Patent Grant
8901818
This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0030428, filed on Mar. 2, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.
1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates generally to spark gap switches for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave radiation for stabilized discharge and, more particularly, to a spark gap switch for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave radiation which is configured such that it can have stabilized discharge characteristics that allow discharge to occur on central portions of electrodes, whereby the output power of radiated electromagnetic waves can be markedly stabilized.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave generation sources refer to apparatuses which are widely used in fields, such as a field using ultra-wideband radar or a field involving the detection of buried objects. An ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave generation source typically includes an energy storage device which stores electric or magnetic energy, a switching device which generates ultra-wideband pulses from the stored energy, and an antenna which radiates ultra-wideband waves.
To increase the peak output power of electromagnetic waves radiated into space from such an ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave generation source, it is most important to increase the capacitance or inductance of the energy storage device, reduce mismatching between the switching device and the antenna, and enhance the electric insulation of the antenna.
The applicant of the present invention proposed a spark gap switch for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave radiation in Korean Patent Registration No. 1015958, which can be used as a high power switching device and can conduct functions of storage of electric energy and generation and radiation of ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses or waves.
The casing 100 has a hollow cylindrical structure which has openings 101 and 102 in opposite ends thereof and is made of nonmetallic electric insulation material.
The electrodes 111 and 112 are disposed in the openings 101 and 102 of the casing 100 at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in such a way that they face each other. The electrode 111 is a high-voltage electrode to which high voltage is supplied, and the other electrode 112 is a ground electrode which forms a potential difference with respect to the high-voltage electrode. The electrodes 111 and 112, when power is applied thereto, together conduct functions of storage of electric energy, generation of ultra-wideband electromagnetic, pulses and radiation of electromagnetic waves. Particularly, the spark gap switch is designed such that areas of surfaces of the electrodes 111 and 112 that face each other are comparatively large and the distance between the electrodes 111 and 112 is comparatively short, whereby the capacitance formed by the electrodes 111 and 112 can be enhanced. In other words, before functioning as a switch for generating electromagnetic pulses, the electrodes 111 and 112 are designed such that the capacitance at which an electric field is stored in the insulation space 115 defined between the electrodes 111 and 112 and the casing 100 is increased.
The fixing bracket 120 and the movable bracket 121 are made of electric insulation material in the same manner as that of the casing 100 and are installed in the electrodes 111 and 112. The fixing bracket 120 and the movable bracket 121 function to adjust the distance between the electrodes 111 and 112, fix the positions of the electrodes 111 and 112, and maintain gas pressure between the electrodes 111 and 112. The fixing bracket 120 is fixed in the opening 102 of the casing 100. The electrode 112 is fastened to the casing 100 by the fixing bracket 120. The movable bracket 121 has an external thread 122 and is threadedly coupled to the opening 101 of the casing 100 so that it can be movably installed in the opening 101 of the casing 100.
Cable guides 125 are provided in the fixing bracket 120 and the movable bracket 121. High-voltage cables through which high-voltage is supplied to the electrodes 111 and 112 are guided into the corresponding electrodes by the cable guides 125. An inner end of each cable guide 125 is supported on an inner surface of the corresponding electrode 111, 112. An annular plate 126 which is supported on the fixing bracket 120 or the movable bracket 321 is provided around an outer portion of each cable guide 125. The cable guides 125 are made of insulation material and function to protect high-voltage cables and prevent generation of an are from the high-voltage cables.
Gaskets 117 are closely interposed between a circumferential inner surface of the casing 100 and circumferential outer surfaces of the respective electrodes 11 and 112 to seal space defined between the casing 100 and the electrodes 111 and 112.
The conventional spark gap switch having the above-mentioned construction can be used as an ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave generation source which is widely used as a high power switching device and conducts functions of storage of electric energy and generation and radiation of ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses. Furthermore, the electrodes 111 and 112 are configured such that the areas of the surfaces that face each other are comparatively large to increase the capacitance between the electrodes 111 and 112, the distance therebetween is adjusted, and the space therebetween is insulated by high-pressure gas. Therefore, switch storage energy which is an energy source for the generation of electromagnetic waves is comparatively high. Moreover, the shape of each electrode 111, 112 is designed such that it can become an antenna. Thus, mismatching between a switching channel and an antenna is reduced. The electrodes 111 and 112 which form an antenna are enclosed by high-pressure gas with which the spark gap switch is filled. Hence, the electric insulation strength of the electrodes 111 and 112 is enhanced, and the intensity of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves radiated between the electrodes 111 and 112 is increased.
