Electrode for a horn spark gap and horn spark gap

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrode (100) for a horn spark gap, comprising a connection part (1) with a first connection point (1a); and a load part (2) with at least a second connection point (2a), wherein the second connection point (2a) is connectable to the first connection point (1a) and thereby the load part (2) is mechanically and electrically conductively connectable to the connection part (1); the load part (2) comprises a burn-resistant material; and the load part (2) forms an ignition area (10) for an arc, wherein the first connection point (1a) comprises at least a first contact surface (K1) and a second contact surface (K2) and the second connection point (2a) comprises at least a third contact surface (K3) and a fourth contact surface (K4), wherein when the first and second connection points (1a) are connected,2a) the first contact surface (K1) is in contact with the third contact surface (K3) and the second contact surface (K2) is in contact with the fourth contact surface (K4) and then within a region of the first connection point (1a) and / or within a region of the second connection point (2a) there is an axis of rotation (P) which runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the load part (2) and the first contact surface (K1) and the third contact surface (K3) support a rotation of the connection part (1) against the load part (2) in a first direction of rotation about the axis of rotation (P) and the second contact surface (K2) and the fourth contact surface (K4) support a rotation of the connection part (1) against the load part (2) in a second direction of rotation about the axis of rotation (P), the first direction of rotation being opposite to the second direction of rotation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode for a horn spark gap and to a horn spark gap.

[0002] In known horn spark gaps, the electrodes have an asymmetrical shape with one longer and one shorter electrode. In the ignition region of the arc, the electrodes can be almost parallel to each other with little divergence, and can diverge further along the arc. Horn spark gaps with symmetrical electrodes are also known.

[0003] During lightning strikes, material erosion can occur at the electrodes of such horn spark gaps, particularly in the ignition zone. At such high loads, this erosion can negatively affect various functions of the spark gap, and the resulting aging of the electrode(s) can lead to a reduction in the effectiveness and functionality of the horn spark gap. To prevent or reduce such erosion, more abrasion-resistant materials can be used. For example, refractory metals such as tungsten-copper can be employed; however, such materials are usually complex and expensive to manufacture and process.

[0004] Furthermore, in the case of electrodes for horn spark gaps, the geometries and dimensions are relatively complex, which can lead to high effort and relatively high costs in the case of one-piece manufacturing.

[0005] Typically, arc contacts are soldered or attached to guide rails (for example by welding, riveting or possibly screwing), which in the case of compact devices can often lead to negative effects and additional processes and sometimes also requires special, complex and space-consuming manufacturing and design of the individual parts.

[0006] In DE 10 2019 209 477 B4 a horn spark gap is described whose electrodes are coated at least partially with a specific material, thereby achieving improved conductivity compared to the base material.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a multi-part electrode for a horn spark gap in which electrode wear can be reduced or avoided in the area heavily stressed by the arc, since a more wear-resistant material is used in this area. Furthermore, such selective use of a wear-resistant material can reduce manufacturing effort and the associated costs.

[0008] The electrode can be at least two-part, but can also be multi-part, and thus consist of two or more materials. The individual sections of this electrode can have the same or different cross-sections, specifically designed to withstand the expected stresses.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an electrode for a horn spark gap according to the features of claim 1 and by a horn spark gap according to claim 12.

[0010] According to the invention, the electrode comprises a connection part with a first connection point; and a load part with at least a second connection point, wherein the second connection point is connectable to the first connection point and thereby the load part is mechanically and electrically conductively connectable to the connection part; the load part comprises a burn-resistant material; and the load part comprises an ignition area for an electric arc, wherein the first connection point comprises at least a first contact surface and a second contact surface and the second connection point comprises at least a third contact surface and a fourth contact surface.wherein, with the first and second connection points connected, the first contact surface is in contact with the third contact surface and the second contact surface is in contact with the fourth contact surface, and then within a region of the first connection point and / or within a region of the second connection point, an axis of rotation is present which runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the load-bearing part, and the first contact surface and the third contact surface support a rotation of the connection part relative to the load-bearing part in a first direction of rotation about the axis of rotation relative to each other, and the second contact surface and the fourth contact surface support a rotation of the connection part relative to the load-bearing part in a second direction of rotation about the axis of rotation relative to each other, wherein the first direction of rotation opposes the second direction of rotation.

[0011] In the case of rotation, it can be assumed that only one part rotates and the other is fixed relative to it.

[0012] The ignition zone can correspond to the area where the arc can first form. The stressed area can consist partially or completely of, or encompass, the arc-resistant material. An arc-resistant material can be understood as one that can withstand the stresses on the electrode caused by an arc sufficiently to experience no or only negligible aging effects from the arc.

[0013] By placing the contact surfaces together, a mechanical and electrically conductive connection is achieved between the connecting part and the load part.

[0014] The connection point between the connecting part and the load part can be shaped in such a way that the nested molded parts and contact surface pairs of the corresponding connection points can enclose each other in such a way that the respective contact surfaces can block the rotation about the axis of rotation, which can run perpendicular to the longitudinal direction through the molded parts (connection points), by supporting each other, and thus can form a rotationally fixed connection on the top and bottom of the adjacent parts (e.g. load part and connecting part).

