EP0958584A1

EP0958584A1 - Enhanced varistor-based lighting arresters

Info

Publication number: EP0958584A1
Application number: EP97918198A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Michel Donnola
Original assignee: Soule Materiel Electrique
Current assignee: Soule Materiel Electrique
Priority date: 1996-04-12
Filing date: 1997-04-10
Publication date: 1999-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2017-04-10
Also published as: PT958584E; TR199802055T2; ES2180971T3; FR2747500A1; WO1997039462A1; ATE225561T1; EP0958584B1; DE69716132D1; FR2747500B1; AU2641197A; US6185813B1; BR9708649A; DE69716132T2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a lightning arrester, the method being of the type comprising steps consisting in making a stack of varistors (100), and in forming a cover (300) made of a composite material over the stack of varistors (100), said method being characterized by the fact that the step of forming a cover (300) made of a composite material consists in placing a woven fiber fabric (310) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100) and in contact therewith, in placing a flexible outer cover (400) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100), and in injecting a material (350) suitable for impregnating the fiber fabric (310) into the annular space formed between the stack of varistors (100) and the flexible outer cover (400).

Description

PERFECTED SURGE PROTECTOR BASED ON VARISTORS

The present invention relates to the field of surge arresters.

It applies in particular to surge arresters for high voltage, typically to electrical networks of nominal voltage greater than 1 kV rms between phases.

Surge arresters are devices designed to be connected between an electrical line, in particular medium or high voltage, and ground, to limit the amplitude and duration of the overvoltages appearing on the line.

These overvoltages can be due for example to atmospheric phenomena, such as lightning, or inductions in the conductors.

These overvoltages can also be due to operations on the live line.

Surge arresters are generally formed by stacking different varistors, most often nowadays by stacking several discs based on zinc oxide, whose electrical resistivity is highly non-linear depending on the applied voltage.

More precisely, these varistors do not let practically any current pass as long as the voltage at their terminals is less than a starting threshold and on the other hand, let pass a very strong current, which can reach several tens of kA, when the voltage applied to their terminals exceeds the aforementioned ignition threshold.

The number of varistors used in the arrester is such that the nominal service voltage on the power line is less than the ignition threshold at the terminals of the varistors stack.

Thus, the surge arrester can permanently withstand the nominal operating voltage, without leakage of current, and on the other hand makes it possible to drain the discharge currents of very high intensity which can appear temporarily on the line in the event of accidental overvoltage.

Many types of surge arresters have already been proposed. The field of surge arresters has given rise to a very abundant literature.

Surge arresters known today generally include:

- a stack of varistors,

two contact pieces made of electrically conductive material placed respectively on the ends of the stack of varistors, and

- an envelope of electrically insulating material surrounding the stack of varistors.

The envelope of electrically insulating material mentioned above itself is the subject of a very abundant literature.

Document CB-A-2 073 965 has proposed, for example, to produce this envelope using a heat-shrinkable material.

Documents US-A-4 298 900, DE-A-3 00 1 943, DE-A- 3 002 0 14 have proposed to place in addition an external porcelain case on the heat-shrinkable envelope.

Documents US-A 4,092,694 and US-A-4,100,588 have proposed to place each varistor in a ring based on silicon and to arrange the stack of varistors thus surrounded in a porcelain case.

Document U5-A-2,050,334 has proposed to place a stack of varistors in a porcelain case and to fill the space formed between the porcelain case and the stack of varistors using a filling material formed for example of a halogenated wax-based compound.

Documents EP-A-0 008 181, EP-A-0 274 674, EP-A-0 2S I 245 er US-A-4 456 942 have proposed to produce the envelope surrounding the varistors using an elastomeric material, formed in particular by overmolding. More specifically, the document EP-A-0 274 674 proposed to overmold an envelope made of a composite material based on elastomer, EPDM, silicone, or other resin, loaded or not, on a stack of varistors.

