Drive unit and switching device

Abstract

A drive unit (2) for moving a magnet armature (5) for a switching device (100) is specified, which drive unit has a coil assembly (20) and a coil connection element (21), wherein the coil connection element (21) has a lead frame (210) with at least two lead frame parts (211, 212) which are fastened to the coil assembly (20) and are electrically conductively connected to the coil assembly (20). Furthermore, a switching device (100) with the drive unit (2) is specified.

Description

[0001] A drive unit, in particular a drive unit for moving a magnet armature for a switching device, and a switching device, in particular a switching device with the drive unit, are specified.

[0002] The switching device is designed, in particular, as an electromagnetically acting, remotely operated switch operable by an electrically conductive current. The switching device can be activated via an external control circuit and can switch a load circuit on and off. In particular, the switching device can be designed as a relay or as a contactor, in particular as a power contactor. Particularly preferably, the switching device can be designed as a gas-filled power contactor.

[0003] One possible application for such switching devices, particularly power contactors, is the opening and disconnecting of battery circuits, for example in motor vehicles such as electric or partially electric vehicles. These can be, for example, purely battery-powered vehicles (BEV: "Battery Electric Vehicle"), hybrid electric vehicles that can be charged via a socket or charging station (PHEV: "Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle"), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV: "Hybrid Electric Vehicle"). In this case, both the positive and negative contacts of the battery are usually disconnected using a power contactor. This disconnection occurs during normal operation, for example when the vehicle is at rest, as well as in the event of a malfunction such as an accident or similar. The main task of the power contactor is to de-energize the vehicle and interrupt the flow of current.In its function as a safety component, a contactor is usually used in combination with a fuse between a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, and the electric motor and must be able to disconnect the source from the load in the event of a malfunction.

[0004] For switching the switching device by means of an external control circuit, a coil may be present in the switching device. In known switching devices, for example, a circuit board connected to the coil with electrical conductors or a plug connected to it, or contacts embedded in the coil body, are provided for controlling the coil.

[0005] The PCB version offers flexibility in design, allowing the use of a variety of connectors or solderable cables, with connecting cables or connectors being soldered directly to the circuit board. However, this version offers limited mechanical stability against external forces, as the solder joints can be subjected to significant stress when pulling on the connecting cables or inserting a mating connector. This can lead to solder joints breaking or solder pads detaching from the circuit board, which directly leads to the failure of the switching device.

[0006] A coil with recessed contacts, on the other hand, offers high mechanical stability. However, the actual connector must be integrated into the housing and replicated there. This eliminates flexibility in terms of control, as a new coil body and / or housing with a matching integrated connector must be manufactured for each variant, resulting in significant design and manufacturing effort. Furthermore, the integration of electrical components such as surge protection is difficult to achieve.

[0007] At least one object of certain embodiments is to provide a drive unit, in particular a drive unit for a switching device. At least one further object of certain embodiments is to provide a switching device.

[0008] These objects are achieved by subject matter according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the subject matter are characterized in the dependent claims and will further become apparent from the following description and the drawings.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment, a drive unit is provided, which can be provided and configured, in particular, for moving a magnet armature for a switching device. According to at least one further embodiment, a switching device is provided. The switching device can, in particular, comprise the drive unit.

