EP2936630A1

EP2936630A1 - Spark gap arrangement and method for securing a spark gap arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP2936630A1
Application number: EP13802685.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang DÄUMER; Thomas Westebbe
Original assignee: Epcos AG
Current assignee: TDK Electronics AG
Priority date: 2012-12-18
Filing date: 2013-12-12
Publication date: 2015-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-12
Also published as: EP2936630B1; US20150333488A1; JP2016506045A; JP6050899B2; WO2014095579A1; EP3490085A1; DE102012112543A1; US9444227B2; EP3490085B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a spark gap arrangement with a discharge chamber (6), an electrode head (4) and a contact connection (9) arranged outside of the discharge chamber (6), wherein the electrode head (4) has an electrically conductive connection and a mechanical coupling to the contact connection (9) in such a manner that when the contact connection (9) is removed from its position or when the contact connection (9) reaches a predefined position, the electrically conductive connection is interrupted and the electrode head (4) is mechanically decoupled from the contact connection (9), so that the electrode head (4) can be moved toward the inside of the discharge chamber and/or inside the discharge chamber (6).

Description

description

Spark gap arrangement and method for securing a spark gap arrangement

The invention relates to a spark gap arrangement which is protected against manipulation.

Spark gap arrangements are used in many ways. One embodiment is a triggerable spark gap, which is also referred to as a trigger spark gap. A

Trigger spark gap usually has at least two main electrodes and a trigger electrode. For example, the electrodes are arranged in a gas-filled space. By applying a corresponding trigger voltage to the trigger electrode is a spark gap between the

Trigger electrode and one of the main electrodes ignited.

For example, in the gas-filled space, an ionized distance is created, via which a current flows between the space

Trigger electrode and the one main electrode flows. By the ignition by means of the trigger electrode is then achieved that forms another conductive channel between the two main electrodes, which allows a current flow between the main electrodes.

Such triggerable spark gaps can be used for example as Überspannungsabieiter. Another

Application exists for example in the targeted switching of high voltage.

In conventional triggerable spark gaps is the

Switching between the main electrodes immediately by applying the trigger pulse to the

Triggered trigger electrode.

A typical delay time, even with the English

Term "delay time", for a gas-filled

Trigger spark gap can be in the range of less than 1 ys. The delay time depends on the level of the generator voltage at the main electrodes

Relation to their self-breakdown voltage, short SBV. The lower the generator voltage, the longer the delay time. It is also dependent on the level of the trigger voltage. The lower the

Trigger voltage is, the greater the delay time. By tuning the above variables, the

Delay time can be adjusted to a certain extent.

In some applications, a large delay time is desired. A typical value is a delay time greater than 15 ys. It should be noted that

Gas-filled trigger spark gaps with a current greater than 500 A and a delay time of less than or equal to 15 ys may be subject to restrictions as regards their use and export.

Although the delay time outlined above

can not be influenced, it is not possible, however

To achieve ignition delay for a gas-filled trigger spark gap, which statistically reliably exceeds a high limit, such as 15 ys. Rather, the values of the delay time are very high and there is still a fraction in a batch with a delay time of less than 15 ys. To meet these requirements, therefore, in the

Trigger spark gap an ignition delay circuit

be provided, which causes the predetermined

Time delay between the trigger pulse and the

Puncture is observed. Thus, the condition can be satisfied that the delay time is above the typical

Limit of 15 ys. Given the desired unconditional compliance with the desired minimum delay time such

Spark gap to be protected against manipulation of the delay time. In particular, to prevent the ignition delay circuit to be disabled.

This problem is solved by a spark gap arrangement with the features of patent claim 1, namely a

Spark gap with a discharge chamber, a

Electrode head and a arranged outside the discharge chamber contact terminal, wherein the electrode head electrically conductively connected to the contact terminal and

is mechanically coupled such that upon removal of the contact terminal from its position or upon reaching the contact terminal of a predetermined position, the electrically conductive connection is interrupted and the electrode head is mechanically decoupled from the contact terminal, so that the electrode head in the direction of the discharge chamber inside and / or within the discharge chamber movable is. The discharge chamber is a gas-filled, for example, air-filled, space in which the discharge or spark gap formation between electrodes can take place. He can be completed. The discharge chamber can from

Insulator and / or electrode walls to be limited.

The electrode head is an electrically conductive part to which a transition of the supplied through the terminal contact

Current can be made in the gaseous medium in the discharge chamber. For example, the electrode head may include the trigger electrode in a trigger gap. He can with an insulating wall of the discharge chamber

complete or at least partially or completely into that

Protrude charge chamber interior.