Document U5-A-4 161 012 also proposed to have an elastomer envelope on the varistors. This document proposes to produce this envelope by depositing the elastomer on the external surface of the varistors, or by molding the envelope on the varistors, or by preforming the elastomer envelope, then inserting the varistors into it. this.

Document US-A-3,018,406 proposed, from 1,958, to produce the envelope in the form of two complementary preformed shells and an external envelope of plastic material injection molded on the varistors.

Document U5-A-3,586,934 has proposed making the envelope using a synthetic resin, for example based on epoxy or polyester, or even a silicone or polyester varnish.

The document EP-A-0 196 370 proposed to produce the envelope on a varistor body by pouring a synthetic resin formed for example of epoxy resin, polymer concrete, silicone resin, or an elastomer, or by covering the body of varistors with a shrinkable plastic tube, or by providing this stack with a layer of synthetic resin.

Furthermore, the documents, US-A-4 656 555, US-A-4 905 US, US-A-4 404 614, EP-A-0 304 690, EP-A-0 335 479, EP-A- 0 335 480, EP-A-0 397 163, EP-A-0 233 022, EP-A-0 443 286 and DE-A-0 898 603 proposed to produce the envelope surrounding the stack of varistors in materials composites composed of fibers, generally glass fibers impregnated with resin. More specifically, document US-A-4 656 555 proposed to first form a winding of fibers based on plastic material, such as polyethylene, or glass, or even ceramic possibly impregnated with resin, for example l epoxy, then forming on the outside of this winding a housing made of weather-resistant polymeric material, for example to> a "c of elastomeric polymers, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, EPDM.

This document more specifically proposes either to preform the weather-resistant polymer housing, then to engage the stack of varistors provided with the winding of fibers in this housing, or to first form the winding of fibers on the stack of varistors, then make the housing of weather-resistant polymer material, by molding on the winding, projection of polymer on the winding or insertion of the stack of varistors provided with the winding in a polymer bath.

Document US-A-4 404 614 has proposed to have successively on a stack of varistors a first envelope based on glass fibers impregnated with resin, for example epoxy resin, then a second envelope based on glass flakes. and epoxy resin, and finally in an elastic outer covering based on EPDM rubber, or butyl rubber.

This document indicates that the first envelope, the second envelope and the external envelope can be placed successively on the stack of varistors, or the envelopes can be formed in reverse order.

This document also mentions the possibility of molding the external envelope on the second envelope based on glass flakes and epoxy resin. Document EP-A-0 233 022 has proposed forming a shell based on glass fibers reinforced with epoxy resin on a stack of varistors, then a heat-shrinkable envelope, or one which can be released by equivalent mechanical means on said shell, elastomer base.

Alternatively, the envelope can be molded in situ based on synthetic resin or polymeric material.

The document states that the shell can be preformed. This document also proposes to use a sheet of prepreg fibers.

Document EP-A-0 304 690 proposes first of all making a filament winding of glass fibers impregnated with resin, then forming on the outside of the winding a coating of elastomeric material of EPDM type, by injection. Document EP-A-0 355 479 proposes placing successively on the stack of varistors, first of all a barrier formed by a plastic film, for example based on propylene, then a winding of non-conductive filaments, and finally a weather-resistant elastomer housing. The document EP-A-0 397 163 proposed to place successively on the stack of varistors a filament winding impregnated with resin, then to form on this winding a coating with fins, made of elastomer, for example EPDM, by injection.

The technique of using a composite material is very old.

Document DE-A-0 898 603 in fact proposed as early as 1946 to use glass fibers impregnated with resin to wrap varistors.

More recently, document FR-A-2 698 736 has proposed a method for manufacturing a lightning arrester comprising the steps which consist in stacking varistors, forming a first envelope of composite material, on the stack of varistors, which first at least semi-rigid envelope has a constant external section, along its length, compensating in particular for the surface unevenness of the stack of varistors due to misalignments and dispersions of the dimensions of varistors and place an external envelope with fins on the first envelope of composite material by extruding a substantially constant outer envelope on the first envelope, then attaching annular fins on the extruded outer envelope. The surge arresters hitherto proposed have rendered great services.