[0010] According to a further 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 provided and configured to switch a load circuit connectable to the switching device on and off. The movable contact is correspondingly movable within the switching device.In particular, the movable contact is movable between a non-switching state, hereinafter also referred to as non-active or switched-off state, and a switching state of the switching device, hereinafter also referred to as active or switched-on state, in such a way that the movable contact in the non-switching state of the switching device is spaced apart from the at least one fixed contact and is thus galvanically separated, and in the switching state has a mechanical contact to the at least one fixed contact and is thus galvanically connected to the at least one fixed contact.The fact that the switching device has at least one fixed contact can particularly preferably also mean that the switching device has at least two fixed contacts, which are arranged separately from one another in the switching device and which, depending on the state of the movable contact, can be electrically connected to one another or electrically separated from one another by the movable contact in the manner described. Parts of the description that refer to at least one fixed contact also apply equally to several, and in particular all, fixed contacts present in the switching device.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, the switching device has a housing in which the movable contact and the at least one fixed contact are arranged. The movable contact can in particular be arranged entirely in the housing. The fact that a fixed contact is arranged in the housing can in particular mean that the contact region of the fixed contact, which is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the switched-on state, is arranged inside the housing. In order to connect a supply line of an electrical circuit to be switched by the switching device, a fixed contact arranged in the housing can be electrically contactable from the outside, i.e. from outside the housing. For this purpose, a fixed contact arranged in the housing can protrude part of the housing and have a connection option for a supply line outside the housing.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the switching device has a switching chamber in which the movable contact and the at least one fixed contact are arranged. The switching chamber can in particular be arranged in the housing. The movable contact can particularly preferably be arranged entirely in the switching chamber. The fact that a fixed contact is arranged in the switching chamber can in particular mean that at least one contact region of the fixed contact, which is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the switched-on state, is arranged within the switching chamber. In order to connect a supply line of an electrical circuit to be switched by the switching device, a fixed contact arranged in the switching chamber can be electrically contactable from the outside, i.e. from outside the switching chamber.For this purpose, a fixed contact arranged in the switching chamber can protrude with a part out of the switching chamber and have a connection option for a supply line outside the switching chamber.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the switching device has a magnetic drive with the drive unit and a magnet armature with which the movable contact can be moved. For this purpose, the magnet armature can have an axle that is connected at one end to the movable contact in such a way that the movable contact can be moved by means of the axle, i.e. is also moved when the axle moves. The axle can, in particular, protrude into the switching chamber through an opening in the switching chamber. In particular, the switching chamber can have a switching chamber base that has an opening through which the axle protrudes. The magnet armature can be moved by the drive unit, which is part of a magnetic circuit, in order to effect the switching processes described above. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit can have a yoke that has an opening through which the axle of the magnet armature protrudes.Furthermore, the armature can have a magnetic core, which can be attached to an end of the shaft opposite the movable contact and which forms part of the magnetic circuit. The drive unit, which can be connected to an external control circuit, can generate a magnetic field in the magnetic circuit, which moves the armature.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the contacts are arranged in a gas atmosphere. This can mean, in particular, that the movable contact is arranged entirely in the gas atmosphere and that at least a part of the at least one stationary contact, for example the contact region of the at least one stationary contact, is arranged in the gas atmosphere. For this purpose, the switching device can have a gas-tight region in which the gas atmosphere is kept hermetically sealed from the environment and in which the described components can be arranged. The gas-tight region can be formed by parts of the housing and / or by additional walls and / or by components within the housing. For example, the gas-tight region can be formed by parts of the switching chamber wall and / or the yoke and / or a flange in combination with additional wall parts, for example with or made of aluminum or stainless steel.In particular, the switching chamber can be arranged in the gas-tight region of the switching device, while the drive unit can be arranged outside the gas-tight region. Furthermore, the magnet armature can also be arranged entirely within the gas-tight region. Accordingly, the switching device can particularly preferably be a gas-filled switching device, such as a gas-filled contactor. The gas atmosphere can in particular promote the extinguishing of arcs that can arise between the contacts during switching operations. The gas of the gas atmosphere can preferably have a proportion of at least 50% H2. In addition to hydrogen, the gas can contain an inert gas, particularly preferably N2 and / or one or more noble gases. Furthermore, the gas, i.e. at least a portion of the gas atmosphere, can in particular be located in the switching chamber.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the drive unit, by means of which the magnet armature is movable as described above, comprises a coil assembly and a coil connection element. The coil assembly can, in particular, have a coil body on a coil carrier, which can be formed by a plurality of windings of one or more coil wires. For example, the coil assembly can have a coil carrier with a coil body support part on which the coil body is arranged.

[0016] The coil connection element is particularly intended and configured to provide electrical contact between an external control device, such as an external control circuit for controlling the drive unit, and the coil body. In particular, the coil connection element can be attached to the coil assembly and electrically connected to the coil body.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the coil connection element comprises a leadframe with at least two leadframe parts. Each of the leadframe parts can be attached to the coil assembly and electrically connected to the coil assembly. In particular, each of the leadframe parts can be attached directly to the coil assembly. The at least two leadframe parts can be formed by a first leadframe part and a second leadframe part, which are electrically separated from one another, so that two connecting wires of the coil former can be electrically contacted by means of one of the at least two leadframe parts.

[0018] The leadframe and thus the leadframe parts of the leadframe can be formed by metal sheets, for example, copper sheets, wherein each of the at least two leadframe parts is preferably three-dimensionally shaped by bends and / or kinks. This can mean, in particular, that the first and second leadframe parts can each be bent and / or kinked, so that each of the first and second leadframe parts has regions and / or parts that run in different planes, which are, for example, not parallel to one another.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, each of the at least two leadframe parts has a fastening contact. The leadframe parts of the leadframe are fastened to the coil assembly by means of the fastening contacts. In particular, the coil assembly can have holding elements, and each of the leadframe parts of the leadframe can be fastened to at least one holding element of the coil assembly. The holding elements can particularly preferably be mechanical holding elements, which are particularly preferably provided and configured for soldering the fastening contacts of the coil connection element. Thus, each of the at least two leadframe parts can particularly preferably be soldered to a holding element of the coil assembly. Alternatively, clamp or screw connections between holding elements and fastening contacts are also possible, for example.

