EP2443710B1 - Horn spark gap with a deion chamber - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a Hörnerfunkenstrecke with Deionkammer in nichtausblasendem design with a multi-part insulating material as supporting and receiving body for the horn electrodes and the Deionkammer and means for conducting the arc gas flow, wherein the insulating material is divided in the plane spanned by the horn electrodes level and a first and a second half-shell forms, according to claim 1.

From the EP 1 914 850 B1 and the EP 1 829 176 B1 Horn gaps spark gaps are already known, whereby the effect of the blow-out of ionized gases is reduced.

According to the EP 1 914 850 B1 The horn electrodes are to be made of a low cost material to reduce the cost of producing such spark gaps.

The EP 1 829 176 B1 moreover discloses a device for extending the separation distance in case of overload.

In addition, solutions with horn spark gaps and non-hermetic encapsulation are previously known, whereby the intrinsic magnetic field is assisted in order to purposefully accelerate the movement of the arc. Also known is the formation of channels for internal targeted gas circulation for the purpose of cooling ionized gases.

It has been shown that the pressure load at Hörnerfunkenstrecken, especially when exposed to lightning pulse currents is significant, so that high demands are placed on the encapsulation and on the materials used here.

The in the DE 10 2005 015 401.8 Due to the way in which the internal circulation is realized, the spark gap shown has the disadvantage that the geometry and thus the extinguishing behavior of the deion chamber is essentially determined by the distance and the geometry of the horn electrodes. A relatively free choice of the number or the width of the Deionkammer is not readily feasible, since the operation in encapsulation requires the targeted gas circulation shown there. This targeted circulation is disturbed, however, if the arc run area is no longer sealed off laterally into the deion chamber by the horn electrodes with respect to the return flow. With a required change of the Deionkammer, eg to increase the number of Deionbleche for a higher operating voltage therefore numerous parts would have to be changed and the costly electrodes to be adjusted.

From the generic EP 0 706 245 A2 discloses the preamble of claim 1, a horn spark gap with Deionkammer in non-blown design with a multi-part insulating material as a support and receiving body for the horn electrodes and the Deionkammer known. The horn electrodes disclosed therein have an asymmetrical shape with a longer and a shorter electrode. In the ignition range, both electrodes are nearly parallel or with low divergence.

From the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further developed Hörnerfunkenstrecke with Deionkammer in nichtausblasendem design with a multi-part insulating housing, which is inexpensive, space-saving and modular and flexible interpretable in terms of construction. The solution to be created should make it possible to adapt the spark gap by minimal modification of individual parts to different performance parameters as well as different network conditions and network voltages. The insulating material should preferably be space-saving and modular.

The object of the invention is achieved by the combination of features according to the teaching of claim 1, wherein the dependent claims represent at least expedient refinements and developments.

It is therefore assumed that a horn spark gap with Deionkammer in nichtausblasendem design with a multi-part insulating material as support and receiving body for the horn electrodes and the Deionkammer and means for conducting the arc gas flow, the horn electrodes an asymmetrical shape, comprising a longer and a shorter electrode, have. In the ignition range, i. up to the ignition point and in a section thereafter, both electrodes run almost parallel or with only a very small divergence or widening.

According to the invention, the insulating material housing is divided in the plane spanned by the horn electrodes and forms a first and a second half-shell.
The arc running region between the electrodes in the direction of the deion chamber is delimited by a plate-shaped insulating material, the plate-shaped insulating material in each case being inserted positively in a first shape of the respective half-shell.

Furthermore, the first formations receive a ferromagnetic deposit, preferably shaped in a plate shape similar to the arc running area, the plate-shaped insulating material electrically separating the respective deposit for the electrodes.

The half-shells have further, second formations which fix a Deionkammerteil usable there in a form-fitting manner. There are openings or openings in the respective half-shell between the respective first and second formations. The shorter of the electrodes ends before the Deionkammerteil so that the gas flow only partially enters the Deionkammer.

According to the invention, the horn spark gap has a sandwich construction and the half shells are non-positively connected by screws or rivets.