However, the Applicant proposes to improve the existing surge arresters.

A main object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of existing surge arresters, in particular by avoiding any gaseous presence at the level of the interface (s) between the stack of varistors and the envelope which covers them.

A more accessory object of the present invention is to reduce the cost of known surge arresters. To this end, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing lightning arresters of the type comprising the steps which consist in:

- stack varistors, and

forming an envelope of composite material on the stack of varistors, characterized in that the step of forming an envelope of composite material consists in:

- placing a fabric of fibers on the outside of the stack of varistors, in contact with the latter, - placing a flexible external envelope on the outside of the stack of varistors, and

- injecting a material capable of impregnating the fabric with fibers, into the annular space formed between the stack of varistors and the flexible external envelope. As will be understood later, the method according to the present invention makes it possible to expel any air at the interface between the stack of varistors and the flexible external envelope.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the external envelope is an envelope with annular fins having zones of greater rigidity at the level of the fins. According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the injected material is a thermoplastic material, advantageously a polyester.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the injection is carried out through bores formed in contact parts attached to the ends of the stack of varistors.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the injection is carried out by means of two bores provided respectively in contact parts placed on the ends of the stack of varistors, which bores are diametrically opposite with respect to the axis of l 'stacking.

The present invention also relates to the product obtained by the implementation of this process.

According to the invention, the arrester obtained comprises: - a stack of varistors,

a flexible external envelope, advantageously with annular fins, and

an internal envelope of composite material formed on the stack of varistors by injection into the annular space between the stack of varistors and the external envelope of a material capable of impregnating a fabric of fibers placed on the stack of varistors .

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting example, and in which: - Figures 1 to 4 annexed schematically represent, and according to views in longitudinal axial sections of the arrester, the various successive stages in the production of a arrester according to a preferred embodiment variant of the present invention,

FIG. 5 represents a schematic view in longitudinal axial section of a contact piece in accordance with the present invention according to the section plane referenced V-V in FIG. 6, and

FIG. 6 represents a cross-sectional view of this same contact part according to the cutting plane referenced VI-VÎ in FIG. 5.

The arrester according to the present invention shown in Figure 4 appended and obtained using the intermediate steps shown in Figures 1 to 3, which will be described later, comprises a stack of varistors 100, two contact pieces 200, an envelope 300 of composite material comprising a fiber fabric 310 and an injected material 350 impregnating the fiber fabric 310, and an outer finned envelope 400.

If necessary, the arrester can be supplemented by end caps of electrically conductive material attached to the ends of the arrester. These caps which make it possible to participate in both the electrical contact and the sealing of the arrester have not been shown in the appended figures to simplify the illustration.

The varistors 100 are preferably formed from discs of constant diameter made from zinc oxide.

Varistors based on zinc oxide are well known to those skilled in the art. Their production process and their composition will therefore not be described below.

As shown in Figure 1 attached, the varistors 100 are first stacked along their axis 102, to be perfectly coaxial. Where appropriate, although this is not shown in the appended figures, spacers made of electrically conductive material, for example in the form of discs, or even if necessary comprising an elastic member, may be interposed between at least some of the pairs of varistors 100 adjacent. As shown in FIG. 2, once this stack has been produced, two contact pieces 200 are placed respectively on the ends of the stack of varistors.

The geometry of a particular and nonlimiting embodiment of the contact parts 200 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

For the moment, it will simply be noted that the contact pieces 200 preferably comprise an annular groove 210 and a longitudinal bore 250 parallel to the axis 202 of the pieces 200 and which opens on the one hand onto the external surface 206 of the pieces of contact 200 and on the other hand at the bottom of the groove 210. As illustrated in FIG. 2, after having made the stack of varistors 100, a fabric of fibers 310 is placed on the outside of the stack of varistors 100 in contact with the latter.