[0020] For example, the coil carrier can have at least one end region on which one or more retaining elements are arranged. The at least one end region can particularly preferably be connected to the coil former carrier part and, for example, be formed integrally with the coil former carrier part. For example, the coil former can be formed with or from a plastic material.

[0021] The at least one end region can particularly preferably be plate-shaped and arranged along a winding axis of the coil former at an end region of the coil former carrier part. Here and below, "plate-shaped" can refer to the basic shape of an end region. In particular, a plate-shaped end region can have, for example, elevations, depressions, openings, and in particular also side parts that are arranged at an angle to a main part that is essentially designed as a plate. Furthermore, the coil former can have two end regions, in particular two plate-shaped end regions, that are arranged along the winding axis at the two opposite ends of the coil former carrier part and are firmly connected to the coil former carrier part arranged therebetween and are particularly preferably formed in one piece.At each of the end regions, two holding elements can preferably be arranged on the same side, so that the holding elements are particularly preferably arranged at the corners of an imaginary rectangle.

[0022] Each of the holding elements can be anchored in the coil carrier, in particular in an end region, and protrude from the respective end region. For example, the holding elements can be formed by metal pins that protrude into the coil body and in particular into an end region. For example, the holding elements can be inserted into openings provided for this purpose or formed with material from the coil body. Furthermore, the holding elements can each have an anchoring structure, for example in the form of one or more barbs and / or anchoring holes. As described above, the coil body can have at least one coil wire that is electrically conductively connected to at least two holding elements. In other words, the coil wire forming the coil body contacts a holding element with each of its wire ends and is particularly preferably soldered to the holding elements.Furthermore, the at least two lead frame parts of the lead frame are fastened to the holding elements contacted by the coil wire, so that the first and second lead frame parts are each electrically conductively connected to the coil body via a holding element.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the coil carrier has an opening, in particular a cylindrical opening, in which a part of the magnet armature, in particular the magnetic core, is arranged. This can mean, in particular, that the coil carrier part and at least one end region or both end regions surround a cylindrical opening in the coil carrier in which a part of the magnet armature is arranged.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, each of the at least two leadframe parts has a plug contact of a plug. The plug contacts preferably protrude from the housing of the switching device, in which the coil assembly and at least the fastening contacts of the coil connection element are arranged. Thus, the drive unit can be electrically contacted from outside the housing. The plug contacts can be part of a plug, to which an external control circuit for controlling the drive unit can be connected by means of a suitable mating plug. The plug contacts can in particular be surrounded by a plug housing of the plug, which can, for example, be pushed onto the plug contacts.

[0025] Furthermore, the housing of the switching device can have at least two housing parts, and the plug housing can be clamped between the two housing parts. For this purpose, the housing parts and the plug housing can, for example, have areas for a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, each of the at least two leadframe parts of the coil connection element has a connection point for an electrical component. The connection points can be solder connection points, for example. Thus, the coil connection element can have at least one electrical component that is soldered to the connection points of the at least two leadframe parts. The electrical component can be, for example, an overvoltage protection component.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, in addition to the first and second leadframe parts, the leadframe has at least one further leadframe part, which is fastened and preferably soldered to at least one further holding element of the coil assembly. Particularly preferably, the further leadframe part can have two fastening contacts, each of the fastening contacts being fastened to a holding element of the coil assembly. The further leadframe part can, for example, be V-shaped and be provided for mechanical stability and for stable fastening of the coil connection element.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the coil connection element has a sheath. Consequently, the leadframe can be partially sheathed with a sheath, wherein the sheath can be made of or made of a plastic material. The sheath can be produced, for example, using an injection molding process or another molding process. In particular, the sheath can firmly connect the leadframe parts of the leadframe to one another and, for example, enclose the entire leadframe except for the fastening contacts, the plug contacts, and, if present, the connection points. In particular, each of the leadframe parts can have a base part on which at least one fastening contact is arranged, wherein the base part is arranged in the sheath. The base part and the at least one fastening contact can particularly preferably be formed in one plane.