Via the contact connection, the control and

Supply of the electrode head. For example, an ignition delay circuit is connected to the contact terminal. Such a compound is usually difficult or impossible to solve. This already leads to the attempt of

Removal or manipulation of the ignition delay circuit to move the contact terminal out of it

original position. This causes the

Electrode head is both electrically decoupled, which prevents the application of a voltage and in particular a trigger pulse, as well as mechanically decoupled, so that the electrode head is movable from its position and due to gravity or by spring force into the

Discharge chamber interior can fall. An electrode head already positioned inside is no longer held in position and is movable in the discharge chamber. In both cases, the electrode head,

for example, by vibration, move away from its position relative to the main electrodes, which impairs the function of the spark gap arrangement. A detached in the charge chamber interior detached electrode head can not be coupled to the contact terminal, so that the functionality of the

Spark gap arrangement is permanently disturbed. Thus, not only an ignition delay below the predetermined value, but the operation of the entire

Spark gap arrangement prevented.

In the normal operating state of the spark gap arrangement, which is a trigger spark gap, its function is ensured by the fact that the electrode head of the trigger electrode maintains its normal position relative to the main electrode and the electrical connection to the contact terminal and thus the Zündverzögerungsschaltung exists.

An embodiment of the spark gap assembly includes a coupling mechanism having a first coupling part that includes the contact terminal and a second coupling part that includes the electrode head. The first coupling part is movable relative to the second coupling part. When the contact connection is removed from its position or when the contact connection reaches a predetermined position, the electrode head is permanently mechanically decoupled from the contact connection.

The permanent mechanical decoupling does not necessarily have to take place even with the slightest movement of the contact connection, as can occur, for example, during rough operation, but can also take place as soon as the contact connection has reached a predetermined position. The predetermined position is the minimum change in position of the contact terminal, in which the first coupling part and the second Coupling have such a distance from each other that the mechanical decoupling is permanent, or irreversible.

It should be noted that the separation of the electrical connection and the permanent separation of the mechanical connection need not necessarily coincide. Already at low

Deflection of the contact terminal can be an interruption of the electrical connection, but the mechanical

Decoupling is not yet permanent. The permanent decoupling can be done after the electrical, as soon as the contact terminal has reached a predetermined position.

The decoupled electrode head, which is movable in the direction of the discharge chamber space or within the discharge chamber, can leave its original position after decoupling and within the discharge chamber of gravity and movement changes of the

Move spark gap assembly driven. This is one way to achieve permanent decoupling.

Movements during operation or gravity may be sufficient for the decoupled electrode head to slip out of its positional support.

In one embodiment, the electrode head is over a

Magnetic connection coupled to the contact terminal. The first or the second coupling part may comprise this magnet. Advantageously, the magnet is in the first

Coupling provided and holds the electrode head by the magnetic material properties in position. Once upon removal of the contact terminal from his

Position or in a predetermined position the first

Coupling is moved relative to the second coupling part, the magnet is also moved away from the electrode head. In this In this case, magnetic attraction is sufficient

Electrode head no longer to hold this in place. If the spark gap arrangement high temperatures

is exposed, the magnetization decreases so much that the electrode head can no longer be held. Even at high accelerations of the spark gap arrangement, the magnetic connection can solve.

In one embodiment, the spark gap arrangement comprises an ejection mechanism, which upon removal of the

Contact connection is triggered by its position or when reaching the contact terminal of a predetermined position. This ejection mechanism is suitable for

To move the electrode head in the direction of the discharge chamber inside and / or inside the discharge chamber.

This ejection mechanism allows the movement of the

Electrode head from its original position against the earth's gravity or regardless of its position to gravity. A movement with gravity, ie in a vertical position, is assisted by the ejection mechanism, which enables the safe and permanent decoupling of the electrode head by pushing the electrode head into the discharge chamber interior. The previously flawless function of the spark gap arrangement is interrupted and can not be restored by manipulation in the back room of the switch. The spark gap arrangement becomes unusable.

By means of this spark gap arrangement is due to both mechanical and magnetic properties a Force exerted on the electrode head, by means of which the electrode head is moved from its original position. As a result, the function of the spark gap arrangement is overridden if it is attempted to manipulate the contact connection, for example by the

Delay time electronics is removed from the trigger spark gap.

