ELECTRIC RELEASE UNIT, RELEASE DEVICE WITH SUCH A RELEASE UNIT AND A VALVE UNIT, AS WELL AS COMPRESSED GAS TANKS WITH SUCH A RELEASE DEVICE

Description

[0001] The content of the German patent application DE 10 2021 209 075.3 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to an electrical release unit for activating a valve unit, a release device with such a release unit, and a pressurized gas container with such a release device.

[0003] Compressed gas cylinders are used to store gas under pressure, especially high pressure. A valve unit is connected to the cylinder to release the gas. Particularly in safety-critical applications, such as fire extinguishing gas cylinders, it is essential to ensure a reliable, and ideally automated, release of the compressed gas. This can be achieved using an electrical release unit, which is electrically controlled.

[0004] Electrical release units are known from EP 2 339 681 B1 and DE 10 2015 203 486 A1.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to make the automated triggering of a valve unit on a pressurized gas container more reliable by means of an electrical triggering unit and, in particular, to increase the functional reliability of the pressurized gas container, especially in a fire extinguishing system.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by an electrical release unit with the features specified in claim 1, by a release device with the features specified in claim 11 and by a pressurized gas container with the features specified in claim 13.

[0007] An electrical release unit according to the invention comprises an armature plate made of a magnetizable material and an actuating rod for actuating a valve unit connected to the release unit. The actuating rod is, in particular, mechanically coupled to the armature plate. Specifically, the actuating rod is held by the armature plate. Axial actuation of the actuating rod from a retracted position to an extended position is prevented by the armature plate as long as the armature plate is held by the magnetic holding force. It is possible to manufacture the actuating rod and the armature plate as a single unit. The release unit further comprises a permanent magnet with a permanent magnetic field that generates a holding force acting on the armature plate.In particular, the armature plate is made of a magnetizable material, especially magnetizable steel, particularly structural steel or free-cutting steel. The permanent magnetic field holds the armature plate in the retracted position, in which the valve unit is unactuated, i.e., not triggered. The actuating rod is made of a non-magnetizable material, especially non-magnetizable metal, particularly brass.

[0008] The release unit also features a force storage element that is mechanically coupled to the armature plate. Through this mechanical coupling, the force storage element exerts a displacement force on the armature plate that opposes the holding force. This displacement force exerted by the force storage element counteracts the holding force of the permanent magnet. The holding force of the permanent magnet is greater than the displacement force of the force storage element, thus reliably keeping the armature plate and the actuating rod in the retracted position.

[0009] The electrical release unit further comprises a housing with a longitudinal axis. The release unit also includes an electromagnet, which is specifically arranged within the housing. The electromagnet includes a pole core and a current-carrying coil. When the coil is energized, the electromagnet exhibits a counter-magnetic field that opposes the permanent magnet field. These opposing magnetic fields produce an effective magnetic field with a specific effective field strength. The effective field strength is the difference between the field strength of the permanent magnet and the field strength of the electromagnet. When the coil is energized, i.e., when the electromagnet is energized, the field strength of the permanent magnet is reduced by that of the electromagnet, thus reducing the holding force acting on the armature plate.In particular, the holding force is reduced to such an extent that the displacement force of the energy storage element is greater than the reduced holding force of the permanent magnet. The reduced holding force is the effective holding force. Crucially, the effective holding force is less than the displacement force of the energy storage element. Consequently, the armature plate and the actuating rod are displaced along the longitudinal axis of the housing, specifically out of the housing, thus ensuring actuation of the valve unit. The armature plate and actuating rod are then in the extended position.