It is preferably a fabric of fibers 3 10, very preferably of glass fibers, wound around the stack of varistors 100, and on the basis of the two contact parts 200.

More precisely still, it is preferably a fabric of fibers 310 having weft threads and orthogonal warp threads disposed respectively parallel to the axis 102 of the stack of varistors and transversely to this axis.

The fiber fabric 310 typically has 3.5 x 5 mm mesh. The size of these meshes must be adapted to allow the discharge of the arc and / or of the gases created by the arc in the event of a defect in the arrester. Preferably, two ties 320 are tightened on the fiber fabric

310, opposite the aforementioned grooves 210.

More precisely still, preferably, these two links 320, placed in the form of loops in the grooves 210, come from a common ribbon which runs along the stack of varistors 100 on the outside of the fiber fabric 310. This ribbon can be wound in a spiral around the fiber fabric 310 between the two links 320, or even extend in a straight line parallel to the axis of the arrester, on the outside of the fiber fabric 310 between the two links 320, in which case preferably this straight ribbon is placed facing the free edge of the fiber fabric 310. Thus, the ribbon fulfills a function of holding the fiber fabric 310 along the arrester.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a flexible external envelope 400 is disposed on the outside of the varistor stack 100 equipped with the fiber fabric 310. It is preferably, as seen in the appended figures, d 'An outer casing 400 of elastomer, for example silicone, with annular fins. Such external finned envelopes are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described in detail below. In a manner known per se, the annular fins 410 are intended to lengthen the line of flight on the outside of the arrester. Their numbers, profiles and spacings can vary depending on the requirements for resistance to pollution, and of course the nominal voltage of the arrester. It will be noted that such an external envelope 400 provided with annular fins 410 is characterized by zones of greater rigidity, at the level of these fins 410.

Once the external envelope 400 has been put in place, a material capable of impregnating the fabric of fibers 310 is injected into the annular space formed between the stack of varistors 100 and the flexible external envelope 400.

The injected material 350 is preferably an epoxy resin, for example a polyester.

More precisely still, this material is injected via one of the bores 250 formed in a contact part 200, the bore 250 of the other part 200 serving for the evacuation of the air.

Furthermore, ^" preferably, as shown schematically in the figures, care is taken to arrange the bore 250 provided in the other contact piece 200 in a diametrically opposite position relative to the bore 250 serving as a nozzle. injection.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the material 350 is injected in a horizontal position of the stack of varistors 100 or in a slightly inclined position relative to the horizontal, for example of the order of 35 to 45 °. However as a variant, the arrester can be made in a vertical position.

The composite material thus formed by the combination of the fiber fabric 310 and the injected material 350 provides a firm connection between the two contact parts and maintains, by axial stress, good electrical contact between the main faces 104, transverse to the axis. 102, of each pair of adjacent varistors on the one hand, and between the main external faces 104 of the varistors placed at the ends of the stack, and respectively the contact pieces 200, on the other hand.

In addition, the combination of fibers 310 plus injected material 350 in accordance with the present invention has the property, in the event of a defect in the arrester and therefore in case of creation of an electric arc, to allow the "volatilization" of the injected material, while having the fiber fabric 310 which mechanically holds the arrester.

It will be noted that the arrangement of the weft fibers parallel to the axis 102 of the arrester allows that, when a force is applied transversely to the axis 102 on one of the ends of the arrester, some of these fibers work in elongation, while that the other diametrically opposite ones work on compression.

Glass fibers in particular have excellent resistance properties, both in elongation and in compression.

They therefore make it possible to ensure good mechanical resistance of the arrester to bending.

The link 320 can be formed of numerous variants, for example of a ribbon, such as fibers impregnated with resin. The establishment of the links 320 makes it possible to firmly immobilize the fiber fabric 310 in translation on each contact piece 200 and thus to ensure good immobilization in relative translation of the contact pieces 200.

The fiber fabric 310 can be formed from different layers of superimposed fibers.

