DE102021105876A1 - Technology for overvoltage protection and reporting a state of the overvoltage protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100) and a system for overvoltage protection and reporting a state of the overvoltage protection. The device (100) comprises a surge arrester (110) for surge protection of an electrical circuit. Furthermore, the device (100) comprises a slide (112) that is movable between an operating position and at least one fault position transversely to a light tunnel (120) and has a first end (122, 124) facing the light tunnel (120). In the operating position, the first end (122, 124) is arranged outside the light tunnel (120), and in the at least one fault position the first end (122, 124) is arranged at least in sections in the light tunnel (120). The device (100) further comprises a tensioning device (114) which is designed to pretension the slide (112) in the operating position with a preload in the direction of the at least one faulty position. The device (100) also comprises at least one heat-sensitive material (116, 118) which blocks the movement of the slide (112) against the bias in the operating position. The at least one heat-sensitive material (116, 118) is in thermal contact with the surge arrester (110) and is designed to undergo a phase transition when heated, which enables the slide (112) to move into the at least one fault position.

Description

The invention relates to a technique for overvoltage protection and reporting a state of the overvoltage protection. In particular, without being restricted thereto, a device for overvoltage protection and reporting of a state of an overvoltage protection and a system with at least one such device are provided.

In the area of electrical installation, especially in the area of overvoltage protection, the condition of components or devices of the overvoltage protection is monitored. The monitoring is used to separate an overloaded component or an overloaded device from the circuit and / or to create a short circuit to the reference potential, for example a protective earth (technically: "Protective Earth" or PE). The separation is used to ensure the continued availability of the circuit, for example despite a defective protective device. The short circuit, on the other hand, focuses on the protective effect against overvoltages or overcurrents in the case of protective components that are no longer functioning safely.

With both variants, disconnection and short circuit, it is advantageous for the operator of the electrical circuit or power network to have a status display of the overloaded component or the overloaded device so that this can be repaired or replaced at short notice in order to restore the normal operating condition.

Existing technology for condition monitoring is integrated in the so-called TTC product family from PHOENIX CONTACT GmbH & Co. KG. If the monitored component is overloaded, a light signal is mechanically interrupted. This technology is also known as the "light barrier principle".

The document DE 10 2011 052 689 B4 describes a gas-filled surge arrester (English: "Gas Discharge Tube" or GDT) with a short-circuit spring and a measuring device for indirect monitoring of the short-circuit spring, the measuring device being able to measure a change in temperature and / or a change in brightness. The short-circuit spring is secured by means of a low-melting solder which melts when the temperature of the GDT rises, as a result of which the short-circuit spring actuates a short-circuit clip. An arc in the GDT leads to an increase in brightness that can be observed by the measuring device.

The documents DE 10 2013 202 795 C5 , DE 10 2013 202 796 B4 and DE 10 2013 202 793 B4 each describe a reversible disconnection device that is connected in series with an overvoltage protection device and comprises a parallel connection of two current branches, one current branch comprising a switch made of a shape memory alloy which is in thermal connection with the overvoltage protection device. The other circuit includes in the documents DE 10 2013 202 795 C5 and DE 10 2013 202 793 B4 a variable resistance with an inductive component or an impedance, as well as in the document DE 10 2013 202 796 B4 a voltage-switching overvoltage protection element, in particular a GDT.

The document US 9,941,691 B2 describes an overload protection that comprises a voltage-limiting element, in particular a varistor, and a voltage-switching element, in particular a spark gap or a GDT, which are connected in series. The voltage-limiting element has a monitoring spark gap connected in parallel, which can act as a bypass. By means of temperature monitoring, a further bypass can short-circuit both the monitoring spark gap and the voltage-switching element in the event of aging, impermissibly high mains voltages and / or low-energy periodic high-frequency overvoltages.

The document DE 20 2019 101 517 U1 describes an overvoltage protection module with at least two overvoltage protection devices connected in parallel. which is changed by a mechanical rocker, which is actuated by both overvoltage protection devices connected in parallel, the warning state being set by triggering one overvoltage protection device and the defect state being set by triggering both overvoltage protection devices.