[0029] The drive unit described here can, without claiming to be complete and taking the preceding description into account, particularly preferably have the following features and advantages, for example. In particular, the coil connection element can have a lead frame, preferably with or made of copper sheets, which is embedded in a plastic component as a casing and thus partially encased in the form of a so-called overmold or an injection molded part with a core. This can ensure increased mechanical resilience. Additional components, for example an electrical component for surge protection, can be connected to the lead frame. The lead frame can be connected to the holding elements of the coil carrier, and thus in particular to the coil body at soldering points.A separate connector housing can be pushed and / or plugged over the connector contacts of the leadframe parts and then clamped between the housing parts of the switching device housing. The connector, i.e. the connector housing and the connector contacts, is not part of the housing and can be manufactured separately. This means it can be modified according to customer requirements, while the coil assembly can always remain the same. This means that, for example, if customers request any changes, only the coil connection element needs to be adapted. In the drive unit described here, the use of a leadframe for the coil connection element, in particular, combines the advantages of high flexibility and mechanical stability with low costs.

[0030] Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show schematic representations of a part of a switching device according to an embodiment, Fig. 3 to 11 show schematic representations of a drive device parts thereof according to further embodiments, Fig. 12 to 15 show schematic representations of a switching device and parts thereof according to further embodiments.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiments and figures, identical, similar, or similarly functioning elements may be provided with the same reference numerals. The illustrated elements and their relative sizes are not to be considered to scale; rather, individual elements, such as layers, components, structural elements, and regions, may be exaggerated for clarity and / or clarity.

[0032] In conjunction with the figures, preferred embodiments of the drive unit 2 and the switching device 100 are described. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional view and a three-dimensional sectional view of the switching device 100, which can be used, for example, for switching strong electrical currents and / or high electrical voltages and which can be a relay or contactor, in particular a power contactor. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the switching device 100 is shown without housing 1. In Fig. 3, the drive unit 2 of the switching device 100 is shown in a three-dimensional view. Fig. 4 to 11 show parts of the drive unit 2 in different views. Fig. Figures 12 to 15 show the switching device 100 and parts thereof in various views. The following description applies equally to all figures. The geometries shown are to be understood as examples only and not as limiting, and alternative designs may also be used.

[0033] The switching device 100 has, in a housing 1, in addition to the drive unit 2, two fixed contacts 3 and one movable contact 4. The movable contact 4 is designed as a contact plate. The fixed contacts 3, together with the movable contact 4, form the switching contacts. As an alternative to the number of contacts shown, other numbers of fixed and / or movable contacts are also possible. The housing 1 primarily serves as contact protection for the components arranged inside and comprises or is made of a plastic, for example PBT or glass fiber-filled PBT. The contacts 3, 4 can, for example, be made of or with Cu, a Cu alloy, one or more refractory metals such as W, Ni and / or Cr, or a mixture of copper with at least one other metal, for example W, Ni and / or Cr.

[0034] In the sectional view in Fig. 2, the switching device 100 is shown in a switched state, in which the movable contact 4 is in contact with the stationary contacts 3, so that a galvanic connection exists between the switching contacts 3, 4. The illustrated design of the switching contacts 3, 4 and in particular their geometry are purely exemplary and not to be understood as limiting. Alternatively, the switching contacts 3, 4 can also be designed differently. For example, it may be possible for only one of the switching contacts 3, 4 to be stationary.

[0035] The switching device 100 has a movable magnetic armature 5, which essentially performs the switching movement. The magnetic armature 5 is part of a magnetic circuit and has a magnetic core 6, for example, with or made of a ferromagnetic material such as pure iron or a lightly doped iron alloy. The magnetic armature 5 also has an axle 7, which is guided through the magnetic core 6 and which is firmly connected to the magnetic core 6 at one axle end. At the other axle end, opposite the magnetic core 6, the magnetic armature 5 has the movable contact 4, which is mounted on an electrically insulating bridge holder 41 with a contact spring 42 and is also connected to the axle 7. The axle 7 can preferably be made of or made of stainless steel.

[0036] The magnetic armature 5 is moved by means of the drive unit 2 to carry out switching movements, in particular from the rest state to the switching state. The drive unit 2 has an opening 22, which is particularly preferably cylindrical and in which the magnetic core 6 is arranged, so that the magnetic core 6 and thus the magnetic armature 5 with the movable contact 4 can move along the axial direction, i.e. along the main extension direction of the axis 7. The magnetic core 6 and the drive unit 2 are arranged below a flange 8 in the form of a plate and a yoke 9 in the form of a fixed magnetic core in the flange 8, which are arranged between a switching chamber 11 with the switching contacts 3, 4 and the drive unit 2. The axis 7 thus projects from the drive unit 2 to the contacts 3, 4 in the switching chamber 11 through the flange 8 with the yoke 9, in which the axis 7 and thus the magnetic armature 5 is guided.The flange 8 and the yoke 9 may preferably comprise or be made of pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy.

