DE102015203510B3 - Overvoltage protection device with a space-optimized status display - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is an overvoltage protection device with a space-optimized status indicator (ZA). The overvoltage protection device has at least one overvoltage protection device (VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, GDT1), a first display device (D2) for actively optically signaling a state of the overvoltage protection device connected to a service network, and a second display device (D1, D3) for not one operable state of the surge protection device to actively optically signal on. The overvoltage protection device (VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, GDT1), the first display means (D2) and the second display means (D1, D3) are arranged in a housing (G) spaced from each other with light from the first display means and the second display means at different locations Irradiating points of a light guide (LWL) and by means of the light guide (LWL) on a common status indicator (ZA) on an externally visible surface of the housing (G) is passed, wherein in the non-operational state connected to the operating voltage of the overvoltage protection device, a color change is generated by superposition of light of the first display means (D2) and the second display means (D1; D3).

Description

The invention relates to an overvoltage protection device with a space-optimized status indicator.

Background of the invention

In today's technology, overvoltage protection devices for the protection of power supply networks are usually equipped with disconnecting devices. This can e.g. also by standards, e.g. IEC61643-11 in section 7.2.5.1. In this case, the case of the response of this separating device must be displayed by an associated status display.

For this purpose, some solutions for status indicators are already known.

For example, mechanical status displays are used in which a display panel is actuated by means of a sliding or pivoting device in order to signal a color change (usually from green to red when the separating device has responded). Such mechanical status indicators can be optically marked as passive.

However, such mechanical status indicators are mechanically complex. Therefore, they require a large amount of space. In addition, in order to guarantee a secure readability, the display panel must be designed large, which in turn has a negative impact on the installation space.

Against this background, electrical / electronic status displays have been developed in the past, which allow smaller installation spaces, since now can be dispensed with a complex mechanism and also the necessary display area can be reduced. Such electrical / electronic status indicators can be optically marked as active.

There are therefore known electrical / electronic status indicators in which the illumination of a (often red) LED indicates the response of the severing device.

An example of such a device is in the patent application DE 10 2011 082 258 A1 shown. Another example is the US patent application US 2006/0 139 858 A1 refer to.

The disadvantage of these displays is that the status display depends on whether the device is (still) powered after a disconnection. That With such status displays, it is not possible to detect whether the overvoltage protection device is connected correctly at all or whether it is functional at all, since a status "overvoltage protection device in order" can not be explicitly displayed.

Other systems merely have a status indicator that indicates the operational state. When the disconnecting device responds, the status indicator goes out.

These status indicators are unsatisfactory because the lack of supply voltage as well as the failure of the surge protector lead to the same status indicator (the indicator is off). In practice, the user must make additional effort to ensure that the supply voltage is present in order to evaluate the status display. Furthermore, with such a status display only the status "overvoltage protection devices in order" can be displayed.

However, to trigger the disconnecting device, as required by the standard, it is necessary to assume a "negative logic". Status display "off" should therefore be synonymous with triggering the separation device. This can be misleading to the end user.

In order to check whether the overvoltage protection device is defective in the absence of a display or is not (correctly) correctly connected, the overvoltage protection device must be time-consuming and costly removed and tested.

However, with the increasing miniaturization and the available space has shrunk overall, so that today's overvoltage protection devices have no room for more than a status display outside the housing, which could also be read safely.

An increase in the overvoltage protection devices would lead to incompatibilities and is also in contradiction to the market requirements for smaller installation spaces. At the same time, however, the price pressure has increased, so that a status display must be produced inexpensively.

Object of the invention

The invention is based on the object to provide an overvoltage protection device with a space-optimized status indicator, which can actively display both an operable state and a non-operational state.

Brief description of the invention

The problem is solved by a surge protection device with a Space-optimized status display. The overvoltage protection device has at least one overvoltage protection device, a first display means to actively optically signal a state of the overvoltage protection device connected to a service network, and a second display device to actively optically signal a non-operational state of the overvoltage protection device. The overvoltage protection device, the first display means and the second display means are arranged in a housing spatially spaced from each other, wherein light of the first display means and the second display means at different locations of a light guide (LWL) irradiates and by means of the light guide to a common status indicator on an externally visible Surface of the housing is passed, wherein in the non-operational and connected to the operating network state of the surge protective device, a color change is generated by superposition of light of the first display means and the second display means.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments.