[0015] The connection via the terminals allows for relatively simple assembly of the electrode components, adaptable to the geometries and performance of the horn spark gap. Furthermore, the contact (joining) of the electrode via the plug-in components (molded parts) or the transition between the terminal and load components can be varied or freely designed from the initial connection between these components, particularly with regard to the material, the geometry of the base material, or similar factors. Moreover, no additives are strictly necessary for joining the individual electrode components. This eliminates the need for complex joining technologies. The often negative influence of additives such as solder, flux, etc., or even contour changes due to adhering residues on the arc's propagation behavior, can thus be avoided.The type of joining contours with or without additional parts (additional connecting elements) is easily variable and the combination with the simple process of shrinking (thermal) is also possible.

[0016] The geometry of the electrode components and their connections can be designed such that the arc-resistant material, such as the refractory metal, can be manufactured in its final contour or requires only very simple post-processing. Furthermore, the use of the high-quality arc-resistant material can be limited to the stressed area. By using such an arc-resistant material, the aging of the spark gap under higher loads can be counteracted, and functional impairments resulting from arc wear can be more effectively limited. In a spark gap where different arc propagation behavior is to be utilized under follow current and lightning load, for example, as described in DE 10 2011 051 738 A1, significant electrode wear would complicate such optimization.As a result of the arc burning, the arc length increases, which negatively affects not only the arc's ability to travel, but also the pressure load and pressure distribution.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, the first connection point and the second connection point each have a substantially constant shape or constant sections with recesses along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the connection part and the load part, and along this direction, i.e. to the axis of rotation, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connection part and the load part, the first connection point and the second connection point are pluggable into each other.

[0018] A recess in a part in depth (width), for example as a deviation from a constant plug shape, can advantageously not hinder the joining and can serve for additional locking or soldering.

[0019] The longitudinal direction can refer to the direction along which the respective part of the electrode (connection part, load part, running part, etc.) extends. This longitudinal direction does not necessarily have to be straight and, due to the complex geometry of the electrode parts, can also be curved, while remaining in the same plane. The longitudinal direction can thus describe the length of the respective part of the electrode, and a direction perpendicular to it can then describe the width or height. Since the shape of that area of ​​the connection point (first and / or second or subsequent) does not essentially change along this width or height, the two mating parts of the connectable connection points (first and / or second or subsequent) can then be slid (plugged) into each other along precisely this direction (width or height).Separation of these two mating parts along their longitudinal direction is then no longer possible due to their shape and the associated contact surfaces (for example, the first to fourth contact surfaces at two connection points). The forces that can occur in the joining direction (width, height) during an electric arc and / or as a result of the current load are usually not strong enough to force the two mating parts apart again along their width (height). To prevent this lateral (height) displacement caused by the electric arc, cover walls can be located laterally (at the width and / or height) to block the lateral movement.

[0020] However, it is also possible to incorporate additional cavities or recesses into one or both parts that are joined by insertion. These can then be used to insert additional locking components (bolts, pins, etc.) or components to support contact (springs, possibly also solder moldings, reactive solders, etc.) before or after insertion. With internal locking after insertion, measures to prevent lateral displacement of the parts are then unnecessary. For components that support contact, springs, for example, can improve or increase the contact force of the preferred contact surfaces of the connection points. Solder moldings or reactive solders can additionally support the primary joining process, but can also further improve contact under heavy load. These additional components, recesses, or...Cavities can be created within the joining parts without having to substantially change the contours (width, height) of the counterpart shapes of the connection points of the connecting part and the load part of the electrodes in the joining direction.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, the wear-resistant material is tungsten-copper. The load-bearing part can consist entirely or only partially of wear-resistant material.

[0022] Instead of or in addition to tungsten-copper, another wear-resistant material can be used to reduce or prevent electrode wear in the wear zone. The load-bearing part can be made partially or completely of this wear-resistant material. The wear zone is the area of ​​the electrode where the arc preferentially originates during pulsed current loading, particularly lightning current loading. After the arc is ignited in the electrode's ignition zone, it expands according to the current magnitude and duration. Ideally, the expansion of the pulsed arc, and thus the wear zone, at the target maximum lightning impulse current of the spark gap should be limited to the load-bearing part.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, the second connection point is located outside the ignition area for the arc.

[0024] The second connection point and link to the terminal section can be located at a predetermined distance from the ignition zone on the load section. The location of the arc ignition on the surface of the load section can be determined by the proximity of the two electrodes in a passive spark gap or by positioning an ignition aid on one of the electrodes. After the arc is ignited on the load sections of both electrodes, it propagates along the electrodes towards the quenching chamber. By defining the ignition position of the arc and knowing the propagation of the pulsed arc at the maximum permissible lightning impulse current for the spark gap, the minimum size of the required wear zone and the load section can be determined. The connection between the terminal section and the load section is thus protected from the effects of the arc. The requirements regarding a seamless orThe stepless transition area between the surfaces of the connection and load parts is therefore minimal. The connection between the two parts can be further protected by covers on or between the two electrodes, which prevent ignition, propagation, or even reignition of the arc in the area below the ignition point.