According to a particular and nonlimiting embodiment, the pitch of the fins 410 is of the order of 24 mm.

The use of an elastomeric envelope 400 divided into flexible zones between two fins 410 and into more rigid zones facing the fins makes it possible to generate, during the injection of the material 350, the following two phenomena.

First of all, the presence of more rigid annular zones on the outer casing 400 leads to a variation in pressure drop which allows the resin 350 injected by the bore 250 to annularly uniform the wetting of the fiber fabric 310. Indeed, the flow of resin 350 causes a deformation of the flexible zones between two fins 410. Thus, if a shift in the progression of the resin 350 takes place, this resin is braked when it arrives on a more rigid annular zone opposite a fin 410, which makes it possible to recover an annular injection vein of substantially constant section. Such a leveling-up occurs with each passage of a fin 410, which prohibits a drift in the flow which would risk entraining an air bubble difficult to evacuate thereafter. In addition, the pressure drop varies continuously as the material 350 progresses, which causes local variations in the deformation of the flexible zone between two fins. This deformation causes a stressing effect on the resin 350 radially towards the inside of the stack of varistors, so that the resin wets the fiber fabric 310 during the injection phase. In addition, such a solicitation also takes place, after injection, of the peristaltic type, when the external envelope 400 pushes the excess fluid during elastic recovery (return to its starting geometry).

During the evacuation of this surplus fluid, it is noted that small bubbles of residual gas can escape from the annular space defined between the stack of varistors and the external envelope 400 by means of the second bore 250 .

It will also be noted that the injection of the material 350 into the hollow of the annular groove 210, as well as the evacuation of resin, at the opposite end of the stack, requires complete wetting of the fibers arranged in this zone, particularly difficult to impregnate since it corresponds to a larger annular section and with a higher concentration of fibers.

In a nonlimiting manner, the injection of polyester material 350 is carried out under a pressure of the order of 2 Bars.

It will also be noted that the arrangements in accordance with the present invention, in particular injection through an external envelope 400 having areas of greater rigidity, allow the following effects:

improvement of the uniformity of the material 350 thanks to the temporary retention resulting from the zones of higher rigidity corresponding to the fins 410, including when the material 350 is obtained by mixing two fluids upstream of the injection site, and

- reduction in the risk of settling of any charges contained in the material 350, for the same reasons. If necessary, it is also injected through one of the bores

250, in the annular space between the outer casing 400 and the stack of varistors 100, a compound such as a silicone resin, making it possible to improve the connection between the injected polyester material and the outer casing 400 of silicone.

According to another variant, a mechanical treatment can be carried out beforehand, for example by abrasion, sanding, etc. from the inside of the outer casing 400 of silicone, see chemical treatment, or the deposition on the internal surface of the envelope 400 of a primer making it possible to ensure a chemical bridging between the silicone material of the envelope 400 and the material 350 injected.

It will also be noted that the present invention makes it possible to produce surge arresters under particularly favorable economic conditions, in particular because all of the manufacturing steps can be carried out without requiring controlled atmospheres.

We will now describe in more detail the contact piece 200 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5 and 6. Preferably, the two contact pieces 200 placed respectively at the ends of the arrester are identical.

Each contact piece 200 is formed from a single metal block having a general symmetry of revolution about an axis 202. In use, this axis 202 is coaxial with the axis 102 of the stack of varistors.

In FIG. 5, the main faces of the contact piece 200 are referenced 204 and 206.

These main faces 204 and 206 are planar and orthogonal to the axis 202.

The main face 204 is based on the use on the main external face 104 of a varistor 100 placed at the end of the stack.

The main face 206 is directed towards the outside of the arrester. The contact piece 200 comprises a cylinder 220 adjacent to the main face 206 and extended in the direction of the main face 204 by a barrel 230 of smaller section.

Preferably, the section of the barrel 230 is equal to the external section of the varistors 100.

Thus, when the contact pieces 200 are placed on the stack of varistors 100, the barrel 230 extends the external surface of the stack.