In the prior art, semiconductors in particular are thermally monitored and disconnected in the event of overload. On the one hand, the semiconductors are much more sensitive than a GDT, and on the other hand, the demands on the separation points are lower than with a gas arrester or GDT, because the currents occurring on the semiconductors are lower than with the gas-filled arresters, in particular GDTs, which sometimes have up to 20 kA (8/20 µs).

In the telecommunications sector in particular, however, GDTs with an integrated short-circuit mechanism are used, which provide protection against overvoltages and overcurrents, for example through offer a so-called "power cross", for example when mains voltage is present on signal wires.

The object is therefore to provide a technology for overvoltage protection, the state of which can be reported, preferably remotely reported. A further or alternative object is to provide a technology for overvoltage protection that can be monitored without auxiliary electrical energy.

The object or objects are achieved with the features of the independent claims. Appropriate configurations and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with partial reference to the figures.

According to a first aspect, a device for overvoltage protection and reporting a state of the overvoltage protection is provided. The device comprises a surge arrester for surge protection of an electrical circuit. The device further comprises a slide which can be moved between an operating position and at least one faulty position transversely to a light tunnel and has a first end facing the light tunnel. In the operating position, the first end is arranged outside the light tunnel. In the at least one fault position, the first end is arranged at least in sections in the light tunnel. In addition, the device comprises a clamping device which is designed to prestress the slide in the operating position with a prestress in the direction of the at least one faulty position. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one heat-sensitive material which blocks the movement of the slide against the bias in the operating position. The at least one heat-sensitive material is in thermal contact with the surge arrester and is designed to undergo a phase transition when heated, which enables the slide to move into the at least one fault position.

The slide can be movable longitudinally and / or pivotably. The pivotable slide can also be referred to as a lever. The mechanically preloaded slide or lever can also be referred to as a mechanical element.

The first end of the slide can also be referred to as a flag. The flag can be semi-transparent and / or opaque (e.g. opaque). As an alternative or in addition, the first end can comprise at least two sections. The first section can be semi-transparent. Alternatively or in addition, the second section can be opaque. Furthermore, as an alternative or in addition, the first and the second section can each be semitransparent with different (for example disjoint) spectral ranges.

A light beam guided through the light tunnel can act as a light barrier to report the status. A darkening and / or interruption of a light beam guided through the light tunnel by means of the first end of the slide can be referred to as an interruption of the light barrier.

Embodiments of the device can report the state of the overvoltage protection by arranging the first end of the slide in the light tunnel. These exemplary embodiments or further exemplary embodiments can enable the status of the surge protection to be reported and / or the surge arrester to be monitored without electrical auxiliary power.

Embodiments of the device can enable thermal detection of an overload of the surge arrester (for example a GDT). A warning and / or defect display (for example on the device or outside the device) can output the state of the overvoltage protection reported by means of the light tunnel. The reporting of the status can also be referred to as displaying the status (for example as a defect display).

The heat-sensitive material can comprise a thermoplastic, an adhesive, a wax and / or a solder. The thermal contact can be achieved in that the heat-sensitive material is attached to a housing of the surge arrester to be monitored (for example in the operating position).

The transition from the operating position to the fault position can be thermally and / or mechanically coupled to a disconnection device and / or short-circuit device of the surge arrester.

The surge arrester can comprise a disconnection device or a short-circuit device which is designed to separate or short-circuit the surge arrester from the circuit in the fault position. For example, the disconnection device or the short-circuit device can be mechanically coupled to the slide. Alternatively or additionally, a trigger temperature of the disconnection device or the short-circuit device can be set with a Transition temperature of the phase transition of the heat-sensitive material match.

For example, it is possible to report (preferably to report remotely) and / or display the triggering of a short-circuit device, for example a short-circuit clip (technically also: "fail-safe clip") of a surge arrester, for example GDTs.

In order to provide the reporting (for example a defect display or a remote report) of a fault condition (for example a triggering or overloading of the surge arrester) independently of the electrical circuit (s) to be protected, the clamping device can provide the energy necessary for the reporting as mechanical energy. In the fault state of the surge arrester, the pretensioning of the tensioning device preferably moves the slide into the fault position and thereby interrupts a light barrier.