[0010] The release unit also features an adjustment element for setting the position of the pole piece within the housing. Specifically, the position of the pole piece can be variably set along its longitudinal axis using this adjustment element. It was surprisingly discovered that the holding force exerted by the permanent magnet on the armature plate can be negatively affected by unintended gaps, particularly air gaps, which act as an insulator against the magnetic holding force. Such air gaps can result from manufacturing tolerances and / or surface coatings. In particular, it was found that the reduction in holding force increases with the distance between the components. The adjustment element makes it possible to minimize, and especially to completely eliminate, air gaps, particularly between the pole piece and the armature plate.The adjusting element ensures, in particular, that the anchor plate rests directly against the pole piece in the retracted position. Specifically, the anchor plate rests against the housing in the retracted position. The adjusting element enables a so-called zero-point adjustment, i.e., a variable axial positioning of the pole piece relative to the housing. Specifically, the adjusting element allows the axial position of the pole piece relative to the housing to be set with an accuracy of + / - 0.02 mm.

[0011] In the release unit according to the invention, the holding force of the permanent magnet is reliably determined. Undesired reductions in holding force due to unknown and / or undefined air gaps are avoided. This allows the holding force acting on the armature plate to be reliably determined and the energy storage element and the electromagnet to be reliably dimensioned. A malfunction of the electrical release unit and the associated safety risk are eliminated.

[0012] A release unit according to claim 2 enables a protected arrangement of the components within the housing. In particular, the housing is sealed. A cap on the housing can provide a guide function for the actuating rod along its longitudinal axis.

[0013] A release unit according to claim 3 ensures uncomplicated and stepless adjustment of the axial position of the polar core in the housing. The adjustment element has an adjustment thread, in particular an external adjustment thread, which corresponds to a movement thread of the housing, which is in particular designed as an internal thread. In particular, the adjustment thread and the movement thread are each designed as a metric thread and in particular as a metric fine thread.

[0014] A release unit according to claim 4 enables particularly straightforward and direct repositioning of the pole core within the housing. The pole core is arranged to be repositionable, particularly axially displaceable, along the longitudinal axis within the housing. In particular, the adjusting element rests directly against the permanent magnet, which rests directly against the pole core. Thus, the adjusting element and the permanent magnet, as well as the permanent magnet and the pole core, are each directly coupled to one another in pairs. It is also conceivable that the adjusting element is mechanically coupled directly to the pole core, in particular that it rests directly against each other, i.e., touches each other.

[0015] A release unit according to claim 5 ensures that the position of the adjusting element on the housing is secured. A lock nut secures the axial position of the adjusting element on the housing. The lock nut is, in particular, axially supported on the housing. Specifically, the lock nut is screwed onto a spring housing, which is attached to, and in particular screwed to, the housing of the release unit.

[0016] A triggering unit according to claim 6 simplifies the connection to an electrical power source. In particular, a defined, and especially a standardized, connection option is ensured.

[0017] A release unit according to claim 7 is uncomplicated and robust. A force storage element in the form of a helical spring is compact and efficient. A helical spring is durable and available as a standardized component at a low cost. Compared to a disc spring or a disc spring assembly, a helical spring exhibits reduced friction, so that the displacement of the anchor plate is essentially frictionless. The actuation of the release unit is not negatively affected by frictional forces. The performance of the release unit is advantageous.

[0018] A triggering unit according to claim 8 enables efficient and immediate application of the displacement force.

[0019] A release unit according to claim 9 ensures a straightforward and reliable coupling of a spring housing. In particular, the spring housing is detachably attached to the housing and, in particular, screwed to it. Specifically, the spring housing is screwed into an internal thread of the adjusting element via an external thread and thus attached to the housing.

[0020] A release unit according to claim 10 simplifies the actuation of the actuating rod.

[0021] A release device according to claim 11 essentially has the advantages of the release unit according to the invention, which is hereby referred to. In particular, the valve unit is self-closing, meaning that the valve unit is in a closed state by default. The valve unit can be actuated, i.e., opened, by means of the release unit.

[0022] A release device according to claim 12 ensures reliable and uncomplicated opening of the valve unit. In particular, a pre-tensioned valve element is provided in the valve unit, wherein the valve element can be actuated by means of the actuating rod. In particular, the actuating rod interacts directly mechanically with the valve element.