However, in the conventional spark gap switch for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave radiation, because the surfaces of the electrodes 111 and 112 that face each other are comparatively large and are gently curved to increase the capacitance of the electrodes, although it is ideal that discharge occurs on central portions of the electrodes at which the distance between the electrodes is shortest, there is actually the possibility of discharge occurring at a random position of the surfaces of the two electrodes that face each other.
Furthermore, the conventional spark gap switch is designed such that the maximum diameter of the electrodes is almost the same as the inner diameter of the casing 100. Thus, the spark gap switch is prone to discharge occurring on the inner surface of the casing 100. That is, as shown in
Therefore, a surface discharge may be caused on the inner surface of the casing 100. As such, if discharge occurs at a position displaced from the central portions of the electrodes 111 and 112, the output power of electromagnetic waves is reduced, and a radiation pattern is deformed, in this case, the spark gap switch cannot serve its intended purpose.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a spark gap switch for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave radiation which is configured such that it can have stabilized discharge characteristics that allow discharge to occur on central portions of electrodes, whereby the output power of radiated electromagnetic waves can be markedly stabilized.
In order to accomplish the above object the present invention provides a spark gap switch for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic radiation, including: a casing having a cylindrical shape, with openings formed in respective opposite ends of the casing; a plurality of electrodes installed in the casing at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in such a way that the electrodes face each other and are disposed inside the openings, wherein surfaces of the electrodes that face each other comprise planar or curved surfaces to increase capacitance: a plurality of brackets installed in the respective openings of the casing, the brackets fastening rear ends of the corresponding electrodes to the casing; and an electrode protrusion provided on a central portion of at least either of the electrodes, the electrode protrusion inducing stabilized discharge.
Each of the electrodes may have a “U” shape.
An electrode assisting member may be provided on a central portion of at least either of the electrodes and a peripheral portion of the central portion and be made of different material from the electrodes.
The electrode protrusion may be disposed on a central portion of the electrode assisting member and be made of material equal to the material of the electrode assisting member.
The electrode assisting member and the electrode protrusion may be provided on each of the electrodes, wherein a diameter of the electrode assisting member provided on a central portion of either of the electrodes may be greater than a diameter of the electrode assisting member provided on a central portion of a remaining one of the electrodes.
The electrode assisting members and the electrode protrusions may be made of any one selected from the group consisting of tungsten, copper-tungsten and molybdenum.
A diameter of each of the electrode protrusions may range from 1% to 10% of a maximum diameter of the electrodes, and a thickness of the electrode protrusion may range from 0.2% to 2% of the maximum diameter of the electrodes.
The diameter of the electrode protrusion may be 5% of the maximum diameter of the electrodes, and the thickness of the electrode protrusion may be 0.5% of the maximum diameter of the electrodes.
An edge of the electrode protrusion may have a rounded ring shape.
Each of the brackets may include: a disk-shaped bracket body having an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the casing; and an insert support part horizontally protruding from one side of the bracket body and having an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the bracket body and corresponds to an inner diameter of the corresponding electrode, the insert support part being inserted into and fixed in the electrode, wherein an annular stepped portion may be formed between the bracket body and the insert support part so that the rear end of the corresponding electrode is supported on the annular stepped portion.
External threads may be respectively formed on circumferential outer surfaces of the bracket body and the insert support parts of the brackets, first internal threads may be respectively formed in circumferential inner surfaces of die opposite ends of the casing, the first internal threads corresponding to the respective external threads of the bracket bodies, and second internal threads may be respectively formed on circumferential inner surfaces of the rear ends of the electrodes, the second internal threads corresponding to the external threads of fee respective insert support parts, whereby the brackets are threaded coupled to the openings of the casing and the electrodes in such a way that the brackets are movably installed in the corresponding openings of the casing so that relative positions of the electrodes are adjusted in the casing.