[0025] Since the arc does not occur in the area of ​​the connection between the two parts of the electrode, or does not pass over it during ignition, the force exerted or other effects of the arc on this connection can be advantageously reduced.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, the load part comprises a second connection point at a first end and a third connection point at a second end opposite in the longitudinal direction, and the electrode further comprises a running part which includes a fourth connection point that can be connected to the third connection point, wherein an electric arc can be propagated along the running part.

[0027] The rotating element can be a thin metal part that can conduct the electric arc, for example, to a deionization chamber located between two rotating elements of two electrodes. The rotating element can also be inserted into the load element, for example, along the width or height of these parts (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, the third connection point and the fourth connection point each have a substantially constant shape along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the running part and the load part, and along this direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the running part and the load part, the third connection point and the fourth connection point can be plugged into each other.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, the third connection point comprises at least a fifth contact surface and a sixth contact surface, and the fourth connection point comprises at least a seventh contact surface and an eighth contact surface, wherein, when the third and fourth connection points are connected, the fifth contact surface is in contact with the seventh contact surface and the sixth contact surface is in contact with the eighth contact surface, and then an axis of rotation is present within a region of the third connection point and / or within a region of the fourth connection point.which runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the load part and the fifth contact surface with the seventh contact surface support a rotation of the running part against the load part in a third direction of rotation about the axis of rotation and the sixth contact surface with the eighth contact surface support a rotation of the running part against the load part in a fourth direction of rotation about the axis of rotation, wherein the third direction of rotation runs opposite to the fourth direction of rotation.

[0030] Similar to the connection point between the connecting part and the load part, the connection between the running part and the load part can also be designed in such a way that the nested molded parts of the corresponding connection points can enclose each other in such a way that the respective contact surfaces can block the rotation about the axis of rotation, which can run perpendicular to the longitudinal direction through the molded parts, by supporting each other, and thus can represent a rotationally fixed connection on the top and bottom of the adjacent parts (e.g. load part and running part).

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, it comprises a first connecting element and the first connection point comprises a first recess in the connection part and the second connection point comprises a second recess in the load part, wherein the first connecting element can be inserted into the first recess and into the second recess and thereby the first connection point is electrically conductive and mechanically connectable to the second connection point, wherein the first connecting element has an undercut shape at at least one end in the longitudinal direction and can be inserted into a correspondingly fitting shape of the first recess and / or second recess.

[0032] The connecting element can comprise an electrically conductive material and electrically connect the two adjacent parts of the electrode (connecting part and load part). Furthermore, the physical contact of the contact surfaces of the two parts can also result in an electrically conductive connection. The undercut can be formed in a cross-section along the perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction (of the width or height) of the connecting element and the respective recess (at one or both ends and at one or both recesses, approximately the same or in different geometries).When the connecting element is inserted into the terminal part (in its recess), the undercut allows a component of the force in the longitudinal direction (forward and / or backward) to be supported by the edge of the recess at the undercut (from the contact surface of the terminal part), thus preventing the connection from separating longitudinally. Rotation about the axis of rotation (axis running vertically / in the insertion direction) is also prevented by the contact surfaces of the connection points and / or the connecting element, which can also be considered part of the respective connection point, since the axis of rotation remains even with the connecting element.

[0033] In addition to various geometries with undercuts, there may also be a section of the connecting element that does not have an undercut on one side or part, but may then be pressed, shrunk or otherwise fixed in place.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment of the electrode, the first connecting element can be inserted into the first recess and into the second recess in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the load part and comprises a constant cross-section towards the respective recess.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, a plug connection between the first connection point and the second connection point represents an joining connection in which at least a partial area of ​​the first connection point is shrunk onto at least a partial area of ​​the second connection point or vice versa.

[0036] The joining can also be carried out, for example, by force-fit through shrinking or other joining methods that result in a force-fit connection.

[0037] A tight connection, such as a plug connection, can minimize or even prevent wobbling between the parts. With a sufficiently wide connection and a connection point that extends across the entire width of the connecting part, the load-bearing part, and / or the running part, the connection can result in a good mechanical and electrical connection, good heat dissipation, and sufficient resistance to temperature-related expansion with regard to the remaining strength of the connection.

[0038] The running part may include iron, steel and / or copper or other applicable metals.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrode, at a transition between the connection part and the load part and at the first connection point to the second connection point, at least one surface of the connection part transitions continuously to an adjacent surface of the load part.

[0040] Therefore, one or all electrodes of the horn spark gap can be divided into a pure current supply area and a load-bearing area (and possibly a running area if there is a running part or other parts) together with the connection part and the load part.

