Horn spark gap assembly, isolation module and method for operating a horn spark gap assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a horn spark gap assembly (20) comprising a horn spark gap (18) and an quenching chamber (22) associated with the horn spark gap (18). The horn spark gap (18) has two electrodes (24, 26) between which an arc (28) can be generated, which propagates into the quenching chamber (22). A thermally triggered activation element (32) is associated with one of the electrodes (24, 26) and is configured to be triggered by the arc (28) that has propagated into the quenching chamber (22). The thermally triggered activation element (32) includes a solder joint (34) configured to disconnect the corresponding electrode (24) of the horn spark gap (18). The invention further relates to a disconnect module (12) and a method for operating a horn spark gap assembly (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a horn spark gap assembly. Furthermore, the invention relates to a separation module and a method for operating a horn spark gap assembly.

[0002] Horn spark gaps are known from the prior art and are used, for example, in a surge protection device (SPD) or in a monitoring device of the SPD. Horn spark gaps do not have their own isolating device for disconnection from the mains; therefore, separate fuses, disconnect switches, metal oxide varistors (MOVs), and similar devices are typically used to achieve isolation and protect the SPD from overload.

[0003] Typically, a spark gap is associated with an arc chamber designed to extinguish any arc that forms when it enters the chamber due to exceeding the maximum current rating. The arc chamber is used when a current generated by the overvoltage event can no longer be discharged by the surge protection device. This can occur if the surge protection device is degraded or defective. In this case, the arc formed in the spark gap is extinguished by the associated arc chamber.

[0004] However, the measures planned so far require a large amount of space, which is not always available.

[0005] The generic patent DE 10 2019 210 234 B3 shows that a thermally triggerable activation element in the form of a fusible conductor is connected to one of the electrodes as part of an indicator fuse in order to trigger a disconnect device.

[0006] In DE 10 2016 011 076 A1 a thermal separation device (ATV) is shown which is arranged in an electrical line and is controlled.

[0007] From DE 10 2019 101 200 A1 and DE 10 2019 101 212 A1 each emerges a thermally triggerable activation element in the form of a fusible conductor which is stretched between the two electrodes.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a space-saving way to safely disconnect a horn spark gap.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by a horn spark gap assembly comprising a horn spark gap and an quenching chamber associated with the horn spark gap. The horn spark gap has two electrodes between which an arc can be generated, which then propagates into the quenching chamber. The electrodes are a hook horn electrode and a long horn electrode. Furthermore, the horn spark gap assembly includes a thermally triggered activation element, which is associated with one of the electrodes and is configured to be triggered by the arc that has propagated into the quenching chamber. The thermally triggered activation element includes a solder joint configured to disconnect the corresponding electrode of the horn spark gap.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a horn spark gap assembly with a horn spark gap comprising two electrodes, namely a hook horn electrode and a long horn electrode. An arc is generated in the horn spark gap when a short-circuit current and / or an overvoltage is present. The generated arc travels along the horn spark gap towards an quenching chamber associated with the horn spark gap. A thermally triggered activation element, associated with one of the electrodes of the horn spark gap, is triggered by the arc when the arc enters the quenching chamber. The thermally triggered activation element comprises a solder joint that is softened by the thermal energy of the arc and disconnects the corresponding electrode of the horn spark gap.

[0011] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to utilize the thermal energy emanating from the arc entering the quenching chamber to effect separation. When the arc enters the quenching chamber, thermal energy is present, which is used to trigger the thermally activated element. The horn spark gap is specifically designed such that the arc enters the quenching chamber when the maximum current capacity is reached. The arc is extinguished within the quenching chamber, thus preventing, for example, any follow current from the mains. Simultaneously, separation occurs due to the thermally activated element, thereby increasing the dielectric strength.This ensures a simple and safe separation of the horn spark gap from a network, especially only in the event of an impending overload, since the arc enters the quenching chamber when the maximum load capacity is reached.

