Current sensor arrangement

#This application claims benefit of the filing date of DE 10 2011 080 039.5, filed Jul. 28, 2011, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

#1. Field

#Disclosed herein is a current sensor arrangement with a magnetic module, in particular for use as a compensation current sensor.

#The invention is explained in more detail below based on the embodiments that are shown in the figures of the drawing, whereby the same or similar elements are provided with the same reference numbers. Here:

#FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic diagram, a still disassembled two-part magnetic core of a ring structure, approximately rectangular in the assembled state, with a pocket-like recess on one end of the two magnetic core parts in each case,

#FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic diagram, an assembled two-part magnetic core of an approximately rectangular ring structure with pocket-like recesses corresponding to one another at the joints on both ends of the two magnetic core parts,

#FIG. 1 shows a two-part magnetic core 1 (for example for use in a magnetic module of a current sensor, in particular a compensation current sensor) in the still disassembled state. The two parts of the magnetic core 1 are in this case formed by two identically-designed legs 2 and 3 that are curved in an L shape, of which each, for example, has a rectangular or otherwise suitable core cross-section (not shown), and has a rod-shaped core that, for example, is bent 90° in the middle and accordingly has bends 4, 5. In this case, the bends 4 and 5 can be designed exactly at right angles with sharp edges or else—as shown—rounded or beveled in any way. In each case, on a front side of such a rod, recesses 6 or 7 are provided that run in the longitudinal direction of the rod and that are provided for receiving magnetic field probes. In this case, the recesses 6 and 7 can be designed in such a way that they are enclosed on all sides of the core material with the exception of a small pass-through for feeders of the magnetic field sensors or are open on one or two sides.

#During assembly of the core 1, the two legs 2 and 3 are then arranged on one another in such a way that the front side of the leg end that has the recess 6 or 7 adjoins flush on the lateral surface of the end of the respective other leg 3 or 2. Thus, the recess 6 or 7 is covered on the front side. In the event that a recess is open only at one point, the front side, attention would still be paid to the possibility of supplying lines for the magnetic field probe. In the assembled state, an inner opening 8 to allow a primary conductor to pass through is produced, which is closed to a large extent and is surrounded by the magnetic core 1 in the shape of a ring. The joints between the legs 2 and 3 in this case form air gaps, which, however, have a low gap width, for example smaller than 0.1 mm. In general, the space between two surfaces that lie close together opposite one another is termed an air gap. The gap width in this case is the distance between the two surfaces in a perpendicular line from one another. The effective gap width is the distance, converted to flat surfaces, of separated, non-flat structures.

#A variant of the magnetic core 1 that is shown in FIG. 1 is depicted in FIG. 2. In this case, the recesses 6 or 7 in the legs 2 or 3 or in the other legs 3 or 2 that are adjacent in each case are extended in the form of recesses 9 or 10. The recesses 9 or 10 thus extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the respective leg end in contrast to the recesses 6 and 7, which extend at the other leg end, in each case in the longitudinal direction. The recesses 6, 7, 9, 10 are thus perpendicular to the interfaces that occur at the joints and allow the introduction of magnetic field probes for the measurement of the magnetic flux in the respective air gap, not withstanding its smaller gap width.