EP1190429B1 - Self-recovering current-limiting device containing liquid metal - Google Patents

Self-recovering current-limiting device containing liquid metal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1190429B1
EP1190429B1 EP00929559A EP00929559A EP1190429B1 EP 1190429 B1 EP1190429 B1 EP 1190429B1 EP 00929559 A EP00929559 A EP 00929559A EP 00929559 A EP00929559 A EP 00929559A EP 1190429 B1 EP1190429 B1 EP 1190429B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
limiting device
self
recovering current
current
electrodes
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EP00929559A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1190429A1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Kremers
Frank Berger
Andreas Krätzschmar
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Eaton Industries GmbH
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Moeller GmbH
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H87/00Protective devices in which a current flowing through a liquid or solid is interrupted by the evaporation of the liquid or by the melting and evaporation of the solid when the current becomes excessive, the circuit continuity being reestablished on cooling

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a self-recovering current limiting device Liquid metal, the electrodes made of solid metal for connection to an external one circuit to be protected and several circuits partially filled with liquid metal, compressor rooms located one behind the other between the electrodes, with pressure-resistant insulating bodies and insulating partition walls Connection channels are formed contains.
  • SU 922 911 A is a single-pole self-recovering current limiting device known, which contains two electrodes made of solid metal, separated by the first insulating body designed as a pressure-resistant insulating housing are. Inside the insulating housing are through insulating partitions and interposed second insulating body, which as an annular Sealing disks are designed, one after the other, partially filled with liquid metal lying compressor rooms formed with each other with Liquid metal filled, eccentric circular connection channels the partitions are connected. So there is in normal operation a continuous internal conductive connection between the liquid metal the electrodes. In the current limitation case, due to the high current density displaces the liquid metal from the connecting channels.
  • connection channels fill up again Liquid metal, whereupon the current limiting device is ready for operation again is.
  • the partition walls have to cope with the increase in pressure when vaporization occurs Liquid metal had and are made of high quality ceramic material with a high temperature resistance and an arcing effect high erosion resistance.
  • Liquid metal had and are made of high quality ceramic material with a high temperature resistance and an arcing effect high erosion resistance.
  • the connecting channels are more adjacent Partitions offset from each other. It is after Document DE 26 52 506 A1 known, gallium alloys in contact devices, in particular to use GaInSn alloys.
  • the known current limiting devices are with current-conducting connection channels circular cross-section.
  • the once specified determined unchangeable opening cross-section of the connecting channels essentially the nominal current carrying capacity of the current limiting device.
  • a current limiting device is only ex works suitable for a single nominal current range.
  • Problems also occur at the sealing joints between the connected insulating bodies.
  • the creeping ability of liquid metals high demands on the tightness of the current limiting devices.
  • the known current limiting devices by a partially intensive construction and a high installation effort.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of a current limiting device specify the inexpensive to manufacture and with simple means can be set to a desired nominal current range.
  • the current limiting device according to the invention requires only a few Parts, namely two electrodes, a two-part serving as an insulating body Molded housing and means known per se for connecting the lower part and covers, such as screw, clamp, adhesive, welded or press connections. This means that the effort for provision, assembly and considerably reduced for sealing the remaining parts.
  • the creep of Liquid metal is no longer a problem.
  • Lid and base included Partitions are made of heat-resistant material, for example heat-resistant Thermoplastic or thermoset, mica or ceramic.
  • the open to the top, Connection channels designed as elongated holes allow problem-free Demoulding of the lower part from the mold.