The abovementioned annular groove 210 is formed in the barrel 230, approximately halfway along the latter.

The bottom 211 of the groove 210 preferably has a polygonal section, for example a hexagonal section, as shown in FIG. 6.

The first side 212 of the groove 210 placed on the side of the main face 204 is preferably plane and perpendicular to the axis 202.

The second flank 213 of the groove 210 placed on the side of the main face 210 is preferably conical centered on the axis 202 and with a concavity directed towards the main face 206.

In addition, helical threads 232 are formed on the outer surface of the barrel 230.

Preferably, the threads 232 extend on either side of the groove 210.

However, the threads 232 are advantageously interrupted before the main face 204. The limit of the threads 232 on the side of the main face 204 is formed by an annular groove 234.

Each contact piece 200 has a blind tapped bore 240 centered on the axis 202 and opening onto the main face 206.

This threaded bore 240 is designed to receive a connecting stud.

The polygonal bottom 21 1 of the groove 210 and the threads 232 form non-symmetrical structures of revolution around the axis 202.

These structures in engagement with the envelope 300 make it possible to prohibit any relative rotation between the contact parts 200 and the envelope 300. Furthermore, the annular grooves 210 in which the ends of the sheet of fabric forming the envelope 300 are engaged make it possible to provide stable translation fixation between said envelope 300 and the contact parts 200. Finally, each part 200 has a bore 250 parallel to the axis

202, which connects the external face 206 and the bottom of the groove 210.

In conclusion, the structure described above and shown in the appended figures makes it possible to obtain perfect rigidity of the arrester, when bending, rotating around the axis 102 of the stack and in relative translation along this axis.

If necessary, it is possible, as a variant, to envisage forming zones of weakness in the external envelope 400.

Alternatively, the arrester according to the present invention can be equipped with a fault signaling device. This device can be placed for example on one end of the arrester.

Such a fault signaling device is designed to visualize the passage of a line current to earth via the arrester, that is to say to visualize the passage of a leakage current through the arrester.

The applicant has already described and represented such a signaling device in his patent application in France FR-A-2 685 533.

For this reason, this fault signaling device will not be described in detail later. It should however be noted that preferably such a fault signaling device comprises:

a stud centered on the axis 102 of the stack of varistors and electrically connected to one of the contact parts 200,

- a low loss current sensor comprising a winding surrounding the stud,

- an electronic circuit comprising:

1. a rectifier bridge whose inputs are connected to the winding and,

2. a capacitor connected to the outputs of the rectifier bridge to integrate the energy of the detected leakage current, - a signaling assembly, for example based on pyrotechnic components, designed to be initiated by the energy integrated in the capacitor.

According to another variant, the fault detector can be based on a principle of increasing the volume of the casing 400 during a short circuit of the surge arrester. Such a detector also known in itself will not be described in more detail below.

The surge arrester according to the present invention offers numerous advantages over known prior lightning arresters. First of all, the present invention allows economical manufacturing.

In addition, the present invention makes it possible to easily adapt the length of the arrester to the nominal voltage of the line to be protected.

The present invention in no way requires the adaptation of any mold.

The present invention makes it possible to avoid any layer of air or gas inclusion at the interface between the stack of varistors 100 and the casing 400, and consequently makes it possible to avoid any surface discharge at this level. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which has just been described, but extends to any variant in accordance with its spirit.

Thus, for example, it is possible to use a fabric 310 of fibers pre¬ impregnated with a resin, placed on the outside of the stack of varistors 100 before injecting the material 350 into the annular space formed between the stack of varistors 100 and the flexible external envelope 400.

According to a variant, each bore 250 can be closed for example using a plug or putty, in order to perfect the sealing of the arrester, once the material injection operation 350 has been completed.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, provision may be made to place a film impermeable to the resin 350 injected, around the stack of varistors 100 before the injection step. Such a film makes it possible to avoid the penetration of resin between two varistors 100. Such a film can be installed only at each interface between two adjacent varistors 100 as well as between the end varistors and the contact parts 200, or even cover in one piece the entire active part formed by the stack of varistors 100.

