Patents Assigned to Dehn & Soehne GmbH
  • Patent number: 10529523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a short-circuiting device for use in low-voltage and medium-voltage systems for protecting parts and personnel, comprising a switching element which can be operated by the tripping signal of a fault detection device, two mutually opposite contact electrodes having power supply means, wherein contact can be made with said contact electrodes at an electrical circuit having connections at different potentials, furthermore, in at least one of the contact electrodes, a moving contact part which is under mechanical prestress and executes a movement to the further contact electrode in a manner assisted by spring force in the event of a short circuit, a sacrificial element as spacer between the contact electrodes and also having an electrical connection between the sacrificial element and the switching element on the one hand and one of the contact electrodes on the other hand, in order to cause current flow-induced thermal deformation or destruction of the sacrificial element in a targeted m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Arnd Ehrhardt, Michael Fromm, Stefan Dietweger
  • Patent number: 10511165
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit assembly for protecting a unit to be operated from a supply network against overvoltage, comprising an input having a first and a second input connection, which are connected to the supply network, an output having a first and a second output connection, to which the unit to be protected can be connected, and a protection circuit, which is provided between the first and the second input connections in order to limit the voltage present at the first and the second input connections. According to the invention, the protection circuit has a power semiconductor, in particular an IGBT, wherein a series circuit consisting of a diac, i.e., a bidirectional electrode, and a Zener element is connected between the collector and the gate of the power semiconductor, wherein the sum of the Zener voltage and the diac voltage results in a clamping voltage for the power semiconductor, which lies above the voltage of the supply network and defines the protection level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Franz Schork, Ralph Brocke, Thomas Böhm, Dominik Donauer
  • Patent number: 10256062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for thermally disconnecting or tripping an overvoltage protection device, comprising: a locking element (A1), on which a first force (F1) acts, and which is fixed in such a way that same is released when a limit temperature is exceeded; and a slider (S1) which is blocked in a first state (Z1) by the fixed locking element (A1), and on which a second force (F2) acts in order to transfer same into a second state (Z2) when the locking element (A1) is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Strangfeld, Stephan Hierl
  • Patent number: 10049795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surge protection device, comprising at least one surge arrester and one thermally trippable switching device connected in series with the surge arrester, wherein the above-mentioned means form a structural unit and the thermal tripping means is arranged in the region in which heating of the surge arrester is to be expected on overloading thereof. The thermal tripping means is in the form of a stop part through which there is no operating or surge current flowing and which effects or enables unlatching of the switching device in the case of thermal overload. Furthermore, the stop part is coupled thermally and mechanically to a surface side of the surge arrester and blocks the movement path of a mechanically prestressed unlatching slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Hirschmann, Georg Wittmann, Edmund Zäuner
  • Patent number: 10014098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surge protection device, comprising at least one surge arrester and one short-circuit switching device which is connected in parallel with the surge arrester, can be thermally tripped and is spring-pretensioned, wherein the abovementioned means form one physical unit. The thermal tripping means is arranged in the region where heating of the surge arrester is expected when it is overloaded, and operating or surge current does not flow through said thermal tripping means. The thermal tripping means is in the form of a stop part which releases an unlocking slide of the switching device in the event of thermal overload. The switching device has two opposite contact pieces, wherein at least one of the contacts is of moveable design and is under spring pretension in the closing direction of the switching device. The opening state of the switching device is maintained by the unlocking slide, which is released by the thermal tripping means to close the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Hirschmann, Georg Wittmann, Edmund Zäuner
  • Patent number: 9941691
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for overload protection for overvoltage protection equipment that has at least one voltage-limiting element and at least one voltage-switching element, and optionally with a back-up fuse, wherein the voltage-limiting element is in the form of a varistor and the voltage-switching element is in the form of a spark gap and these elements are connected in series. According to the invention, to protect against inadmissible pulsed currents, the voltage-limiting element in the series circuit has a monitoring spark gap, forming a bypass, connected in parallel with it. Furthermore, a monitoring device, e.g. a thermal monitoring device, is provided that bypasses both the monitoring spark gap and the voltage-switching element in the event of ageing effects, inadmissibly high mains voltages and/or low-energy, periodic, high-frequency overvoltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG.