  • the current limiting device By filling A certain amount of liquid metal is used in the horizontal position the current limiting device a certain partial cross section of the filled Connection channels as a current-conducting cross-section and thus the nominal current range established.
  • the nominal current carrying capacity increases with the level.
  • the fill level can be determined, adjusted or by the manufacturer or user to be changed. This allows an optimal adaptation to circumstances of the systems to be protected with a minimum number of sizes one Type range of current limiting devices.
  • each of the partitions assigned connection channels leads to a meandering current path and to an arc elongation in the event of a current limitation.
  • sealants preferably as a molded or molded seal or seals can be executed.
  • the electrodes can be easily removed using means known per se Store in the lower part and fix with the assembly of the cover. It diminishes the assembly effort when the electrodes are fixed in the lower part, preferably simultaneously with the shaping process of the lower part. A full area Covering the corresponding inner surfaces by the electrodes facilitated their fixation and serves the stability of the current limiting device.
  • a reclosable filling opening at a suitable point on the molded housing enables the current limiting device in a simple manner to be filled, refilled or filled with liquid metal at the factory or by the customer adjust their fill level to the required nominal current range.
  • GalnSn alloys are easy to use as the liquid metal handle due to their physiological safety.
  • An alloy of 660 parts by weight of gallium, 205 parts by weight of indium and 135 parts by weight Tin is liquid at normal pressure from 10 ° C to 2000 ° C and has adequate electrical conductivity.
  • the current limiting device described above as a single-pole device can advantageously be arranged side by side of the same type of current limiting devices expand to a multi-pole device.
  • a such a multi-pole current limiting device expediently has over a common lower part with each other according to the number of poles current paths isolated from one another and / or via a common one Cover.
  • the self-recovering current limiting device 1 with liquid metal 3 after Fig. 1 to 5 is designed three-pole and serves to protect a three-phase system.
  • the current limiting device 1 is in the form of a molded housing 5 trained insulating body enclosed.
  • the molded housing 5 consists of three identical trough-like lower parts 7 arranged close to one another and a common lid 9.
  • the lower parts 7 are assembled State of the cover 9 via non-positive and / or positive connection means, for example comprehensive clamping devices in the form of clamping rails, Clamping screws and clamping nuts, closed, one on the underside of the lid 9 sprayed on sealant 11 for the necessary Ensures tightness of the molded housing 5 inwards and outwards.
  • the lanyard are not shown for reasons of clarity.
  • Per pole are two electrodes 13 each made of copper in the associated lower part 7 stored.
  • the electrodes 13 are to be connected to an external one to be protected Circuit each provided with a connecting conductor 15, the side protrudes from the molded housing 5.
  • the lower parts 7 are arranged transversely Partitions 17 divided into compressor rooms 19.
  • the partition walls 17th are formed in one piece with the respective lower part 7.
  • a connecting channel 21 is formed which, with the cover 9 removed is open at the top.
  • Compressor rooms 17 are up to a certain height with liquid metal 3, e.g. filled with a GaInSn alloy.
  • each lower part 7 has the same height Outer walls 23, 24 and partition walls 17. Thus each lower part is 7th both over its four outer walls 23, 24 and over the partition walls 17 tightly connected to the lid 9.
  • the fill level of the liquid metal 3 and the fill level of the liquid metal 3, i.e. conductive cross section of the connecting channels 21 in an almost linear Context. 6 are partition walls 18 provided, the inner edges 26 of which extend in the manner of one another, that the connecting channels 22 formed in this way differ according to their widen open end considerably. This increases with the filling level of the liquid metal 3, the conductive cross section in the connecting channels 22 more than the increase in fill level.
  • the invention can be designed in such a way that the electrodes at the shape of the lower parts can be molded into them at the same time. Furthermore, each in the lower parts, preferably in the lower area a reclosable filler opening for the liquid metal is provided be caused by the additional or excess amounts of liquid metal can be added or removed.