It shows

1 an inventive surge protection device in a schematic representation,

2 an exemplary current flow in relation to the overvoltage protection device according to the invention in an operable state of the overvoltage protection device connected to a service network,

3 an exemplary current flow in relation to the overvoltage protection device according to the invention in a first non-operational state of the overvoltage protection device connected to a service network,

4 an exemplary current flow in relation to the overvoltage protection device according to the invention in a second non-operational state and connected to a service network of the overvoltage protection device, and

5 an exemplary current flow in relation to the overvoltage protection device according to the invention in a further non-operational state of the overvoltage protection device connected to a service network.

Detailed description

The 1 shows an inventive overvoltage protection device in a schematic representation.

The overvoltage protection device has a space-optimized status indicator ZA. Furthermore, the overvoltage protection device has at least one overvoltage protection device VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, GDT1, a first display means D2 to actively optically signal a state of the overvoltage protection device connected to a service network, and a second display means D1; D3, to actively optically signal a non-operational state of the surge protector on.

Without limiting the generality of the invention, an overvoltage protection device, two overvoltage protection devices in series (as shown) or a plurality of overvoltage protection devices in series between a phase of the operating network and the equalizing conductor, this example, the neutral N of the operating network, be connected.

Although the invention is described below only with respect to single-phase systems, it is immediately apparent that the invention can equally be applied to the respective phases of a polyphase system (three-phase system). In this case, the corresponding compensation conductors can be designed as one of the further phases or else as the neutral conductor N of the operating network. Although an AC voltage network has been referred to here, the invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, although the term operating network is used, the use in a signal network is not excluded thereby.

The overvoltage protection device (s) VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, GDT1, the first display means D2 and the second display means D1; D3 are arranged in a housing G.

Now, the overvoltage protection device is configured such that light of the first display means D2 and the second display means D1; D3 is guided by means of a light guide LWL on a common status indicator ZA on an externally visible surface of the housing G.

In this case, it is ensured by the circuit that in the non-operational state of the overvoltage protection device connected to the operating network, a color change occurs due to superposition of light of the first display means D2 and of the second indicating means D1; D3 is generated.

This means that a display is actively operated both in the operational state connected to the operating network and in the non-operational state of the overvoltage protection device connected to the operating network. In this case, light in the latter case of the first display means D2 and the second display means D1; D3 medium of the optical fiber LWL superimposed and brought together to display by means of the status display ZA. That is, it is now possible to distinguish the operative state from the inoperative state. It is also possible to know if the device is connected correctly. All this is possible without having to remove the surge protection device from the cabling.

In the exemplary protection circuit, two varistors VDR1 and VDR2 are to be monitored as overvoltage protection devices between the protected network lines (for example phase L and neutral N) to be protected. Without limiting the generality, other components with overvoltage protection features, such as, for example, suitable dimensions, may be used here. Transient Voltage Suprresor diodes, Varsitors, gas discharge tubes, etc. are used.

Between the overvoltage protection device (s) VDR1 and VDR2, for example, a further suitable high-performance overvoltage protection device, for example a gas-filled surge arrester GDT1 and / or optionally also a further varistor VDR3, can be provided which, in the case of an excessive load between one of the operating network conductors ( For example, phase L and neutral N) and a protective conductor / PE potential PE can build a low-impedance path.

The overvoltage protection device (s) VDR1 and VDR2 can - as usual - be protected against overheating by means of fuses F1, F4 against overcurrent and / or by means of temperature fuses F2, F3. These fuses F1, F2, F3, F4 provide the separation.

Another thermal fuse F5, so-called remote control, can be used to remotely report the current status (disconnected / not disconnected). In most cases, the Fs F5 is designed so that the remote message in each case indicates the thermal overload of the device, e.g. in which the triggering temperature is lower than that of the temperature fuses F2, F3 is selected.

The exemplified fuses F1, F2, F3, F4, which are in the protective path (between L and N) of the overvoltage protection device are monitored by means of the display circuit according to the invention and when triggering at least one fuse, the state "overvoltage protection device in non-operational state / defective Displayed.

2 shows an exemplary current flow in relation to the overvoltage protection device according to the invention in an operable and connected to a service network state of the surge protective device.

