Lightning protection device and method for manufacturing lightning protection device

Abstract

To provide a lightning suppression type lightning arrester capable of improving appearance and securing a more stable connection state.SOLUTION: The present invention for solving the above problem is a lightning suppression type lightning protection device X including an upper electrode body 1, a lower electrode body 2, an insulator 4 sandwiched between the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2, and a support column 5 connected to a lower portion of the lower electrode body 2, wherein the lower electrode body 2 is capable of penetrating the support column 5, and the lightning suppression type lightning protection device X further includes a fixture capable of fixing the support column 5 to the lower electrode body 2 between the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lightning strike suppression type lightning arrester for protecting objects to be protected, such as buildings and equipment, from lightning damage by suppressing lightning strikes. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, the concept of lightning protection for infrastructure against lightning strikes was based on the idea that lightning strikes could not be prevented, and so most of the time lightning strikes were received by a needle-type lightning rod (Franklin rod) and then directed to the ground. In response to this, the inventors proposed a lightning strike suppression type lightning arrester as shown in Patent Document 1, in order to protect the protected object by minimizing the occurrence of lightning strikes.

[0003] This lightning strike suppression type arrester has an upper electrode body and a lower electrode body in the shape of a hemispherical shell (or a semi-elliptical shell) with an insulator sandwiched between them, and only the lower electrode body is grounded.

[0004] For example, when a thundercloud approaches with negative charges distributed at its base, the opposite charge (positive charge) is distributed on the surface of the earth, and positive charges also accumulate on the grounded lower electrode. The upper electrode, which is placed through an insulator, then becomes negatively charged due to the capacitor effect. This action makes it difficult for upward streamers to occur in and around the lightning arrester, thereby suppressing lightning strikes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5839332 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7405348 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The lightning suppression arrester described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which all main components are aligned in a straight line along the axial direction of the support rod, and is able to achieve a certain level of lightning suppression effectiveness while maintaining a simple configuration. Furthermore, its installation conditions are not limited to buildings, and it can also be mobile, like the lightning suppression device described in Patent Document 2. However, these devices are installed in high places outdoors, where they are constantly exposed to wind and rain, and there are also issues with the assembly of parts becoming loose due to earthquakes or shaking caused by the installation conditions.

[0007] Furthermore, in the configuration of the lightning suppression type lightning arrester described above, nuts are used to secure the support rod and electrode body, but the installation conditions are strict and measures to prevent loosening require spot welding and other work, leaving much room for improvement in terms of ensuring material strength, rust prevention, and appearance quality.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a lightning strike suppression type lightning arrester that can improve the appearance and ensure a more stable connection state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention, which solves the above problem, is a lightning suppression type lightning arrester comprising an upper electrode body, a lower electrode body, an insulator sandwiched between the two, and a support pole connected to the lower part of the lower electrode body, wherein the lower electrode body is capable of penetrating the support pole and further comprises a fixing device between the upper electrode body and the lower electrode body that is capable of fixing the support pole to the lower electrode body. This configuration improves the appearance of the device and ensures a more stable connection.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support further includes a bulging body bulging from the lower electrode body toward the upper electrode body, and the fixing device is provided in the region sandwiched between the lower electrode body and the bulging body in the axial direction of the support. This configuration maintains insulation between the electrodes and also makes the device easier to assemble.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support post has a helical engaging portion, and the fixing device is a fastener that can be threaded into the engaging portion. With this configuration, the electrode body and the support can be connected firmly and stably, and the tightening torque can be easily increased.

[0012] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a method for manufacturing a lightning suppression type lightning arrester comprising an upper electrode body, a lower electrode body, an insulator, a support, and a fixing device, and includes a support mounting step in which the support is fixed to the lower electrode body by the fixing device, and an electrode mounting step in which the upper electrode body and the lower electrode body sandwich and fix the insulator, with the electrode mounting step being carried out after the support mounting step. This manufacturing method improves the appearance of the device and ensures a more stable connection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, can improve the appearance of a lightning strike suppression type lightning arrester and ensure a more stable connection state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a lightning strike suppression type lightning arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a lightning strike suppression type lightning arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the configuration of a lightning-strike suppression type lightning arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views showing an assembly sequence of a lightning-strike suppression type lightning arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A lightning-strike-suppressing lightning arrester X according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in detail in the order of the configuration of the embodiment, the method of implementation, and other examples. The following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0016] <Embodiment> The lightning suppression type lightning arrester X according to this embodiment comprises an upper electrode body 1, a lower electrode body 2, a bulging body 3 bulging out from both electrodes toward each other, an insulator 4, and a support 5, and further comprises a fixture (a fastener 6 in this embodiment) that fixes the support 5 to the lower electrode body 2. In the following description, the length direction of the support 5 shown in Fig. 1 will be referred to as the axial direction, and the direction in which the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 sandwich the insulator 4 is approximately parallel to this axial direction. Furthermore, this axis will be referred to as axis A, which is the central axis of the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X.