[0037] The drive unit 2 has a coil assembly 20 and a coil connection element 21. The coil assembly 20 can, in particular, have the coil body 202 on a coil carrier 200, which is formed by a plurality of windings of one or more coil wires. In particular, the coil carrier 200 has a coil body carrier part 201 on which the coil body 202 is arranged. The coil body 202 surrounds the opening 22 in the drive unit 2 and thus the magnetic core 6 of the magnet armature 5. A current flow in the coil body 202, which can be switched on from the outside by an external control circuit, generates a movement of the magnetic core 6 and thus of the entire magnet armature 5 along the axial direction until the movable contact 4 contacts the fixed contacts 3. In the illustration shown, the magnet armature 5 moves upward for this purpose.The magnet armature 5 thus moves from a first position, which corresponds to the rest state and at the same time to the isolating, i.e. non-switching and thus switched off state, into a second position, which corresponds to the state shown in . Fig. 2. In another embodiment, the magnet armature 5 can alternatively also perform a rotary movement, for example. The magnet armature 5 can in particular be designed as a tension rod or a hinged armature. If the current flow in the coil body 202 is interrupted, the magnet armature 5 is moved back to the first position by one or more springs 10. In the illustration shown, the magnet armature 5 thus moves downward again. The switching device 100 is then back in the rest state, in which the contacts 3, 4 are open.

[0038] When contacts 3, 4 open, an arc may occur that can damage the contact surfaces. This can result in the risk that contacts 3, 4 will "stick" to one another due to welding caused by the arc and can no longer be separated. Switching device 100 then remains in the switched-on state, even though the current in coil body 202 is switched off and the load circuit should therefore be disconnected. To prevent the formation of such arcs or at least to assist in extinguishing any arcs that do occur, contacts 3, 4 are arranged in a gas atmosphere, so that switching device 100 is designed as a gas-filled relay or gas-filled contactor.For this purpose, the contacts 3, 4 are arranged within the switching chamber 11, formed by a switching chamber wall 12 and a switching chamber base 13, in a gas-tight area 14 formed by a hermetically sealed part. The gas-tight area 14 completely surrounds the magnet armature 5 and the contacts 3, 4, except for parts of the fixed contacts 3 intended for external connection. The gas-tight area 14 and thus also the switching chamber 11 are filled with a gas. The gas-tight area 14 is essentially formed by parts of the switching chamber 11 and the flange 8 and / or the yoke 9, as well as by additional walls.

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the fixed contacts 3 are fastened in the switching chamber wall 12, for example by brazing, and protrude through a cover area of ​​the switching chamber wall 12 into the interior of the switching chamber 11 and thus into the gas-tight area 14. The switching chamber base 13 has a sleeve-like area in which the axis 7 is guided through an opening in the yoke 9.

[0040] The gas that can be filled into the gas-tight region 14 through a gas filling nozzle 15 during the manufacture of the switching device 100 can particularly preferably contain hydrogen, for example, with 50% or more H2 in an inert gas or even with 100% H2, since hydrogen-containing gas can promote the extinguishing of arcs. Furthermore, so-called blowout magnets (not shown) can be present inside or outside the switching chamber 11. These permanent magnets can extend the arc gap and thus improve arc extinguishing.

[0041] The switching chamber wall 12 and / or the switching chamber base 13 can, for example, at least partially or completely comprise or be made of a metal oxide ceramic such as Al2O3 or a plastic. Suitable plastics are particularly those with sufficient temperature resistance. For example, the switching chamber can comprise polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a polyethylene (PE), and / or glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as the plastic. Furthermore, the switching chamber wall 12 and / or the switching chamber base 13 can also at least partially comprise a polyoxymethylene (POM), in particular with the structure (CH2O) n , have.

[0042] The coil connection element 21 is particularly intended and configured to provide an electrical contact between an external control circuit for controlling the drive unit 2 and the coil body 202. The coil connection element 21 is attached to the coil assembly 20 and electrically connected to the coil body 202, as described in detail below.

[0043] The coil connection element 21 has a lead frame 210 which is Fig. 4, the lead frame 210 has at least two lead frame parts, which are formed by a first lead frame part 211 and a second lead frame part 212, which are electrically separated from one another, so that the two ends of the coil wire 208 of the coil former 202 can be electrically contacted by means of one of the at least two lead frame parts 211, 212. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lead frame 210 has, in addition to the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212, a further lead frame part 213, which is separate from the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212 and which, purely by way of example, is V-shaped and is provided for mechanical stability and stable fastening. Alternatively, one of the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212 can also be formed integrally with the further lead frame part 213.