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  • Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
  • Prevention Of Electric Corrosion (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Fuses (AREA)

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical field

Die Erfindung betrifft eine selbsterholende Strombegrenzungseinrichtung mit Flüssigmetall, die Elektroden aus Festmetall zum Anschließen an einen äußeren zu schützenden Stromkreis und mehrere mit Flüssigmetall teilweise aufgefüllte, zwischen den Elektroden hintereinander liegende Verdichterräume, die durch druckfeste Isolierkörper und durch isolierende Zwischenwände mit Verbindungskanälen gebildet werden, enthält.The invention relates to a self-recovering current limiting device Liquid metal, the electrodes made of solid metal for connection to an external one circuit to be protected and several circuits partially filled with liquid metal, compressor rooms located one behind the other between the electrodes, with pressure-resistant insulating bodies and insulating partition walls Connection channels are formed contains.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Aus der Druckschrift SU 922 911 A ist eine einpolige selbsterholende Strombegrenzungseinrichtung bekannt, die zwei Elektroden aus Festmetall enthält, die durch als druckfestes Isoliergehäuse ausgebildete erste Isolierkörper getrennt sind. Innerhalb des Isoliergehäuses sind durch isolierende Zwischenwände und dazwischen angeordnete zweite Isolierkörper, die als ringförmige Dichtscheiben ausgeführt sind, mit Flüssigmetall teilweise aufgefüllte, hintereinander liegende Verdichterräume ausgebildet, die untereinander über mit Flüssigmetall ausgefüllte, außermittig angeordnete, kreisförmige Verbindungskanäle der Zwischenwände verbunden sind. Damit besteht im Normalbetrieb über das Flüssigmetall eine durchgehende innere leitende Verbindung zwischen den Elektroden. Im Strombegrenzungsfall wird infolge der hohen Stromdichte das Flüssigmetall aus den Verbindungskanälen verdrängt. Damit ist die elektrische Verbindung der Elektroden über das Flüssigmetall unterbrochen, was zur Begrenzung des Kurzschlussstromes führt. Nach Abschaltung oder Beseitigung des Kurzschlusses füllen sich die Verbindungskanäle wieder mit Flüssigmetall, worauf die Strombegrenzungseinrichtung erneut betriebsbereit ist. Die Zwischenwände müssen dem Druckanstieg bei Verdampfung von Flüssigmetall standhatten und bestehen aus hochwertigem keramischem Material mit einer hohen Temperaturfestigkeit und einer gegenüber Lichtbogenwirkung hohen Abbrandfestigkeit. In der Druckschrift DE 40 12 385 A1 wird eine Strombegrenzungseinrichtung mit nur einem Verdichterraum beschrieben und als Medium über dem Flüssigkeitsspiegel Vakuum, Schutzgas oder eine isolierende Flüssigkeit erwähnt. Zur Verbesserung der Begrenzungseigenschaften sind nach Druckschrift SU 1 076 981 A die Verbindungskanäle benachbarter Zwischenwände gegeneinander versetzt angeordnet. Es ist nach Druckschrift DE 26 52 506 A1 bekannt, bei Kontakteinrichtungen Gallium-Legierungen, insbesondere GaInSn-Legierungen zu verwenden.From the publication SU 922 911 A is a single-pole self-recovering current limiting device known, which contains two electrodes made of solid metal, separated by the first insulating body designed as a pressure-resistant insulating housing are. Inside the insulating housing are through insulating partitions and interposed second insulating body, which as an annular Sealing disks are designed, one after the other, partially filled with liquid metal lying compressor rooms formed with each other with Liquid metal filled, eccentric circular connection channels the partitions are connected. So there is in normal operation a continuous internal conductive connection between the liquid metal the electrodes. In the current limitation case, due to the high current density displaces the liquid metal from the connecting channels. So that's it electrical connection of the electrodes interrupted via the liquid metal, which leads to the limitation of the short-circuit current. After shutdown or Eliminating the short circuit, the connection channels fill up again Liquid metal, whereupon the current limiting device is ready for operation again is. The partition walls have to cope with the increase in pressure when vaporization occurs Liquid metal had and are made of high quality ceramic material with a high temperature resistance and an arcing effect high erosion resistance. In the document DE 40 12 385 A1 described a current limiting device with only one compressor chamber and as a medium above the liquid level vacuum, protective gas or a insulating liquid mentioned. To improve the boundary properties according to publication SU 1 076 981 A, the connecting channels are more adjacent Partitions offset from each other. It is after Document DE 26 52 506 A1 known, gallium alloys in contact devices, in particular to use GaInSn alloys.

Die bekannten Strombegrenzungseinrichtungen sind mit stromleitenden Verbindungskanälen kreisförmigen Querschnitts ausgestattet. Der einmal vorgegebene, nicht veränderbare Öffnungsquerschnitt der Verbindungskanäle bestimmt im wesentlichen Maße die Nennstromtragfähigkeit der Strombegrenzungseinrichtung. Somit ist eine Strombegrenzungseinrichtung ab Werk nur für einen einzigen Nennstrombereich tauglich. Anwenderseitig besteht keine Möglichkeit, die Strombegrenzungseinrichtung für einen höheren oder niedrigeren Nennstrombereich umzustellen. Bei den bekannten Strombegrenzungseinrichtungen treten außerdem Probleme an den Dichtfugen zwischen den verbundenen Isolierkörpern auf. Die Kriechfähigkeit von Flüssigmetalten stellt an die Dichtigkeit der Strombegrenzungseinrichtungen hohe Anforderungen. Weiterhin sind die bekannten Strombegrenzungseinrichtungen durch einen teileintensiven Aufbau und einen hohen Montageaufwand gekennzeichnet.The known current limiting devices are with current-conducting connection channels circular cross-section. The once specified determined unchangeable opening cross-section of the connecting channels essentially the nominal current carrying capacity of the current limiting device. Thus, a current limiting device is only ex works suitable for a single nominal current range. There is no user Possibility to use the current limiting device for a higher or lower To convert the nominal current range. In the known current limiting devices Problems also occur at the sealing joints between the connected insulating bodies. The creeping ability of liquid metals high demands on the tightness of the current limiting devices. Furthermore, the known current limiting devices by a partially intensive construction and a high installation effort.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Strombegrenzungseinrichtung anzugeben, die kostengünstig herzustellen und mit einfachen Mitteln auf einen gewünschten Nennstrombereich eingestellt werden kann. The invention is therefore based on the object of a current limiting device specify the inexpensive to manufacture and with simple means can be set to a desired nominal current range.