[0017] The upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 are members made of a conductive material and formed into a roughly bowl-like shape (including a hemispherical shell shape and a semi-elliptical spherical shell shape), and sandwich the insulator 4 to form the main part of the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X. The upper electrode body 1 integrally comprises an upper electrode body 11, which is a roughly bowl-shaped thin portion, and an upper connection part 12 connectable to the insulator 4. Similarly to the upper electrode body 1, the lower electrode body 2 integrally comprises a lower electrode body 21, which is a roughly bowl-shaped thin portion, and a lower connection part 22 connectable to the insulator 4.

[0018] The lower electrode body 21 is provided with a through-hole 211 including the axis A. This allows the support 5 to pass through the lower electrode body 21, and the fastener 6 can be attached to the support 5 inside the approximately bowl-shaped interior of the lower electrode body 21. With this configuration, the fastener 6, which will be described later, can be accommodated in the space between the lower electrode body 21 and the lower bulge body 32, making it easier to assemble the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X with a good appearance.

[0019] The bulging body 3 includes an upper bulging body 31 bulging from the upper electrode body 1 toward the lower electrode body 2, and a lower bulging body 32 bulging from the lower electrode body 2 toward the upper electrode body 1. The upper bulging body 31 is a roughly bowl-shaped (including hemispherical shell and semi-elliptical spherical shell) member sized to fit within the roughly bowl-shaped interior of the upper electrode body 11. A flat upper flange 311 is provided along its edge, and the upper flange 311 connects to the upper connecting part 12. The upper connecting part 12 and the upper bulging body 31 may be provided integrally, but a configuration in which they are originally separate bodies and fixedly connected by welding or the like is preferable. This configuration makes it easy to form a cavity between the upper electrode body 11 and the upper bulging body 31, reducing the overall weight of the upper electrode body 1 and facilitating manufacture.

[0020] The lower bulge body 32 is a roughly bowl-shaped (including hemispherical shell shape and semi-elliptical spherical shell shape) member that is sized to fit inside the roughly bowl-shaped interior of the lower electrode body 21, and further has a flat lower flange 321 provided along its edge, where it is connected to the lower connecting part 22. The lower connecting part 22 and the lower bulge body 32 are separate bodies and are fixedly connected by welding or the like. With this configuration, a cavity can be easily formed between the lower electrode body 21 and the lower bulge body 32, which not only reduces the overall weight of the lower electrode body 2 but also makes manufacturing easier.

[0021] The insulator 4 has an annular insulator body 41 and connecting posts 42. The insulator body 41 insulates the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 at a predetermined distance, and the connecting posts 42 position the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2. The insulator body 41 is an annular member that separates the approximately bowl-shaped edge portions of the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 all around, and the central portion leaves a space between the upper bulge body 31 and the lower bulge body 32. With this configuration, under normal circumstances, the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 are reliably insulated to suppress lightning strikes, while in the unlikely event of a lightning strike, discharge is possible between the upper bulge body 31 and the lower bulge body 32.

[0022] The insulator body 41 is provided with a covering portion 411 on the outer periphery farthest from the axis A, which covers one side in the axial direction, particularly the edge of the lower electrode body 2 from the outside. This makes it difficult for the step leader to wrap around toward the lower electrode body 2 when the lower electrode body 2 is positively charged, thereby improving the lightning strike suppression effect.

[0023] The insulator body 41 is provided with insertion portions 412 through which the connecting posts 42 can be inserted. The insertion portions 412 are holes that pass through the insulator body 41 in the axial direction, and are provided at positions corresponding to the upper connecting portions 12 and the lower connecting portions 22. This makes it easy to position the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 relative to the insulator body 41 via the connecting posts 42, facilitating the assembly of the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X.