[0023] A pressurized gas container according to claim 13 essentially has the advantages of the release device, to which reference is hereby made.

[0024] Both the features specified in the claims and those specified in the exemplary embodiment of a release device according to the invention are each suitable, individually or in combination with one another, for further developing the subject matter of the invention. The respective combinations of features do not constitute a limitation with regard to further developments of the subject matter of the invention, but are essentially merely exemplary.

[0025] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a release device according to the invention in a deactivated state of a valve unit, Fig. 2 shows an enlarged detail view of detail II in Fig. 1 , and Fig. 3 Fig. 1 corresponding representation in an activated state of the valve unit.

[0026] One in Fig. 1 bis 3 Each release device, designated as a whole by 1, comprises an electrical release unit 2 coupled to a valve unit 3. The release device 1 is connected to a pressure gas container 4 via the valve unit 3. The pressure gas container 4 holds gas, in particular extinguishing gas, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), argon (Ar), or nitrogen (N₂), under pressure, in particular under high pressure. The internal pressure in the pressure gas container 4 is in particular at least 50 bar, in particular at least 100 bar, in particular at least 200 bar, in particular at least 250 bar, and in particular at least 300 bar. The pressure gas container 4 can be used, in particular, in a gas extinguishing system to release the gas from the pressure gas container 4 to extinguish a fire in the event of a fire. In particular, the extinguishing gas is to be released automatically from the pressure gas container 4 when a fire has been detected.

[0027] The release device 1 serves to dispense the gas from the pressure gas container 4, particularly in an automated manner.

[0028] The valve unit 3 has a valve body 5 with an inlet nozzle 6, preferably a single piece, through which the valve body 5 is inserted into and connected to the pressure gas container 4. An inlet channel 7 is integrated into the inlet nozzle 6, through which pressurized gas can flow from the pressure gas container 4 into the valve unit 3. A valve seat 8 is provided at one end of the inlet channel 7 located in the valve body 5, and a valve element 9 is mounted on this seat. Fig. 1 and 2The valve element 9 seals against the inlet channel 7 and a discharge channel 11 integrated into a discharge nozzle 10. A fire extinguishing line can be connected to the discharge nozzle 10. For illustrative purposes, the fire extinguishing line is not shown in the figures. A protective cap 12 is arranged on the discharge nozzle 10, in particular screwed on. The discharge channel 11 has a longitudinal axis that is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the inlet channel 7.

[0029] The inlet channel 7 and the outlet channel 11 open into a valve chamber 13, in which the valve element 9 is displaceably arranged and sealed by a valve element sealing element 14. The valve element 9 is displaceable along an axial direction, which is oriented, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inlet channel 7. This axial displacement moves the valve element 9 away from or towards the valve seat 8. The valve element sealing element 14 is designed, in particular, as an O-ring and is arranged in an outer groove of the valve element 9. The valve element sealing element 14 abuts an inner wall of the valve chamber 13, forming a seal.

[0030] A seat element 15 is arranged on the valve element 9 at a lower end face facing the valve seat 8. The seat element 15 is made, in particular, of a sealing material. The seat element 15 is annular in shape and is arranged in a corresponding end-face recess on the valve element 9. In the inactive arrangement of the release device 1 according to Fig. 1 The seat element 15 seals against the valve seat 8. A throttle element 16 is arranged on the valve element 9 facing the inlet channel 7. The throttle element 16 is sleeve-shaped, screwed into the end face of the valve element 9, and has an outer annular collar 17 facing the inlet channel 7. The annular collar 17 serves as an axial fixation for the seat element 15. The seat element 15 is axially secured to the valve element 9 by means of the throttle element 16. The throttle element 16 is sealed against the seat element 15 by means of a throttle element sealing element 18, which is designed as an O-ring. The throttle element 16 has an axially oriented throttle channel 19 with a throttle opening 20 facing the inlet channel 7. The throttle channel 19 is continuous, thus extending along the length of the valve element 9. A fluid connection from the inlet channel 7 to the valve chamber 13 is formed above the throttle channel 19.