Ausgehend von einer Strombegrenzungseinrichtung der eingangs genannten Art wird die Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale des unabhängigen Anspruches gelöst, während den abhängigen Ansprüchen vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung zu entnehmen sind.Starting from a current limiting device of the type mentioned According to the invention, the task is characterized by the characterizing features of the independent claim solved, while the dependent claims advantageous developments of the invention can be found.

Die erfindungsgemäße Strombegrenzungseinrichtung erfordert nur noch wenige Teile, nämlich zwei Elektroden, ein als Isolierkörper dienendes zweiteiliges Formgehäuse sowie an sich bekannte Mittel zum Verbinden von Unterteil und Deckel, wie Schraub-, Klemm-, Kleb-, Schweiß- oder Pressverbindungen. Damit wird gleichermaßen der Aufwand zur Bereitstellung, zur Montage und zum Abdichten der verbliebenen Teile erheblich reduziert. Das Kriechen von Flüssigmetall stellt kein Problem mehr dar. Deckel und Unterteil einschließlich Zwischenwände bestehen aus hitzebeständigem Material, beispielsweise hitzefestem Thermo- oder Duroplast, Glimmer oder Keramik. Die nach oben offenen, als Langlöcher ausgebildeten Verbindungskanäle erlauben eine problemlose Entformung des Unterteils aus dem Formwerkzeug. Durch Einfüllen einer bestimmten Menge Flüssigmetall wird in der horizontalen Gebrauchslage der Strombegrenzungseinrichtung ein bestimmter Teilquerschnitt der ausgefüllten Verbindungskanäle als stromleitender Querschnitt und damit der Nennstrombereich festgelegt. Die Nennstromtragfähigkeit steigt mit der Füllhöhe. Die Füllhöhe kann hersteller- oder anwenderseitig bestimmt, angepasst oder verändert werden. Das gestattet eine optimale Anpassung an Gegebenheiten der zu schützenden Anlagen mit eine minimalen Anzahl von Baugrößen einer Typenreihe von Strombegrenzungseinrichtungen.The current limiting device according to the invention requires only a few Parts, namely two electrodes, a two-part serving as an insulating body Molded housing and means known per se for connecting the lower part and covers, such as screw, clamp, adhesive, welded or press connections. This means that the effort for provision, assembly and considerably reduced for sealing the remaining parts. The creep of Liquid metal is no longer a problem. Lid and base included Partitions are made of heat-resistant material, for example heat-resistant Thermoplastic or thermoset, mica or ceramic. The open to the top, Connection channels designed as elongated holes allow problem-free Demoulding of the lower part from the mold. By filling A certain amount of liquid metal is used in the horizontal position the current limiting device a certain partial cross section of the filled Connection channels as a current-conducting cross-section and thus the nominal current range established. The nominal current carrying capacity increases with the level. The fill level can be determined, adjusted or by the manufacturer or user to be changed. This allows an optimal adaptation to circumstances of the systems to be protected with a minimum number of sizes one Type range of current limiting devices.

Die wechselnd versetzte Anordnung der jeweils einem der Zwischenwände zugeordneten Verbindungskanäle führt zu einem mäanderförmigen Strompfad und zu einer Lichtbogenlängung im Strombegrenzungsfall.The alternating staggered arrangement of each of the partitions assigned connection channels leads to a meandering current path and to an arc elongation in the event of a current limitation.