Here, the current can flow past the second display means D1 and D3 responsible for the defect indication (s) over the non-triggered fuses F1, F2, F3, F4. If only the operating voltage and not an overvoltage is present, then the current branch via D9, R1, R2, D2 and D10 has a lower resistance than via the overvoltage protection device (s) VDR1, VDR2. In this case, the series connection of R1 and R2 is not necessary, but may e.g. other constraints such as pulse strength, power dissipation, dielectric strength of the resistors be owed. In this current path is the first display means D2. For this purpose, a blocking diode D6 can be connected in parallel.

This so-called first display means D2 has a first color. The color indicates that the surge protective device is in an operable state connected to a service network.

For example, the color of the display means D2 may be green to indicate the operability.

The light of the first display means D2 is now supplied to the optical fiber LWL and on the status display ZA now appears the corresponding light, which has the color of the first display means D2. Thus, now clearly the operability can be detected with correct connection.

The display circuit according to the invention is further constructed so that parallel to a fuse F1 or F2 or a fuse link F1, F2, a second display means D1 is connected. For this purpose, a diode D5 can be connected in the reverse direction in parallel.

Similarly, parallel to a fuse F3 or F4 or a fuse link F3, F4 a (further) second display means D3 be connected. For this purpose, a diode D7 can be connected in the reverse direction in parallel.

This so-called second display means D1, D3 has a different color than the color of the first display means. Either D1 and D3 have the same color or different colors Colors on. If both second display means D1, D3 have the same color, only one defect of the entire overvoltage protection device can be displayed. If, on the other hand, different colors are used, the (mixed) color perceived on the status display can be perceived in such a way that it is possible to distinguish which part of the overvoltage protection devices VDR1, VDR2 is defective. This can be advantageous if the overvoltage protection devices VDR1, VDR2 can be changed separately.

For example, the color of the display means D1 as well as the display means D3 may be red to indicate a defect.

By means of the blocking diodes a possibly required withstand voltage can be achieved because the blocking diodes prevent the current flow through the display means in certain states of the protection circuit. At the same time, the signal is rectified when connected to a service network with AC voltage, whereby a reduction in power consumption can be achieved.

3 shows an exemplary current flow with respect to the overvoltage protection device according to the invention in a first non-operational and connected to a service network state of the surge protective device.

Here it is assumed that one of the fuses F1 and / or F2 has led to the separation. Now the current flows through the still existing path D4, D1 and the current limiting resistor R1, R2, and D10 through the still intact fuses F3, F4. Now, in addition to the first display means D2 and a second display means, namely D1, flows through current and excited to shine. The differently colored light of the display means is now supplied to the optical fiber LWL and on the status display ZA now appears a mixed light, which assumes a different color, such as orange. Thus, a separation can now be clearly detected with correct connection.

In the 4 the analogous case is shown that one of the fuses F3 and / or F4 has led to the separation. Now the current flows through the still intact fuses F1, F2 and the diode D9 and the current-limiting resistor R1, R2, through the remaining path D3, D8. Now, in addition to the first display means D2 and a second display means, namely D3, flows through current and excited to shine. The differently colored light of the display means is now supplied to the optical fiber LWL and on the status display ZA now appears a mixed light, which assumes a different color, such as orange. Thus, a separation can now be clearly detected with correct connection.

Analogously, in 5 shows a further case in which both one of the fuses F1 and / or F2 and one of the fuses F3 and / or F4 has led to the separation. Now, the current flows through the remaining path D4, D1 and the current-limiting resistor R1, R2 resistor R1, R2, continue through the remaining path D3, D8. Now, in addition to the first display means D2 and both second display means, namely D1 and D3, flowed through by electricity and excited to shine. The differently colored light of the display means is now supplied to the optical fiber LWL and on the status display ZA now appears a mixed light, which assumes a different color, such as orange. Thus, a separation can now be clearly detected with correct connection.

The current consumption of the first and second display means may additionally by current limiting z. B. by means of resistors R1, R2 can be adjusted. Since the current limit is introduced in the path parallel to the overvoltage protection devices VDR1, VDR2, it normally acts to limit the current for z. B. the first display means D2. In the event of an error, the same current-limiting resistors R1, R2 can also be used for limiting the current in the paths of the second display means D1, D3, since they are in series with the first display means D2 in the event of a fault. The multiple use of the current-limiting resistors R1, R2, the required space can be significantly reduced.

