranged between the first connection of the overvoltage limiting component and the first end of the electrically conductive connection element, thereby electrically disconnecting the overvoltage limiting component.

A disconnection device can be understood as a thermal disconnection device known in terms of its principal design and its mode of action, in which the connection of the overvoltage limiting component is normally realized by an electrically conductive connection element, and this connection is interrupted by the disconnection element by an insulating disconnection element moving between the respective connection of the overvoltage limiting component and the end of the electrically conductive connection element in the event of an impermissible heating of the overvoltage limiting component.

As overvoltage-limiting components, which are electrically disconnected by thermally disconnected connections in the event of impermissible heating, gas-filled surge arresters can be used, for example. Preferably, however, the overvoltage protection device according to the invention has at least one varistor as a structural element for limiting the overvoltage, so that the following refers to the varistor for the most part and the invention should not be limited thereto. The thermally broken connection between the first end of the electrically conductive connecting element and the terminals of the assigned varistor is preferably designed as a soldered connection, so that the boundary temperature, from which the thermal connection is broken, can be set by a corresponding selection of the solder.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the disconnection means has an electrically conductive region, which is then formed on the disconnection element. The further insulating disconnection element thus has a region which can conduct electricity. The electrically conductive region can be formed, for example, by a metallization on the end face of the disconnection element or a cable or a printed conductor arranged on this end face.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one disconnection element is arranged in the housing in a rotatable manner, such that the disconnection element is moved from its first position into its second position by a pivoting movement. The axis of rotation of the break-off element is preferably formed here by a rotary journal (Drehzapfen) formed in the housing, with respect to which a corresponding opening is formed in the break-off element. It is also advantageous to form a corresponding rotary journal on the disconnection element, which rotary journal engages in a corresponding opening in the housing. As an alternative to a rotatable arrangement, the at least one disconnection element can also be arranged in the housing in a linearly movable manner, wherein the displacement direction can extend both parallel to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the overvoltage protection device.

In order to enable the at least one disconnection element to be moved from its first position into its second position in the event of a broken thermal connection, a force is exerted on the disconnection element. Preferably, the force is exerted by at least one spring element arranged in the housing. The spring element is fastened with one end to a journal in the housing and with its other end to a corresponding journal on the disconnecting element.

In order to allow the electrically conductive connecting element to pass from its first position into its second position in the event of a disconnection of the thermal connection, the connecting element is preferably elastically configured and deflected from its rest position in its first position. In the case of a broken thermal connection, the connecting element then springs out of its first position into its second position due to its spring force. This movement is additionally assisted by the introduction of the disconnection portion of the disconnection element into a disconnected position between the terminals of the varistor and the first end of the connection element.

The overvoltage protection device according to the invention preferably has not only a signal transmitter for remotely reporting the status of the overvoltage protection device, but also an optical status display. For this purpose, the disconnection element has a marking section, so that the optical state display is formed directly from the disconnection element. The window formed in the housing is dimensioned such that the marking section is visible or not visible from the outside through the window depending on the position of the disconnecting element. The optical display of the state of the piezoresistors is preferably realized here by a correspondingly colored display, whereby the marking segments or the entire cut-off element have the corresponding color, for example red.

The overvoltage protection device according to the invention advantageously comprises a plug part, in which at least one overvoltage-limiting component and at least one disconnection device are arranged, and a lower device part, in which a signal transmitter having at least two electrical contacts and a connection clamp for electrically connecting the overvoltage protection device is arranged. In order to actuate the contacts or to actuate the movable contacts by means of electrically conductive sections of a disconnection element, an opening is formed in the lower side of the plug housing facing the lower device part, through which opening the at least one disconnection element or disconnection device protrudes with its electrically conductive region into the plug housing when the plug part is inserted onto the lower device part.