Es dient der mechanischen Stabilität, wenn sowohl die Außenwände als auch die Zwischenwände dicht mit dem Deckel verbunden sind, in vorteilhafter Weise bei gleichen Wandhöhen. Es empfiehlt sich die Verwendung von Dichtmitteln, die vorzugsweise als gespritzte oder geformte Dichtung bzw. Dichtungen ausgeführt sein können.It serves for mechanical stability when both the outer walls as well the partitions are tightly connected to the lid, advantageously with the same wall heights. It is recommended to use sealants, preferably as a molded or molded seal or seals can be executed.

Um eine leichte Entformbarkeit des Unterteil aus dem Formwerkzeug zu gewährleisten, ist es zweckmäßig, die entsprechenden Kanten und Wandflächen leicht schräg zu stellen.To ensure that the lower part can be easily removed from the mold, it is appropriate to have the appropriate edges and wall surfaces slightly inclined.

Bei Verbindungskanälen mit der üblichen Langlochform besteht eine lineare Abhängigkeit zwischen Füllhöhe der Flüssigmetall und stromleitendem Querschnitt. Dagegen ist diese Abhängigkeit bei einer sich deutlich nach oben konisch weitenden Langlochform progressiv, was für eine deutliche Ausweitung der Nennstrombereiche genutzt werden kann.There is a linear connection channel with the usual elongated hole shape Dependence between the level of the liquid metal and the current-carrying cross section. On the other hand, this dependency is conical with a clearly upward widening elongated hole shape progressively, what a significant expansion the nominal current ranges can be used.

Die Elektroden lassen sich ein einfacher Weise mit an sich bekannten Mitteln im Unterteil lagern und mit der Montage des Deckels festlegen. Es verringert den Montageaufwand, wenn die Elektroden im Unterteil fixiert sind, vorzugsweise gleichzeitig mit dem Formgebungsprozess des Unterteils. Eine vollflächige Abdeckung der entsprechenden Innenflächen durch die Elektroden erleichtert deren Fixierung und dient der Stabilität der Strombegrenzungseinrichtung.The electrodes can be easily removed using means known per se Store in the lower part and fix with the assembly of the cover. It diminishes the assembly effort when the electrodes are fixed in the lower part, preferably simultaneously with the shaping process of the lower part. A full area Covering the corresponding inner surfaces by the electrodes facilitated their fixation and serves the stability of the current limiting device.

Eine wieder verschließbare Einfüllöffnung an geeigneter Stelle des Formgehäuses ermöglicht es in einfacher Weise, die Strombegrenzungseinrichtung werks- oder kundenseitig mit Flüssigmetall zu füllen, umzufüllen oder bezüglich ihrer Füllhöhe an den erforderlichen Nennstrombereich anzupassen. GalnSn-Legierungen als zu verwendendes Flüssigmetall sind einfach zu handhaben durch ihre physiologische Unbedenklichkeit. Eine Legierung aus 660 Gewichtsanteilen Gallium, 205 Gewichtsanteilen Indium und 135 Gewichtsanteilen Zinn ist bei Normaldruck von 10°C bis 2000°C flüssig und besitzt eine ausreichende elektrische Leitfähigkeit.A reclosable filling opening at a suitable point on the molded housing enables the current limiting device in a simple manner to be filled, refilled or filled with liquid metal at the factory or by the customer adjust their fill level to the required nominal current range. GalnSn alloys are easy to use as the liquid metal handle due to their physiological safety. An alloy of 660 parts by weight of gallium, 205 parts by weight of indium and 135 parts by weight Tin is liquid at normal pressure from 10 ° C to 2000 ° C and has adequate electrical conductivity.

Die vorstehend als einpolige Einrichtung beschriebene Strombegrenzungseinrichtung lässt sich vorteilhaft durch Nebeneinanderreihen gleichartiger Strombegrenzungseinrichtungen zu einer mehrpoligen Einrichtung erweitern. Eine derartige mehrpolige Strombegrenzungseinrichtung verfügt zweckmäßigerweise über ein gemeinsames Unterteil mit voneinander entsprechend der Polzahl voneinander isolierten Strombahnen und bzw. oder über einen gemeinsamen Deckel.The current limiting device described above as a single-pole device can advantageously be arranged side by side of the same type of current limiting devices expand to a multi-pole device. A such a multi-pole current limiting device expediently has over a common lower part with each other according to the number of poles current paths isolated from one another and / or via a common one Cover.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Weitere Einzelheiten und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus dem folgenden, anhand von Figuren erläuterten Ausführungsbeispiel. Es zeigen