    Inventors: Uwe Strangfeld, Bernhard Krauss, Michael Waffler, Stephan Hierl
  • Patent number: 9885738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit assembly for the state monitoring and logging of overvoltage protection devices or overvoltage protection systems by means of pulse current monitoring, comprising at least one passive RFID transponder having an inductively coupled voltage supply, wherein in the case of an event of the overvoltage protection device or the overvoltage protection system, the RFID transponder antenna circuit is influenced, in particular interrupted, short circuited, or detuned, so that disturbance processes can be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Dehn + Söhne GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Benjamin Moosburger, Peter Igl, Thomas Boehm, Hans Herold
  • Patent number: 9871368
    Abstract: The invention relates to an encapsulated surge protection device capable of carrying lightning currents and limiting follow currents and comprising at least one spark gap, which has in each case at least two main electrodes and one auxiliary electrode, which is connected to a starting device for triggering in the event of transient surges. The invention provides a second starting device which is independent of the first starting device and which can activate the spark gap without the need for the presence of surges or pulse currents on the basis of the presence of a minimum voltage between the main electrodes of the spark gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Bühler, Stefanie Schreiter, Jens Ehrler, Arnd Erhardt
  • Publication number: 20170373491
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit assembly for protecting a unit to be operated from a supply network against overvoltage, comprising an input having a first and a second input connection, which are connected to the supply network, an output having a first and a second output connection, to which the unit to be protected can be connected, and a protection circuit, which is provided between the first and the second input connections in order to limit the voltage present at the first and the second input connections. According to the invention, the protection circuit has a power semiconductor, in particular an IGBT, wherein a series circuit consisting of a diac, i.e., a bidirectional electrode, and a Zener element is connected between the collector and the gate of the power semiconductor, wherein the sum of the Zener voltage and the diac voltage results in a clamping voltage for the power semiconductor, which lies above the voltage of the supply network and defines the protection level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: DEHN + SÖHNE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Franz Schork, Ralph Brocke, Thomas Böhm, Dominik Donauer
  • Patent number: 9780553
    Abstract: The invention relates to an overvoltage protection device with a short-circuit function for protecting installations and persons for low-voltage installations, wherein at least one overvoltage protection element and a thermally activatable short-circuit device are arranged in a common housing. The device is designed to be inserted into an NH fuse part, and the common housing is designed with contact blades so as to be spatially analogous to a NH fuse link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co.KG.
    Inventors: Jens Ehrler, Arnd Ehrhardt, Klaus Buehler
  • Patent number: 9780463
    Abstract: A surge protection device comprises at least one surge protection unit, consisting of a substantially U-shaped socket part and a plug part which can be fixed in the socket part and which receives a surge protector. Insulated electric conductors on or in the socket part are contacted by vampire taps or displacing terminals. The surge protection device also comprises openings or perforations formed in the socket part for receiving conductors. The openings are selectively designed so that the electric conductors are inserted into or through the openings, and the openings are exposed in a socket part region which can be covered by the socket part such that cutting surfaces located on the base of the plug part penetrate the conductor insulation during the plug-in process and directly contact the respective conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Seitz, Peter Zahlmann
  • Patent number: 9691560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multi-pole switching device, in particular for DC applications, having at least one rotating switching element (2) which is connected to a drive, and also comprising switching contacts (4, 5), connection pieces (7) and connection poles or connection terminals (8) and a housing arrangement which accommodates the abovementioned parts. According to the invention, a movably guided rotary cylinder (2) is formed in the housing arrangement, said rotary cylinder being located in a body which is designed as a rotary cylinder holder (1). The rotary cylinder (2) has at least one contact pin (3) which passes radially or tangentially or eccentrically through the rotary cylinder and has, at its end, a contact piece (4) in each case. Mating contact pieces (5) are arranged in the rotary cylinder holder (1), said mating contact pieces being electrically connected to the connection pieces (7) or connection poles or connection terminals (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Zahlmann, Stefanie Schreiter, Arnd Ehrhardt, Michael Rock
  • Patent number: 9660437
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for forming a thermal isolation point, consisting of an isolation strip to which a prestressing force can be applied, an electrical means which produces thermal energy and has a contact surface, in particular in the form of an overvoltage protection element or a component of such an element, as well as an integral connection means, which changes when heated in a defined manner in the aggregate state, in particular a solder. According to the invention, an adapter part is provided between the isolation strip and the contact surface of the electrical means, wherein the adapter part can on the one hand be connected to the contact surface in a purely interlocking and/or force-fitting manner, and on the other hand is connected in a manner which can provide thermal isolation integrally to the isolation strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Edmund Zäuner, Georg Wittmann