[0024] The connecting columns 42 are columnar members having a length in the axial direction, i.e., the direction in which the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 sandwich the insulator body 41, and have a length that matches the length of the insulator body 41 or the depth of the holes provided in the upper connecting part 12 and the lower connecting part 22, allowing each member to be positioned and connected to each other. With this configuration, it is possible to accommodate changes in the size and shape of each member of the upper electrode body 1, the lower electrode body 2, and the insulator body 41, and it is possible to easily manufacture lightning suppression type lightning arresters X with various specifications to suit various conditions.

[0025] The support pillar 5 is a columnar member capable of supporting the upper electrode body 1, the lower electrode body 2, and the insulator 4 at a predetermined height, and is formed from a conductive material, and is structurally and electrically connected to the lower electrode body 2. The thickness of the support pillar 5 is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the cross section of the through-hole 211 provided in the lower electrode body 2, and it can pass through the through-hole 211. Furthermore, a spiral engaging portion (including a screw thread) is provided on the side of the support pillar 5, and other parts including a fastener 6 can be screwed onto it.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the support 5 is electrically connected to the ground at the grounding portion E. The grounding portion E is a member of a conductive material that can come into contact with the ground, and examples include a metal wire, a metal plate, and a metal frame. This results in the lower electrode body 2 and the ground being at the same potential, and the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 are appropriately polarized. Furthermore, even if lightning strikes the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X, a discharge occurs between the bulging body 3, allowing the lightning current to flow from the upper electrode body 1 to the grounding portion E, thereby minimizing damage to the surrounding area using the same principle as a normal lightning rod.

[0027] The fastener 6 is a fixture capable of fixing the support 5 to the lower electrode body 2, and in this embodiment is a nut that can be screwed onto the thread of the support 5, and the support 5 is fixed to the lower electrode body 2 by bolt tightening. With this configuration, when the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X is assembled, the fixture is provided in an area that is not visible from the outside, so that even if the fixture and the support 5 are prevented from loosening by welding or using other members, the appearance quality is not affected. This is also advantageous from the viewpoint of rust prevention.

[0028] In one example of this embodiment, the fastener 6 is preferably a hard lock nut, and such a configuration prevents the fastener 6 from loosening from the support 5, allowing the lower electrode body 2 and the support 5 to be more stably fixed together, improving the reliability of the structure.

[0029] 1, the fixing device including the fastener 6 enables the support 5 to be fixed to the lower electrode body 2 at least between the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2. In addition, the fixing device is preferably provided in the region sandwiched between the lower electrode body 21 and the lower bulge body 32. With this configuration, when assembling the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X, the work of fixing the support 5 and the lower electrode body 2 with the fastener 6 is performed first, and then other parts are attached. Therefore, when fastening with a large torque applied to the fastener 6, only the members directly involved in the fixation can be easily positioned, and a larger torque can be used during assembly.

[0030] The lightning suppression type lightning arrester X further comprises a support tube 7 and a spacer 8 around the support pillar 5. The support tube 7 is a tubular member provided concentrically with the support pillar 5, and covers and conceals the support pillar 5 over substantially the entire length of the support pillar 5 so that it is not exposed. The spacers 8 are stepped, thick-walled tubular members that maintain the positional relationship with the support pillar 5 at both ends of the support tube 7, and also cushion the end faces of the support tube 7 so that they do not come into direct contact with other members. With this configuration, the support pillar 5 is not directly exposed to wind and rain, and the installation state of the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X is less likely to be affected by the surrounding environment.

[0031] When the support post 5 is fixed to the lower electrode body 2, the support tube 7 and spacer 8 are sandwiched between the outer surface of the lower electrode body 2 and the installation object B, thereby positioning them. This installation object B is a flat or block-shaped member that allows the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X to be erected at the installation location. FIG. 2 shows a flat configuration as an example. In this example, the installation object B can be penetrated by the support post 5, and the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X is fixed to it with fasteners 6, just like the lower electrode body 2. With this configuration, the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X, including the installation object B, can be retrofitted to an existing building or pedestal.

[0032] The present invention may have the following configurations. However, the following configurations are merely examples, and the presence or absence of the configurations can be determined arbitrarily unless otherwise specified.