[0044] The coil connection element 21 has a sheath 214, so that the lead frame 210 is partially covered with the sheath, as shown for example in Fig. 5 in a three-dimensional external view and in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 in a semi-transparent view. The enclosure 214 comprises a plastic material or is preferably made of a plastic material. The enclosure 214 can be produced, for example, using an injection molding process or another molding process by partially enclosing the leadframe parts 211, 212, 213 with the enclosure 214. The enclosure 214 firmly connects the leadframe parts 211, 212, 213 of the leadframe 210 to one another. Particularly preferably, the enclosure 214 encloses the entire leadframe 210 except for the fastening contacts 216 described below, the plug contacts 218 and, if present, the connection points 219. In particular, each of the leadframe parts 211, 212, 213, as shown in the Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, have a base part 215 on which at least one fastening contact 216 is arranged, wherein the base part 215 is arranged in the casing 214.

[0045] Each of the leadframe parts 211, 212, 213 has at least one fastening contact 216, with which the corresponding leadframe part 211, 212, 213 is fastened to the coil assembly 20. In particular, each of the leadframe parts 211, 212, 213 can be fastened directly to the coil assembly 20. The first and second leadframe parts 211, 212 each have one fastening contact 216. The further leadframe part 213 has two fastening contacts 216. The base part 215 and the at least one fastening contact 216 of each of the leadframe parts 211, 211, 213 can particularly preferably each be formed in one plane and in particular all in the same plane.

[0046] The leadframe 210 and thus the leadframe parts 211, 212, 213 of the leadframe 210 are preferably formed by metal sheets, for example, by copper sheets, wherein at least the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212 are preferably three-dimensionally shaped. This can mean that the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212 are each bent and / or kinked in such a way that each of the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212 has parts that run in different planes that are, for example, not parallel to one another. In particular, the cantilever parts 217 described below can run in a different plane than the base parts 215 and the fastening contacts 216. The plug contacts 218 can, for example, run in a plane that, as shown, is parallel or, for example, perpendicular to the plane in which the base parts 215 run.The further ladder frame part 213, which is provided solely for stability and more stable fastening, is preferably flat.

[0047] The coil assembly 20 has holding elements 204 on the coil carrier 200, to which the coil connection element 21 is fastened. The holding elements 204 can particularly preferably be mechanical holding elements that are provided and configured for soldering the fastening contacts 216 of the coil connection element 21. For this purpose, the coil carrier 200 can have at least one end region 203 on which holding elements 204 are arranged. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the coil carrier 200 has two end regions 203 that are arranged along the axial direction and thus also along the winding axis of the coil former 202 at the two opposite ends of the coil former carrier part 201 and are firmly connected to the coil former carrier part 201 and are particularly preferably formed in one piece. For example, the coil carrier 200 can be formed with or from a plastic. The end regions 203 can particularly preferably be plate-shaped.As described in the general part and as particularly in the . Fig. 8 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the plate-shaped end regions 203 can, for example, also have side parts that are arranged at an angle to a main part that is essentially formed as a plate. Two holding elements 204 are preferably arranged on the same side of the coil carrier 200 at each of the end regions 203, so that the holding elements 204 are particularly preferably arranged at the corners of an imaginary rectangle.

[0048] As described above, the coil assembly 20 and thus the coil carrier 200 have an opening 22, in particular a cylindrical opening, in which a part of the magnet armature 5, in particular the magnetic core 6, is arranged. Accordingly, the coil former carrier part 201 and the end regions 203 surround the cylindrical opening 22 in the coil carrier 200.

[0049] Between the holding elements 204, the switching device 100 can have clamp-shaped metal elements 16 on the side of the coil carrier 200, which in addition to the control unit 2 in Fig. 3. Inserted into the opening 22 in the coil carrier 200, the switching device 100 can have a cup-shaped metal element 17. The metal elements 16, 17 can be made of pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy and, together with the flange 8, the yoke 9, the magnetic core 6 of the magnet armature 5, and the coil body 202, can form essential parts of the magnetic circuit.

[0050] The holding elements 204 are anchored in the coil carrier 200, in particular in the end regions 203, and protrude from the respective end region 203. For example, the holding elements 204, as in Fig. 10, be formed by metal pins, each of which projects into the coil body 202 and in particular into an end region 203. Particularly preferably, the holding elements 204 are inserted into corresponding openings in the coil carrier 200 or formed with material of the coil carrier 200. Furthermore, the holding elements 204, as in Fig. 10, each have an anchoring structure 2040, for example in the form of one or more barbs and / or in the form of anchoring holes.