Drawings

In particular, there are a number of possible solutions for designing and improving the overvoltage protection element according to the invention. In this regard, the following description of the preferred embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In which is shown:

fig. 1a-1b are simplified diagrams of a preferred embodiment of an overvoltage protection device in a normal state and having an electrically disconnected Varistor (Varistor) according to the invention;

fig. 2a-2b are schematic diagrams of a first variant of a signal transmitter of an overvoltage protection device with a varistor in two different states;

3a-3b are schematic diagrams of variations of embodiments of the signal transmitter according to FIGS. 2a-2b in two different states;

4a-4b are schematic diagrams of another variant of the embodiment of the signal emitter according to FIGS. 2a-2b in two different states;

5a-5b are schematic diagrams of another variant of a signal transmitter for an overvoltage protection device having a varistor in two different states;

6a-6b are schematic diagrams of variations of embodiments of the signal emitter according to FIGS. 5a-5b in two different states;

FIGS. 7a-7b are schematic diagrams of another variation of an embodiment of a signal emitter according to FIGS. 5a-5b in two different states;

fig. 8a-8b show simplified diagrams of two embodiments of the disconnection element of the overvoltage protection device;

FIGS. 9a-9c are schematic diagrams of embodiments of a signal transmitter for an overvoltage protection device having two piezoresistors in three different states;

fig. 10a-10c are schematic diagrams of variants of embodiments of the signal emitter according to fig. 9a-9c in three different states, an

Fig. 11a-11c are schematic diagrams of embodiments of a signal transmitter for an overvoltage protection device having four piezoresistors in three different states.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1a-1b show in simplified form a preferred embodiment of an overvoltage protection device 1 according to the invention. The overvoltage protection device 1 can be of two-part design, i.e. it comprises a plug part 2 and a device lower part 3, as is shown in fig. 1a to 1 b. The plug element 2 can then be easily inserted (aufgestockt) into the U-shaped lower device part 3, and the defective plug element 2 can also be easily removed (abgezonen) from the lower device part 3, for example, for replacement (Austausch), without the lines connected to the lower device part 3 having to be disconnected for this purpose. The plug part 2 has a plug housing 4 and the device lower part 3 has a base housing (Sockelgeh ä use) 5, which can be locked to one another when the plug part 2 is inserted onto the device lower part 3 (verasten). In the preferred two-part embodiment of the overvoltage protection device 1, the housing therefore consists of the plug housing 4 and the base housing 5.

The overvoltage protection device 1 has at least one varistor 6 as a component for limiting an overvoltage, which is represented by a dashed line in fig. 1a to 1 b. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the varistor 6 is arranged in the plug housing 4 together with a disconnection device, wherein the disconnection device is composed of a connection element 7 that can conduct electricity and an insulating disconnection element 8. The structure of the disconnection device with the electrical connection element 7 and the insulating disconnection element 8 can be seen in fig. 2a-2b to 7a-7 b. In the normal state of the varistor 6, as shown for example in fig. 2a, the first terminal 9 of the varistor 6 is connected in an electrically conductive manner by means of a soldered connection as a thermally broken connection to the first end of the electrically conductive connecting element 7. For this purpose, an opening 10 is formed in the disconnection element 8, through which a first end of the electrically conductive connection element 7 is connected to the first terminal 9 of the varistor 6 by means of a soldered connection. Furthermore, the disconnection element 8 is held in its first position by a soldered connection between the varistor 6 and the connection element 7.

If the varistor 6 heats up, exceeding a predetermined boundary temperature then leads to a disconnection of the thermal connection (Auftrennen), that is to say to a melting of the soldered connection, so that the elastic connecting element 7 springs back from its deflected first position into its relaxed second position. The disconnection element 8 is moved into its second position, in which the disconnection portion of the disconnection element 8 is arranged between the first connection 9 of the varistor 6 and the first end of the connection element 7, i.e. the opening 10 in the disconnection element 8 is then no longer located at the first connection 9 of the varistor 6, so that the varistor 6 is electrically disconnected. This state is shown, for example, in fig. 2 b.

In a first embodiment variant of the overvoltage protection device according to the invention, which is shown in fig. 1a-1b to 8a-8b, the further insulating disconnection element 8 has an electrically conductive region 11 which is formed on the side of the disconnection element 8 facing the lower part 3 of the device. As can be seen in particular in fig. 8a-8b, the electrically conductive areas 11 are formed, for example, by cables or conductor tracks fastened on the side of the disconnection element 8. However, it is also possible to provide the disconnection element 8 with a metallization on this side or to form it in this region from a conductive plastic (Kunststoff).