[0012] One aspect stipulates that the thermally triggered activation element is positioned relative to the corresponding electrode of the horn spark gap such that a base point of the arc triggers the thermally triggered activation element. Specifically, the arc has two base points that travel along the two electrodes of the horn spark gap as it enters the quenching chamber. In other words, the arc forms a base point at each electrode along the extension of the quenching chamber. Sufficient heat is generated at these two base points due to local heating, which is used to trigger the thermally triggered activation element. It is sufficient for one thermally triggered activation element to be assigned to a corresponding electrode of the horn spark gap, such that the base point present at that electrode triggers the thermally triggered activation element.

[0013] The solder joint can be formed by a solder fitting, which is used to open or interrupt the connection due to the thermal stress associated with the electric arc, particularly at its base. In other words, the solder joint, i.e., the solder material used there, is softened by the thermal energy of the electric arc, especially the thermal energy at the base of the electrode. This causes the thermally activated element to be triggered, thus interrupting or separating the corresponding electrode. Due to the separation via the thermally activated element, the electrode is then de-energized.

[0014] In particular, a spring is provided that interacts with a separating section and is pre-tensioned against it, so that the spring moves part of the separating section to detach the electrode when the activation element has been thermally triggered. The separating section is located in the area of ​​the solder joint. In other words, the pre-tensioned spring pushes part of the solder joint away from another part of the solder joint after the intervening solder material has softened. This creates a separation gap or increases an existing separation gap.

[0015] The energy stored in the pre-tensioned spring is released when the thermally activated element is triggered, for example, when the solder joint has softened due to thermal energy. The spring force then ensures separation at the separation point, i.e., the solder joint. Therefore, a reliable separation can be achieved using the thermally activated element and the spring.

[0016] For example, the thermally triggered activation element is arranged in a current supply for the corresponding electrode, in particular in the current supply for the long horn electrode of the horn spark gap. The current supply to the long horn electrode is therefore interrupted when an arc has entered the quenching chamber, since the corresponding base point triggers the thermally triggered activation element, causing the separation. This disconnects the corresponding electrode.

[0017] The thermally triggered activation element can be configured to disconnect the long horn electrode of the horn spark gap.

[0018] The connection to the electrode is thus interrupted by means of the thermally triggered activation element, thereby disconnecting the electrode. This can be achieved, for example, in a simple way by releasing the energy stored in the pre-tensioned spring when the thermally triggered activation element is activated, thus interrupting or disconnecting the electrode.

[0019] In principle, the thermally triggered activation element can also interact with the spring in other configurations, for example to actuate a switch, trigger a display device, actuate a remote communication contact and / or increase dielectric strength, in particular by changing the geometry of the horn spark gap, for example by moving an electrode of the horn spark gap.

[0020] The thermally triggered activation element can therefore activate a downstream functional module and / or cause a change in the geometry of the horn spark gap. In particular, the thermally triggered activation element interacts with an indicator element, a remote signaling contact, and / or a trigger element. This interaction can be indirect, namely via a pre-tensioned spring, whose stored energy is used, provided the thermally triggered activation element has been activated, to initiate a mechanical movement. The spring generates a spring force, which causes the mechanical movement.

[0021] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a disconnect module for isolating and protecting a surge protection module, wherein the disconnect module has a connection for the surge protection module via which the disconnect module can be connected in series with the surge protection module. The disconnect module has overload protection comprising the horn spark gap assembly of the aforementioned type. The disconnect module can be a separate device, which is therefore designed independently, in particular separately with respect to a surge protection device comprising the surge protection module. Alternatively, the disconnect module and the surge protection module can be housed in a common protection device, so that the disconnect module and the surge protection module share a common housing.

[0022] The horn spark gap assembly can also be directly integrated into a surge protection device, eliminating the need for an additional isolation device, as was the case in the prior art.

[0023] One aspect of the design is that the arc has two starting points, one of which thermally triggers the thermally activated element. Specifically, the thermal energy (heat) of the starting point softens a solder joint of the thermally activated element, for example, to detach one of the electrodes of the horn spark gap, such as the long horn electrode, and / or to cause a change in the geometry of the horn spark gap, thereby increasing its dielectric strength. As explained above, the thermal energy of the arc is used when it enters the quenching chamber upon reaching its maximum current capacity to trigger the thermally activated element, which in turn causes a separation and / or increases the dielectric strength by changing the geometry of the horn spark gap, for example.one of the electrodes is mechanically moved and / or a trigger element of the horn spark gap is adjusted.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, a downstream functional module can be activated by the activated thermally triggered activation element, in particular wherein the thermally triggered activation element interacts with a display element, a remote signaling contact and / or a trigger element.