Cable holes may be respectively formed in the brackets so that high-voltage cables for supplying high-voltage to the electrodes are led into the casing through the cables holes.
A maximum diameter of each of the electrodes may be less than an inner diameter of the casing so that entire circumferential outer surfaces of the electrodes supported by the respective brackets are not brought into contact with a circumferential inner surface of the casing, whereby a distance for surface insulation in the casing is increased, thus preventing a surface discharge being caused on the inner surface of the casing.
An insulation space may be enclosed between the electrodes and the casing and be filled with a high-voltage insulation material, and gaskets may be respectively closely interposed between outer surfaces of the rear ends of the brackets and an inner surface of the casing and between inner surfaces of the electrodes and outer surfaces of front ends of the brackets so that the high-voltage Insulation material is prevented from leaking out of the insulation space.
In the present invention, at least one of two electrodes has on a central portion thereof an electrode assisting member which is made of different material from the electrode. An electrode protrusion for guiding stabilized discharge is provided on a central portion of the electrode assisting member. Thereby, stabilized discharge characteristics between the two electrodes are ensured. Furthermore, the surface insulation distance formed along the inner surface of the casing is longer than that of the conventional technique so that a surface discharge phenomenon in which discharge is caused on the inner surface of the casing can be prevented. Thereby, the output of electromagnetic waves radiated from the spark gap switch for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave radiation can be markedly stabilized even when it is repeatedly used.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Reference now should be made to the drawings, throughout which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
As shown in the drawings, the spark gap switch according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a casing 200, a pair of electrodes 210 and 220 and a pair of brackets 230 and 240.
The casing 200 is an insulation housing which encloses insulation material in an insulation space S defined between the electrodes 210 and 220 which will be explained later. The casing 200 has a cylindrical structure which has openings 201 and 202 on respective opposite side ends thereof and has a hollow space therein.
The electrode 210 is a high-voltage electrode to which high voltage is supplied. The electrode 220 is an electrode which forms a potential difference with respect to the high-voltage electrode 210. The electrodes 210 and 220 are disposed inside the openings 201 and 202 at positions spaced apart from each other in such a way that they lace each other. The electrodes 210 and 220, when power is applied thereto, together conduct functions of storage of electric energy, generation of ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses and radiation of electromagnetic waves.
Furthermore, the electrodes 210 and 220 have the same approximate U shape, wherein portions of the electrodes 210 and 220 that face each other have planar or curved surfaces, each of which has a predetermined area, so that the areas of the surfaces of the electrodes 210 and 220 that face each other are comparatively large, and a distance between the electrodes 210 and 220 can be reduced. Thanks to this design of the electrodes 210 and 220, capacitance which is formed by the facing surfaces of the electrodes 210 and 220 can be increased. In addition, each electrode 210, 220 has an annular line 211 which is formed along a circumferential outer surface and forms a boundary at which discontinuous surfaces are bent, such that the electrode 210, 220 can function as an antenna when, upon voltage higher than a preset voltage for the electrodes 210 and 220 being supplied thereto, discharge is caused on the electrode protrusion 213 and high power electromagnetic waves are generated.
Particularly, the electrodes 210 and 220 have the electrode protrusion 213 which is provided on the center of their portions facing each other to guide stabilized discharge. In
A diameter of the electrode protrusion 213 must be less than that of the electrode 210 or 220. If the diameter of the electrode protrusion 213 is larger than the maximum diameter of the electrode 210 or 220, discharge occurs at several portions of the electrode protrusion 213, and a discharge portion which has a comparatively large deviation may be a factor which makes the output power of radiated electromagnetic waves to be unstable. If the diameter of the electrode protrusion 213 is very small compared to the maximum diameter of the electrode 210 or 220, the shape of the electrode protrusion 213 may be excessively sharp so that a high electric field is formed on the electrode protrusion 213. In this case, discharge is incurred at comparatively low voltage, thus causing a reduction in the output power of electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the electrode protrusion 213 ranges from 1% to 10% of the maximum diameter of the electrode 210 or 220. More preferably, the diameter of the electrode protrusion 213 is 5% of the maximum diameter of the electrode 210 or 220.