[0031] The throttle opening 20 has a minimum inner diameter di, min, which is smaller, in particular significantly smaller, than the inner diameter di, Z of the inlet channel 7. The throttle opening 20 is a pressure equalization bore that connects the valve chamber 13 to the inlet channel 7. In particular, the pressure equalization bore allows any pressure drop in the valve chamber 13 caused by the smallest leaks to be compensated for, thus preventing unintentional activation of the valve unit 3.

[0032] On its upper side, opposite the inlet channel 7, the valve chamber 13 can be sealed and closed by means of a pilot valve 21. The pilot valve 21 has a pilot valve body 22 with an axial bore in which a release pin 23 is axially displaceable. The pilot valve body 22 is screwed into the valve body 5. A release pin sealing element 24, in particular in the form of an O-ring, is attached to the release pin 23. Fig. 1 and 2In the shown, unactivated arrangement of the valve unit 3, the release pin with the release pin sealing element 24 rests in a sealing contact with a sealing surface 25 of the pilot valve body 22. This seals the valve chamber 13 against the environment. The through-channel of the pilot valve 21 is connected to a transverse channel 26 in the valve body 5 and, in particular, to one or more transverse bores 27 in the side wall of the valve body 5. The transverse channel 26 is located, in particular, on an upper surface of the pilot valve 21 facing away from the inlet channel 7. Venting of the valve chamber 13 is possible via the transverse channel and the transverse bores 27.

[0033] The trigger unit 2 is connected to the valve unit 3 by means of an adapter 28 and a union nut 29 held thereon. In particular, the union nut 29 is screwed with an external thread into a corresponding internal thread of the valve body 5. In particular, the adapter 28 rests against the end face of the pilot valve 21, in particular the pilot valve body 22.

[0034] The trigger unit 2 has a substantially cylindrical housing 30 with a longitudinal axis 31. A cover 32 is attached to the housing 30 on an underside facing the valve unit 3, in particular by screwing it on. The cover 32 forms a lower lid or cap of the housing 30. The cover 32 defines a displacement 33 extending along the longitudinal axis 31. The cover 32 is sealed against the housing 30 by means of a cover sealing element, in particular in the form of an O-ring 34. The cover 32 has a connecting pin 35, in particular one integrally molded onto it, to which the adapter 28 is detachably attached, in particular by screwing it on.

[0035] An armature plate 36 is arranged in the displacement chamber 33 enclosed by the hood 32 and the housing 30. The armature plate 36 rests against the underside of the housing 30 at its end face. The armature plate 36 is designed in the shape of an annular disk. The armature plate 36 is made of a magnetizable material, in particular in one piece.

[0036] The anchor plate 36 has an actuating rod 37 extending along the longitudinal axis 31. According to the illustrated embodiment, the anchor plate 36 and the actuating rod 37 are each designed separately, i.e., as two parts. It is conceivable that the anchor plate 36 and the actuating rod 37 are designed as a single unit. The actuating rod 37 is guided through a through-hole in the anchor plate 36 and axially held on a top surface of the anchor plate 36 facing the housing 30 by a radial collar 38. The radial collar 38 has an outer diameter oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis 31, which is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole in the anchor plate 36.

[0037] The actuating rod 37 extends along the longitudinal axis 31 through the displacement chamber 33 and through a central opening in the hood 32, and in particular in the hood pin 35 and the adapter 28. The actuating rod 37 projects into the valve body 5. Fig. 1 The actuating rod is arranged axially spaced from the pilot valve 21 and in particular from the release pin 23.