[0041] The load-bearing section, i.e., the load-bearing area, begins upstream of the ignition zone in the direction of arc propagation. This ensures that the transition area between the connection section and the load-bearing section is protected from direct arc exposure, and that the contact area (connection points) between the two parts does not promote arc propagation and reignition, even in the presence of edges or gaps. The load-bearing section, with its arc-resistant electrode segment, can preferably be connected in the direction of travel (also longitudinally) to a guide rail via an additional connection point. This guide rail forms the running section, and the arc can travel along this rail to the arc quenching chamber. If no guide rails or direct connection to them are required, the additional contact area (connection point) can be omitted.In contrast to the connection point between the connecting part and the load part, the transition area between the load part and the running part should be designed in such a way that the movement of the arc to the quenching chamber / deion chamber is not obstructed.

[0042] The first connection point and the second connection point can have their shaped parts for pluggable connection in the longitudinal direction at the end of the associated parts (connection part and load part) in the longitudinal direction, or be shaped in an end area of ​​the respective connection part and / or load part towards a bottom or top (relative to the longitudinal direction), for example forming areas with the corresponding interlocking shaped parts and associated contact surfaces.

[0043] Thus, a plug connection can be formed whose molded parts on the load-bearing part and the connection part are oriented from the underside and away from the ignition area, and in a longitudinal direction in front of it, so that the acting current forces due to the conductor routing in the spark gap itself do not act directly against the connection direction of the plug parts. After the plug connection is joined laterally in the direction of the width or depth of the electrodes, the molded parts of the load-bearing part and the connection part, due to the undercuts, reliably prevent the parts from separating in their longitudinal direction.

[0044] Therefore, only minor partial forces from the current flow and also as a result of the pressure during arc formation in the spark gap can occur in the direction of the joining of the connector components. Movement of the electrode segments due to forces after joining is only possible due to tolerances of the component parts in their contact area.

[0045] The current-carrying contact area of ​​the electrode segments can be divided into at least two possible pairs of contact surfaces. If one of these surfaces moves or lifts due to force, the other pair of surfaces or the other contact area can be compressed more tightly, resulting from rotation around the axis of rotation. In other words, the connection is designed so that, in the event of movement, at least one pivot point between the individual parts becomes effective. Each of the contact surfaces can be designed to carry the required current during lightning impulse currents and the follow current, according to the design and normal operating conditions, without significant contact damage.

[0046] The contact surfaces of the connection points can easily come into mechanical and electrically conductive contact with each other when plugged in along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. By appropriately fixing the electrodes, for example in the housing, such as with a limit (cover) on the lateral sides (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction), this condition can be maintained even under stress. The contact surface is preferably designed such that, at the maximum lightning impulse current of the spark gap, the temperature rise of a solid conductor with a corresponding cross-sectional area remains below 600 K. As a result of the two contact surfaces, critical heating, which could excessively or completely damage the electrode components or the housing components, can be reduced or avoided. The contour of the individual parts is designed so that the joint lies perpendicular to the loaded arc path.

[0047] The electrode can be used, for example, in compact, lightning current-carrying low-voltage spark gaps (at least 12.5 kA 10 / 350µs).

[0048] According to the invention, the horn spark gap comprises a housing and at least one electrode according to the invention.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the horn spark gap, the housing comprises at least one cover wall against which the at least one electrode is laterally positioned and by which lateral displacement of the electrode against a joining direction of the connecting part and the load part can be blocked. The at least one cover wall can be arranged inside the housing.

[0050] The housing can fix the electrodes laterally after their individual parts have been inserted, and the horn spark gap can also include, for example, a deion chamber and other known elements of a horn spark gap.

[0051] Additionally, electrode supports on housing components or direct guidance of the electrodes within the housing components can limit their movement around the axis of rotation. This allows for influencing both the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the connection points.

[0052] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a horn spark gap with electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2a-c a schematic representation of a detailed view of an electrode and its components according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an assembled electrode made of the Figuren 2a-2c Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a load part for the electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4a a schematic representation of connections between the connection part and the load part with two connection points for an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention without (a, b) and with (c, d) an additional connecting element; and Fig. 5 a perspective three-dimensional view of the electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments and many of the aforementioned advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0054] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0055] In Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a horn spark gap with electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0056] The horn spark gap 200 comprises two electrodes 100, namely a hook electrode and a long horn electrode, both of which may be asymmetrically constructed. Fixation of both electrodes in a single housing is possible, but not required in the Fig. 1 not shown. In particular, the two electrodes 100 (or only one) may be covered by boundaries on their lateral sides, thus blocking movement along the insertion direction (into the image plane, x-axis). Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a top view of both electrodes 100 along such a lateral direction. Both electrodes 100 thus have a depth (width) in the x-axis that extends into the plane of the image. Starting from the connection contact at their left ends, both electrodes 100 converge until they can run close to each other and almost parallel to each other in the connection area VB, where the ignition zone for the arcs may be located. The connection area VB, including the load section 2, therefore essentially also encompasses the area of ​​the electrodes with significant material erosion resulting from the effects of the lightning impulse currents. The connection section 1 of each electrode 100 can thus extend into this connection area VB, where the load section 2 can then connect. Subsequently, the running section 3 of each electrode 100 can connect to the load section, and the electrodes 100 can again diverge from each other.Towards the end of the running sections 3, these can surround a deion chamber DK.