The fault condition (also: fault case) of the surge arrester can be an overload condition (also: overload case), for example an overvoltage and / or an overcurrent in the electrical circuit and / or on the surge arrester.

For this purpose, the slide (i.e. the mechanical element) can be driven by the tensioning device as a mechanically acting power source, which can typically be implemented with spring elements as tensioning devices. The spring elements can in particular be helical springs and / or torsion springs.

In the event of an overload, the movement of the slide (i.e. the transition from the operating position to the fault position) is preferably triggered by the introduction of heat from the surge arrester to be monitored. The thermal effect is preferably used here, as it is directly related to an overload of the surge arrester. Another possibility, especially in the case of a gas discharge tube (“Gas Discharge Tube”, “GDT” for short), is an optical evaluation. The optical evaluation, however, requires auxiliary energy in order to be able to detect the arc within the GDT, for example. The requirement to provide auxiliary power is viewed as disadvantageous for monitoring an overload.

The surge arrester can comprise a spark gap and / or a gas arrester (GDT) and / or a varistor and / or a suppressor diode.

The phase transition of the at least one heat-sensitive material can comprise a first-order phase transition and / or a second-order phase transition and / or a glass transition.

As a result of the phase transition, the at least one heat-sensitive material can change its physical state. For example, in the operating position, the heat-sensitive material can materially block the slide against the pretension (for example by means of a solid adhesive of an adhesive connection or as a solid solder of a soldered connection). A heat input from the surge arrester into the heat-sensitive material due to the thermal contact with the surge arrester can liquefy the heat-sensitive material in the event of a fault in the surge arrester or the electrical circuit and thereby loosen the integral connection between.

During the phase transition, the at least one heat-sensitive material can change from a solid state or glass state to a fluid state, for example a liquid and / or gaseous state. For example, during the phase transition (preferably a glass transition) the viscosity can decrease, for example by a factor of 100 or 1000 or more.

The at least one heat-sensitive material can comprise a thermoplastic and / or an adhesive and / or a wax and / or a solder.

The tensioning device can comprise a spring element, in particular a helical spring and / or a torsion spring.

The at least one thermosensitive material can comprise a first thermosensitive material and a second thermosensitive material.

The first heat-sensitive material can block the movement of the slide against the bias in the operating position. The first heat-sensitive material and / or its thermal contact with the surge arrester can be designed to undergo a first phase transition at a first point in time or to determine a first phase transition of the first heat-sensitive material, which enables the slide to move from the operating position to a first fault position. The second heat-sensitive material can block the movement of the slide against the bias in the first fault position.

The second heat-sensitive material and / or its thermal contact with the surge arrester can be designed to become a second point in time, which is later than the first point in time, to go through a second phase transition or to determine a second phase transition of the second heat-sensitive material, which enables the movement of the slide from the first fault position into a second fault position.

The operating position can correspond to an operating state of the overvoltage protection (for example, normal operation of the surge arrester). As an alternative or in addition, the first fault position can correspond to a warning state of the overvoltage protection. As an alternative or in addition, the second fault position can correspond to a defective state of the overvoltage protection.

The first phase transition can correspond to a first transition temperature of the first heat-sensitive material (preferably and a corresponding operating temperature of the surge arrester). The second phase transition can correspond to a second transition temperature of the second heat-sensitive material (preferably and a corresponding operating temperature of the surge arrester) which is greater than the first transition temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the first point in time can correspond to a first heat input through the surge arrester and the second point in time a second heat input through the surge arrester, the second heat input being greater than the first heat input. The first heat input can be determined by a first heat capacity of the first heat-sensitive material and / or a first heat conduction of the heat contact of the first heat-sensitive material to the surge arrester. The second heat input can be determined by a second heat capacity of the second heat-sensitive material and / or a second heat conduction of the heat contact of the second heat-sensitive material to the surge arrester.

A first transition temperature of the first phase transition of the first thermosensitive material can be lower than a second transition temperature of the second phase transition of the second thermosensitive material. Alternatively or in addition, a first heat conduction of the thermal contact of the first heat-sensitive material can be greater than a second heat conduction of the heat contact of the second heat-sensitive material. Furthermore, alternatively or in addition, a first heat capacity of the first heat-sensitive material can be smaller than a second heat capacity of the second heat-sensitive material.

