Drive unit and switching device

Abstract

The application presents a drive unit (2) for the movement of a magnetic armature (5) of a switching device (100), having a coil assembly (20) and a coil connection element (21), wherein the coil connection element (21) has a conductor frame (210) with at least two conductor frame sections (211, 212), which are fixed at the coil assembly (20) and are in an electrically conductive connection with the coil assembly (20). Furthermore, a switching device (100) having the drive unit (2) is presented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application proposes a drive unit, particularly a drive unit for the movement of a magnetic armature used in a switching device, and a switching device, particularly a switching device having the drive unit. Background Technology

[0002] The switching device is particularly configured as a remotely operated switch capable of operating by conductive current, functioning electromagnetically. The switching device can be activated by an external control current loop and can connect and disconnect the load current loop. In particular, the switching device can be configured as a relay or as a protector, especially as a power protector. Particularly preferred is that the switching device can be configured as a gas-filled power protector.

[0003] Possible applications of such switching devices, especially power protectors, include opening and closing the battery current circuit, for example in motor vehicles, such as electrically or partially electrically operated vehicles. These can be, for example, battery-powered vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Typically, the power protector disconnects not only the positive terminal contacts of the battery but also the negative terminal contacts. This disconnection occurs during normal operation, such as when the vehicle is stationary, and also in fault conditions (such as accidents or similar events). The primary task of the power protector is to switch the vehicle in a voltage-free manner and to interrupt current flow. In its function as a safety component, the protector is typically used in conjunction with safety devices between the battery (e.g., lithium-ion battery) and the electric motor, and must be able to disconnect the load source in the event of a failure of the corresponding function.

[0004] In order to switch the switching device by means of an external control current loop, a coil can be particularly present in the switching device. In known switching devices, in order to operate the coil, for example, a conductor plate (which has an electrical conductor or plug connected thereto) is provided or a contact portion is also provided inserted into the coil body.

[0005] The conductor plate modification scheme is flexible in the described embodiment because it allows for the use of numerous plugs or cables still to be soldered, where the connecting cables or plugs can be directly soldered to the conductor plate. However, the modification scheme only provides low mechanical stability relative to external forces because the solder joint can be significantly loaded, for example, when pulling on the connecting cable or inserting the mating plug. This can cause the solder joint to crack or the solder pad to detach from the conductor plate, which directly leads to switching device failure.

[0006] Conversely, coils with integrated contacts offer high mechanical stability. However, the original plug must be integrated into the housing and molded there. This lack of maneuverability stems from the need to manufacture a new coil body and / or a housing with an integrated, matching plug for each variant, resulting in high design and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, integration of electrical components (such as overvoltage protectors) is difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0007] At least one objective of the determined embodiments is to provide a drive unit, particularly a drive unit for a switching device. At least one additional objective of the determined embodiments is to provide a switching device.