The outer sides of the half-shells facing away from the electrodes have, at least in the region of the openings or openings, in each case a third shape, which receives a form-fitting outer insulating material plate.

The third recess additionally has a web or splitter for dividing the gas flow, wherein the section formed by the third formation and the outer insulating plate creates a gas relaxation space.

The gas relaxation space in turn has a preferably slot-shaped passage gap for returning the gases to the arc combustion chamber, wherein for assisting driving of the arc by the gas flow the electrodes have openings or recesses above the firing range.

The power supply to the longer of the electrodes is guided antiparallel over as large a section as possible.

The shorter of the electrodes has a high impedance.

The ignition or triggering of the horn spark gap is effected by a flexible printed circuit board with a conductor section, which is introduced into the ignition region between the electrodes.

In addition, in one embodiment, the horn spark gap has an error status indicator with a molded part which melts at excessively high temperature or becomes unstable in shape, which is under the spring bias of the indicator.

The outer insulating material plate, which deforms under pressure, can be structurally in operative connection with a sensor system for detecting exceptional operating conditions.

The spark gap according to the invention forms a universal module with external connection terminals for the electrodes, which can be integrated into a plug-in part or outer housing according to customer requirements.

All essential assemblies such as the electrodes, the trigger electrode and / or the Deionkammer are interchangeable and can be easily adapted to the respective network conditions, without leaving the basic construction of the horn section according to the invention.

The integration of all functional modules in an already encapsulated compact unit without outer housing allows the simplest way the design of different device versions for different network configurations. Within the actual device housing no additional necessary for the function of the spark gap components must be realized. Only wiring components or communication connections in the outer housing are to be provided.

As stated, the spark gap consists of very simple parts produced by standard technologies, e.g. Rivets can be connected together. The functionality of the spark gap is already achieved by mounting the inner module without outer housing. The assembly can be carried out by a riveting operation.

Due to the sandwich-like construction according to the invention comprising large-area individual parts, a semi-elastic behavior of the overall construction results in the upcoming dynamic pressure loads due to pulse currents. This allows the use of simple and inexpensive materials with small overall dimensions of the Hörnerfunkenstrecken module.

The gas supply with several circulation circuits almost all components are used to cool the hot, ionized gases. If necessary, the horn electrodes produced as a stamped bent part can be replaced by electrodes made of a more resilient material, if it requires the erosion resistance of the spark gap at higher loads.

By replacing the Deionkammer also higher operating voltages and short-circuit currents can be controlled. The replacement of the Deionkammer against an insulating material chamber or a Deionkammer with an increased number of chamber plates is very easy to implement by the design of the asymmetric horn electrodes.

The error status display with the help of a purely mechanical implementation of a physical limit size, in particular the temperature, is realized very space-saving and requires no additional energy needs.

All function-bearing components can be connected by a common joining step, in particular riveting of the module.

One or more of the fully functional modules can be freely interconnected in a quasi-freely selectable outer housing for any application, network types or even for customized design variants.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment and with the aid of figures.

Fig. 1

eine Halbschale des Sandwichgehäuses mit Isolierstoffplatten und ferromagnetischer Hinterlegung;

Fig. 2

den prinzipiellen Aufbau der Funkenstrecke mit asymmetrischen Hörnerelektroden und Deionkammer;

Fig. 3

die Außenseite einer der Halbschalen in Draufsicht mit Lage der Elektroden hinter dem Gehäuse gestrichelt angedeutet und

Fig. 4

einen Querschnitt durch die Funkenstrecke mit Deionkammer und Elektroden.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a half shell of the sandwich housing with Isolierstoffplatten and ferromagnetic deposit;

Fig. 2

the basic structure of the spark gap with asymmetric horn electrodes and Deionkammer;

Fig. 3

the outside of one of the half-shells in plan view with position of the electrodes behind the housing indicated by dashed lines and

Fig. 4

a cross section through the spark gap with Deionkammer and electrodes.

The Fig. 1 shows one of the half shells, designed as a plastic injection molded part 22 with outer insulating plate 23, for example formed as Vulkanfiberplatte. Likewise, the ferromagnetic plate-shaped part 21 can be seen, which is covered by an inner Vulkanfiberplatte 20.