According to another variant, it is possible to provide contact pieces 200 having several bores 250 to ensure both the injection of the material 350 and the evacuation of the annular space formed between the stack of varistors 100 and the flexible external envelope 400 .

Claims

1. Method for manufacturing a lightning arrester of the type comprising the steps which consist in: - stacking varistors (100), and

- forming an envelope (300) of composite material on the stack of varistors (100), characterized in that the step of forming an envelope of composite material (300) consists in: - placing a fabric (310) fibers on the outside of the stack of varistors (100), in contact with the latter,

- placing a flexible external envelope (400) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100), and

- injecting a material (350) capable of impregnating the fabric with fibers (310), in the annular space formed between the stack of varistors (100) and the flexible external envelope (400).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the external envelope (400) is an envelope with annular fins (410) having zones of greater rigidity at the level of the fins (410).

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the injection of impregnation material (350) is carried out through contact pieces (200) placed on the ends of the stack of varistors (200).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the impregnation material (350) is a thermoplastic material, preferably an epoxy resin, such as polyester.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that an injection of impregnation material (350) is carried out by means of at least one bore (250) formed in a contact part (200) provided on a first end of the stack of varistors (100), the contact piece (200) provided on the second end of the stack of varistors (100) having at least one bore (250) homologous for the exhaust of the air contained before injection into said annular space and, if necessary, a flow of impregnation material, which bore provided in the second contact part (200) is preferably diametrically opposite with respect to the injection bore.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises the step consisting in operating beforehand a treatment of the internal surface of the flexible external envelope (400), for example a mechanical treatment, chemical treatment, or the deposition of a primer, making it possible to ensure chemical bridging between the material of the flexible external envelope (400) and the material (350) injected.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the impregnation material (350) comprises a compound capable of strengthening the bond between the thermoplastic material (350) injected and the outer envelope (400) .

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer envelope (400) is made of elastomer, preferably silicone.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bores (250) formed in the contact parts of the end (200) to ensure the injection open into an annular groove (210) provided on these contact parts (200).

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fiber fabrics (310) have fibers parallel to the axis (102) of the stack of varistors and fibers transverse to this axis.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the fiber fabric (310) has meshes of the order of 3.5 x 5 mm.

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the fabric (3 10) of fibers, placed on the outside of the stack of varistors (100) before operating the injection of material (350) in the annular space formed between the stack of varistors (100) and the flexible external envelope (400) is a fabric pre-impregnated with resin.

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises the step of closing each injection bore (250), for example using a plug or the putty, in order to perfect the sealing of the arrester, once the material injection operation (350) has been completed.

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises the step of placing two links (320), in the form of loops in grooves (210) formed in parts of contact (200) provided on the ends of the stack of varistors (100), on the outside of the fiber fabric (310), to maintain the latter.

15. The method of claim 14, characterized in that the two links (320) come from a common ribbon which travels along the stack of varistors (100) on the outside of the fiber fabric (310).

16. The method of claim 15, characterized in that the ribbon is wound in a spiral around the fiber fabric (310) between the two links (320).

17. The method of claim 16, characterized in that the ribbon extends in a rectilinear manner parallel to the axis of the arrester, on the outside of the fiber fabric (310) between the two links (320), preferably facing the free edge of the fiber fabric (310).

18. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises the step of placing a film impervious to the resin (350) injected, around the stack of varistors (100) before the injection stage.

19. Lightning arrester obtained by implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 18.

20. Lightning arrester according to claim 19, characterized in that the lightning arrester comprises:

- a stack of varistors (100),

- a flexible outer casing (400), and - an inner casing (300) made of composite material formed on the stack of varistors by injection into the annular space formed between this stack of varistors (100) and the outer casing (400), a material (350) capable of impregnating a fabric of fibers (310) placed on said stack.