The first fault position can comprise a first longitudinal displacement or a first rotary movement of the slide by a (preferably fixed) first distance L1 or a (preferably fixed) first angle of rotation W1 relative to the operating position. The second fault position can comprise a second longitudinal displacement or a second rotary movement of the slide by a (preferably fixed) second distance L2 or a (preferably fixed) second angle of rotation W2 relative to the operating position. Preferably L1 <L2 or W1 <W2. For example, the first fault position can comprise a defined first change in the angle of the slide about a pivot axis relative to the operating position. The second fault position can include a second change in the angle of the slide about the same pivot axis with the same direction of rotation.

The first end facing the light tunnel can comprise a first section and a second section. In the first fault position, the first section can be arranged in the light tunnel. In the second fault position, the second section can be arranged in the light tunnel. A first light filter property of the first section can be different from a second light filter property of the second section.

The first light filter property can comprise a semi-transparency. The second light filter property can comprise an opacity. Alternatively or in addition, the first light filter property can relate to a first color and the second light filter property can relate to a color different from the first color.

The semitransparent first section can be wavelength-selective or color-selective.

As an alternative or in addition, the first color can be “yellow”. The first color, for example “yellow”, can correspond to a “warning” message. As an alternative or in addition, the second color can be “red”. The second color, for example “red”, can correspond to an “error” message.

In the operating position, the first section and the second section can be arranged outside the light tunnel. Alternatively or additionally, the second section can be arranged outside the light tunnel in the first fault position. Alternatively or additionally, the first section can be arranged outside the light tunnel in the second fault position.

According to a second aspect, a system for overvoltage protection and avoiding a condition of the overvoltage protection is provided. The system comprises an apparatus according to first aspect. Alternatively, the system comprises at least two devices according to the first aspect, the light tunnels of the at least two devices being arranged in alignment with one another. Furthermore, the system comprises a light source which is designed to emit a light beam (for example a needle beam or a laser beam) into the light tunnel or into the at least two mutually aligned light tunnels. The system also comprises a detection unit which is designed to detect the light beam. The or the at least two aligned light tunnel is or are arranged (preferably along the light beam) between the light source and the detection unit.

The at least two devices can each comprise a longitudinally movable slide. The longitudinal axes of the longitudinally movable slide can be spaced and parallel.

Alternatively or in addition, the longitudinal axis of the or each longitudinally movable slide can be arranged transversely (preferably perpendicular) or at an angle (preferably of 90 °) relative to the longitudinal axis determined by the light tunnel.

As an alternative or in addition, the at least two devices can each comprise a pivotable slide. The pivot axes of the pivotable slides can be parallel or coaxial (i.e. identical).

Alternatively or in addition, the pivot axis of the or each pivotable slide can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis determined by the light tunnel.

The detection unit can be designed to detect a brightness and / or an intensity and / or a color of the light beam in the light tunnel and / or a change in the brightness and / or the intensity and / or the color of the light beam in the light tunnel. Optionally, the detection unit can be designed to include at least two levels of brightness and / or intensity and / or color of the light beam in the light tunnel and / or two levels of change in brightness and / or the intensity and / or color of the light beam in the light tunnel capture.

The detection unit can also be designed to output at least one warning signal as a function of the detected brightness and / or intensity and / or color of the light beam. As an alternative or in addition, the detection unit can also be designed to selectively separate a power source from the or from the at least two electrical circuits.

The at least one warning signal can include two different colored markings and / or two different colored light signals that are output as a function of the two detected levels.

• 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung zum Überspannungsschutz und zum Melden eines Zustands des Überspannungsschutzes;
• 2 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Vorrichtung zum Überspannungsschutz und zum Melden eines Zustands des Überspannungsschutzes;
• 3A bis 3C das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel der Vorrichtung jeweils in einer Betriebsstellung, einer ersten Fehlerstellung bzw. einer zweiten Fehlerstellung; und
• 4 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Systems zum Überspannungsschutz und zum Melden eines Zustands des Überspannungsschutzes, das mindestens ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Vorrichtung umfasst.