[0008] The task is solved by means of the subject matter described in the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and improvements of the subject matter are presented in the dependent claims and also derived from the following description and drawings.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment, a drive unit is provided, which is specifically configured and arranged for moving a magnetic armature used in a switching device. According to at least one other embodiment, a switching device is provided. The switching device may specifically include the aforementioned drive unit.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the switching device has at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact. The at least one fixed contact and the at least one movable contact are configured to connect and disconnect a load current loop that can be connected to the switching device. The movable contact can move accordingly within the switching device. In particular, the movable contact can move between a non-connected state (hereinafter also referred to as an inactive state or disconnected state) and a connected state (hereinafter also referred to as an active state or connected state) of the switching device, such that in the non-connected state, the movable contact is spaced apart from and thus electrically disconnected from the at least one fixed contact, and in the connected state, it has a mechanical contact to and thus is electrically connected to the at least one fixed contact. The fact that the switching device has at least one fixed contact particularly preferably also means that the switching device has at least two fixed contacts arranged separately in the switching device, and that they can be electrically connected to or electrically disconnected from each other via the movable contacts, depending on the state of the movable contacts, in the manner described. The instruction manual section relating to at least one stationary contact also applies to multiple, and especially all, stationary contacts present in a switching device.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a housing in which movable contacts and at least one stationary contact are arranged. The movable contacts can be arranged entirely within the housing. The stationary contact being arranged within the housing specifically means that the contact area of ​​the stationary contact is in mechanical contact with the movable contacts arranged within the housing in the ON state. For connection to the feeder line of the current loop switched by the switching device, the stationary contact arranged within the housing can be electrically contacted from the outside, i.e., from outside the housing. For this purpose, the stationary contact arranged within the housing can extend partially out of the housing and have the possibility of connection to the feeder line outside the housing.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a switching chamber in which movable contacts and at least one stationary contact are arranged. The switching chamber can be particularly housed within a housing. The movable contacts can preferably be entirely disposed within the switching chamber. The stationary contacts being disposed within the switching chamber can specifically mean that at least one contact area of ​​the stationary contacts is disposed within the switching chamber, and that this contact area, in the energized state, is in mechanical contact with the movable contacts. For connection to the feeder line of the current loop switched by the switching device, the stationary contacts disposed within the switching chamber can be electrically contactable from the outside, i.e., from outside the switching chamber. For this purpose, the stationary contacts disposed within the switching chamber can extend partially out of the switching chamber and have the possibility of connection to the feeder line outside the switching chamber.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a magnetic actuator with a drive unit and a magnetic armature, by means of which the movable contact portion can be moved. For this purpose, the magnetic armature can have a shaft connected at its end to the movable contact portion, such that the movable contact portion can move by means of the shaft, that is, it moves along the shaft as it moves. The shaft can extend into the switching chamber, particularly through an opening in the switching chamber. Specifically, the switching chamber can have a bottom with an opening through which the shaft passes. The magnetic armature can be moved by a drive unit that is part of a magnetic circuit to induce the previously described switching process. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit can have a yoke with an opening through which the shaft of the magnetic armature extends. Furthermore, the magnetic armature can have a magnetic core fixed at the end of the shaft opposite the movable contact portion, and the magnetic core is part of the magnetic circuit. A magnetic field can be generated in the magnetic circuit by the drive unit, which can be connected to an external control current circuit, thereby moving the magnetic armature.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the contacts are arranged in a gaseous environment. This specifically means that the movable contacts are entirely arranged in the gaseous environment, and furthermore, at least a portion of the at least one stationary contact (e.g., the contact area of ​​the at least one stationary contact) is arranged in the gaseous environment. For this purpose, the switching device can have an airtight region in which the gaseous environment is tightly sealed relative to the surrounding environment and in which the described components can be arranged. The airtight region can be formed by a portion of the housing and / or by additional walls and / or by components within the housing. For example, the airtight region can be formed by a portion of the switching chamber wall and / or the yoke and / or by a flange combined with additional wall portions, for example, made of aluminum or stainless steel or made therefrom. In particular, the switching chamber can be arranged in the airtight region of the switching device, while the drive unit can be arranged outside the airtight region. Furthermore, the magnetic armature can also be entirely arranged within the airtight region. Accordingly, the switching device can be particularly preferably a gas-filled switching device, such as a gas-filled protector. The gaseous environment can particularly facilitate the elimination of arcing that may occur between the contacts during the switching process. The gas in the gaseous environment preferably has at least 50% H2. In addition to hydrogen, the gas can be an inert gas, particularly preferably N2 and / or one or more rare gases. Furthermore, in particular, the gas, that is, at least a portion of the gaseous environment, can be located in a switching chamber.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the drive unit has a coil assembly and a coil connecting element, by means of which the previously described magnetic armature can be moved. The coil assembly can have a coil body, particularly on a coil support, which can be formed by multiple windings of one or more coil wires. For example, the coil assembly can have a coil support with a coil body support portion on which the coil body is arranged.

[0016] The coil connecting element is specifically configured and arranged to provide electrical contact between an external control mechanism (e.g., an external control current loop for manipulating a drive unit) and the coil body. In particular, the coil connecting element can be fixed at the coil assembly and electrically connected to the coil body.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the coil connecting element has a conductor frame with at least two conductor frame portions. Each of the conductor frame portions can be fixed to the coil assembly and is electrically connected to the coil assembly. In particular, each of the conductor frame portions can be directly fixed to the coil assembly. The at least two conductor frame portions can be formed by a first conductor frame portion and a second conductor frame portion, which are electrically disconnected from each other, so that the two connecting wires of the coil body can be electrically contacted by means of a corresponding one of the at least two conductor frame portions.

[0018] The conductor frame, and thus the conductor frame portion thereof, can be formed from a metal sheet, such as a copper sheet, wherein each of at least two conductor frame portions is preferably shaped in a three-dimensional manner by means of bends and / or folds. This can in particular mean that the first and second conductor frame portions can be respectively bent and / or folded, so that in each of the first and second conductor frame portions there are regions and / or portions that are oriented in different planes, for example, not parallel to each other.

[0019] According to another embodiment, each of at least two conductor frame portions has a fixing contact. The conductor frame portion of the conductor frame is fixed to the coil assembly by means of said fixing contact. In particular, the coil assembly can have a retaining element, and each of the conductor frame portions of the conductor frame can be fixed to a corresponding retaining element of the coil assembly. The retaining element can be particularly preferably a mechanical retaining element, which is particularly preferably provided and configured for welding the fixing contact of the coil connecting element. Particularly preferably, this allows each of at least two conductor frame portions to be welded to the retaining element of the coil assembly. Alternatively, a clamping or threaded connection, for example, between the retaining element and the fixing contact is also feasible.