In the representation of the half-shell 22 also formations are seen, which are adapted to the contour of the ferromagnetic material 21, which also applies to the inner Vulkanfiberplatte 20.

The recognizable in the outer Vulkanfiberplatte 23 recesses take on rivets that connect both half-shells of the housing with the elements therein.

The representation after Fig. 2 shows the basic structure of the horn spark gap module, whose arc space is defined by two electrodes 1 and 2.

The electrode 1 is realized as a long electrode and the electrode 2 as a short electrode.

The arc running range of the electrodes 1 and 2 to the arc extinguishing chamber or Deionkammer 8 is laterally by burn-off and only slightly gas-emitting insulating material (see Fig. 1 ), for example, consisting of vulcanized fiber limited.

Such Vulkanfiberplatte can be produced as a simple inexpensive punching plate. By fixing on the riveting a further connection of the items is not required.

In addition, the vulcanized fiber plate 20 also fixes the ferromagnetic iron deposit 21 in each half shell 22, which is located in the arc running area.

The iron deposits 21 are inserted and guided in the half-shell 22, but can also be directly overmolded.

The respective half-shells 22 simultaneously realize the fixing of the electrodes 1 and 2 of the starting aid, which is located between the electrodes, the error state indicator and the deion chamber 8.

In addition, the plastic injection-molded part 22, or the respective half-shell, recesses and deflecting means, which serve for steering, distribution and return of the gases which are produced when the arc is ignited. Also baffles are realized, which serve to avoid the return of metal or soot particles in the arc running area to prevent flashbacks or deterioration of the insulation values.

The above is particularly in the reduced space and high loads of advantage.

The relaxation spaces for the partially ionized gas are each formed between the half-shell part 22 and the outer insulating plate 23. These two plates also simultaneously form the outer walls of the then already functional module and are riveted in conjunction with the other parts.

By a simple technology of placing parts in the plastic injection mold or half-shell 22, it is possible to use different deionization or arc-extinguishing chambers, e.g. turn to integrate insulating bar or meander chambers in the spark gap. But it is also conceivable to form an arc extinguishing chamber as an integral component directly in the plastic injection.

The ignition range between the electrodes is chosen so that the arc's own magnetic field already causes quite high forces on the arc, so that a rapid release of the arc from the point of ignition and thus a rapid ignition of the spark gap is ensured. The ignition location is a few millimeters after a parallel or only slightly divergent guidance of the two electrodes, which have a small distance. The small distance between the electrodes results in a strong force effect as a result of the current flow.

The material of the ignition aid or the trigger electrode can be chosen so that the initial movement of the arc, e.g. is supported by a gas delivery. The initial movement can also be achieved by a pre-bending of the pilot arc already in the running direction, e.g. be supported as a result of the design of supernatants.

In order to further increase the forces on the arc, the connection of the long electrode 1 is guided over a wide range in anti-parallel to this electrode 1.

The ferromagnetic deposits 21 inserted in the side walls in the sidewalls support the desired rapid movement of the arc to the arc quenching chamber 8. An additional insulated ferromagnetic iron deposit of an electrode can be dispensed with in favor of the desired small size. However, if necessary, the material of the electrodes may themselves have ferromagnetic properties or a ferromagnetic core may be integrated into the electrode or the electrode itself may have a sandwich structure.

The distance between the two electrodes 1 and 2 at the ignition point or ignition region 4 has only a very small over a distance of several millimeters Divergence or runs nearly parallel. This design of the main electrodes has the advantage that in case of overloading a defined short-circuit behavior of the spark gap can be realized without additional measures. In the event of permanent overloading of the electrodes, the formation of a metal path can occur which bridges the small distance between the two electrodes over a large area and current-carrying capacity and then leads to reliable tripping of an existing overcurrent protection device.

In order to create a large freedom of design with respect to the execution of the Deionkammer, it is advantageous to end the short electrode 2 already in the arc inlet. The arc always strives to reduce its burning voltage, i. it must be forced to change the foot point from point A (top) with an actually lower arc burn voltage at point B (feed) with higher burning voltage.