[0025] The indicator element can be located directly on the isolation module or the device containing the horn spark gap assembly. This allows the user to receive direct information at the component comprising the horn spark gap assembly that the maximum load capacity has been reached, as the arc has entered the quenching chamber and triggered the thermally activated element.

[0026] The remote communication contact can result in a message being sent to a separate device or control center, so that the information regarding reaching the maximum load capacity can also be used at a location other than the location of the horn spark gap assembly.

[0027] A function can be triggered via the trigger element, which has been activated by the activated thermal triggerable activation element, e.g., controlling another module / device.

[0028] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures referenced. The drawings show: - Fig. 1 an overview of an overvoltage protection assembly with an overvoltage protection module and an isolation module according to the invention, which includes a horn spark gap assembly according to the invention, - Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the horn spark gap assembly according to the invention in an initial state, and - Fig. 3 the horn spark gap assembly from Fig. 2 in a triggered state in which a separation occurs.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a surge protection assembly 10, which is used, for example, at an electrical power supply point in a building. In the illustrated embodiment, the surge protection assembly 10 is provided between a phase, L, and a protective conductor potential, PE.

[0030] The surge protection assembly 10 comprises a disconnect module 12 and a surge protection module 14 connected in series with the disconnect module 12 via a terminal 13, which, in the form shown, is designed separately from the disconnect module 12. Therefore, the disconnect module 12 can be referred to as a disconnect device or isolating device, and the surge protection module 14 as a surge protection device.

[0031] As an alternative to the embodiment shown, the isolation module 12 and the surge protection module 14 can also be arranged in a common protection device 16, wherein a common housing of the protection device 16 surrounds the corresponding modules, as shown in dashed lines.

[0032] The surge protection module 14 is designed to become low-impedance in the event of a transient or temporary overvoltage in order to dissipate the energy of an overvoltage pulse. For this to be possible, the isolation module 12 must also become low-impedance simultaneously with the surge protection module 14 in the event of an overvoltage, so that the pulse or surge current can be dissipated via the surge protection module 14.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the isolating module 12 is connected upstream of the surge protection module 14, thus acting as a pre-fuse. However, the isolating module 12 can also be connected downstream of the surge protection module 14. In both cases, the isolating module 12 must become low-impedance simultaneously with the surge protection module 14 in order to be able to conduct the impulse or surge current.

[0034] As from Fig. As already becomes clear in Figure 1, the isolation module 12 has a horn spark gap 18, which functions as a short-circuit current quenching and / or overvoltage switching component. The horn spark gap 18 is connected in series with the overvoltage protection module 14, which means that in the event of an overvoltage, the horn spark gap 18 switches simultaneously with the overvoltage protection module 14 and conducts the impulse or surge current.

[0035] Provided the surge protection module 14 is intact, the isolation module 12 is not subjected to the actual functions of the surge protection module 14, such as the suppression of a follow current, but only forms a low-impedance path for the impulse current dissipation via the surge protection module 14. However, if the surge protection module 14 degrades or is even defective, the follow current suppression capability of the horn spark gap 18 of the isolation module 12 comes into play in the event of an overvoltage, since the degraded or defective surge protection module 14 can no longer perform this function.

[0036] The horn spark gap 18 is provided in the isolation module 12 as part of a horn spark gap assembly 20, which functions as overload protection 21 for the overvoltage protection module 14.

[0037] The horn spark gap assembly 20 includes, in addition to the horn spark gap 18, a quenching chamber 22, which is assigned to the horn spark gap 18.

[0038] The horn spark gap 18 has two electrodes 24, 26, between which an arc 28 can be generated, which migrates into the quenching chamber 22, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0039] The in Fig. 1. The horn spark gap assembly 20, shown only schematically, is in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows in detail, which is referred to below. It also becomes clear from this that the horn spark gap assembly 20 has the horn spark gap 18, since the first electrode 24 of the horn spark gap 18 is a long horn electrode, whereas the second electrode 26 of the horn spark gap 18 is a hook horn electrode.