In one embodiment, the ejection mechanism includes a spring member that is retained by a catch in a preloaded condition. Upon triggering the ejection mechanism, the lock releases the spring element and through the

Spring force acting on the electrode head, this is pushed out of position. A spring element is a

Component that gives way under load and returns after discharge from the prestressed state to its original shape, so behaves elastically restoring.

Advantageously, tension or compression springs are used, which experience a change in length under load. Examples of this are helical compression coil springs or

Leaf springs.

Advantageously, the first or the second comprises

Coupling part a guide bush in which the spring element is positioned. Such a guide bush holds that

Spring element in the prestressed state in its position and allows after unlocking the targeted guidance of the restoring spring in the direction of the electrode head. A guide bush, for example, pot-shaped or sleeve-shaped. Advantageously, the spring element is a

Helical compression spring whose length is reduced in the prestressed state. It can be positioned adjacent to the inner walls of the guide bush and also offers in the center Space for other components of the coupling mechanism, such as the magnet.

The lock can be from a position in which they are

Return of the spring element blocked, in a position in which it releases the provision of the spring element, are moved. In other words, the barrier is positioned to obstruct the return of the expanding spring. Here, the first and the second coupling part are coupled such that the movement of the lock is initially blocked and upon removal of the

Contact terminal of its position or on reaching the contact terminal in a predetermined position is made possible.

Furthermore, a movable ejector may be provided, which is arranged between the spring element and the electrode head. The lock engages in this ejector, so that its movement is blocked and the spring element in his

prestressed state is maintained. Upon relaxation of the spring element after releasing the lock that moves

Spring element returns to its original shape and thereby moves the ejector in the direction of the electrode head, so that it is pushed out of its original position and pushes the electrode head into the discharge chamber interior.

A barrier as described above may comprise a ball or a pin, that is a cylindrical element.

These are in a recess of the guide bushing

positioned. A retaining means blocks the movement of the ball or pin to the position in which the

Resetting the spring element is released, so at Removal of the contact terminal from its position or upon reaching the contact terminal of a predetermined position, the ball or the pin away from the retaining means in the position in which the provision of the spring element is released, are moved. Such a retaining means may be a wall, a pot or a sleeve, which prevent the ball or the pin during normal operation of the movement with which the spring element is released. Only when removing the contact terminal from its position or when reaching the contact terminal of a given

Position the balls or pins leave together with the guide bush their original position. As soon as they are moved away from the retaining means, which they push into their position, the spring force pushes them aside, so that the

Spring element can relax.

The corresponding method for securing a

Spark gap arrangement, as described above, against

Manipulation comprises removing the contact connection from its position, interrupting the electrically conductive connection, mechanically decoupling the electrode head from the contact connection and the electrode head in the direction of the discharge chamber interior and / or inside the discharge chamber

Discharge chamber is moved.

Advantageous embodiments are objects of

Subclaims.

Hereinafter, the invention with reference to the

Explained drawing with reference to an embodiment. The single FIGURE shows a cross-sectional detail of an essential part of an embodiment of a

Spark gap arrangement. The spark gap arrangement, in this case a

Trigger spark gap, comprising a discharge chamber 6, which is shown in fragmentary form, with two main electrodes (not shown), which may be arranged, for example, end in the discharge chamber 6. Further, between the main electrodes, an electrode serving as an electrode

Trigger head 3 is provided, which is controlled via a contact terminal 9 by a Zündverzögerungsschaltung (not shown). The contact terminal 9 and the

Zündverzögerungsschaltung are advantageously at least difficult to solve connected to each other. The contact terminal 9 can also be an integral part of

Be Zündverzögerungsschaltung.

The section of the spark gap arrangement shows the coupling mechanism with a first coupling part 1 and a second coupling part 2. The second coupling part 2 comprises the trigger head 3 with an electrode head 4 and a magnetic connecting piece 5, which with the

Electrode head 4 is connected. The materials of

Electrode head 4 and connector 5 can be

distinguish what enables material optimization in terms of their respective function. Alternatively, the trigger head 3 may be integrally formed of metal, which may be held by a magnet or is itself a magnetic metal (not shown).

The electrode head 4 is in a recess in the

electrically insulating wall 20 of the discharge chamber 6 positioned so that its bottom is flush.

This recess serves as a frame for Elektrodenkopfaufnähme and position holder. Alternative embodiments have a projecting into the discharge chamber 6

Electrode head 4, one positioned within the discharge chamber or one opposite the wall 20th

recessed electrode head 4 (not shown).

Below this electrode head 4 is the

Main discharge gap 7, along which the discharge

can run.