[0057] The Fig. 2a - c Each shows a schematic representation of a detailed view of an electrode and its components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The Fig. 2a The connecting part 1 is shown as a curved section, which includes the first connection point 1a at one end. This first connection point 1a can have a shaped element, such as a nose, which can project beyond a straight first contact surface K1 in the direction (y-axis) of the load-bearing part (not shown). A rear side of the nose, which can face away from the first contact surface K1 in a clockwise direction (when viewed from a lateral planar perspective), can then form a second contact surface K2. The cross-sectional shape of the first connection point 1a (with the nose and the contact surfaces) can then be constant in its cross-sectional geometry along the entire width of the connecting part 1 (along the direction towards the image plane, x-axis).

[0059] The nose can be a circular protrusion at the end of connection point 1a. Between this protrusion and the rest of the connection / load-bearing part (the respective part can be a single piece), there can be straight and curved contact surfaces. The nose can be round with a diameter of, for example, less than 1 mm.

[0060] The Fig. 2b A similar view shows a load-bearing element 2, which can also have a constant cross-sectional geometry along the lateral direction. The load-bearing element 2 can be the same as, or differ from, the connection element in its width (x-axis) and / or height (z-axis). The load-bearing element 2 can have a second connection point 2a and a third connection point 2b, advantageously located at opposite ends of the load-bearing element 2 in the longitudinal direction LR (y-axis). The arrow points in the direction of arc propagation. An ignition zone 10 for the arc can be formed on a surface of the load-bearing element 2, in which case the first connection with the connection element, in particular the connection between the first and second connection points 1a and 2a, can be located on the same side as the ignition zone 10 of the arc.This illustration clearly shows that both connection points 2a and 2b are unfavorable in the case of arcing between the two electrodes on the load part 2 under strong arcing conditions, as there is a risk that the arc could also affect the less arc-resistant materials of the connection part 1 or the running part 3. While the type of connection shown as an example is suitable, it does not lead to the optimum reduction in material usage for the load part 2, since only a portion of the part's total length should be exposed to arcing from the lightning impulse current.

[0061] However, it also becomes clear that simply mirroring the connection contours between the connector and the load-bearing part results in significantly better protection of the connection point. The effect of mirroring is further enhanced by... Figur 2 b illustrated in a zoomed-in view.

[0062] Mirroring can correspond to a reversal of the orientation / arrangement of the geometric shapes of the connection contours, for example in an up-down (z-direction) direction of the load part.

[0063] The arc ignition zone 10 would then be located on the opposite upper surface of the load-bearing part 2, whereby the first connection with the connecting part, in particular the connection between the first and second connection points 1a and 2a, can be located on an underside opposite the ignition zone 10. The second connection point 2a and the third connection point 2b are formed as recesses in the load-bearing part 2, although this can also be modified. These recesses can accommodate the shaped parts of the corresponding connection point of the connecting part or the running part in a lateral direction (x-axis), such that the shaped part can be inserted into the recess from the lateral side. Therefore, the recess can also have a constant cross-sectional geometry along the lateral direction (x-axis).The inner surfaces of the recess can then have the corresponding contact surfaces for supporting rotation about an axis of rotation in the lateral direction (and through the recess and through the nose). Thus, the recess of the second connection point 2a can have the third contact surface K3 upwards and the fourth contact surface K4 downwards (opposite the third contact surface K3). If the nose is formed by the... Fig. 2a When inserted into this recess, the first and third contact surfaces can abut each other, and the second and fourth contact surfaces can abut each other, mutually supporting each other through rotation. This ensures that if two of these abutting contact surfaces are separated by rotation, the other two abutting contact surfaces are rotated and pressed together, and vice versa. In this way, rotations in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) around the axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) outside permissible tolerances can be blocked, and the connection remains stable, for example, withstanding forces from arcs or other loads. Both or one of the shown recesses can be open to a surface of the load-bearing part facing away from the arc zone.

[0064] In the Fig. 2c A running part 3 is shown, which can, for example, be designed as a bent sheet metal and can have a fourth connection point 3a at one end, which fits into the recess of the third connection point of the load part from the Fig. 2b It can be inserted, particularly from the lateral direction (x-axis). This fourth connection point 3a can also have a nose (shape with undercut) which can have a constant geometry in cross-section and lateral direction. Alternatively, other matching shaped parts of the associated connection points are also possible, which can then be designed to interlock and rotate with pairs of contact surfaces.

[0065] It can be the third junction 2b (as in Fig. 2b shown) includes at least a fifth contact surface K5 and a sixth contact surface K6 and the fourth connection point 3a (as shown in Fig. 2c (as shown) can comprise a seventh contact surface K7 and an eighth contact surface K8, wherein, with the third and fourth connection points (2b, 3a) connected, the fifth contact surface K5 is in contact with the seventh contact surface K7 and the sixth contact surface K6 is in contact with the eighth contact surface K8, and then within a region of the third connection point 2b and / or within a region of the fourth connection point 3a, a rotation axis P' (as shown) Fig. 3 shown) may be present, which runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the load part 2 and the fifth contact surface K5 with the seventh contact surface K7 support a rotation of the running part 3 against the load part (2) in a third direction of rotation about the axis of rotation P' and the sixth contact surface K6 with the eighth contact surface K8 support a rotation of the running part 3 against the load part 2 in a fourth direction of rotation about the axis of rotation P', wherein the third direction of rotation runs opposite to the fourth direction of rotation.

