Patent ID: 7463471
Filing Date: 2008-12-09
Classification: H01T

Abstract:
1. A spark gap, comprising: two rigid discharge electrodes, fixedly mounted at a certain distance from each other; and at least two connectors, each of the two discharge electrodes being connected to one of the connectors for the purpose of connecting said electrodes to an electrical circuit comprising a current generator, wherein each of the two discharge electrodes has an elongate conducting active portion having a longitudinal connection end connectable to the connector, and an opposed longitudinal downstream end, wherein the active portions of the discharge electrodes configured such that, when an electric arc is struck: wherein at least one of the two discharge electrodes has i) at least one conducting passive portion electrically connected to the connector and/or to the active portion and with a shape configured to prevent any inopportune spontaneous striking of an electric arc under normal operating conditions of the spark gap, and ii) a useful surface having a minimum radius of curvature greater than a threshold radius below which, under the normal operating conditions of the spark gap, the intensity of the electric field between the discharge electrodes is greater than a minimum self-triggering value, said useful surface of the passive portion defined as a surface art of the passive portion facing the other of the two discharge electrodes.