Further features and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a first embodiment of a device for overvoltage protection and for reporting a state of the overvoltage protection;
• 2 a second embodiment of the device for overvoltage protection and for reporting a state of the overvoltage protection;
• 3A until 3C the second embodiment of the device each in an operating position, a first fault position and a second fault position; and
• 4th an embodiment of a system for overvoltage protection and for reporting a state of the overvoltage protection, comprising at least one embodiment of the device.

1 shows schematically a first embodiment of a generally with reference numerals 100 designated device for overvoltage protection and for reporting a state of the overvoltage protection.

In the 1 shown device 100 includes a surge arrester 110 , for example a gas discharge tube (English "Gas Discharge Tube" or "GDT"), and a longitudinally movable slide 112 , which by means of a clamping device 114 , in particular a spring, is biased in the operating position. The longitudinally movable slide 112 is by means of a heat sensitive material 116 , for example solder, on the surge arrester 110 blocked in the operating position so that the first end (optionally with two sections 122 , 124 ) of the slide a light tunnel 120 releases.

When the surge arrester heats up 110 , in particular due to an overload of an electrical circuit to which the surge arrester is connected 110 is connected in parallel, for example, passes through the heat-sensitive material 116 a phase transition. For example, solder can be heated above its melting point. Due to the change in the physical state of the heat-sensitive material 116 becomes the preload of the longitudinally movable slide 112 solved. The slider 112 is now through the clamping device 114 , for example spring, along its Longitudinal axis moved and covered in the fault position with its first end (optionally with two sections 122 , 124 ) at least partially the light tunnel 120 . On one of the device 100 spatially separated light sensor (not shown in 1 ) the error can be due to a change in brightness, light intensity and / or color of one through the light tunnel 120 guided light beam are displayed.

The thermal overload detection with the following display is possible by blocking the slide 112 (also: "mechanical element") by means of a heat-sensitive material 116 which reduces its viscosity or adhesive strength with increasing temperature.

The slider 112 (for example a lever) is mechanically preloaded and on the surge arrester to be monitored 110 , e.g. a GDT, with the help of the heat-sensitive material 116 blocked (for example, fixed).

Variants of each embodiment can use the slide 112 as a linear slide or swivel slide (also: lever) or another mechanical element.

The heat sensitive material 116 can for example consist of a thermoplastic, glue, wax or solder.

In one, for example by the phase transition of the heat-sensitive material 116 , set temperature that indicates an overload, for example of the surge arrester 110 (e.g. a GDT) or the (preferably to the surge arrester 110 parallel connected) electrical circuit, the blockage is released and the mechanical element 112 can move and, for example, a beam of light in a light tunnel 120 interrupt, optionally also a switch (for example to disconnect or short-circuit the surge arrester 110 ) actuate.

For example, in one embodiment, the transition temperature (ie, the trigger temperature) of the thermosensitive material 116 correspond to the triggering behavior (for example the triggering temperature) of a short-circuit device, preferably a short-circuit clip (also known as a "fail-safe clip"). So it is possible to trigger the surge arrester 110 , e.g. GDT, connected short-circuit device, galvanically separated and without additional auxiliary voltage, to display and to report remotely.

The short-circuit device can comprise a switch made from a shape memory alloy.

The short-circuit device can cause an arc to be extinguished in a GDT.

As an alternative or in addition, a disconnection device or a safety device can galvanically isolate the surge arrester 110 cause of the electrical circuit, for its overvoltage protection the surge arrester 110 serves.

2 Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of one generally with reference numerals 100 designated device for overvoltage protection and for reporting a state of the overvoltage protection. The second exemplary embodiment can be implemented by itself or as a further development of the first exemplary embodiment. Matching or interchangeable features (e.g. components or parts) as in 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the 2 shown device 100 includes a surge arrester 110 , for example a GDT, and a longitudinally movable slide 112 , which uses two heat-sensitive materials 116 , 118 with the surge arrester 110 mechanically connected and / or in thermal contact. The slide is in the operating position 112 by a clamping device 114 , for example a spring, biased. The first heat-sensitive material 116 blocks the slide 112 in the operating position, for example an operating state of the electrical circuit and / or the surge arrester 110 is equivalent to. For example, there is a side bar 115 on the slide 112 by means of the heat sensitive material 116 with the surge arrester 110 firmly connected.