The first coupling part 1 comprises a contact terminal 9, which merges into a cylindrical connecting piece 10. Alternatively, the terminal 9 and the

Connector 10 also be made in two parts. Within the connecting piece 10, a recess is provided, in which a, in this embodiment, cylindrical, magnet 11 is located. Between the magnet 11 and the

Trigger head 3 is a magnetic connection 12, so that both the magnet 11 and the connector 10, or only one of these components, the trigger head 3 touch. Via the connecting piece 10, which, like the connection contact 9, comprises conductive material, there is an electrically conductive connection between the electrode head 4 and the

Terminal contact 9. Alternatively, the connector 10 and the magnet 11 may be made in one piece. Other shapes are conceivable. The first coupling part 1 also has a cup-shaped

Guide bushing 8, from the bottom of the terminal contact 9 protrudes. The side walls of the guide bush 8 are spaced around the connector 10. The Guide bushing 8 and the connecting part 10 and the contact terminal 9 are connected to each other. Alternatively, the connector 10, with or without

Terminal 9, and the guide bushing 8 as a piece, that is, in one piece, be made.

Between the connecting piece 10 and the inner walls of the guide bush 8, a spring element 13, in this case a helical compression spring is provided. Below the spring element 13, a sleeve-shaped ejector 14 is provided, which is positioned around the connecting piece 10 continuously between the spring element 13 and the trigger head 3. The ejector sleeve 14 has at its the spring element 13 facing edge a flange 15. The spring element 13 is between the bottom of

Guide bush 8 and the flange 13 is clamped so that it is in a prestressed state.

The region of the guide bush 8 facing the trigger head 3 is in a pot 18 running around the outside

positioned through the bottom of the lower area of the

Connector 10 to the trigger head 3 extends. The

Side walls of the guide bush 8 extend completely or partially into the pot 18. Alternatively, a sleeve or wall is conceivable. The pot 18 is connected to the recess 20 for the electrode head 4 forming walls, so that both the guide bushing 8 and the decoupled electrode head 4 are movable to the pot 18.

In the trigger head 3 facing region of the guide bush 8, which is positioned in the pot 18, recesses 17 are provided. Through the recesses 17 locks can

be guided below the flange 15 to the ejector 14. In this embodiment are as locks balls 16 provided. For example, two opposing balls 16 may be provided which are in the recesses between the inner wall of the pot and the outer side of the ejection sleeve. More than two balls are also possible. Already one ball can be enough. The size of the balls 16 is chosen so that they protrude over the inner wall of the guide bush 8 when they rest against the inner wall of the pot and prevent it from moving in the direction of the electrode head 4 below the flange 15. As a result, both the ejector sleeve 14 and the prestressed spring element 13 are held in position.

The spring element 13 is in the guide bushing. 8

trapped and over the ball lock in his

Power development impeded as long as the balls 16 are held by the pot 18 in position.

The first coupling part 1 can by holding means 19,

For example, hooks, springs or snap connections, for example, attach to the guide bushing 8, in the

Spark gap system are kept in position during normal operation. These holding means 19 permit a movement of the guide bush 8, which leads to the decoupling of the electrode head 4, even at slight manipulations at the contact connection 9, for example the attempted removal of the delay circuit attached thereto (not shown).

A coupling mechanism, such as above

described, allows in the normal operating mode of

Spark gap arrangement whose proper operation in that the electrode head 4 maintains its position relative to the main electrode and also the electrically conductive connection to the contact terminal 9 is maintained. this will achieved in that the electrode head 4 on the

Magnetic connection 12 is coupled to the contact terminal 9 About this contact terminal 9 can be done from a back room serving as a switch spark gap arrangement over the delay time circuit, the supply of trigger voltage and -ström.

If the guide bush 8 as well as the connector 10, for example, in a tampering attempt, from

Electrode head 4 moves away, so the first

Magnetic connection 12 is interrupted to the electrode head 4, since both the guide bush 8 and the contact terminal 9 and the connecting element 10 with the inside

Magnets 11 are moved away from the electrode head 4. Upon further withdrawal of the guide bushing 8 from the pot 18, the balls 16 are the flange 15, on which the spring force acts to escape to the outside and the spring-loaded

Release ejector sleeve 14. The ejector sleeve 14 will push the electrode head 4 of the trigger electrode, also against gravity, into the main discharge gap 7 or into the discharge chamber interior. This causes a

permanent mechanical decoupling and prevents the

Function of the spark gap arrangement. The interruption of the electrical and mechanical contact to the electrode head 4 takes place in the case that the

Contact connection 9 and thus the supply to

Delay circuit manipulated or the

Delay circuit should be taken. The magnetic attraction force to the electrode head 4 is no longer sufficient to hold this. In addition, in addition, the spring force acts, so that the electrode head 4 in the Discharge chamber 6 is moved. The function of the spark gap arrangement is thereby permanently prevented.