[0020] For example, the coil support can have at least one end region where one or more retaining elements are arranged. The at least one end region can be particularly preferably connected to the coil body support portion and, for example, constructed as a single piece with the coil body support portion. For example, the coil support can be made of or formed of plastic.

[0021] The at least one end region can be particularly preferably constructed in a plate shape and arranged along the winding axis of the coil body at the end region of the coil body support portion. "Plate shape" here and below can refer to the basic shape of the end region. In particular, the plate-shaped end region can, for example, have a ridge, a depth, an opening, and especially a lateral portion arranged at an angle to the main portion, which is essentially constructed as a plate. Furthermore, the coil support can have two end regions, particularly two plate-shaped end regions, arranged along the winding axis at two opposing ends of the coil body support portion, and fixedly connected to the coil body support portion disposed therebetween, and particularly preferably constructed as a single piece. At each end region, preferably on the same side, two retaining elements can be arranged, such that the retaining elements are particularly preferably arranged at the corners of an imaginary rectangle.

[0022] Each of the retaining elements can be anchored in the coil support, particularly in the end region, and extends from the corresponding end region. For example, the retaining element can be formed by a metal needle that extends into the coil body, particularly into the end region. For example, the retaining element can be inserted into an opening provided for this purpose or formed from the material of the coil body. Furthermore, the retaining element can have a corresponding anchoring structure, such as an anchoring structure in the form of one or more barbs and / or anchoring holes. The coil body can have at least one coil wire, as described above, which is electrically connected to at least two retaining elements. In other words, the coil wire forming the coil body contacts each of its ends with a retaining element, and is particularly preferably soldered to the retaining element. At the retaining element contacted by the coil wire, at least two conductor frame portions of a conductor frame are also fixed, such that the first and second conductor frame portions are electrically connected to the coil body through a corresponding retaining element.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the coil support has an opening, particularly a cylindrical opening, in which a portion of a magnetic armature, particularly a magnetic core, is arranged. This can specifically mean that a portion of the coil body support and at least one end region or both end regions surround the cylindrical opening in the coil support in which a portion of the magnetic armature is arranged.

[0024] According to another embodiment, each of at least two conductor frame portions has a plug contact portion of a plug. The plug contact portion preferably extends from the housing of the switching device, in which a coil assembly is arranged and at least a fixed contact portion of a coil connecting element is arranged. Thus, the drive unit can be electrically contacted from outside the housing. The plug contact portion can be part of the plug, and an external control current circuit for operating the drive unit can be connected to this portion by means of a suitable mating plug. The plug contact portion can be surrounded, in particular, by a plug housing of the plug, which can, for example, be pushed onto the plug contact portion.

[0025] Furthermore, the housing of the switching device can have at least two housing portions, and the plug housing can be clamped and held between the two housing portions. For this purpose, the housing portions and the plug housing can, for example, have areas for grooved and spring-type connections.

[0026] According to another embodiment, each of at least two conductor frame portions of the coil connecting element has a connection portion for an electrical structural element. The connection portion can be, for example, a welded connection portion. Thus, the coil connecting element can have at least one electrical structural element welded to the connection portion of at least two conductor frame portions. The electrical structural element can be, for example, an overvoltage protection structural element.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the conductor frame has at least one additional conductor frame portion in addition to the first and second conductor frame portions, which is fixed and preferably welded to at least one additional retaining element of the coil assembly. Particularly preferably, the additional conductor frame portion can have two fixing contacts, each of which is fixed to the retaining element of the coil assembly. The additional conductor frame portion can be constructed, for example, in a V-shape, and is provided for mechanical stability and for the stable fixation of the coil connection element.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the coil connecting element has a covering portion. Therefore, the conductor frame can be partially covered by the covering portion, wherein the covering portion can be made of or made of a plastic material. The covering portion can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding or other molding processes. In particular, the covering portion can securely connect the conductor frame portions of the conductor frame to each other, and, for example, cover the entire conductor frame except for the fixing contacts, plug contacts, and connection portions (wherever they exist). In particular, each of the conductor frame portions can have a base portion with at least one fixing contact arranged therein, wherein the base portion is arranged in the covering portion. The base portion and at least one fixing contact can be particularly preferably constructed in a plane.