  • Patent number: 9640352
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection device comprises at least one overvoltage protection unit having at least one contact lug as well as a mechanical disconnection apparatus that is activated in the event of a thermal overload. The mechanical disconnection apparatus comprises a connection element that can be moved from a closed position to a current-interrupting or voltage-disconnecting position by a slider that is preloaded by spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co.KG
    Inventors: Richard Daum, Sascha Ludewig
  • Patent number: 9601986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the surge protection of inverters for photovoltaic systems, comprising at least one surge protection device which is physically integrated in the inverter or can be found in the vicinity of the inverter. The at least one surge protection device is connected to the DC side of the inverter. According to the invention, the inverter supplies a signal for setting or tracking the operating point at an operating level in the maximum power point (MPP) range, the response voltage of the surge protection device being predetermined, set, or selected on the basis of said signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Jens Ehrler
  • Patent number: 9461461
    Abstract: The invention relates to a defect indicator for an electronic device, in particular a surge arrester, comprising at least two thermal overcurrent protection devices which respond to different fault or overload states and each have a mechanical actuating device for triggering the fault signalling, wherein the mechanical actuating device is in the form of a bolt or pin which acts on a fault signalling element. According to the invention, the at least two overcurrent protection devices are arranged relative to one another in such a manner that the direction vectors of the bolts or pins intersect in an imaginary extension of the movement path thereof, wherein the particular bolt or pin acts on a respectively provided surface side of a displaceable armature and the armature occupies a variable position in the movement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Krauss, Stephan Hierl, Roland Eichenseer
  • Patent number: 9331471
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for forming a thermal isolation point, consisting of an isolation strip to which a prestressing force can be applied, an electrical means which produces thermal energy and has a contact surface, in particular in the form of an overvoltage protection element or a component of such an element, as well as an integral connection means, which changes when heated in a defined manner in the aggregate state, in particular a solder. According to the invention, an adapter part is provided between the isolation strip and the contact surface of the electrical means, wherein the adapter part can on the one hand be connected to the contact surface in a purely interlocking and/or force-fitting manner, and on the other hand is connected in a manner which can provide thermal isolation integrally to the isolation strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Edmund Zäuner, Georg Wittmann
  • Patent number: 9263220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for surge-current-resistant terminal contacting of electrical components (3), in particular components of rotationally symmetrical form, wherein the components, on the lateral surface thereof, have spaced-apart contacting portions (7), also comprising two U-shaped, electrically conductive contact pads (1) which have a partial surface (4) which is complementary to the contour of the respective contacting portion of the electrical component. According to the invention, each contact pad is assigned a U-shaped spring clip which likewise has a partial surface (5) which is complementary to the contour of the respective contacting portion of the electrical component, wherein said partial surface is provided in the connecting portion between legs (6, 6?) of the U-shaped spring clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Krauss, Stephan Hierl
  • Patent number: 9184569
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spark gap having a plurality of individual spark gaps connected in series and present in a stacked arrangement, spaced apart from each other by insulating spacers (5) and nearly free of secondary current under typical operating conditions, wherein the individual spark gaps comprise electrodes (4) and outer connection electrodes are provided, and further having control elements for influencing the voltage distribution across the stacked arrangement and/or designed as an ignition aid. According to the invention, a mechanically pretensioned insulating element (8) can be inserted or pivoted between two adjacent electrodes (4) of the individual spark gaps, in order to interrupt the main current path of the spark gap in case of fault or overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Arnd Ehrhardt, Stefanie Schreiter, Steffen Beier
  • Patent number: 9178335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spark gap arrangement comprising two preferably flat, opposing electrodes (1) that are held apart in a housing body (13), said electrodes forming an arc combustion chamber, and comprising a gas-cooling and pressure-compensating chamber that is connected to the arc combustion chamber. According to the invention, the housing body (13) is formed from two half-shells (14, 16), each of which has first recesses that lie opposite each other in one plane for electrode connecting limbs (3), said limbs being connected to a connecting terminal (15) on the outside of the housing body. Each of the half-shells (14, 16) has a first space for receiving an insulating material support (11) for the electrodes (1) and a second space for receiving a cooling block (8), which has channels, with a high heat capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Waffler, Uwe Strangfeld