The in the Fig. 2 Shorter horn electrode 2 shown must be guided so far that not too many further deion plates remain unused due to the direct route to individual deion plates of the electrode in order to use the entire capacity of the deion chamber, if possible.

A permanent arc projection only at the short electrode 2 would be too close to the ignition area and leads to an accumulation of reignifications or, for bridging other plates below the Deionkammer 8 in the inlet region. In order to achieve a fast and safe arc division in the entire Deionkammer 8, the geometry and the material of the short electrode and its supply is designed for a high impedance.

After ignition of the arc arises as a current flow appreciable voltage drop, which in addition to the arc extension to a rapid change of the arc root from the tip of the short electrode 2 (A) for electrode feed (B) favors. As the electrode or electrode feed material steel is suitable. To further improve the aforementioned effect, it is advantageous if the material of the feed or of the electrode additionally heats up when current flows, whereby the voltage drop further increases. The achievable arc voltage within the arc quenching chamber can easily by several by these measures 10 V to 100 V are increased with otherwise the same dimensions, whereby the use at higher operating voltages or with an improved current limit is possible. To further gain space, the long electrode 1 can be realized in the arc quenching chamber as a thin baffle.

By using the shorter electrode 2 on one side and the resulting asymmetric configuration of the electrodes, the gas flow from the running region is no longer driven completely into the arc quenching chamber (deion chamber) 8. Gases from the arc run area can thus escape already below the arc extinguishing chamber. This gas is also used by discharge openings 14 in the respective half-shell 22 for gas circulation. Since the break-in time of the follow current arc into the arc quenching chamber is only a fraction of the total arc firing time and the arc voltage outside the deionization chamber is still low, i. no division into partial arcs, this gas has only minimal energy. Also, there is still no excessive ionization of the gas. Thus, the gas reaches a sufficient cooling in contact with the electrode supply and the short electrode 2, so that it can be returned in a relatively short way.

As a result of the quasi-removal of gas below the deion chamber 8 via the openings mentioned, the flow resistance of the remaining gas in the deion chamber is simultaneously reduced. The reduction of the flow resistance of the deion chamber leads to a faster entry of the arc into the chamber itself, as reflections are reduced. Also results in a faster arc distribution and thus a more efficient current limit.

The drag reduction can also be used to alter the spacing of the deion plates within the deion chamber 8, i. use more sheets or reduce the Deionkammerabmessungen further, thus achieving a higher arc voltage at the same outer dimensions.

For the ignition of the spark gap with the horn electrodes 1 and 2, a circuit board 3 is used. The board 3 is used to attach the for the Ignition process required components and at the same time specifies the ignition 4 between the electrodes 1 and 2.

The necessary impedance for ignition can be formed on the one hand by discrete components or else by the board material itself. With such a circuit board Zündhilfe protection levels less than 1 kV can be realized.

The area 5 between the main electrodes 1 and 2 is used to split the function between lightning currents and subsequent currents.

The recesses 6 in the electrodes 1 and 2 are used to return the gases in the arc run area and are located above the ignition area. 5

The connecting lead 7 of the long electrode 1 is guided antiparallel to the corresponding electrode over a wide range.

The long electrode 1 is guided laterally to the arc extinguishing chamber or Deionkammer 8.

The short electrode 2 already ends in the arc running region 11 with the tip A. In a preferred mode of operation, the base point of the arc changes to the position B of the electrode 2 after reaching the position A.

The gases which are passed through the Deionkammer 8 and which are removed laterally after the arc division of the Deionkammer 8 are guided via openings 9 in a relaxation area 26 to cool.

The Deionkammer has on the front side a central crosspiece and a continuous longitudinal web, through which the gases are split and steered, so that a one-sided load on the overall construction of the Hörnerfunkenstrecken module is avoided.

The cooled and expanded gases are supplied via openings 10 and recesses 6 in the electrodes 1 and 2 to the running area 11 again.