[0051] The fastening contacts 216 are formed as holes in the lead frame parts 211, 212, 213, through which the holding elements 204, which have corresponding pin-shaped areas 2041, protrude, as shown in Fig. 3 and in particular in an excerpt in Fig. 11. The fastening contacts 216 are particularly preferably soldered to the holding elements 204. Thus, each of the leadframe parts 211, 212, 213 can particularly preferably be soldered to at least one holding element 204 of the coil assembly 20. For the sake of clarity, no corresponding soldering points are shown in the figures. Thus, each of the leadframe parts 211, 212, 213 can be attached to the coil assembly 20 and electrically connected to at least one holding element 204 of the coil assembly 20.

[0052] The coil former 202 has a wire 208 that is electrically connected to the two holding elements 204, which in turn are connected to the fastening contacts 216 of the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212. The wire 208 of the coil former 202 can in particular be soldered to the holding elements 204, as shown in Fig. 11 is indicated by a solder joint 209. The course of the wire 208 and the solder joint 209 are only indicated here and are to be understood purely as examples. Thus, the coil wire contacts a holding element 204 with each of its wire ends and is particularly preferably soldered thereto. Furthermore, the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212 of the lead frame 210 are attached to the holding elements 204 contacted by the coil wire, so that the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212 are electrically conductively connected to the coil body 202.

[0053] Furthermore, the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212 each have a plug contact 218 for a plug 23. The plug contacts 218 protrude from the housing 1 of the switching device 100, in which the coil assembly 20 and at least the fastening contacts 216 of the coil connection element 21 are arranged, or are preferably arranged outside the housing 1. Thus, the drive unit 2 can be electrically contacted from outside the housing 1 of the switching device 100. The plug contacts 218 are in particular part of the plug 23, to which by means of a suitable mating plug 90, which is in Fig. 12, an external control circuit for controlling the drive unit 2 can be connected. The plug contacts 218 can in particular be surrounded by a plug housing 230 of the plug, which is pushed onto the plug contacts 218, for example, as shown in the Fig. 12 to 15. Due to the curved or folded configuration of the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212, each of the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212 has a cantilever part 217 that extends from the base part 215 to the connector contact 218. The connector housing 230 is pushed onto the connector contacts 218 such that the connector housing 230 rests on the cantilever parts 217 and is supported by them.

[0054] The plug housing 230 is particularly preferably a separate part from the housing 1 of the switching device 100. For fastening the plug housing 230, the housing 1 of the switching device 100 has at least two housing parts 101, 102. The plug housing 230 is, as shown in particular in the Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, is held clamped between the two housing parts 101, 102. For this purpose, for example, the upper housing part 101 and the connector housing 230 can have areas for a tongue-and-groove connection. For example, an edge area 103 of the upper housing part 101 can engage in a groove 231 of the connector housing 230. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the groove 231 is formed in an area arranged separately from the actual connector part, so that the mating connector 90 can be pushed onto the connector 23 parallel to the side wall of the housing 1, preferably with some distance from the side wall, as in Fig. 12. The mating connector 90 with the indicated electrical lines can be part of an external control circuit. By resting the connector housing 230 on the cantilever parts 217 of the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212 and by the tongue-and-groove connection with the upper housing part 101, a secure hold of the connector housing 230 on the housing 1 is possible, even though the connector housing 230 is manufactured separately from the housing 1. This allows the connector housing 230 to be easily adapted to customer requirements without having to modify other parts of the switching device 100.

[0055] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212 of the coil connection element 21 has a connection point 219 for an electrical component 24. The connection points 219 can preferably be provided in the cantilever parts 217 of the first and second leadframe parts 211, 212. The connection points 219 can, for example, be solder connection points, which can have mounting holes into which the connection legs of an electrical component 24, such as an overvoltage protection component, can be inserted and soldered to the leadframe parts 211, 212, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 11, while in the embodiment of the Fig.6, the coil connection element 21 is designed without an electrical component. Thus, the coil connection element 21 can, as required, have an electrical component 24 that can be soldered to the connection points 219 of the at least two leadframe parts 211, 212.