[0040] The horn spark gap assembly 20 has, in addition to the horn spark gap 18 and the quenching chamber 22, a trigger unit 30, via which the generation of the arc 28 can be triggered.

[0041] In this case, the trigger device 30 extends through one of the two electrodes 24, 26, specifically the hook-horn electrode 26, which has an opening through which the trigger device 30 partially extends. Upon triggering, an initial arc is thus created between the hook-horn electrode 26 and the trigger device 30, which is at the potential of the long-horn electrode 24. Subsequently, the initial arc commutates to the long-horn electrode 24, so that the arc 28 is created between the two electrodes 24, 26, which can propagate towards the quenching chamber 22 when the maximum current-carrying capacity of the surge protection assembly 10 is reached, in particular that of the surge protection module 14.

[0042] Furthermore, the horn spark gap assembly 20 includes a thermally triggered activation element 32, which includes a solder joint 34.

[0043] The solder joint 34 comprises solder material 36, which is provided between a first conductor 38 and a second conductor 40, which in the initial state ensures a mechanical and electrical connection between the two conductors 38, 40.

[0044] The thermally triggered activation element 32 is provided in a current supply 42 of the long horn electrode 24, particularly in the area of ​​the quenching chamber 22.

[0045] If an arc has formed between the two electrodes 24, 26 and is migrating into the quenching chamber 22, the base points of the arc move along the two electrodes 24, 26. As soon as the arc has migrated into the quenching chamber 22, at least one of the two base points of the arc, namely the one associated with the long horn electrode 24, lies within the area of ​​the thermally triggered activation element 32. Due to the thermal energy at the base point, the solder joint 34 softens, in particular the solder material 36, thereby opening the solder joint 34 and thus interrupting the current supply 42 to the long horn electrode 24 or disconnecting the long horn electrode 24.

[0046] The separation or interruption is assisted by a spring 44, which is supported against a housing section 46 and presses against one of the conductors 38, 40. In this case, the spring 44 presses against the second conductor 40. Due to the stored spring force of the pre-tensioned spring 44, a spring force is generated that causes the second conductor 40 to be pushed away when the solder joint 34 or the solder material 36 softens, thereby separating the solder joint 34. A separation section 48 is therefore present, which includes at least the two conductors 38, 40 and the solder joint 34.

[0047] As soon as the thermally triggered activation element 32 has been triggered, i.e., the solder material 36 of the solder joint 34 has been softened, the spring force of the pre-tensioned spring 44 can initiate the separation movement of the separation section 48 by pushing the second conductor 40 away. This is in Fig. 3 shown, since the spring 44 moved the second conductor 40 accordingly, thereby interrupting the solder joint 34 and separating the electrode 24.

[0048] The separation section 48 thus creates a separation point which is connected in series to the trigger separation gap between the trigger unit 30 and the electrode 26, thereby increasing the respective separation gaps, which contributes to increasing the dielectric strength.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally to separating the disconnect section 48, the thermally triggered activation element 32 can cause a change in the geometry of the horn spark gap 18, for example by acting on one of the electrodes 24, 26 to move it mechanically, or by moving the trigger unit 30 to change its position relative to the electrodes 24, 26. This increases the dielectric strength of the disconnect module 12, which in turn increases the dielectric strength of the entire surge protection assembly 10. Fig. 1 increased.

[0050] Furthermore, the thermally triggered activation element 32 can activate a downstream function module 50, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0051] Function module 50, for example, is a display element (on the separator module 12), so that the separation via the separator module 12 is displayed visibly to a user from the outside.

[0052] Furthermore, the thermally triggered activation element 32 can activate a function module 50 configured as a remote signaling contact, enabling remote signaling to a control center and / or a separate device. This allows the information that the disconnect module 12 has been triggered to be used at a location other than the installation location of the disconnect module 12.

[0053] Furthermore, the thermally triggered activation element 32 can activate a function module 50 configured as a trigger element, which triggers a downstream function. This function can be executed by the separation module 12 and / or another module or device.

[0054] In all cases, the thermal energy of the arc 28 is used, in particular the thermal energy in the area of ​​the base of the arc 28, to trigger the thermally triggerable activation element 32, in particular to heat the solder joint 34 so that it can be loosened.