In addition to the front-side openings 12 and the lateral openings 13 of the deion chamber 8, some of the gases are already discharged from the shrinkage into the deion chamber into the expansion chambers with the openings 14. The gases from the lateral recesses 13 and from the frontal opening 12 of the Deionkammer 8 are supplied to the inflow 9 and the deflection between the Vulkanfiberplatte and the half-shell plastic injection molded part 22 due to their greater heating after the arc division.

As a result of these longer paths, the gases already undergo cooling at the metallic electrodes 1 and 2 or the electrode feeders.

Fig. 4 shows the relaxation area 26 for the discharged gases. The relaxation region 26 is located between the plastic injection part 22 and the outer vulcanized fiber plate 23.

In this space open the openings 9 and 14 for the gas supply.

The gases are mixed with a splitter 16 (see Fig. 3 ) redirected. The splitter 16 simultaneously prevents the return of contaminants through the outlet opening 10th

The splitter 16 is advantageous with its explained effect with regard to the deflection and distribution of hot gases and the avoidance of the supply of burned products for the realization of the desired compact design. The splitter makes it possible, despite the small distances between the outlet openings of the Deionkammer and the recesses in the electrodes 6 to realize a gas recirculation without complex measures. In addition, the splitter ensures sufficient cooling and Endionisation, so that no flashbacks occur and the follow-current arc is supported in its movement.

In the respective representation, the position of the deion chamber 8 and the horn electrodes 1 and 2 in the active region of the spark gap are indicated.

The bushings 15 are provided for the riveting of the individual components.

Fig. 4 shows a cross section through an inventive embodiment of the horn spark gap.

The Deionkammer 8 has in the outflow next to the cross bar 25 has a continuous longitudinal ridge 24. This serves to ensure bilateral flow dynamics, so that the backflow is not only on one side. As a result, a uniform cooling of the gases and a better utilization of the heat capacity of the encapsulated spark gap is achieved. In principle, however, a one-sided flow control is conceivable.

The gases which are passed through the Deionkammer 8 and heated strongly, on each side by a splitter 16 (see Fig. 3 ), which is located in the relaxation space 26, divided by a direct feed into the Deionkammer 8 via the recesses 6 of the electrode 1.

At the same time prevent the splitter 16 as mentioned a direct supply of Abbrandprodukten. As a result, a flashback is prevented.

The lateral discharge channels 14 of the Deionkammer 8 are vented directly downwards in the direction of splitter in the flow circuit in the inlet region where the gas is still relatively cold. This results in a short flow path with low flow resistance.

The lateral outlet channels 13 of the deion chamber 8 are vented via separate channels 27 upwards in the direction of the outflow region of the deion chamber. Thus, these hot gases are cooled more strongly over a longer flow path. The vents of the Deionkammer, ie, the openings 12, 13 and 14 may be present between each Deionblech having a V-shaped portion, or also be realized offset between each second sheet on one side. The vents of the Deionkammer are individually adjustable according to the given space conditions and the desired performance parameters.

In the event that the spark gap ages after numerous loads, a change in the behavior can be realized by an optical display or an error message.

In the above spark gap is due to the small size as simple and inexpensive monitoring of the condition of the route makes sense. A characteristic variable for a threatening overload of the spark gap is usually the temperature in the area of the ignition of the arc at the electrodes 1 or 2, at the return point B of the arc at the electrode 2 and also the temperature at the Deionkammer. For temperature monitoring, a temperature-sensitive material, e.g. a Lotformteil or a wax part are placed form-fitting, which is loaded by means of a spring bias on pressure or shearing. Alternatively, the temperature-sensitive material can also be positioned on thermally well-coupled connection parts of the electrodes 1 and 2. Thus, it is possible to arrange the solder preform directly in contact with the supply line 7, which in turn is connected directly to the electrode 1.

When the corresponding limit temperature of the molding is reached, after deformation, such as e.g. Compression or stretching, melting or shearing, a mechanical indicator operated or released. The heating of individual parts takes a certain time, due to the given heat conduction or existing heat capacities. In order to detect fast dynamic processes, in particular by pulse currents, the monitoring of the pressure or the force can be used for a display.