[0029] Without requiring completeness and taking into account the foregoing description, the drive unit described herein can preferably have, for example, the following features and advantages. In particular, the coil connecting element can have a conductor frame preferably made of copper sheet, which is inserted into a plastic structural component as a cover and thus partially covered with a core in the form of a so-called cover or injection molded part. This ensures improved mechanical load capacity. Additional components, such as electrical structural elements for overvoltage protection, can be connected to the conductor frame. The conductor frame can be connected to the coil body at the retaining element of the coil support and thus, particularly at the soldered part. The separate plug housing can be pushed and / or inserted through the plug contact portion of the conductor frame portion and then clamped between the housing portions of the switching device housing. The plug (i.e., the plug housing and plug contact portion) is not part of the housing and can be manufactured separately and thus can be changed according to user expectations, while the coil assembly can always remain the same. Thus, for example, in the event of possible changes in user expectations, only the coil connecting element must be matched. In the drive unit described herein, the advantages of high flexibility, mechanical stability, and low cost are combined in particular by applying a conductor frame in the coil connection element. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Further advantages, advantageous implementation methods and improvements are derived from the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic illustration of a portion of a switching device according to one embodiment is shown. Figures 3 to 11 A schematic diagram of a drive mechanism and its portions, according to another embodiment, is shown. Figures 12 to 15 A schematic diagram of a switching device and a portion thereof according to another embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the embodiments and figures, identical, similar, or functional elements may be provided with the same reference numerals. The dimensional proportions of the elements shown and their relative dimensions should not be assumed to be proportional; rather, elements (such as layers, structural components, structural elements, and regions) may be exaggerated for better visibility and / or for better understanding.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the drive unit 2 and the switching device 100 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The switching device 100 is shown in three-dimensional view and three-dimensional sectional view, which can be used, for example, to switch high current and / or high voltage, and can be a relay or protector, especially a power protector. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, the switching device 100 is shown without the housing 1. Figure 3 In the image, the drive unit 2 of the switching device 100 is shown in a three-dimensional view. Figures 4 to 11 The various parts of drive unit 2 are shown in different views. Figures 12 to 15 The switching device 100 and its parts are shown in different views. The following description also refers to all the accompanying drawings. The geometry shown should be understood only in an exemplary and unrestricted manner, and can also be constructed alternatively.

[0034] The switching device 100, in addition to the drive unit 2, has two stationary contact portions 3 and a movable contact portion 4 within the housing 1. The movable contact portion 4 is configured as a contact plate. The stationary contact portions 3 and the movable contact portions 4 together form the switching contact portion. Alternatively, different numbers of stationary contact portions and / or movable contact portions may be feasible, depending on the number of contact portions shown. The housing 1 is particularly used as a contact protector for components arranged inside and is made of or made of plastic, such as PBT or glass fiber-filled PBT. The contact portions 3 and 4 may be, for example, made of Cu, Cu alloys, one or more high-melting-point metals (such as, for example, W, Ni and / or Cr), or a mixture of copper and at least one other metal (such as W, Ni and / or Cr).

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the cross-sectional view, the switching device 100 is shown in the ON state, wherein the movable contact portion 4 is in contact with the stationary contact portion 3, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the switching contacts 3 and 4. The shown switching contacts 3 and 4, and in particular embodiments of their geometry, should be understood exemplarily and without limitation. Alternatively, the switching contacts 3 and 4 can also be constructed differently. For example, it may be feasible to construct only one of the switching contacts 3 and 4 as stationary.

[0036] The switching device 100 has a movable magnetic armature 5 that essentially performs the switching motion. The magnetic armature 5 is part of a magnetic circuit and has a magnetic core 6, which is made of, for example, a ferromagnetic material (such as pure iron or a lightly doped iron alloy). Furthermore, the magnetic armature 5 has a shaft 7 that guides through the magnetic core 6 and is fixedly connected to the magnetic core 6 at one end of the shaft. At the other end of the shaft opposite the magnetic core 6, the magnetic armature 5 has a movable contact portion 4, which is also connected to the shaft 7 by means of a contact spring 42 supported on an electrically insulated bridge retainer 41. Preferably, the shaft 7 can be made of stainless steel.

[0037] The magnetic armature 5 is moved by means of a drive unit 2 to perform a switching motion, particularly from a stationary state to an on state. The drive unit 2 has an opening 22, which is particularly preferably cylindrical in construction, and a magnetic core 6 is arranged within the opening, so that the magnetic core 6 and thus the magnetic armature 5 can move along the axial direction, that is, along the main extension direction of the shaft 7, together with the movable contact portion 4. The magnetic core 6 and the drive unit 2 are arranged below a flange 8 in the form of a plate and below a yoke 9 in the flange 8, which is in the form of a stationary magnetic core. The flange and the yoke are arranged between the switching chamber 11, which has switching contacts 3 and 4, and the drive unit 2. Thus, the shaft 7 extends from the drive unit 2 through the flange 8 with the yoke 9 to the contacts 3 and 4 in the switching chamber 11, and the shaft 7 and thus the magnetic armature 5 are guided in the yoke. Preferably, the flange 8 and the yoke 9 can be made of pure iron or a lightly doped iron alloy, or of the same material.