Although the invention has been previously described in terms of two colors and one mixture, it is of course readily possible to mix other colors or alternatively to display alone, wherein each color shown may represent a different state. That it is easily possible e.g. also to integrate an aging indicator, which adds a further color by means of a suitable control. For the user thereby only one display is visible, which displays several states. That even with limited display space a variety of different states can be signaled.

Without further ado, the first and / or second display means may be implemented as LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) or as OLEDs (Organic LEDs). Furthermore, the first and / or second display means can also be embodied as SMD (Surface Mounted Devices) components which are particularly space-saving. Likewise, all other components shown in the figures can be designed as SMD components.

This results in cost advantages in the procurement of components and the structure.

In particular, the optical waveguide used in the overvoltage protection device may comprise a low-cost plastic molded part, for example of a material which comprises polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and / or polycarbonate (PC) and / or polystyrene (PS).

One or more series-connected voltage dependent resistors VDR1, VDR2 can be readily used for the overvoltage protection device (s).

Furthermore, with the invention, an overvoltage protection device with a status display ZA for signaling at least two operating states by means of a first display means D2 and a second display means D1; D3 be realized, in both operating states, the first display means and the second display means have a cost common current limitation R1, R2.

With the invention, it is now possible to actively display both an operable state and a non-operational state. That The invention makes it possible to signal both the status "overvoltage protection device in order" and the status "overvoltage protection device defective". Furthermore, this also makes possible e.g. Error in the wiring to recognize, since now a distinguishable display is present, which signals that the surge protective device is ready. A display circuit devised for this purpose can simultaneously monitor a plurality of (different) disconnecting devices F1, F2, F3, F4 (eg fuses F1, F4, temperature fuses F2, F3, etc.) which, in order to avoid critical states of the overvoltage protection device (s) VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, GDT can be used.

The states of several severing devices F1, F2, F3, F4 can be summarized via only one status indicator ZA done.

The power consumption of the display circuit is not higher than the power consumption of known display circuit with only one status displayed.

In addition, the space required for the display circuit is so small that it can be integrated into existing and highly miniaturized housing.

Therefore, the invention also allows a cost-optimized and functionally extended status indicator ZA, which allows easy testability of the status indicator ZA both in production and in use without costly testing devices or even destructive tests.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Electric device

 3

 casing

 5

 top

 ZA

 status display

 VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, GDT1

Overvoltage protection device

VDR1, VDR2, VDR3

voltage-dependent resistance

GDT1

 Gas discharge tube

D1, D2, D3

 display means

 G

 casing

 LWL

 optical fiber

 R1, R2

 limiting resistor

 FM

 telecomm

 L

 phase

 N

 neutral

 PE

 protective conductor

 F1, F2, F3, F4, F5

 fuse

 F2, F3, F5

 thermal fuses

 F1, F4

 fuses

Claims (6)

 Overvoltage protection device with a space-optimized status display (ZA), comprising at least one overvoltage protection device (VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, GDT1), a first display means (D2) to actively optically signal a connected to a service network state of the overvoltage protection device, and a second display means (D1 D3) for actively optically signaling a non-operational state of the overvoltage protection device, the overvoltage protection device (VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, GDT1), the first display means (D2) and the second display means (D1; D3) being housed in a housing (G ) spatially spaced from each other, wherein light of the first display means and the second display means irradiates at different locations of a light guide (LWL) and by means of the light guide (LWL) on a common status indicator (ZA) on an externally visible surface of the housing (G) is passed, wherein in the non-operational and on the Be driving network connected state of the overvoltage protection device a color change by superposition of light of the first display means (D2) and the second display means (D1; D3) is generated. Overvoltage protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light guide (LWL) is a plastic molded part. Overvoltage protection device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the light guide (LWL) comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS). Overvoltage protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first display means (D2) and / or the second display means (D1, D3) has at least one (O) LED. Overvoltage protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overvoltage protection device has a series circuit of voltage-dependent resistors (VDR1, VDR2). Overvoltage protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first display means (D2) and the second display means (D1, D3) have at least one common limiting resistor (R1, R2).

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