[0033] <Example of change> The lightning suppression type lightning arrester X may include a split pin 9 as a fixing device in addition to the fastener 6. The split pin 9 is a known component formed by bending a wire to provide a region where two wires are linearly arranged side by side, and as shown in FIG. 3 , it is provided along the fastener 6 fastened to the support 5 and penetrating the support 5 in a direction intersecting with the axis A. With this configuration, even if the fastener 6 has a simple configuration including a single nut, it is possible to prevent the fastener 6 from loosening and to stably maintain the fixed state between the support 5 and the lower electrode body 2.

[0034] The lightning suppression type lightning arrester X may be provided with a snap ring as a fixing device in addition to the fastener 6. This snap ring is a general retaining ring that can be attached to a shaft or a hole-shaped member, and is an annular member with a portion missing. This snap ring is configured to be provided in place of the aforementioned split pin 9, or is provided at a position where the support post 5 engages with the edge of the through hole 211 in the lower electrode body 2. This restricts the fastener 6 from moving in the axial direction of the support post 5.

[0035] The connection between the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 and the bulging body 3 may be achieved by fitting together a protrusion and a hole. For example, a protrusion is provided on the lower connecting portion 22 of the lower electrode body 2, which penetrates into a hole (aperture) provided in the lower flange portion 321 of the lower bulging body 32, thereby easily positioning the body. In this case, the positional relationship between the protrusion and the hole may be reversed. With this configuration, when the upper electrode body 1 and the lower electrode body 2 and the bulging body 3 are welded together, the members are positioned and stabilized, allowing for a more stable connection.

[0036] The manufacturing method of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The manufacturing method described below is an example, and the actual method is not limited to this, and the order of steps may be changed.

[0037] ≪Manufacturing method≫ In manufacturing the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the manufacturer first uses fixing devices (including fasteners 6) to fix the support posts 5 to the lower electrode body 2 (support post mounting process). By performing this process first, when fastening the fasteners 6, the only members that need to be held down are the lower electrode body 2 and the support posts 5, and no extra load is applied to parts not directly related to the fasteners 6. Furthermore, the fastening work can be performed without damaging the outer surface of the electrode body, and the fastening torque can be easily increased.

[0038] Next, the manufacturer fixes the lower bulge body 32 to the lower electrode body 2 and encloses the fixture. At this time, the method for fixing the lower bulge body 32 is preferably welding, and more preferably positioning using a fitting structure. This makes it possible to minimize individual differences that occur during assembly.

[0039] The manufacturer then clamps and fixes the insulator 4 between the lower electrode body 2 and the upper electrode body 1 (electrode attachment process). At this time, it is preferable to use a method in which the upper electrode body 1, the lower electrode body 2, and the insulator body 41 are each positioned using connecting posts 42, and each component is fixed in place. This allows the lightning suppression type lightning arrester X to be assembled stably without applying more load than necessary to each component. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] X Lightning arrester 1 Upper electrode body 11 Upper electrode body 12 Upper connection 2 Lower electrode body 21 Lower electrode body 211 Through hole 22 Lower connection 3 Swelling body 31 Upper bulge 311 Upper flange 32 Lower bulge 321 Lower Tsuba 4. Insulators 41 Insulator body 411 Covered part 412 Insertion part 42 Connecting pillar 5 pillars 6 Fasteners 7 Support tube 8 spacers 9 Cotter pin A axis B. Installation object E Grounding part

Claims

1. A lightning suppression type lightning arrester comprising an upper electrode body, a lower electrode body, an insulator sandwiched between the upper electrode body and the lower electrode body, and a support pole connected to a lower part of the lower electrode body, the lower electrode body can penetrate the support pillar; The lightning suppression type lightning arrester further comprises a fixing member between the upper electrode body and the lower electrode body, capable of fixing the support to the lower electrode body.

2. a bulging body bulging from the lower electrode body toward the upper electrode body, the fixing member is provided in a region sandwiched between the lower electrode body and the bulge body in the axial direction of the support pillar; The lightning suppression type lightning arrester according to claim 1.

3. The support has a spiral engagement portion, The fixing device is a fastener that can be threadably engaged with the engagement portion. The lightning suppression type lightning arrester according to claim 1.

4. A method for manufacturing a lightning arrester including an upper electrode body, a lower electrode body, an insulator, a support, and a fixture, the method comprising: a support post attachment step of fixing the support post to the lower electrode body using the fixing tool; an electrode mounting step of sandwiching and fixing the insulator between the upper electrode body and the lower electrode body; Including, The manufacturing method, wherein the electrode attaching step is performed after the support post attaching step.

Images