It should be noted that the features described

Embodiments and embodiments can be combined.

Reference sign list

1 first coupling part

2 second coupling part

3 trigger head

4 electrode head

5 holding area

6 discharge chambers

7 main discharge gap

8 guide bush

9 contact connection

10 connecting part

11 magnet

12 magnet connection

13 spring element

14 ejector sleeve

15 flange

16 ball

17 recess

18 pot

19 holding element

20 wall

Claims

claims

1. Spark gap arrangement with a discharge chamber (6), an electrode head (4) and outside the

Discharge chamber (6) arranged contact terminal (9), wherein the electrode head (4) to the contact terminal (9) is electrically conductively connected and mechanically coupled such that upon removal of

Contact terminal (9) from its position or on reaching the contact terminal (9) in one

predetermined position, the electrically conductive connection is interrupted and the electrode head (4) from

Contact terminal (9) is mechanically decoupled, so that the electrode head (4) in the direction of

Discharge chamber interior and / or within the

Discharge chamber (6) is movable.

2. spark gap arrangement according to claim 1

comprising a coupling mechanism having a first coupling part (1) comprising the contact terminal (9) and a second coupling part (2) comprising the

Electrode head (4), wherein the first

Coupling part (1) relative to the second coupling part (2) is movable and upon removal of the contact terminal

(9) from his position or when he reaches the

Contact terminal (9) in a predetermined position of the electrode head (4) permanently from the contact terminal

(9) is mechanically decoupled.

3. spark gap arrangement according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the electrode head (4) is coupled to the contact terminal (9) via a magnetic connection (12). Spark gap arrangement according to claim 3,

wherein the first and / or the second coupling part (1, 2) comprises a magnet (11).

Spark gap arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4,

comprising an ejection mechanism (8, 13, 14, 16) which, upon removal of the contact terminal (9) from its position or upon reaching the contact terminal of a predetermined position is triggered and which is adapted to the electrode head (4) in the direction of

Discharge chamber interior and / or within the

To move discharge chamber (6). 6. spark gap arrangement according to claim 5,

wherein the ejection mechanism (8, 13, 14, 16) a

Spring element (13) which is held by a lock in a prestressed state.

Spark gap arrangement according to claim 5,

wherein the first or the second coupling part (1, 2) comprises a guide bush (8) in which the spring element (13) is positioned.

Spark gap arrangement according to claim 6 or 7,

wherein the spring element (13) is a helical compression spring.

Spark gap arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 8,

wherein the lock is movable from a position in which it blocks the return of the spring element (13) to a position in which it resets the Spring element (13) are free, and wherein the first and the second coupling part (1, 2) are coupled so that the movement of the lock is blocked and at

Removal of the contact terminal (9) from his

Position or upon reaching the contact terminal (9) in a predetermined position, the unlocking

is possible.

A spark gap assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising a movable ejector (14) disposed between the spring member (13) and the electrode head (4), the lock engaging the ejector (14) so that its movement is blocked.

Spark gap arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 10,

wherein the lock comprises a ball (16) or pin located in a recess (17) of the guide bush

(8) are positioned.

Spark gap according to claim 11,

comprising retaining means (18) which blocks the movement of the ball (16) or pin to the position in which the return of the spring element (13) is released, so that upon removal of the contact terminal

(9) from his position or when he reaches the

Contact terminal (9) a predetermined position, the ball (16) and the pin from the retaining means (18) away in the position in which the provision of the spring element

(13) is released, to be moved.

13. Method for securing a spark gap arrangement with an electrode head (4), a discharge chamber (6) and one outside the discharge chamber (6)

arranged contact terminal (9) against manipulation, wherein the electrode head (4) to the contact terminal (9) electrically conductively connected and mechanically

is coupled, and wherein the method comprises that when the contact terminal (9) is removed from its position, the electrically conductive connection is interrupted, the electrode head (4) from

Contact connection (9) is mechanically decoupled and the electrode head (4) in the direction of

Discharge chamber interior and / or within the

Discharge chamber (6) is moved.