[0038] The drive unit 2 has a coil assembly 20 and a coil connecting element 21. The coil assembly 20 can have a coil body 202, particularly on the coil support 200, which is formed by multiple windings of one or more coil wires. In particular, the coil support 200 has a coil body support portion 201 on which the coil body 202 is arranged. The coil body 202 surrounds the opening 22 in the drive unit 2 and thus surrounds the magnetic core 6 of the magnetic armature 5. The flow of current in the coil body 202, which can be externally connected by an external control current loop, generates the magnetic core 6 and thus the entire magnetic armature 5 moves along the axial direction until the movable contact portion 4 contacts the stationary contact portion 3. In the illustrated figure, for this purpose, the magnetic armature 5 moves upward. Thus, the magnetic armature 5 moves from a first position (the first position corresponds to the stationary state and simultaneously corresponds to the cut-off, that is, the unconnected and thus disconnected state) to a second position (which corresponds to the state in which the magnetic armature 5 moves upward). Figure 2 (The diagram shows the active, i.e., the connected and thus engaged state). In another embodiment, alternatively, the magnetic armature 5 can also perform a rotational movement, for example. The magnetic armature 5 can be configured in particular as a traction armature or a snap-fit ​​armature. If the current flow in the coil body 202 is interrupted, the magnetic armature 5 moves back to the first position by one or more springs 10. In the diagram shown, the magnetic armature 5 thus moves downward. Then, the switching device 100 is in a stationary state, wherein the contacts 3, 4 are opened.

[0039] When contacts 3 and 4 are opened, an electric arc can be generated, which may damage the contact surfaces. Therefore, there is a risk that contacts 3 and 4 may remain "bonded" to each other through welding caused by the electric arc and will not be disconnected. Consequently, the switching device 100 remains in the connected state, even though the current in the coil body 202 is disconnected, thus inevitably cutting off the load current circuit. To prevent such an arc or at least to support the clearing of any generated arc, contacts 3 and 4 are arranged in a gaseous environment, thus the switching device 100 is constructed as a gas-filled relay or a gas-filled protector. For this purpose, contacts 3 and 4 are arranged within the switching chamber 11 formed by the switching chamber wall 12 and the switching chamber bottom 13 in an airtight region 14 formed by a tightly sealed portion. This airtight region 14 completely surrounds the magnetic armature 5 and contacts 3 and 4, except for the fixed contact 3 which is configured for external connection. This airtight region 14, and thus the switching chamber 11, is filled with gas. The airtight zone 14 is formed substantially by the switching chamber 11 and portions of the flange 8 and / or yoke 9, as well as by additional wall sections.

[0040] The stationary contact portion 3, in the illustrated embodiment, is fixed to the switching chamber wall 12 by hard welding, and extends through the cover region of the switching chamber wall 12 into the interior space of the switching chamber 11 and thus into the airtight region 14. The bottom 13 of the switching chamber has a sleeve-shaped region in which the shaft 7 is guided through an opening in the yoke 9.

[0041] Within the manufacturing scope of the switching device 100, the gas that can be filled into the airtight region 14 via the gas filling joint 15 is particularly preferably hydrogen-containing, for example, having 50% or more H2 or even 100% H2 in an inert gas, because the hydrogen-containing gas can promote arc extinguishing. Furthermore, a so-called arc-extinguishing magnet (not shown), i.e., a permanent magnet, can be present inside or outside the switching chamber 11, which can promote the extension of the arc gap and thereby improve arc extinguishing.

[0042] The switching chamber walls 12 and / or the switching chamber bottom 13 can, for example, be at least partially or preferably entirely made of metal oxide ceramics, such as Al2O3 or plastics. As plastics, those with sufficient heat resistance are particularly suitable. For example, the switching chamber can be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), and / or glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as plastic. Furthermore, the switching chamber walls 12 and / or the switching chamber bottom 13 can also be at least partially made of polyoxymethylene (POM), especially (CH2O). n structure.

[0043] The coil connecting element 21 is specifically provided and configured to provide electrical contact between the external control current loop for controlling the drive unit 2 and the coil body 202. The coil connecting element 21 is fixed to the coil assembly 20 and electrically connected to the coil body 202, as described in detail below.

[0044] Coil connecting element 21 has in Figure 4 The conductor frame 210 shown has at least two conductor frame portions formed by a first conductor frame portion 211 and a second conductor frame portion 212 electrically cut off from each other, so that the two ends of the coil wire 208 of the coil body 202 can be electrically contacted by a corresponding one of the at least two conductor frame portions 211, 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor frame 210 has an additional conductor frame portion 213 in addition to the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212, which is separate from the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 and is constructed in a purely exemplary V-shape for mechanical stability and for stable fixation. Alternatively, one of the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 can also be constructed as a single piece with the additional conductor frame portion 213.