Figur 1:
eine perspektivische, teilweise auseinandergezogene Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Strombegrenzungseinrichtung;
Figur 2:
die Draufsicht der Strombegrenzungseinrichtung nach Fig. 1 bei entferntem Deckel;
Figur 3:
den Längsschnitt A-A nach Fig. 2;
Figur 4:
den Querschnitt B-B nach Fig. 2;
Figur 5:
den gegenüber letzterem versetzten Querschnitt C-C nach Fig. 2;
Figur 6:
den Querschnitt B-B nach Fig. 2 für eine Ausführungsvariante der Strombegrenzungseinrichtung nach Fig. 1.
Further details and advantages of the invention result from the following exemplary embodiment explained with reference to figures. Show it
Figure 1:
a perspective, partially exploded view of a current limiting device according to the invention;
Figure 2:
the top view of the current limiting device of Figure 1 with the cover removed.
Figure 3:
the longitudinal section AA of FIG. 2;
Figure 4:
the cross section BB of FIG. 2;
Figure 5:
the offset CC in relation to the latter according to FIG. 2;
Figure 6:
2 shows the cross section BB according to FIG. 2 for an embodiment variant of the current limiting device according to FIG. 1.

Bester Weg zur Ausführung der ErfindungBest way to carry out the invention

Die selbsterholende Strombegrenzungseinrichtung 1 mit Flüssigmetall 3 nach Fig. 1 bis 5 ist dreipolig ausgeführt und dient zum Schutz einer Drehstromanlage. Die Strombegrenzungseinrichtung 1 wird von einem als Formgehäuse 5 ausgebildeten Isolierkörper umschlossen. Das Formgehäuse 5 besteht aus drei gleichen, dicht nebeneinander angeordneten wannenartigen Unterteilen 7 und einem gemeinsamen Deckel 9. Die Unterteile 7 werden im zusammengebauten Zustand von dem Deckel 9 über kraft- und/oder formschlüssige Verbindungsmittel, beispielsweise übergreifende Spannmittel in Form von Spannschienen, Spannschrauben und Spannmuttern, verschlossen, wobei ein auf der Unterseite des Deckels 9 aufgespritztes Dichtmittel 11 für die notwendige Dichtheit des Formgehäuses 5 nach innen und außen sorgt. Die Verbindungsmittel sind aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit nicht dargestellt. Pro Pol sind jeweils zwei Elektroden 13 aus Kupfer in dem zugehörigen Unterteil 7 gelagert. Die Elektroden 13 sind zum Anschließen an einen äußeren zu schützenden Stromkreis jeweils mit einem Anschlussleiter 15 versehen, der seitlich aus dem Formgehäuse 5 ragt. Die Unterteile 7 sind durch quer angeordnete Zwischenwände 17 in Verdichterräume 19 unterteilt. Die Zwischenwände 17 sind einteilig mit dem jeweiligen Unterteil 7 ausgeformt. In jeder Zwischenwand 17 ist ein Verbindungskanal 21 ausgebildet, der bei entferntem Deckel 9 nach oben offen ist. Die in jeweils einem Unterteil 7 hintereinander liegenden Verdichterräume 17 sind bis zu einer gewissen Höhe mit Flüssigmetall 3, z.B. einer GaInSn-Legierung aufgefüllt. Je nach Füllhöhe des Flüssigmetalls 3 sind auch die Verbindungskanäle 21 zu einem gewissen Teil ausgefüllt, so dass unter Nennstrombedingungen über das Flüssigmetall 3 ein durchgehender Strompfad zwischen den Elektroden 13 besteht. Der für den Nennstrombereich entscheidende, vom Flüssigmetall 3 erfüllte Querschnitt wird durch die Füllhöhe des Flüssigmetalls 3 bestimmt. Die Verbindungskanäle 21 benachbarter Zwischenwände 17 sind zueinander versetzt angeordnet, so dass sich ein mäanderförmiger Strompfad ergibt. Die Unterteile 7 weisen gleichhohe Außenwände 23, 24 und Zwischenwände 17 auf. Somit ist jedes Unterteil 7 sowohl über seine vier Außenwände 23, 24 als auch über die Zwischenwände 17 mit dem Deckel 9 dicht verbunden.The self-recovering current limiting device 1 with liquid metal 3 after Fig. 1 to 5 is designed three-pole and serves to protect a three-phase system. The current limiting device 1 is in the form of a molded housing 5 trained insulating body enclosed. The molded housing 5 consists of three identical trough-like lower parts 7 arranged close to one another and a common lid 9. The lower parts 7 are assembled State of the cover 9 via non-positive and / or positive connection means, for example comprehensive clamping devices in the form of clamping rails, Clamping screws and clamping nuts, closed, one on the underside of the lid 9 sprayed on sealant 11 for the necessary Ensures tightness of the molded housing 5 inwards and outwards. The lanyard are not shown for reasons of clarity. Per pole are two electrodes 13 each made of copper in the associated lower part 7 stored. The electrodes 13 are to be connected to an external one to be protected Circuit each provided with a connecting conductor 15, the side protrudes from the molded housing 5. The lower parts 7 are arranged transversely Partitions 17 divided into compressor rooms 19. The partition walls 17th are formed in one piece with the respective lower part 7. In every partition 17 a connecting channel 21 is formed which, with the cover 9 removed is open at the top. The one behind the other in a lower part 7 Compressor rooms 17 are up to a certain height with liquid metal 3, e.g. filled with a GaInSn alloy. Depending on the fill level of the liquid metal 3 are also some of the connecting channels 21 are filled, so that under nominal current conditions over the liquid metal 3 a continuous Current path between the electrodes 13 exists. The one for the nominal current range decisive cross-section filled with liquid metal 3 is the Filling level of the liquid metal 3 determined. The connecting channels 21 adjacent Partitions 17 are arranged offset from one another, so that a meandering current path results. The lower parts 7 have the same height Outer walls 23, 24 and partition walls 17. Thus each lower part is 7th both over its four outer walls 23, 24 and over the partition walls 17 tightly connected to the lid 9.