By means of the disconnection element 8, in the overvoltage protection device 1 according to the invention, not only the varistor 6, which has been damaged and overheated, is electrically disconnected, but also a signal transmitter for remote reporting of the state of the overvoltage protection device 1 is actuated. In the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 1a to 1b to 4a to 4b, the signal transmitter has two

contacts

12, 13 for this purpose, which together with the electrically conductive region 11 of the disconnection element 8 functionally form a switch. If the disconnection element 8 is in its first position in the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 1a and 2a, the two

contacts

12, 13 are electrically connected to one another via the electrically conductive region 11, so that a signal circuit for remote reporting of the state of the overvoltage protection device 1 is closed (getchlossen) which is connected to the

contacts

12, 13. Whereas according to fig. 1b and 2b, if the disconnection element 8 is in its second position in which the varistor 6 is electrically disconnected, the electrically conductive region 11 of the disconnection element 8 is spaced apart from the two

contacts

12, 13 so that they are not electrically connected to one another. The corresponding signal loop is then interrupted (unterbochen). The two

contacts

12, 13 and the electrically conductive region 11 of the disconnection element 8 thus function functionally as a disconnector (verhalten).

In contrast, the two

contacts

12, 13 and the region 11 which can conduct current function like a closer (Schlie beta ber) in the variants according to fig. 3a-3b and 4a-4 b. According to fig. 3a and 4a, the two

contacts

12, 13 are not connected to each other by the electrically conductive region 11 if the disconnection element 8 is in its first position in both variants. However, according to fig. 3b and 4b, when the tripping element 8 is in its second position, in which the varistor 6 that is overheated (ulberhitzer) is electrically tripped, the electrically conductive region 11 then contacts the two

contacts

12, 13, so that they are connected to one another by the electrically conductive region 11. The two embodiments according to fig. 3a-3b and 4a-4b differ here in the direction of movement of the disconnection element 8 relative to the two

contacts

12, 13. Whereas in the embodiment according to fig. 3a-3b the break-away element 8 is moved perpendicular to the imaginary connecting line between the two

contacts

12, 13, the direction of movement of the break-away element 8 is parallel to the imaginary connecting line between the two

contacts

12, 13 in the embodiment according to fig. 4a-4 b.

The two embodiments have in common that the break-off element 8 is displaced linearly from its first position into its second position by the spring force of the at least one spring element 15. This also applies to the two embodiment variants according to fig. 1a-1b and 2a-2 b. In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 5a-5b, the tripping element 8 is not displaced linearly, but rather is rotated, as a result of the spring force of the spring element 15.

In this embodiment variant, a third contact 14 is also provided in addition to the two

first contacts

12, 13. In a first position of the disconnection element 8 according to fig. 5a, in which the varistor 6 is not electrically disconnected, the two

first contacts

12, 13 are connected to one another here via the electrically conductive region 11 of the disconnection element 8. In contrast, in the second position of the disconnection element 8 according to fig. 5b, the disconnection element 8 is rotated so far in the clockwise direction that the first contact 12 and the third contact 14 are now connected to each other by the region 11 which is able to conduct current, while the first contact 12 is no longer connected to the second contact 13.

In both embodiments according to fig. 6a-6b and 7a-7b, the signal transmitter also has three

electrical contacts

12, 13 and 14, wherein either the first contact 12 and the second contact 13 or the first contact 12 and the third contact 14 are electrically connected to each other, depending on the position of the disconnection element 8. In the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 6a to 6b, the electrical connection between the two

contacts

12 and 13 or 12 and 14 is realized here by the electrically conductive region 11 of the disconnection element 8 in both cases. In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 7a to 7b, a movable contact piece 16 is additionally provided, by means of which the first contact 12 and the second contact 13 are electrically connected to one another in the first position of the disconnection element 8 (fig. 7 a). In contrast, in the second position of the break-away element 8, the first contact 12 and the second contact 13 are no longer connected to each other by the contact piece 16 (fig. 7 b). Instead, in this position the first contact 12 and the third contact 14 are connected to one another via the electrically conductive region 11 of the disconnection element 8. The disconnection element 8 has, in the case of abutment against the electrically conductive region 11, a region 17 which is not electrically conductive and by means of which the movable contact piece 16 is deflected such that the electrical connection between the first contact 12 and the second contact 13 is broken when the disconnection element 8 is in its second position.