Furthermore, the slide is 112 in the operative position by the second heat-sensitive material 118 passed through without being mechanically or materially connected to it. The slider 112 can pass through the second heat-sensitive material along the direction defined by its longitudinal axis 118 , for example, slide freely or at least with little friction. Alternatively or additionally, the second heat-sensitive material comprises 118 a through recess, the inner diameter or transverse dimension of which is greater than an outer diameter or transverse dimension of the slide 112 .

The first end of the slider 112 includes a semi-transparent first section 122 and an opaque second section 124 .

At a second end opposite the first end 113 of the slide 112 is the slider 112 widened, preferably for the form-fitting installation of the second end 113 at the second heat sensitive material 118 in the first fault position.

The first section is in the operating position 122 outside the tunnel of light 120 arranged, for example at a distance L1 (with reference numerals 126 ) to the light tunnel 120 , preferably to the opposite side of the light tunnel 122 . Alternatively or in addition, a distance between the second heat-sensitive material can be used 118 and the second end 113 determine the length L1.

For example, a transverse dimension or diameter of the slide 112 at the second end 113 larger than the outer diameter or the transverse dimension (preferably of a constant cross section) of the slide 112 between the second section 124 the first end and the second end 113 and / or greater than the inner diameter or the transverse dimension (preferably of a constant cross section) of the through recess in the second heat-sensitive material 118 .

The second heat sensitive material 118 can move in the longitudinal direction of the slide 112 via one with reference number 128 designated length L2 extend. The sections of the slide defined by the lengths L1 and L2 112 are in the 2 with the reference numerals 126 respectively. 128 designated.

The first section is in the operating state 122 at the first end of the slide 122 from a light tunnel 120 spaced. The light tunnel 120 remains free in the operating state. In the second exemplary embodiment, the distance L1 corresponds to the left in FIG 2 at reference number 126 between the second end 113 of the slide 112 and the second thermosensitive material 118 the distance L1 right in 2 between the midpoint of the first section 122 at the first end of the slide 112 and that of the first end of the slider 112 remote side of the light tunnel 120 .

the 3A , 3B and 3C show a variant of the second embodiment of the device 100 in the operating position and a first and second fault position. Interchangeable or matching features (e.g. components) as in 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the 3A shown variant of the second embodiment of the device 100 in the operating state differs from that in 2 shown variant of the second embodiment in that the distance L1 at reference numerals 126 at the first end of the slide 112 right in 3A each from the centers of the first section 122 and the tunnel of light 120 is determined from.

3B shows the second embodiment of the device 100 in a first error position. Due to the thermal contact of the first thermosensitive material 116 , for example solder, with the surge arrester 110 has the first heat sensitive material 116 go through a phase transition, for example the solder has melted. Due to the phase transition of the first thermosensitive material 116 is the blocking of the slide 112 by means of the side bar 115 from the surge arrester 110 been solved and due to the bias of the clamping device 114 , for example a spring, the slide has 112 by the distance L1 (not shown in 3B) into the through the light tunnel 120 falling light beam pushed. The semi-transparent first section 122 covers the tunnel of light 120 .

The slider 112 is through the widened second end 113 of the slide 112 at penetration of the second thermosensitive material 118 prevented from its phase transition. The clamping device 114 , for example the spring, remains pre-tensioned in the first fault position with a pre-tension, for example which is lower than the pre-tension in the operating position.

3C shows the second embodiment of the device 100 in a second fault position. Due to the thermal contact between the surge arrester 110 and the second thermosensitive material 118 this has undergone a phase transition, for example a second solder has reduced its viscosity or has melted at a higher melting temperature than that of the first heat-sensitive material. The widened second end 113 of the slide 112 has been along the route L2 at reference number 128 by the, for example liquefied, second heat-sensitive material 118 due to the remaining pre-tension of the clamping unit 114 emotional. The opaque second section 124 at the first end of the slide 112 darkens the light tunnel 120 completely off. The complete darkening can correspond to an interruption of a light barrier through the light tunnel.