[0055] The triggering or separation can be assisted by the pre-tensioned spring 44, which supports the mechanical separation by mechanically moving part of the separating section 48, as shown here by the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 has been shown.

[0056] Likewise, the spring force of the pre-tensioned spring 44 can be used to effect a change in the geometry of the horn spark gap 18.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the thermally triggered activation element 32 can activate the function module 50 to display information, in particular to mechanically trigger a display element. For example, spring force can be used to mechanically actuate a slider that changes the display element or makes it visible to a user. A slider with a section in a signal color, e.g., red, can be mechanically moved, with the section only becoming visible after the slider has been mechanically moved, thus triggering the corresponding display.

[0058] In principle, the thermally triggered activation element 32 can directly activate the functional module 50 and / or perform the geometry change of the horn spark gap 18, i.e. without separating the electrode 24.

[0059] It may also be provided that two or more thermally triggered activation elements 32 are provided, each of which is assigned a corresponding function, e.g., disconnecting the electrode 24, displaying via the display element to inform a user on site, interrupting a remote communication contact to generate a remote message, and / or making a geometric change to the horn spark gap 18.

Claims

[1] Horn spark gap assembly (20) comprising a horn spark gap (18) and an quenching chamber (22) associated with the horn spark gap (18), wherein the horn spark gap (18) has two electrodes (24, 26) between which an arc (28) can be generated which migrates into the quenching chamber (22), and wherein a thermally triggerable activation element (32) is associated with one of the electrodes (24) and is configured to be triggered by the arc (28) which has migrated into the quenching chamber (22), characterized by , that the thermally triggered activation element (32) includes a solder joint (34) which is configured to disconnect the corresponding electrode (24) of the horn spark gap (18). [2] Horn spark gap assembly (20) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the thermally triggered activation element (32) is arranged in such a way with respect to the corresponding electrode (24) of the horn spark gap (18) that a foot point of the arc (28) triggers the thermally triggered activation element (32). [3] Horn spark gap assembly (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a spring (44) is provided which interacts with a separating section (48) and is biased against the separating section (48) so that the spring (44) moves a part of the separating section (48) to separate the electrode (24) when the thermally triggered activation element (32) has been thermally triggered. [4] Horn spark gap assembly (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the thermally triggered activation element (32) is set up to disconnect the long horn electrode horn spark gap (18). [5] Horn spark gap assembly (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the thermally triggered activation element (32) activates a downstream function module (50) and / or causes a change in the geometry of the horn spark gap (18), in particular wherein the thermally triggered activation element (32) interacts with a display element, a remote signaling contact and / or a trigger element. [6] Isolation module (12) for isolating and protecting an overvoltage protection module (14), wherein the isolation module (12) has a connection (13) via which the isolation module (12) can be connected in series with the overvoltage protection module (14), and wherein the isolation module (12) has an overload protection (21) comprising the horn spark gap assembly (20) according to one of the preceding claims. [7] Method for operating a horn spark gap assembly (20) with a horn spark gap (18) having two electrodes (24, 26), wherein an arc (28) is generated in the horn spark gap (18) when a short-circuit current and / or an overvoltage is present, wherein the generated arc (28) travels along the horn spark gap (18) towards an quenching chamber (22) associated with the horn spark gap (18), and wherein a thermally triggered activation element (32) associated with one of the electrodes (24) of the horn spark gap (18) is triggered by the arc (28) when the arc (28) enters the quenching chamber (22), characterized by , that the thermally triggered activation element (32) includes a solder joint (34) which is softened due to the thermal energy of the arc (28) and separates the corresponding electrode (24) from the horn spark gap (18). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by, that the arc (28) has two base points, one of which thermally triggers the thermally triggerable activation element (32), in particular wherein a solder joint (34) of the thermally triggerable activation element (32) is softened due to the heat of the base point, for example to detach one of the electrodes (24, 26) of the horn spark gap (18) and / or to cause a change in the geometry of the horn spark gap (18). [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that a downstream functional module (50) is activated by the activated thermally triggered activation element (32), in particular wherein the thermally triggered activation element (32) interacts with a display element, a remote signaling contact and / or a trigger element.

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