[0056] While in the prior art the control circuit is connected to the coil of the magnetic drive via connectors or cables permanently integrated into the housing or via connectors soldered to a circuit board in the housing, the drive unit 2 described here combines the advantages of both variants. By enclosing the lead frame parts 211, 212, 213, which are designed, for example, as copper sheets, with a sheath 214 made of plastic or plastic, a high mechanical load capacity can be achieved. The lead frame 210 can also serve as a carrier for overvoltage protection. The connector 23 for connecting an external control circuit is not part of the housing 1, but is manufactured separately and clamped between the housing parts 101, 102.This allows for a high degree of flexibility with regard to design variations, so that, for example, a large number of different connectors can be realized easily and cost-effectively, since, for example, in the event of customer requests for changes, only the lead frame 210 and / or the connector housing 230 and thus the connector 23 need to be changed, while the housing 1 and the coil assembly 20 can remain unchanged.

[0057] The features and exemplary embodiments described in conjunction with the figures can be combined with one another according to further exemplary embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described in conjunction with the figures can alternatively or additionally comprise further features according to the description in the general part.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the embodiments by the description. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature and any combination of features, including, in particular, any combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or embodiments. List of reference symbols 1 housing 2 drive unit 3 fixed contact 4 movable contact 5 magnet armatures 6 magnetic core 7 Axis 8 Flange 9 yoke 10 springs 11 Switching chamber 12 Switching chamber wall 13 Switching chamber base 14 gas-tight area 15 gas filling nozzles 16, 17 metal element 20 Coil assembly 21 Coil connection element 22 Opening 23 plugs 24 electrical component 41 Bridge insulator 42 Contact spring 90 mating connectors 100 switching device 101, 102 housing part 103 Marginal area 200 coil carriers 201 Coil former carrier part 202 coil formers 203 End area 204 Holding element 208 wire 209 Solder joint 210 ladder frame 211, 212, 213 ladder frame part 214 Wrapping 215 base part 216 fixing contact 217 boom part 218 plug contact 219 Junction 230 connector housing 231 groove 2040 anchoring structure 2041 pin-shaped area

Claims

[1] Drive unit (2) for moving a magnet armature (5) for a switching device (100), comprising - a coil assembly (20) and - a coil connection element (21), where - the coil connection element (21) has a lead frame (210) with at least two lead frame parts (211, 212) which are fastened to the coil assembly (20) and are electrically conductively connected to the coil assembly (20). [2] Drive unit (2) according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two lead frame parts (211, 212) has a fastening contact (216) which is fastened to a holding element (204) of the coil assembly (20). [3] Drive unit (2) according to claim 2, wherein each of the fastening contacts (216) is soldered to a holding element (204). [4] Drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two lead frame parts (211, 212) has a plug contact (218) for a plug (23). [5] Drive unit (2) according to claim 4, wherein in each of the at least two lead frame parts (211, 212) the plug contact (218) is arranged on a boom part (217). [6] Drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two lead frame parts (211, 212) has a connection point (219) for an electrical component (24). [7] Drive unit (2) according to claim 5 and claim 6, wherein in each of the at least two lead frame parts (211, 212) the connection point (219) is arranged on the boom part (217). [8] Drive unit (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an electrical component (24) is soldered to the connection points (219) of the at least two lead frame parts (211, 212). [9] Drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lead frame (210) has at least one further lead frame part (213) which is fastened to at least one further holding element (204) of the coil assembly (20). [10] Drive unit (2) according to claim 9, wherein the further lead frame part (213) has two fastening contacts (216) and each of the fastening contacts (216) is fastened to a holding element (204) of the coil assembly (20). [11] Drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lead frame (210) is partially covered with a covering (214) with or made of a plastic material. [12] Drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coil assembly (20) comprises a coil carrier (200) with a coil body carrier part (201) on which a coil body (202) is arranged. [13] Drive unit (2) according to claim 12, wherein the coil carrier (200) has at least one plate-shaped end region (203) which is arranged on the coil body carrier part (201) and on which holding elements (204) are arranged. [14] Drive unit (2) according to claim 13, wherein the holding elements (204) are anchored in the end region (203) and protrude from the end region (203). [15] Drive unit (2) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the coil body (202) has a wire (208) which is electrically conductively connected to at least two holding elements (204) to which the at least two lead frame parts (211, 212) are fastened. [16] Switching device (100), comprising - a drive unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims and - at least one fixed contact (3), one movable contact (4) and one magnet armature (5) which is movable by means of the drive unit (2). [17] Switching device (100) according to claim 16, further comprising a housing (1), wherein plug contacts (218) of the drive unit (2) are arranged outside the housing. [18] Switching device (100) according to claim 17, wherein the plug contacts (218) are surrounded by a plug housing (230) and form a plug (23) on the housing (1) with the plug housing (230). [19] Switching device (100) according to claim 18, wherein the housing (1) has at least two housing parts (101, 102) and the plug housing (23) is held clamped between the two housing parts (101, 102).

Images