[0066] The Fig. 2d shows a schematic representation of an assembled electrode made from the Figuren 2a-2c .

[0067] After Fig. 2d The figure shows how the running part 3 is inserted into the load part 2 and the connecting part 1 into the other end of the load part 2, in particular with the corresponding connection points 1a into 2a and 3a into 2b. The load part 2 is then completely within the connection area VB (see also Fig. 1 ).

[0068] The load-bearing part 2 includes the ignition zone 10 on one side, in which the arc is ignited in the event of an overvoltage. In the case of an impulse current arc, the arc spreads across the surface of part 2 according to the current magnitude and duration of the impulse discharge. This discharge causes wear on part 2. At the maximum lightning impulse current for which the spark gap is designed, the arc extent should not exceed the longitudinal extent of part 2 or the wear zone 11.

[0069] Both the pulsed arc and the subsequent follow-current arc originate on the surface of the load part 2, on which the ignition area 10 is located. The arc thus originates on the surface (width) of part 2, which extends perpendicular to the plane of representation into the depth (x-axis), and moves along the surface of part 2 predominantly in the y-axis direction until it connects to part 3. The surface of part 2 on which the arc propagates and moves is, in the view with reference to the z-axis, therefore the underside of part 2. The transition areas of connection part 1, load part 2, and running part 3 are preferably designed to be continuous and nearly smooth on the underside or the surface on which the arc travels.

[0070] To minimize the load component 2, it may be advantageous if, contrary to the representation in the Figur 2d The contours of connection parts 1 and 2 are mirrored along the y-axis (see Figur 2b It is also advantageous if the connection between load-bearing part 2 and running part 3 is mirrored along the y-axis, if necessary. This significantly reduces the required length of the costly load-bearing part 2. The necessary redesign of the simple and inexpensive bent part 3 for a seamless transition between parts 2 and 3 is self-explanatory and requires no further explanation.

[0071] In the Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a load-bearing element for the electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] In the Fig. 3 The load-bearing part 2 is shown in an enlarged view, particularly similar to the Figuren 1 bis 2d along the longitudinal direction, with the width extending into the plane of the image and not visible in these illustrations. The second connection point 2a with a recess A1 and, at the opposite end, the third connection point 2b with recess A2 are shown. It is shown that the second recess A2 of the third connection point 2b can be located near the end of the load section 2, but does not necessarily have to be at its outermost end. Both recesses A1 and A2 can open away from the ignition area (above) and diagonally downwards towards the next part of the electrode. One of the axes of rotation P and P' can run through each of the recesses. These axes can be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the shaped parts / recesses of the adjacent connected parts of the electrode can rotate around them, but can be blocked against rotation by the adjacent contact surface pairs of the electrode parts.In other designs, this axis of rotation can also be located outside the recess, but within two overlapping molded parts of the connection points.

[0073] Furthermore, the contact surfaces at the connection points are shown as examples. These surfaces are opposite each other with respect to the recess and their orientation relative to the connecting part, thus blocking rotation in both directions. For example, the third contact surface K3 can be located on a wall directly perpendicular to the connecting part, and the fourth contact surface K4 can be on the inside of the recess A1, which faces the underside of the load-bearing part. Alternatively, other orientations are possible, which, together with the corresponding contact surfaces of the connecting part, can also block rotation. The fifth and sixth contact surfaces K5 and K6 can be formed on different inner sides of the recess A2 and block rotation of the running part with their contact surfaces.

[0074] The presentation Fig. 3 Taking into account the assembly of the connecting part 1 with the load part 2, for example, accordingly Figur 2d It can be easily deduced that when one of parts 1 and 2 is rotated around the axis of rotation P, the contact force and / or the contact area at K3 or K4 can be reduced. If the force or area at K3 is reduced, it is correspondingly increased at K4. Therefore, at least one of the two contact surfaces K3 or K4 of part 2 and the corresponding mating surface K1 or K2 on part 1 are available to conduct the maximum lightning impulse current. In addition to the current magnitude, the area and material properties, among other factors, must be considered when designing these surfaces.

[0075] Assuming copper for part 1 and tungsten copper (80 / 20) for part 2, for example, a surface area of ​​approximately 3.5 mm² is sufficient for a lightning impulse current of 25 kA. If the contact surface pairs K1 / K3 and K2 / K4 on parts 1 and 2 are designed accordingly, the reliable function of the connection would still be adequately ensured even if one of the contact surface pairs were completely separated.