Damit die Unterteile 7 nach ihrer formgebenden Bearbeitung leicht aus ihrem Formwerkzeug entfernt werden können, sind die Zwischenwände 17 und die Außenwände 23, 24 entsprechend gestaltet. Danach sind die Innenkanten 25 der Verbindungskanäle 21 leicht schräg nach außen und die Wandflächen 27 der Zwischenwände 17 leicht schräg zum Inneren der Zwischenwände 17 gestellt. Außerdem weisen die Außenwände 23 und 24 leicht nach außen gestellte Innenflächen 29 bzw. 30 auf. Die gegenüberliegenden Innenflächen 30 werden von den Elektroden 13 vollständig abgedeckt. So that the lower parts 7 easily after their shaping processing The mold can be removed, the partitions 17 and Exterior walls 23, 24 designed accordingly. After that, the inner edges are 25 the connecting channels 21 slightly obliquely outwards and the wall surfaces 27 of the partitions 17 placed slightly obliquely to the interior of the partitions 17. In addition, the outer walls 23 and 24 face slightly outwards Inner surfaces 29 and 30 respectively. The opposite inner surfaces 30 are completely covered by the electrodes 13.

Bei der mittels Fig. 1 bis 5 beschriebenen Strombegrenzungseinrichtung 1 stehen die Füllhöhe des Flüssigmetalls 3 und der vom Flüssigmetall 3 erfüllte, d.h. leitende Querschnitt der Verbindungskanäle 21 in einem nahezu linearen Zusammenhang. Bei der Ausführungsvariante nach Fig. 6 sind Zwischenwände 18 vorgesehen, deren Innenkanten 26 in der Weise zueinander verlaufen, dass sich die dadurch gebildeten Verbindungskanäle 22 nach ihrem offenen Ende hin erheblich aufweiten. Dadurch nimmt bei steigender Füllhöhe des Flüssigmetalls 3 der leitende Querschnitt in den Verbindungskanälen 22 stärker zu als der Anstieg der Füllhöhe.In the current limiting device 1 described by means of FIGS. 1 to 5 are the fill level of the liquid metal 3 and the fill level of the liquid metal 3, i.e. conductive cross section of the connecting channels 21 in an almost linear Context. 6 are partition walls 18 provided, the inner edges 26 of which extend in the manner of one another, that the connecting channels 22 formed in this way differ according to their widen open end considerably. This increases with the filling level of the liquid metal 3, the conductive cross section in the connecting channels 22 more than the increase in fill level.