[0038] An electromagnet 39 is arranged in the housing 30. The electromagnet has a central pole core 40 and a coil 41 surrounding the pole core 40. The coil 41 is electrically connected to a terminal element 42. The terminal element 42 is in the form of an electrical plug and allows connection to an electrical power source. The coil 41 is positioned in the housing 30 by means of a frame-like retaining element 43 and is thereby held, in particular, axially with respect to the longitudinal axis 31. The retaining element 43 is held by several radial screws that pass through external bores in the housing 30. Fig. 1 Only one radial screw 44 is shown, which is partially obscured by the connecting element 42. Further radial screws 44 are arranged, in particular, along the outer circumference of the housing 30, i.e., in other section planes.

[0039] The pole core 40 is essentially hollow cylindrical. Its lower annular end face rests against the anchor plate 36. On its opposite end face, the pole core 40 has a circumferential radial projection 45. In the sectional view according to Fig. 1 The pole core 40 is essentially T-shaped. A permanent magnet 46 is arranged on its upper surface, opposite the armature plate 36. The permanent magnet 46 is annular in shape. The permanent magnet 46 rests against the radial projection 45 at its end face. The permanent magnet 46 has a permanent magnetic field that acts on the armature plate 36 and exerts a holding force FH on the armature plate 36. The holding force FH is oriented along the longitudinal axis from the armature plate 36 towards the permanent magnet 46.

[0040] On its upper side, facing away from the pole core 40, an adjusting element 47 is arranged on the permanent magnet 46 and sealed in the housing 30 by means of an adjusting element sealing element 48. The adjusting element 47 has an adjusting thread 49, which is formed as an external thread in one piece on the essentially sleeve-like adjusting element 47. The adjusting thread 49 engages a motion thread 50 of the housing. The motion thread 50 extends from an upper end of the housing 30 along the longitudinal axis 31. The motion thread 50 is accordingly designed as an internal thread on the housing 30. In particular, the adjusting thread 49 and the motion thread 50 are designed as metric fine threads.

[0041] The adjusting element 47 projects axially with respect to the longitudinal axis 31 from a top surface of the housing 30. A lock nut 51 is screwed onto the adjusting element 47 in this area and axially supported against the end face of the housing 30. The lock nut 51 secures the axial position of the adjusting element 47 relative to the housing 30.

[0042] The adjusting element 47 is essentially hollow cylindrical with a transverse base 52. A spring housing 53 is axially supported on the transverse base 52 and sealed against the adjusting element 47 by means of a spring housing sealing element 54. The spring housing 53 is screwed into a corresponding internal thread in the adjusting element 47 via an external thread. The spring housing 53 is essentially hollow cylindrical and is held concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 31 on the adjusting element 47. The spring housing has a spring chamber in which a spring bolt 55 is axially displaceable. The spring bolt 55 forms a plunger. The spring bolt 55 is axially guided in a guide bore 57 of the spring housing 53 by means of a cylindrical section 56 and sealed in the guide bore 57 by means of a spring bolt sealing element 58.At one end opposite the cylinder section 56, the spring bolt 55 has a transverse plate 59 on which a helical compression spring 60 is axially supported. The transverse plate is integrally formed with the spring bolt 55. The transverse plate 59 forms a plate section of the spring bolt 55.

[0043] The helical compression spring 60 forms a mechanical energy storage element. The helical compression spring 60 is axially supported at its opposite upper side against a base surface 61 of the spring housing 53, which defines the interior of the spring housing 53. In the Fig. 1 In the illustration shown, the spring bolt 55 is arranged at a distance from the transverse base 52. In this arrangement, the helical compression spring 61 is pre-tensioned, i.e., axially compressed. In this arrangement, the helical compression spring 61 exerts a displacement force Fv on the plate section 59, i.e., on the spring bolt 55. The displacement force Fv is according to Fig. 1 Directed vertically downwards, thus oriented opposite to the holding force FH. The displacement force FV is smaller than the holding force FH. The anchor plate 36 is reliably held to the housing 30 and the pole core 40.