[0045] The coil connecting element 21 has a covering portion 214, so that the conductor frame 210 is partially covered by the covering portion, such as in, for example, in Figure 5 Three-dimensional external view and in Figure 6 and 7 As shown in a semi-perspective view. The cover portion 214 is made of plastic material, or preferably of plastic material. The cover portion 214 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding or other molding processes, in such a way that the conductor frame portions 211, 212, 213 are partially covered by the cover portion 214. The cover portion 214 securely connects the conductor frame portions 211, 212, 213 of the conductor frame 210 to each other. Particularly preferably, the cover portion 214 covers the entire conductor frame 210 except for the fixing contact portion 216, the plug contact portion 218, and the connection portion 219 (wherever they are present) described below. In particular, each of the conductor frame portions 211, 212, 213 is as shown in the view below. Figure 4 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, it can have a base portion 215, at which at least one fixed contact portion 216 is arranged, wherein the base portion 215 is arranged in the covering portion 214.

[0046] Each of the conductor frame portions 211, 212, and 213 has at least one fixing contact 216, by virtue of which the corresponding conductor frame portion 211, 212, and 213 is fixed to the coil assembly 20. In particular, each of the conductor frame portions 211, 212, and 213 can be directly fixed to the coil assembly 20. The first and second conductor frame portions 211 and 212 respectively have fixing contacts 216. The additional conductor frame portion 213 has two fixing contacts 216. Particularly preferably, at least one fixing contact 216 of each of the conductor frame portions 211, 212, and 213 and the base portion 215 can be respectively constructed in a plane, and in particular, all of them are constructed in the same plane.

[0047] The conductor frame 210 and its conductor frame portions 211, 212, 213 are preferably formed of metal sheets, such as copper sheets, wherein at least the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 are preferably shaped in a three-dimensional manner. This means that the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 are constructed with corresponding bends and / or folds, such that each of the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 has portions that run in different planes, for example, not parallel to each other. In particular, the bracket portion 217, described below, can run in a plane different from the base portion 215 and the fixing contact portion 216. The plug contact portion 218 can run, for example, in a plane parallel to or, for example, perpendicular to the plane in which the base portion 215 runs, as shown. Additional conductor frame portions 213, provided only for stability and more stable fixation, are preferably constructed planar.

[0048] The coil assembly 20 has a retaining element 204 at the coil support 200, where the coil connecting element 21 is fixed. The retaining element 204 can be particularly preferably a mechanical retaining element, which is arranged and configured for welding the fixing contact 216 of the coil connecting element 21. For this purpose, the coil support 200 can have at least one end region 203 where the retaining element 204 is arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the coil support 200 has two end regions 203 arranged along the axial direction and thus also along the winding axis of the coil body 202 at two opposite ends of the coil body support portion 201, and fixedly connected to the coil body support portion 201 and particularly preferably constructed as a single piece. For example, the coil support 200 can be made of plastic or formed therefrom. Particularly preferably, the end regions 203 can be constructed in a plate shape. As described in the general section and especially in Figure 8 and 9As can be identified, the end region 203 of the plate shape may also have lateral portions, which are arranged at an angle to the main part that is substantially constructed as a plate. At each end region 203, preferably, two retaining elements 204 are arranged on the same side of the coil support 200, such that the retaining elements 204 are particularly preferably arranged at the corners of the imaginary rectangle.

[0049] As further described above, the coil assembly 20 and thus the coil support 200 have an opening 22, particularly a cylindrical opening, in which a portion of the magnetic armature 5, particularly the magnetic core 6, is arranged. Accordingly, the coil body support portion 201 and the end region 203 surround the cylindrical opening 22 in the coil support 200.

[0050] Between the retaining elements 204, the switching device 100 can be laterally attached to the control unit 2, which has a clip-shaped metal element 16 at the coil support 200. Figure 3 The switching device 100 is shown in the diagram. The switching device 100 can have a cup-shaped metal element 17, which is pushed into the opening 22 in the coil support 200. The metal elements 16 and 17 can be made of pure iron or a lightly doped iron alloy and can form an important part of the magnetic circuit together with the flange 8, yoke 9, magnetic core 6 of the magnetic armature 5, and coil body 202.

[0051] The retaining element 204 is anchored in the coil support 200, particularly in the end region 203, and extends from the corresponding end region 203. For example, the retaining element 204 is as follows: Figure 10 As indicated, it can be formed by metal needles, each of which extends into the coil body 202 and, in particular, into the end region 203. Particularly preferably, the retaining element 204 is inserted into a corresponding opening in the coil holder 200 or formed from the material of the coil holder 200. Furthermore, the retaining element 204, as shown in... Figure 10 The anchoring structure 2040 can be identified as such, for example, in the form of one or more barbs and / or in the form of anchoring holes.