Die Erfindung lässt sich dahingehend ausgestalten, dass die Elektroden bei der Formgebung der Unterteile gleichzeitig mit in diesen eingeformt werden. Weiterhin kann in den Unterteilen, vorzugsweise im unteren Bereich, jeweils eine wieder verschließbare Einfüllöffnung für das Flüssigmetall vorgesehen werden, durch die ebenso zusätzliche oder überschüssige Mengen von Flüssigmetall hinzugefügt bzw. entfernt werden können.The invention can be designed in such a way that the electrodes at the shape of the lower parts can be molded into them at the same time. Furthermore, each in the lower parts, preferably in the lower area a reclosable filler opening for the liquid metal is provided be caused by the additional or excess amounts of liquid metal can be added or removed.

Claims (16)

  1. Self-recovering current-limiting device with liquid metal, comprising
    electrodes (13) of solid metal for connecting to an external circuit to be protected and
    a number of compression spaces (19) which are partially filled with liquid metal (3) and lie one behind the other between the electrodes (13),
    which compression spaces are formed by pressure-resistant insulating bodies and by insulating partitioning walls (17; 18) with connecting channels (21; 22),
    characterized in that
    an enclosing shaped insulating housing (5) comprises a trough-shaped lower part (7) and a cover (9) tightly closing the said lower part by nonpositive and or positive connecting means,
    the partitioning walls (17; 18) are connected to the lower part (7) as one piece,
    the connecting channels (21; 22) are formed as longitudinal holes which are open at the top and
    the electrodes (13) are mounted in the lower part (7).
  2. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to Claim 1, characterized in that each partitioning wall (17; 18) is respectively assigned a connecting channel (21; 22) and the connecting channels (21; 22) of adjacent partitioning walls (17; 18) are arranged laterally offset in relation to one another.
  3. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (7) is tightly connected to the cover (9) both by its outer walls (23; 24) and by the partitioning walls (17; 18).
  4. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by outer walls (23; 24) and partitioning walls (17; 18) of the same height.
  5. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (7) and the cover (9) are connected by sealing means (11).
  6. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized by inner edges (25) of the connecting channels (21) slightly slanted outwards.
  7. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized by inner edges (26) of the connecting channels (22) substantially widening upwards.
  8. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by wall surfaces (27) of the partitioning walls (17; 18) slightly slanted inwards.
  9. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by inner surfaces (29; 30) of the outer walls (23; 24) slightly slanted outwards.
  10. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrodes (13) are fixed in the lower part (7) and reach outwards with a connecting conductor (15) in each case.
  11. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lower part is formed around at least the connecting conductors of the electrodes.
  12. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrodes (13) completely cover the corresponding opposite inner surfaces (30) of the lower part (7).
  13. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a closable filling opening in the shaped housing.
  14. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a GaInSn alloy as the liquid metal (3).
  15. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a number of laterally connected identical poles.
  16. Self-recovering current-limiting device according to the preceding claim, characterized by a common lower part (7) and/or a common cover (9).
EP00929559A 1999-06-15 2000-05-26 Self-recovering current-limiting device containing liquid metal Expired - Lifetime EP1190429B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19927065A DE19927065A1 (en) 1999-06-15 1999-06-15 Self-recovering current limiting device with liquid metal
DE19927065 1999-06-15
PCT/EP2000/004818 WO2000077811A1 (en) 1999-06-15 2000-05-26 Self-recovering current-limiting device containing liquid metal

Publications (2)

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EP1190429A1 EP1190429A1 (en) 2002-03-27
EP1190429B1 true EP1190429B1 (en) 2004-06-23

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US (1) US6603384B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1190429B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3643077B2 (en)
DE (2) DE19927065A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000077811A1 (en)

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JP5050265B2 (en) * 2007-11-09 2012-10-17 国立大学法人九州工業大学 Self-healing current limiting fuse
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CN108963998B (en) * 2018-06-05 2022-04-15 中国电力科学研究院有限公司 Rotary liquid metal current limiter

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Publication number Publication date
WO2000077811A1 (en) 2000-12-21
DE19927065A1 (en) 2000-12-21
JP2003502797A (en) 2003-01-21
EP1190429A1 (en) 2002-03-27
DE50006892D1 (en) 2004-07-29
JP3643077B2 (en) 2005-04-27
US6603384B1 (en) 2003-08-05

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