Lightning-protection spark gap

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lightning-protection spark gap, comprising: —a housing (G); —a first electrode (3a), which has a first outer face (Aa) and a first inner face (Ia); and —a second electrode (3b), which has a second outer face (Ab) and a second inner face (Ib); wherein the first electrode (3a) and the second electrode (3b) diverge from each other; wherein a striking region (Z) and an adjoining propagation region (L) for a spark are formed between the first inner face (Ia) of the first diverging electrode (3a) and the second inner face (Ib) of the second diverging electrode (3b); wherein the housing (G) forms an arc chamber (LK) between the first electrode (3a) and the second electrode (3b), which arc chamber is delimited by a quenching chamber (4); and wherein, in the housing (G), at least one first gas circulation channel (K1) is formed, by means of which a gas flow escaping from the quenching chamber (40) in the event of a lightning strike can be returned to the arc chamber (K) via at least one first cutout (V1; V1′; V1″; V1′″) in the propagation region (L) of the first electrode (3a). The first cutout (V1; V1′; V1″; V1′″) is asymmetrical with respect to a longitudinal extent of the first cutout (V1; V1′; V1″; V1′″) in the propagation direction of the arc; the first cutout (V1; V1′; V1″; V1′″) falls in the propagation direction of the arc from a first cross-section (Q1) of the first electrode (3a) to a minimum cross-section (QM) of the first electrode (3a) over a first distance (l1; l1′; l1″; l1′″) and rises from the minimum cross-section (QM) of the first electrode (3a) to a second cross-section (Q2) of the first electrode (3a) over a second distance (l2; l2′; l2″; l2′″). The first distance (l1; l1′; l1″; l1′″) is shorter than the second distance (l2; l2′; l2″; l2′″).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.