[0052] The fixed contact portion 216 is configured as a hole in the conductor frame portions 211, 212, 213, with a retaining element 204 having a corresponding pin-shaped region 2041 extending into or through the hole, as in Figure 3 China and especially in Figure 11As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the fixing contact 216 is particularly preferably welded to the retaining element 204. More preferably, each of the conductor frame portions 211, 212, 213 can thus be welded to at least one retaining element 204 of the coil assembly 20. For clarity, the corresponding welding locations are not shown in the drawings. Thus, each of the conductor frame portions 211, 212, 213 can be fixed to the coil assembly 20 and at least electrically connected to the retaining element 204 of the coil assembly 20.

[0053] The coil body 202 has a wire 208, which is electrically connected to two retaining elements 204 that are connected to fixed contacts 216 of the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212. The wire 208 of the coil body 202 can be soldered, in particular, to the retaining elements 204, as shown in… Figure 11 As indicated by the welding point 209. Here, the routing of the wire 208 and the welding point 209 should be understood only for illustrative purposes and by way of example only. Thus, each of the ends of the coil wire contacts the retaining element 204 and is particularly preferably welded thereto. Furthermore, the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 of the conductor frame 210 are fixed at the retaining element 204 through which the coil wire contacts, thereby electrically connecting the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 to the coil body 202.

[0054] Furthermore, the first and second conductor frame portions 211 and 212 respectively have plug contacts 218 for the plug 23. The plug contacts 218 extend from or are preferably disposed outside the housing 1 of the switching device 100, in which the coil assembly 20 is disposed and at least the fixed contact 216 of the coil connecting element 21 is disposed. Thus, the drive unit 2 can be electrically contacted from outside the housing 1 of the switching device 100. The plug contacts 218, in particular, are part of the plug 23, and the external control current circuit for operating the drive unit 2 can be accessed by means of… Figure 12 The appropriate mating plug 90, as indicated, is connected to the plug. The plug contact 218 can be surrounded, in particular, by the plug housing 230 of the plug, which, for example, is pushed onto the plug contact 218, as shown in... Figures 12 to 15 As indicated in the document. The first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 are constructed by bending or folding, each of the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 having a bracket portion 217 extending from the base portion 215 to the plug contact portion 218. The plug housing 230 is pushed onto the plug contact portion 218 such that the plug housing 230 rests on and is supported thereon on the bracket portion 217.

[0055] Particularly preferably, the plug housing 230 is a portion separate from the housing 1 of the switching device 100. To secure the plug housing 230, the housing 1 of the switching device 100 has at least two housing portions 101, 102. The plug housing 230, as particularly in… Figure 14 and 15 As can be identified, the two housing portions 101 and 102 are held together in a clamping manner. For this purpose, for example, the upper housing portion 101 and the plug housing 230 can have areas for grooved and spring-type connections. For example, the edge region 103 of the upper housing portion 101 can engage in the groove 231 of the plug housing 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 231 is constructed in a region separately arranged from the original plug portion, so that the mating plug 90 can be pushed onto the plug 23 parallel to, and preferably at a distance from, the sidewall of the housing 1, as shown in the figure. Figure 12 As shown in the diagram, the mating plug 90 with the indicated wiring can be part of an external control current loop. By placing the plug housing 230 flat on the bracket portion 217 of the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 and connecting it via grooves and springs to the upper housing portion 101, the plug housing 230 can be reliably held in the housing 1, even though the plug housing 230 is manufactured separately from the housing 1. Thus, the plug housing 230 can be matched to the user's expectations without problems, without having to modify other parts of the switching device 100.

[0056] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212 of the coil connection element 21 has a connection portion 219 for the electrical structural element 24. Preferably, the connection portion 219 can be disposed in the bracket portion 217 of the first and second conductor frame portions 211, 212. The connection portion 219 can be, for example, a welded connection portion, which can have mounting holes into which the connection pins of the electrical structural element 24 (such as, for example, an overvoltage protection structural element) can be inserted and welded to the conductor frame portions 211, 212, as, for example, in Figure 7 and 11 As can be identified in, and in Figure 6 In this embodiment, the coil connection element 21 is configured as a non-electrical structural element. Thus, the coil connection element 21 can have an electrical structural element 24 as needed, which can be soldered to the connection portion 219 of at least two conductor frame portions 211, 212.