[0076] After Fig. 4 a , b Alternatives are presented in a schematic representation without a separate connecting element and in Fig. 4c , d shown with at least one separate connecting element having two connection points for an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] After the Figuren 4a and 4bDifferent cross-sectional geometries of the connection points are shown, exemplified by the first and second connection points 1a and 2a. The second connection point 2a may have a recess into which a projection of the first connection point 1a can be inserted or plugged. The projection of the Fig. 4a This can be a dovetail (projection) and, running in a line from top to bottom through the load-bearing part 2, have two undercuts to prevent longitudinal pull-out. Adjoining each other perpendicularly, the first and third contact surfaces K1 and K3 can then be in contact above the projection, and the second and fourth contact surfaces K2 and K4 can be in contact with each other perpendicularly below the projection. Furthermore, this geometry provides additional paired contact surfaces on the dovetail, which also act in the same way when rotated. However, these are not shown separately for the sake of clarity. The geometries or shapes of the connection points, for example, of 1a and 2a, can of course be interchanged between the connection part 1 and the load-bearing part 2, i.e., practically mirrored along the z-axis.

[0078] After Fig. 4b The projection of the first connection point 1a can form an elliptical bulge into the load-bearing part 2. The contact surfaces of the connection of the parts are marked according to the previous descriptions. The function is similar to the description of Fig. 4a . In this case, the bulge can correspond to surface K1 and the counter contour, which can accommodate the bulge, to surface K3.

[0079] According to the two depictions of the Fig. 4c A first connecting element V1 with one or more undercuts may be present between the connecting part 1 and the load-bearing part 2 and inserted into recesses of the two connection points 1a and 2a in the x-axis direction (and formally also encompassed by / belonging to them). The cross-sectional geometry in the lateral direction may, for example, correspond to a bone with bulges formed on one side (left) or both sides (right), a dovetail, or some other design (not shown) at the ends, whereby the shape creates undercuts that prevent the element from being pulled out of the recesses A1 and A2 of the associated connection point in the longitudinal direction LR (y-axis).

[0080] The connecting element V1 preferably possesses sufficient current-carrying capacity itself. The positive-locking connection of the connecting element V1 with the electrode components can, of course, also be supported by a shrinkage process. The undercuts can be formed at one or both ends of the connecting element V1, extending upwards and / or downwards in the z-direction.

[0081] Thus, a first connecting element V1 can be realized, and the first connection point 1a can comprise a first recess A1 in the connection part 1, and the second connection point 2a can comprise a second recess A2 in the load part 2, wherein the first connecting element V1 can be inserted into the first recess A1 and into the second recess A2, and thereby the first connection point 1a can be electrically conductive and mechanically connected to the second connection point 2a, wherein the first connecting element V1 has an undercut shape H1 and H2 at at least one end in the longitudinal direction and can be inserted into a correspondingly fitting shape of the first recess A1 and / or second recess A2.Since this can also block rotation around the lateral axis of rotation—this axis of rotation would, for example, be fictitiously located in the center of the connecting element—two contact surfaces of a pair can be pressed together again if others are simultaneously separated, such as the contact surfaces at the vertical ends (only K2 and K4 are shown). Depending on the respective geometry of the connection points and end walls or recesses, such pairs of contact surfaces can be defined and present in different ways. In geometries with an additional connecting element, several additional paired contact surfaces are also available, which can also act in the same way during rotation, like the contact surfaces marked as examples. However, for the sake of clarity, these are not marked separately here either.

[0082] The Fig. 4d Figure 1 shows two further possible examples of the cross-sectional geometry of such a connecting element V1, which can then be inserted into the corresponding recesses with an undercut effect. More than one undercut can be formed at one end.

[0083] A similar connecting element may also be present between the load part and the running part, or between further sections of the electrode, for example in the case of several parts of the load part and / or the connection part, since the electrode may comprise a large number of such pluggable parts (or after a connection of one of the other designs).

[0084] The Fig. 5 shows a perspective three-dimensional view of the electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The Fig. 5 shows again the entire inserted electrode 100 from the Fig. 2d However, this is shown in a perspective three-dimensional representation, in which the width of the connecting part 1 and the load-bearing part 2 (and the running part 3) is also visible. It can be seen that this width can be greater than the height (between the top and bottom surfaces) of the parts, which can improve the connection stability of the laterally inserted plug connection between the connection points 1a to 2a and 2b to 3a.

[0086] For better understanding, in Figur 5On one side of the electrode, a cover plate AW is shown sketchily along the x-axis. This plate laterally delimits the electrode and can be attached to the housing or be part of it. Thus, even with a simple plug-in connection and without further measures or fasteners, movement of the individual parts in the insertion direction (x-axis) is sufficiently prevented after the joining process and insertion into the housing. The cover plate AW can, of course, be located on either side and does not need to extend the full length of part 2.