[0044] The spring bolt 55 contacts a transmission rod 62 on its underside, i.e., on a lower end face of the plate section 59, and is thus mechanically coupled to it. The transmission rod 62 provides a mechanical axial connection between the spring bolt 55 and the actuating rod 37. For this purpose, the transmission rod 62 is guided through through-holes in the transverse base 52, the permanent magnet 46, and the pole core 40. The transmission rod is essentially cylindrical and rests with one upper end face against the plate section 59 of the spring bolt 55 and with the opposite end face against the radial collar 38 of the actuating rod 37. It is also conceivable that the transmission rod could be integral with the actuating rod 37, integral with the spring bolt 55, or integral with both.

[0045] The function of the release device 1, in particular the release unit 2 and the valve unit 3, is explained in more detail below.

[0046] Starting from Fig. 1 and 2 The pressurized gas container 4 is closed by means of the valve unit 3. Gas can flow from the pressurized gas container 4 into the valve unit 3 via the inlet channel 7. The gas flows through the throttle opening 20 and the throttle channel 19 into the valve chamber 13. Further gas flow out of the valve chamber 13, in particular to the transverse channel 26 and the transverse bores 27, is prevented by the release pin 23 and the release pin sealing element 24 arranged thereon.

[0047] The gas in the valve chamber 13 is at the same pressure, i.e., high pressure, and exerts a closing force on the rear side of the valve element 9, pushing it towards the inlet channel 7. This closing force is greater than any opening force exerted by the gas on the valve element 9 via the inlet channel 7, because the rear cross-sectional area of ​​the valve element 9 facing the valve chamber 13 is larger than the area facing the inlet channel 7. Due to these area ratios, the valve element 9 is forced into the Fig. 1 The arrangement shown with the seat element 15 is pressed against the valve seat 8. The inlet channel 7 is sealed. Gas flow from the inlet channel 7 into the outlet channel 11 is reliably excluded and prevented.

[0048] According to Fig. 1 and 2The release unit 2 is in an unactuated, i.e., inactive, state. In this state, the coil 41 is not energized. This means that the electromagnet 39 has no magnetic field of its own. The holding force FH, already described above, acts on the armature plate 36, pulling the armature plate 36 and the actuating rod 37 attached to it upwards, towards the housing 30. For this reason, the actuating rod 37 is arranged axially spaced from the release pin 23. The actuating rod 37 is located according to Fig. 1 in the retracted position, i.e., retracted into the housing 30.

[0049] The holding force FH is counteracted by the displacement force FV, which is exerted by the energy storage element 60 via the spring bolt 55 and the transmission rods 62 onto the actuating rod 37. The permanent magnet 46 and the energy storage element 60 are dimensioned such that the holding force FH is greater than the displacement force FV.

[0050] To trigger the valve unit 3, the electromagnet 39 is activated by energizing the coil 41. In the energized state, the electromagnet 39 exhibits a counter-magnetic field that opposes the permanent magnet field of the permanent magnet 46. This reduces the effective holding force FH,eff compared to the holding force FH in the unenergized state of the coil 41. Specifically, FH > FH,eff. Crucially, the effective holding force FH,eff is less than the displacement force FV acting on the spring bolt 55 due to the energy storage element 60. Consequently, the displacement force FV causes the spring bolt 55 to be displaced downwards along the longitudinal axis 31 within the spring housing 53, towards the transverse base 52.

[0051] The displacement of the spring bolt 55 immediately causes a displacement of the transmission rod 62 and the actuating rod 37. The downwardly displaced actuating rod 37 comes into contact with the release pin 23 in the valve unit 3 and displaces it, along with the release pin sealing element 24, away from the sealing surface 25. As a result, the valve chamber 13 is no longer sealed, and gas can escape from the valve chamber 13 past the sealing surface 25 via the transverse channel 26 and the transverse bores 27 to the atmosphere.