The slide preferably moves 112 for reporting (for example, for displaying) a load and / or overload according to the second exemplary embodiment as a function of two temperature levels. The first stage (for example “warm”) is triggered, preferably in a warning state, when the surge arrester is first loaded 110 (e.g. GDT), which is greater than the load in the operating state with a corresponding heat development compared to the operating state. At this first transition temperature, the slide releases 112 by softening the first heat sensitive material 116 ( for example a thermoplastic, wax, glue or solder) from the surge arrester 110 , e.g. GDT.

Because the slide 112 through the block of the second thermosensitive material 118 Is performed, which has, for example, a second trigger temperature or transition temperature that is greater than the first transition temperature, the slide remains 112 first stand after a distance L1, there the end 113 larger in diameter than the main part or stem of the slider 112 not through the through recess in the block of the second thermosensitive material 118 fits. The main part of the slide preferably extends in the first fault position 112 between the second end 113 and the second section 124 of the first end of the slide 112 (especially those along the lines with L1 and L2 at reference numbers 126 respectively. 128 left in 3A designated parts of the slide 112 ) in the block of the second thermosensitive material 118 or between the block and the light tunnel 120 .

A light propagation in the light tunnel 120 is influenced by the semi-transparent first section 122 (also: first area), for example a colored first section 122 . These influences can be evaluated accordingly by a receiving unit and displayed, for example, as the state of the overvoltage protection (for example as a “yellow” status or warning state).

A higher temperature level (for example “hot”) than the first transition temperature (for example “warm”) dissolves or liquefies the block of the second heat-sensitive material 118 so that the slider 112 can continue to move in the direction of the second fault position. This leads to an influence on the light tunnel 120 through the second section 124 (also: second area). For example is the light tunnel 120 in the second fault position opaque or closed, ie a light barrier through the light tunnel 120 is interrupted. Alternatively or in addition, the light tunnel is in the second fault position 120 translucent only for a light color that differs from the first fault position. The receiving unit can detect this change and display it as an error status (also: defect status) or "red" status.

Alternatively or in addition, the first fault position and the second fault position (which can correspond to a warning state or a defect state of the overvoltage protection) can be used directly as color markings on a viewing window of the device 100 displayed.

4th FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for overvoltage protection and for reporting a state of the overvoltage protection. The system 400 comprises at least one embodiment of the device 100 .

In the case of several devices 100 these are arranged (for example on a common mounting rail, in particular top hat rail) in such a way that the light tunnel 120 of all devices 100 cursing.

The device 100 or the multiple devices 100 are between a light source 410 and a receiving unit 412 arranged so that (for example in the operating state and / or in the first fault state) the light beam 414 through the light tunnel 120 or the aligned light tunnels 120 runs. Preferably the light sources are 410 and the receiving unit 412 on the same mounting rail as the device 100 or the devices 100 arranged.

Optionally includes a device 100 at a first end of the system 400 the functionality of the light source 410 and / or a device 100 at a second end of the system opposite the first end 400 includes the functionality of the receiving unit 412 .

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents used as replacements. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but rather encompasses all exemplary embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

List of reference symbols

100

contraption

110

Surge arresters

112

Slider

113

Broadened end of the slide

114

Tensioning device, preferably a spring

115

Side bar on the slide

116

First heat sensitive material

118

Second heat sensitive material

120

Light tunnel

122

First section at the first end of the slide, preferably semi-transparent section

124

Second section at the first end of the slide, preferably opaque section

126

First route L1

128

Second distance L2

400

system

410

Light source

412

Receiving unit

414

Beam of light

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102011052689 B4 [0005]
• DE 102013202795 C5 [0006]
• DE 102013202796 B4 [0006]
• DE 102013202793 B4 [0006]
• US 9941691 B2 [0007]
• DE 202019101517 U1 [0008]

Claims (15)