[0087] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in many different ways. Labels:

[0088] 1 Connection part 1 First connection point 2 Load part 2 Second connection point 2 Third connection point 3 Running part 3 Fourth connection point 10 Ignition area 11 Wear area 100 Electrode 200 Horn spark gap A1 Recess A2 Recess DK Ignition chamber H1 Undercut H2 Undercut K1 Contact surface K2 Contact surface K3 Contact surface K4 Contact surface K5 Contact surface K6 Contact surface K7 Contact surface K8 Contact surface LR Longitudinal direction P Axis of rotation P' Axis of rotation V1 Connecting element VB Connection area AW Cover wall

Claims

1. Electrode (100) for a horn spark gap, comprising: - a connection part (1) with a first connection point (1a); and - a load part (2) with at least a second connection point (2a), wherein the second connection point (2a) is connectable to the first connection point (1a) and thereby the load part (2) is mechanically and electrically conductively connectable to the connection part (1); the load part (2) comprises a burn-resistant material; and the load part (2) comprises an ignition area (10) for an arc, wherein the first connection point (1a) comprises at least a first contact surface (K1) and a second contact surface (K2) and the second connection point (2a) comprises at least a third contact surface (K3) and a fourth contact surface (K4), wherein, when the first and second connection points (1a) are connected,2a) the first contact surface (K1) is in contact with the third contact surface (K3) and the second contact surface (K2) is in contact with the fourth contact surface (K4) and then within a region of the first connection point (1a) and / or within a region of the second connection point (2a) there is an axis of rotation (P) which runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the load part (2) and the first contact surface (K1) and the third contact surface (K3) support a rotation of the connection part (1) against the load part (2) in a first direction of rotation about the axis of rotation (P) and the second contact surface (K2) and the fourth contact surface (K4) support a rotation of the connection part (1) against the load part (2) in a second direction of rotation about the axis of rotation (P), the first direction of rotation being opposite to the second direction of rotation.

2. Electrode (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first connection point (1a) and the second connection point (2a) each have a constant shape or constant sections with recesses along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the connection part (1) and the load part (2), and the first connection point (1a) and the second connection point (2a) are pluggable into each other along this direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connection part (1) and the load part (2).

3. Electrode (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the burn-resistant material is tungsten-copper.

4. Electrode (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second connection point (2a) is located outside the ignition area (10) for the arc.

5. Electrode (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the load part (2) comprises the second connection point (2a) at a first end and a third connection point (2b) at a longitudinally opposite second end, and the electrode (100) further comprises a running part (3) which includes a fourth connection point (3a) which can be connected to the third connection point (2b), wherein an electric arc can be propagated along the running part (3).

6. Electrode (100) according to claim 5, in which the third connection point (2b) and the fourth connection point (3a) each have a predominantly constant shape along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the running part (3) and the load part (2), and the third connection point (2b) and the fourth connection point (3a) are pluggable into each other along this direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the running part (3) and the load part (2).

7. Electrode (100) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the third connection point (2b) comprises at least a fifth contact surface (K5) and a sixth contact surface (K6) and the fourth connection point (3a) comprises at least a seventh contact surface (K7) and an eighth contact surface (K8), wherein when the third and fourth connection points (2b, 3a) are connected, the fifth contact surface (K5) is in contact with the seventh contact surface (K7) and the sixth contact surface (K6) is in contact with the eighth contact surface (K8), and then an axis of rotation (P') is provided within a region of the third connection point (2b) and / or within a region of the fourth connection point (3a).which runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the load part (2) and the fifth contact surface (K5) with the seventh contact surface (K7) support a rotation of the running part (3) against the load part (2) in a third direction of rotation about the axis of rotation (P') and the sixth contact surface (K6) with the eighth contact surface (K8) support a rotation of the running part (3) against the load part (2) in a fourth direction of rotation about the axis of rotation (P'), wherein the third direction of rotation runs opposite to the fourth direction of rotation.

8. Electrode (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a first connecting element (V1) and the first connection point (1a) comprising a first recess (A1) in the connection part (1) and the second connection point (2a) comprising a second recess (A2) in the load part (2), wherein the first connecting element (V1) is pluggable into the first recess (A1) and into the second recess (A2) and thereby the first connection point (1a) is electrically conductive and mechanically connectable to the second connection point (2a), wherein the first connecting element (V1) comprises at least one end an undercut shape in the longitudinal direction and is pluggable into a correspondingly fitting shape of the first recess (A1) and / or second recess (A2).

9. Electrode (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first connecting element (V1) can be inserted into the first recess (A1) and into the second recess (A2) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the load part (2) and comprises a substantially constant cross-section towards the respective recess (A1, A2).

10. Electrode (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plug connection between the first connection point (1a) and the second connection point (2a) is a joining connection in which at least a partial area of ​​the first connection point (1a) is shrunk onto at least a partial area of ​​the second connection point (2a) or vice versa.

11. Electrode (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which at a transition between the connecting part (1) and the load part (2) and at the first connection point (1a) to the second connection point (2a) at least one surface of the connecting part (1) transitions continuously to an adjacent surface of the load part (2).

12. Horn spark gap (200) comprising a housing and electrodes (100), wherein at least one of the electrodes (100) is shaped according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Horn spark gap (200) according to claim 12, wherein the housing comprises at least one cover wall (AW) to which the at least one electrode (100) is laterally positioned and by which a lateral displacement of the electrode (100) against a joining direction of the connecting part (1) and the load part (2) can be blocked.

Images