[0052] Due to this pressure loss in the valve chamber 13, the valve element 9 is lifted from the valve 8 and moved towards the pilot valve 22. This creates a direct fluid connection between the inlet channel 7 and the outlet channel 11. Gas can be released from the pressure vessel 4 via the valve unit 3, in particular the outlet nozzle 10, which is also referred to as the valve outlet.

[0053] A particularly advantageous feature of the release unit 2 is that the axial positioning of the pole core 40 relative to the housing 30 can be variably adjusted by means of the adjusting element 47. The holding force FH exerted by the permanent magnet 46 on the armature plate 36 is amplified by the metallic elements, in particular the housing 30 and the pole core 40.

[0054] The anchor plate 36 rests against the end face of the underside of the housing 30. To prevent axial gaps between the end faces of the pole core 40 and the housing 30, for example due to manufacturing tolerances in the production of the individual parts and / or assembly tolerances, the adjusting element 47 allows for fine adjustment of the pole core 40. This ensures that the pole core 40, like the housing 30, rests axially against the anchor plate 36. Unintended axial gaps are avoided. The magnetic holding force FH can be reliably maintained.

Claims

1. Electric tripping unit for activating a valve unit, wherein the tripping unit (2) comprises a. a housing (30) having a longitudinal axis (31), b. a permanent magnet (46) that has a permanent magnetic field, c. an electromagnet (39) comprising a pole core (40) and an energisable coil (41), wherein the electromagnet (39), in the energised state, comprises a counter-magnetic field that counteracts the permanent magnetic field, d. an armature plate (36) which is arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the housing (30) along the longitudinal axis (31), which i. is made of magnetisable material, ii. comprises an actuating rod (37), characterised in that e. a force storing element (60) is provided which is mechanically coupled to the armature plate (36) and is prestressed in the de-energised state of the electromagnet (39), f. an adjusting element (47) for adjusting the position of the pole core (40) along the longitudinal axis (31) relative to the housing (30) is provided, g. the armature plate (36) bears against the housing (30) and against the pole core (40) in the de-energised state of the electromagnet (39).

2. Tripping unit in accordance with Claim 1, characterised by a cap (32) which can be fastened to the housing (30) and through which the actuating rod (37) is guided out of the tripping unit (2) in a sealed manner.

3. Tripping unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adjusting element (47) comprises an adjusting thread (49) that engages in a movement thread (50) of the housing (30).

4. Tripping unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adjusting element (47) is mechanically coupled to the pole core (40).

5. Tripping unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised by a lock nut (51) for securing the adjusting element (47) to the housing (30).

6. Tripping unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised by an electric connection element (42) that is connected to the coil (41) for connection to an electric current source.

7. Tripping unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the force storing element (60) is configured as a helical spring, in particular as a helical compression spring.

8. Tripping unit in accordance with Claim 7, characterised in that the helical spring is supported in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis (31) in a spring housing (53) and on a plunger (55), wherein the plunger (55) is displaceable relative to the spring housing (53) along the longitudinal axis (31).

9. Tripping unit in accordance with Claim 8, characterised in that the spring housing (53) is fastened to the housing (30).

10. Tripping unit in accordance with Claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the armature plate (36), in particular the actuating rod (37), is mechanically coupled to the plunger (55), in particular by means of a transmission rod (62).

11. Tripping device having a tripping unit (2) in accordance with one of the preceding claims and having a valve unit (3) which is connected to the tripping unit (2) and can be connected to a compressed gas container (4).

12. Tripping device in accordance with Claim 11, characterised in that the valve unit (3) comprises a prestressed valve element (9) which can be actuated by means of the actuating rod (37).

13. Compressed gas container (4) having a tripping device which is connected to the compressed gas container (4) in accordance with Claim 11 or 12.