[0057] In the prior art, the control current loop is connected to the coil of the magnetic actuator via a plug or cable fixedly integrated into the housing or via a plug soldered to a conductor plate in the housing. The drive unit 2 described herein combines the advantages of both variations. High mechanical load capacity is achieved by surrounding the conductor frame portions 211, 212, 213, which are constructed, for example, as copper sheets, with a plastic or plastic-made covering 214. The conductor frame 210 can also serve as a support for overvoltage protection. The plug 23 for connecting the external control current loop is not part of the housing 1 but is manufactured separately and sandwiched between housing portions 101, 102. This allows for high flexibility in design variations, enabling, for example, the easy and cost-effective implementation of a large number of different plugs, since only the conductor frame 210 and / or the plug housing 230 need to be changed when a change is desired, for example, by the user, while the housing 1 and the coil assembly 20 remain unchanged.

[0058] The features and embodiments described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings can be combined with each other according to other embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the embodiments described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings can alternatively or additionally have other features as described in the general section.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the description based on the embodiments. Rather, the present invention includes every new feature and every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even if the feature or the combination itself is not expressly stated in the patent claims or embodiments.

[0060] List of reference numerals 1. Shell 2 drive units 3. Fixed contact parts 4. Movable contact parts 5. Magnetic armature 6 magnetic cores 7-axis 8 Flanges 9. Yoke 10 Springs 11 Switching Room 12 Switching room walls 13 Bottom of the switching room 14. Airtight areas 15 Gas-filled connector 16, 17 Metal components 20 Coil Assembly 21 Coil connecting elements 22 Opening 23 plugs 24 Electrical structural components 41 Bridge Insulation 42 Contact spring 90 mating plug 100 Switching Device 101, 102 Shell Parts 103 Edge Area 200 coil support 201 Coil Body Support Section 202 Coil Body 203 End Region 204 Holding Element 208 wire 209 Welding area 210 Conductor Frame Conductor frame sections 211, 212, and 213 214 Covering section 215 Base section 216 Fixed contact part 217 Bracket section 218 Plug Contact Part 219 Connection part 230 Plug Housing 231 Trench 2040 Anchoring Structure 2041 Sales area.

Claims

1. A drive unit (2) for moving the magnetic armature (5) of the switching device (100), the drive unit having: - Coil assembly (20) and - Coil connection element (21). in, - The coil connecting element (21) has a conductor frame (210) with at least two conductor frame portions (211, 212), which are fixed to the coil assembly (20) and electrically connected to the coil assembly (20).

2. The driving unit (2) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the at least two conductor frame portions (211, 212) has a fixed contact (216) fixed to the retaining element (204) of the coil assembly (20).

3. The driving unit (2) according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the fixed contacts (216) is welded to the retaining element (204).

4. The driving unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the at least two conductor frame portions (211, 212) has a plug contact portion (218) for the plug (23).

5. The driving unit (2) according to claim 4, wherein, In each of the at least two conductor frame portions (211, 212), the plug contact portion (218) is arranged at the bracket portion (217).

6. The driving unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the at least two conductor frame portions (211, 212) has a connection portion (219) for the electrical structural element (24).

7. The driving unit (2) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein, In each of the at least two conductor frame portions (211, 212), the connection portion (219) is arranged at the bracket portion (217).

8. The drive unit (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, Electrical structural elements (24) are welded at the connection points (219) of the at least two conductor frame portions (211, 212).

9. The driving unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conductor frame (210) has at least one additional conductor frame portion (213) which is fixed to at least one additional retaining element (204) of the coil assembly (20).

10. The driving unit (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The additional conductor frame portion (213) has two fixed contacts (216), and each of the fixed contacts (216) is fixed to the retaining element (204) of the coil assembly (20).

11. The driving unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conductor frame (210) is partially covered by a covering (214), which has or is made of plastic material.

12. The driving unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The coil assembly (20) has a coil support (200) with a coil body support portion (201) on which a coil body (202) is arranged.

13. The driving unit (2) according to claim 12, wherein, The coil support (200) has at least one plate-shaped end region (203) disposed at the coil body support portion (201) and at the retaining element (204).

14. The driving unit (2) according to claim 13, wherein, The retaining element (204) is anchored in the end region (203) and extends out from the end region (203).

15. The drive unit (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The coil body (202) has a wire (208) that is electrically connected to at least two retaining elements (204), and at the at least two retaining elements are fixed the at least two conductor frame portions (211, 212).

16. A switching device (100) having: - The driving unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and - At least one fixed contact part (3), a movable contact part (4) and a magnetic armature (5), the magnetic armature being movable by means of the drive unit (2).

17. The switching device (100) according to claim 16, further comprising a housing (1), wherein, The plug contact portion (218) of the drive unit (2) is arranged on the outside of the housing.

18. The switching device (100) according to claim 17, wherein, The plug contact (218) is surrounded by the plug housing (230) and together with the plug housing (230) forms the plug (23) at the housing (1).

19. The switching device (100) according to claim 18, wherein, The housing (1) has at least two housing portions (101, 102), and the plug housing (23) is held between the two housing portions (101, 102).

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