Apparatus (100) for overvoltage protection and reporting a state of the overvoltage protection, comprising: a surge arrester (110) for surge protection of an electrical circuit; a slide (112) movable between an operating position and at least one fault position transversely to a light tunnel (120) with a first end (122, 124) facing the light tunnel (120), wherein in the operating position the first end (122, 124) is outside the Light tunnel (120) is arranged and in the at least one fault position the first end (122, 124) is arranged at least in sections in the light tunnel (120); a tensioning device (114) which is designed to bias the slide (112) in the operating position with a bias in the direction of the at least one fault position; and at least one heat-sensitive material (116, 118) which blocks the movement of the slide (112) against the bias in the operating position, the at least one heat-sensitive material (116, 118) being in thermal contact with the surge arrester (110) and being designed for this purpose to go through a phase transition when heated, which enables the movement of the slide (112) into the at least one fault position. Device (100) according to Claim 1 wherein the surge arrester (110) is a spark gap; a gas discharge tube, GDT; a varistor; and / or comprises a suppressor diode. Device (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the phase transition of the at least one heat-sensitive material (116, 118) comprises a first-order phase transition, a second-order phase transition, or a glass transition. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 wherein the at least one heat-sensitive material (116, 118) comprises a thermoplastic, an adhesive, a wax, and / or a solder. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , wherein the surge arrester (110) comprises a disconnection device or a short-circuit device which is designed to disconnect or short-circuit the surge arrester from the circuit in the fault position, preferably wherein the disconnection device or the short-circuit device is mechanically coupled to the slide (112). Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the tensioning device (114) comprises a spring element, preferably a helical spring and / or a torsion spring. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th wherein the at least one heat-sensitive material (116, 118) comprises a first heat-sensitive material (116) and a second heat-sensitive material (118), the first heat-sensitive material (116) moving the slide (112) against the bias in the operating position blocked, and wherein the first heat-sensitive material (116) and / or its thermal contact to the surge arrester (110) is designed to go through a first phase transition at a first point in time, which moves the slide (112) from the operating position into a first fault position releases, and wherein the second heat-sensitive material (118) blocks the movement of the slide (112) against the bias in the first fault position, and wherein the second heat-sensitive material (118) and / or its thermal contact with the surge arrester (110) is designed to at a second point in time, which is later than the first point in time, for a second phase gang to go through, which releases the movement of the slide (112) from the first fault position into a second fault position. Device (100) according to Claim 7 , wherein - a first transition temperature of the first phase transition of the first thermosensitive material (116) is lower than a second transition temperature of the second phase transition of the second thermosensitive material (118), and / or - a first thermal conductivity of the thermal contact of the first thermosensitive material (116) is greater is as a second heat conduction of the thermal contact of the second heat-sensitive material (118), and / or - a first heat capacity of the first heat-sensitive material (116) is smaller than a second heat capacity of the second heat-sensitive material (118). Device (100) according to Claim 7 or 8th wherein the first end (122, 124) facing the light tunnel (120) comprises a first section (122) and a second section (124), and wherein in the first fault position the first section (122) is arranged in the light tunnel (120) and in the second fault position, the second section (124) is arranged in the light tunnel (120), a first light filter property of the first section (122) being different from a second light filter property of the second section (124). Device (100) according to Claim 9 , wherein the first light filter property is a semi-transparency and the second light filter property comprises an opacity, or wherein the first light filter property relates to a first color and the second light filter property relates to a second color different from the first color. System (400) for overvoltage protection and reporting a state of the overvoltage protection, comprising: - a device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , or at least two devices (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 whose light tunnels (120) are arranged in alignment; - A light source (410) which is designed to emit a light beam (414) into the light tunnel (120) or the at least two aligned light tunnels (120); and - a detection unit (412) which is designed to detect the light beam (414), the light tunnel (120) or the at least two aligned light tunnels (120) being arranged between the light source (410) and the detection unit (412) respectively are. System according to Claim 11 wherein the detection unit (412) is designed to detect a change in a brightness, an intensity, and / or a color of the light beam (414) in the light tunnel (120). System according to Claim 12 , wherein the detection unit (412) is designed to detect at least two stages of the change in the brightness, the intensity, and / or the color of the light beam (414) in the light tunnel (120). System according to Claim 12 or 13th , wherein the detection unit (412) is further designed to: - output at least one warning signal as a function of the detected brightness, intensity and / or color of the light beam (414); and / or disconnect a power source from the or from the at least two electrical circuits. System according to Claim 13 and 14th wherein the at least one warning signal comprises two differently colored markings and / or two differently colored light signals, which are each output in response to the two detected stages.

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