Fig. 8a-8b show two different embodiments of the break-away element 8 in a simplified illustration. The electrically conductive region 11 is formed in both embodiments by a cable fastened to the side of the disconnection element 8. Whereas in the embodiment according to fig. 8a the cable extends over the entire length of the side of the break-away element 8, in the embodiment according to fig. 8b the abutment against the electrically conductive area 11 is configured with an electrically non-conductive area 17. The electrically non-conductive region 17 has a bevel, as can be seen in particular also from fig. 7a to 7b, which leads to the previously described deflection of the movable contact piece 16 when the disconnection element 8 is moved from its first position into its second position.

Fig. 9a-9c and 10a-10c show schematic diagrams of two embodiments of a signal transmitter for an overvoltage protection device 1 with two piezoresistors. This overvoltage protection device 1 then also has two disconnection means for the two varistors, wherein the varistors are each assigned a disconnection means. In fig. 9a to 9c and 10a to 10c, only two disconnection elements 8 are shown here in each case in connection with the disconnection device. Here, three different states of the two disconnection elements 8 are correspondingly shown. In the first state according to fig. 9a and 10a, the two disconnection elements 8 are in their first position. In the second state according to fig. 9b and 10b, one breaking element 8 is in its first position and the other breaking element 8 is in its second position. In the third state according to fig. 9c and 10c, the two disconnection elements 8 are finally located in their second position.

In the embodiment variant according to fig. 9a to 9c, the signal transmitter has, in addition to the two

contacts

12, 13, a movable connecting piece 18 which is loaded in its central region by a spring element 19 applied thereto with a spring force F directed perpendicularly to its longitudinal extension. In their first position, the two disconnecting elements 8 each act on the

ends

20, 21 of the connecting part 18 in such a way that the connecting part 18 is held in its first position against the spring force F of the spring element 19. In the first position of the connecting element 18, the two

contacts

12, 13 are electrically connected to one another via the connecting element 18, so that a corresponding signal circuit for remote reporting of the state of the overvoltage protection device 1 is closed.

If the disconnection element 8 is in its second position, this then leads, according to fig. 9b, to the following: that is, the connecting element 8 is moved into a second position as a result of the spring force F, in which only the first end 20 of the connecting element 18 is still connected to the first contact 12, while the second end 21 is arranged at a distance from the second contact 13. Thereby interrupting the electrical connection between the two

contacts

12, 13. When the two disconnection elements 8 according to fig. 9c are in their second position, the connection piece 18 is in a third position in which the two ends 20, 21 are spaced apart from the two

contacts

12, 13 due to the spring force F. In this case, the electrical connection between the two

contacts

12, 13 is also interrupted.

The connecting element 18 thus acts like a rocker due to the spring force F exerted in its central region, wherein the two

contacts

12, 13 are then electrically connected to one another only by the electrically conductive connecting element 18 when the two disconnection elements 8 are in their first position. The two

contacts

12, 13 and the electrically conductive connection piece 18 thus function as a disconnector in the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 9a to 9 c.

In contrast, in the embodiment according to fig. 10a to 10c, the two

contacts

12, 13 are then not electrically connected to one another when the two disconnection elements 8 according to fig. 10a are in their first position. If, on the other hand, at least one of the two disconnection elements 8 is in its second position, then the electrical connection between the two

contacts

12, 13 is made via a connection 18 which can conduct electricity. In the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 10a to 10c, the spring element 19 is electrically connected to the first contact 12, so that the current circuit between the two

contacts

12, 13 is closed when the at least one disconnection element 8 is in its second position. The connecting piece 18 is then moved (verbracht) by the spring force F into its second or third position, according to fig. 10b and 10c, in which the two ends 20, 21 of the connecting piece 18 are electrically connected with the second contact 13.