For this purpose, the arc pressure in the running area, the back pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber, in particular above in the gas deflection and the gas pressure within the expansion chamber of the gases is suitable. The outer insulating plate of the corresponding chamber can be practically used as a membrane for pressure measurement. Likewise, mechanical predetermined breaking points can be installed in these areas, which operate a display from a certain pressure level or at the same time contribute to the pressure load at high overloads, so that a burst protection is given.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

long electrode

2

short electrode

3

circuit board

4

ignition point

5

ignition

6

Recesses in the electrodes 1 and 2

7

Connecting cable to the long electrode 1

8th

Deionkammer

9

Outflow openings in the electrode area

10

Outflow opening within the short electrode

11

Arcing area

12

rear outflow openings of the Deionkammer

13

lateral outflow openings of the Deionkammer

14

Outflow opening in the area of the inlet area

15

bushings

16

splinter

20

inner volcanic fiber plate

21

ferromagnetic material

22

Plastic injection molding

23

outer vulcanized fiber plate

24

crosspiece

25

longitudinal web

26

relaxation area

27

Recess in the insulating region of the Deionkammer

Claims (11)

1. A horn spark gap with a deion chamber (8) of a non-blowout design having a multi-part insulating housing as a supporting and accommodating body for the horn electrodes and the deion chamber (8) as well as means for conducting the arc-induced gas flow, wherein the horn electrodes have an asymmetrical form comprising a longer (1) and a shorter (2) electrode, wherein both electrodes (1; 2) extend almost in parallel or with a small divergence in the ignition region (5),
   characterized in that
   the insulating housing is divided in the plane spanned by the horn electrodes and forms a first and a second half-shell (22) and the arc travel path (11) between the electrodes is delimited in the direction of the deion chamber (8) by a plate-shaped insulating material (20),
   wherein the plate-shaped insulating material (20) is inserted into a respective first shaped portion of the respective half-shell in a form-fitting manner,
   the first shaped portions furthermore accommodate a ferromagnetic deposit (21) of the arc travel path (11), wherein the plate-shaped insulating material (20) electrically isolates the respective deposit from the electrodes,
   the half-shells (22) have further second shaped portions which accommodate an insertable deion chamber part in a form-fitting manner, wherein apertures or openings in the respective half-shell are located between the respective first and second shaped portions and the shorter electrode ends in front of the deion chamber part, with the result that the gas flow only passes partially into the deion chamber (8).
2. The horn spark gap according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the horn spark gap has a sandwich construction and the half-shells are joined in a force-fitting manner by screws or rivets.
3. The horn spark gap according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the exterior sides of the half-shells facing away from the electrodes each have a third shaped portion at least in the area of the apertures or openings which accommodates an outer insulating plate (23) in a form-fitting manner.
4. The horn spark gap according to claim 3,
   characterized in that
   the third shaped portion exhibits a web or a splitter (16) for dividing the gas flow, wherein the section formed by the third shaped portion and the outer insulating plate (23) creates a gas expansion space (26).
5. The horn spark gap according to claim 4,
   characterized in that
   the gas expansion space exhibits a slit-shaped passage gap for conducting the gases back to the arc combustion chamber, wherein the electrodes have openings or recesses above the ignition region to assist in the propelling of the arc by the gas flow.
6. The horn spark gap according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the current supply to the longer electrode (2) is guided to be antiparallel over a section as large as possible.
7. The horn spark gap according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the shorter electrode (1) has high impedance.
8. The horn spark gap according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the igniting or triggering ensues via a flexible circuit board having a conductor portion which is introduced into the ignition region between the electrodes.
9. The horn spark gap according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   same has an error condition display having a spring-biased shaped part which melts or becomes dimensionally unstable at excess temperature.
10. The horn spark gap according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
    characterized in that
    the outer insulating plate (23) deforming at pressure load is operatively connected to a sensor system for detecting abnormal operating states.
11. The horn spark gap according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    same forms a universal module having exterior connecting terminals for the electrodes which can be integrated into a connector part or outer housing according to customer request.

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