Furthermore, preferably, a thickness of the electrode protrusion 213 ranges from 0.2% to 2% of the maximum diameter of the electrode 210 or 220. If the thickness of the electrode protrusion 213 is smaller than 0.2% of the maximum diameter of the electrode 210 or 220, there is little effect of protrusion. If the thickness of the electrode protrusion 213 is larger than 2% of the maximum diameter of the electrode 210 or 220, the distance between the electrodes 210 and 220 is increased and the capacitance between the electrodes 210 and 220 is decreased, thus reducing the output power of electromagnetic waves. More preferably, the thickness of the electrode protrusion 213 is 0.5% of the maximum diameter of the electrode 210 or 220.
An edge of the electrode protrusion 213 has a rounded ring shape. If the electrode protrusion 213 is formed under the above-mentioned conditions, the electrodes 210 and 220 cars have comparatively high discharge start voltage despite the capacitance of the electrodes 210 and 220 being not largely reduced. Particularly, discharge can be concentrated on the central portion of the electrodes 210 and 220 and be stabilized.
Meanwhile, if the discharge of the electrodes 210 and 220 occurs repetitively, erosion of the discharge portion may deform the shape thereof tints reducing the dielectric strength. To avoid this problem, in the present invention, electrode assisting members 212 and 222 are respectively provided on the electrodes 210 and 220 both at the central portion on which the electrode protrusion 213 is disposed and at a periphery of the central portion. Each of the electrode assisting member 212, 222 is made of any one of tungsten, copper-tungsten and molybdenum, which have superior discharge durability.
The reason why only the electrode protrusion 213 and the peripheral portion of the electrode protrusion 213 are made of different material having high durability to the discharge is due to the fact that if the entirety of the electrode 210, 220 is made of tungsten, copper-tungsten or molybdenum, not only does it become very heavy and expensive, but it also becomes difficult to machine the electrode 210, 220. For these reasons, the electrode body which is comparatively large is made of light metal such as aluminum, and only the portion around which the discharge is generated is made of different material which has high durability to the discharge.
Here, in the case where the electrode assisting members 212 and 222 are respectively provided on the opposite electrodes 210 and 220, if the diameters of the electrode assisting members 212 and 222 are the same, the circumferential edges of the electrode assisting members 212 and 222 face each other. In this case, there is a high possibility of discharge occurring on the circumferential edges of the electrode assisting members 212 and 222. This is due to that fact that portions which are prone to electric discharge are formed along the circumferential edges of the electrode assisting members 212 and 222 by a manufacturing error, a thermal expansion coefficient difference, bonding between different materials, etc., and these portions that are prone to electric discharge face each other with the least distance therebetween. To avoid such a problem of the use of the electrode assisting members 212 and 222, in the present invention, as shown in
The brackets 230 and 240 are respectively movably installed in the openings 201 and 202 of the casing 200 so that the two electrodes 210 and 220 can be fixed in positions after the relative positions of the electrodes 210 and 220 in the casing 200 are adjusted. Bach bracket 230, 240 includes a disk-shaped bracket body 231, 241 which has an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the casing 200, and an insert support part 232, 242 which axially protrudes as shown in
Meanwhile, in the present invention, to markedly reduce the possibility of discharge to an inner surface of the casing 200, as shown in
The insulation space S enclosed by the electrodes 210 and 220 and the casing 200 is filled with high-voltage insulation material 270 which is liquid or gas. To prevent the high-voltage insulation material 270 from leaking out of the casing 200, as shown in
Cable holes 236 and 246 are respectively formed in the brackets 230 and 240 so that high-voltage cables for supplying high-voltage to the electrodes 210 and 220 are led into the casing 200 through the cables holes 236 and 246.
As described above, a spark gap switch for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic radiation according to the present invention can be a high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic generation source. That is, the spark gap switch, even though which is composed of only one device, can conduct several functions together such as a capacitor to store electric energy, a switch to form ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses and an antenna to radiate electromagnetic waves. Particularly, the spark gap switch of the present invention has stabilized discharge characteristics on a central portion thereof so that when it is operated not only in a sing shot mode but also in a repetition mode, the output of electromagnetic waves radiated from the spark gap switch can be markedly stabilized.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, the bounds of the present invention must be defined by the claims, and all of technical spirits within the equivalent range must also be regarded as falling within the bounds of the present invention.
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