Fig. 11a to 11c finally show the use of two signal transmitters according to fig. 9a to 9c in an overvoltage protection device 1 which has a total of four piezoresistors and thus also four disconnection means or four disconnection elements 8. In addition to the two

contacts

12 and 13, the signal transmitter here also has two connecting pieces 18, which are each acted upon by a spring force F in the region between them by a spring element 19. The two

contacts

12, 13 and the connecting element 18 are connected in series in such a way that the electrical connection between the two

contacts

12 and 13 is interrupted as soon as the at least one disconnection element 8 is in its second position, i.e. the varistor is electrically disconnected (abtrennen).

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that, similar to the embodiment according to fig. 11a-11c, it is also possible to monitor more than four piezoresistors and output a remote report once one of the piezoresistors is electrically disconnected. For this purpose, a number of disconnection devices or disconnection elements corresponding to the number of piezoresistors to be monitored is necessary, wherein two disconnection elements 8 arranged next to one another can each interact with the connection 18. If the overvoltage protection device has, for example, six piezoresistors, then, for opening and remote reporting of the state, six opening elements and three connections and three spring elements are necessary, wherein the respective connections are arranged in series between the two

contacts

12, 13.

The previously described principle of implementing a signal transmitter for remotely reporting the state of the overvoltage protection device, in which an even number of piezoresistors are arranged in such a way that each two disconnection elements interact with a respective connection, is not limited thereto. In principle, it is also possible for a connecting element to interact with only one disconnection element. In overvoltage protection devices with, for example, five varistors, five disconnection elements and correspondingly three connections and three spring elements are then necessary, two of the connections interacting with two disconnection elements each, while the third connection is actuated by only one disconnection element.

Claims

1. An overvoltage protection device (1) having a housing, having at least one construction element (6) for limiting an overvoltage, having at least one disconnection device and having a signal transmitter for remotely reporting the status of the overvoltage protection device (1),

wherein the at least one disconnection device is arranged movably in the housing and electrically disconnects the overvoltage-limiting component (6) in the event of an overload of the latter, in that: moving the disconnect device from the first position into the second position,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the disconnection device has a region (11) which can conduct electricity,

the signal transmitter has at least two electrical contacts (12, 13), and

the electrically conductive region (11) of the disconnection device forms a switch together with the at least two electrical contacts (12, 13) in function, wherein the two electrical contacts (12, 13) are connected to one another in one position of the disconnection device by means of the electrically conductive region (11) and the two electrical contacts (12, 13) are not connected to one another in another position of the disconnection device.

2. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal transmitter has three electrical contacts (12, 13, 14), wherein a first electrical contact (12) and a second electrical contact (13) are connected to each other in one position of the disconnection apparatus and the first electrical contact (12) and a third electrical contact (14) are connected to each other in another position of the disconnection apparatus by means of the electrically conductive region (11), while the first electrical contact (12) and the second electrical contact (13) are not connected to each other.

3. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first electrical contact (12) and the second electrical contact (13) are connected to each other in one position of the disconnection means by a movable contact piece (16).

4. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a non-conductive region (17) is configured on the disconnection means in the case of abutment onto the conductive region (11), by means of which the movable contact piece (16) can be moved into a position in which the first electrical contact (12) and the second electrical contact (13) are not connected to one another.

5. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one disconnection means has a connection element (7) which can conduct electricity and an insulating disconnection element (8) such that

In the normal state of the overvoltage limiting component (6), a first connection (9) of the overvoltage limiting component (6) is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a first end of the electrically conductive connecting element (7) by means of a thermal connection, and the disconnection element (8) is held in a first position by means of the first electrically conductive connecting element (7) in a manner opposing a force (F) exerted thereon,

if a predefined boundary temperature of the overvoltage-limiting component (6) is exceeded, the thermal connection is broken and the disconnection element (8) is moved into a second position by a force exerted thereon, in which second position the disconnection section of the disconnection element (8) is arranged between the first connection (9) of the overvoltage-limiting component (6) and the first end of the electrically conductive connection element (7), and

the electrically conductive region (11) is arranged on the disconnection element (8).

6. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the disconnection element (8) is arranged in the housing linearly movable or rotatable.

7. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the overvoltage protection device (1) consists of a plug part (2) and a device lower part (3), and the overvoltage limiting construction element (6) and the disconnection means are arranged in the plug part (2), and a signal transmitter with the at least two electrical contacts (12, 13) and a connection clamp is arranged in the device lower part (3).

8. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the disconnection element (8) is arranged in a plug housing (4) of the plug arrangement (2) in such a way that its one end in each case projects from an opening in the plug housing (4) when the respective disconnection element (8) is in its first position, and in that its one end in each case is arranged completely inside the plug housing (4) when the respective disconnection element (8) is in its second position.

9. An overvoltage protection device (1) having a housing, having at least two construction elements (6) which limit overvoltage, having at least two disconnection means and having a signal transmitter for remotely reporting the status of the overvoltage protection device (1),

wherein the disconnection device is arranged movably in the housing and the overvoltage-limiting components (6) are each assigned a disconnection device and, in the event of an overload of the assigned overvoltage-limiting components (6), the overvoltage-limiting components are electrically disconnected in that: moving the disconnect device from the first position into the second position,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the signal transmitter has two electrical contacts (12, 13) and a movable, electrically conductive connecting piece (18), which functionally form a switch,

the connecting piece (18) is loaded in the middle region thereof by a spring element (19) applied thereon with a spring force directed perpendicular to the longitudinal extension thereof, and

in the first position of the two disconnecting devices, the ends (20, 21) of the connecting part (18) are each acted upon by a force such that the connecting part (18) is held in the first position in a manner that counteracts a spring force exerted thereon, while when at least one of the two disconnecting devices is in the second position thereof, the connecting part (18) can be moved into another position by the spring force exerted thereon, and

the two electrical contacts (12, 13) are electrically connected to each other by the connection piece (18) in one position of the connection piece (18), while the two electrical contacts (12, 13) are not electrically connected to each other in another position of the connection piece (18).

10. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the disconnection means each have a connection element (7) which can conduct electricity and an insulating disconnection element (8), so that

In the normal state of the first overvoltage limiting component (6), a first connection (9) of the first overvoltage limiting component (6) is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a first end of a first electrically conductive connecting element (7) by means of a first thermal connection, and wherein a first disconnection element is held in a first position by the first electrically conductive connecting element (7) in a manner opposing a force (F) exerted thereon,

in the normal state of the second overvoltage limiting component (6), the first connection of the second overvoltage limiting component (6) is connected in an electrically conductive manner by means of a second thermal connection to a first end of a second electrically conductive connecting element (7), and the second disconnection element is held in the first position by the second electrically conductive connecting element (7) in a manner opposing a force exerted thereon,

in the event of a predetermined boundary temperature of the first overvoltage limiting component (6) being exceeded, the first thermal connection is broken and the first disconnection element is moved into a second position by a force exerted thereon, in which second position the disconnection section of the first disconnection element is arranged between the first connection (9) of the first overvoltage limiting component (6) and the first end of the first electrically conductive connection element (7),

in the event of a predetermined boundary temperature of the second overvoltage limiting component (6) being exceeded, the second thermal connection is broken and the second disconnection element is moved into a second position by a force exerted thereon, in which second position the disconnection section of the second disconnection element is arranged between the first connection of the second overvoltage limiting component (6) and the first end of the second electrically conductive connection element (7).

11. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the disconnection element (8) is arranged in the housing linearly movable or rotatable.

12. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the overvoltage protection device (1) consists of a plug part (2) and a device lower part (3), and the overvoltage limiting construction element (6) and the disconnection means are arranged in the plug part (2), and a signal transmitter with the at least two electrical contacts (12, 13) and a connection clamp is arranged in the device lower part (3).

13. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the disconnection element (8) is arranged in a plug housing (4) of the plug arrangement (2) in such a way that, when the disconnection element (8) is in its first position, an electrically conductive region (11) of the disconnection element (8) protrudes from an opening in the plug housing (4), and, when the disconnection element (8) is in its second position, the electrically conductive region (11) is arranged completely inside the plug housing (4).

14. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the connection piece (18) and the spring element (19) are also arranged in the device lower part (3).

15. Overvoltage protection device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the disconnection element (8) is arranged in a plug housing (4) of the plug arrangement (2) in such a way that its one end in each case projects from an opening in the plug housing (4) when the respective disconnection element (8) is in its first position, and in that its one end in each case is arranged completely inside the plug housing (4) when the respective disconnection element (8) is in its second position.