Drive unit and switching device

Abstract

Drive unit (2) for moving a magnetic 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 conductor frame (210) with at least two conductor frame parts (211, 212) which are attached to the coil assembly (20) and electrically connected to the coil assembly (20). and wherein the drive unit (2) has one or more of the following features: - each of the at least two conductor frame parts (211, 212) has a fastening contact (216) which is attached to a retaining element (204) of the coil assembly (20), - each of the at least two conductor frame parts (211, 212) has a plug contact (218) for a plug (23), - each of the at least two conductor frame parts (211, 212) has a connection point (219) for an electrical component (24), - the conductor frame (210) has at least one further conductor frame part (213) which is attached to at least one further retaining element (204) of the coil assembly (20), - the ladder frame (210) is partially enclosed with a covering (214) made of or containing a plastic material.

Description

[0001] A drive unit, in particular a drive unit for moving a magnetic 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 operated, remotely controlled switch that can be operated 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, especially as a power contactor. Most preferably, the switching device can be designed as a gas-filled power contactor.

[0003] One possible application of such switching devices, particularly contactors, is the opening and disconnecting of battery circuits, for example in motor vehicles such as electric or partially electric vehicles. These can include, for example, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Typically, both the positive and negative terminals of the battery are disconnected using a 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. The primary function of the contactor is to de-energize the vehicle and interrupt the current flow.In its function as a safety component, a contactor is normally used in combination with a fuse between a battery, for example a lithium-ion battery, and the electric motor, and must be able to disconnect the source from the load in the event of corresponding malfunctions.

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

[0005] The printed circuit board (PCB) version offers flexibility in design, as it can accommodate a variety of connectors or solderable cables, with the connecting cables or connectors being soldered directly to the PCB. However, this version offers limited mechanical stability against external forces, as pulling on the connecting cables or inserting a mating connector can put significant stress on the solder joints. This can cause solder joints to break or solder pads to detach from the PCB, leading directly to the failure of the switching device.

[0006] A coil with embedded contacts, on the other hand, offers high mechanical stability. However, the actual connector must be integrated into the housing and replicated there. This results in a lack of flexibility regarding control, as a new coil former and / or a housing with a suitable integrated connector must be manufactured for each variant, leading to significant design and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, integrating electrical components such as surge protection is difficult.

[0007] German patent application DE 691 30 725 T2 describes a relay with an armature assembly and a coil assembly comprising a coil body and a coil that can be contacted via coil terminals. The coil terminals are attached to strip-shaped terminal blocks by welding.

[0008] At least one function of certain embodiments is to specify a drive unit, in particular a drive unit for a switching device. At least one further function of certain embodiments is to specify a switching device.

[0009] These problems are solved by the objects according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the objects are characterized in the dependent claims and are further described in the following description and drawings.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment, a drive unit is specified, which can be designed and configured, in particular, for moving a magnetic armature for a switching device. According to at least another embodiment, a switching device is specified. The switching device can, in particular, include the drive unit.

[0011] 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 designed 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 between a non-switching state, hereinafter also referred to as a non-active or switched-off state, and a switching state of the switching device, hereinafter also referred to as an active or switched-on state, is movable in such a way that the movable contact is spaced apart from the at least one fixed contact in the non-switching state of the switching device and is thus galvanically isolated, and in the switching state has a mechanical contact with 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 that are arranged separately from each other within the switching device and that, depending on the state of the movable contact, can be electrically connected to each other or electrically separated from each other by the movable contact as described. Descriptive parts that refer to at least one fixed contact apply equally to several and, in particular, all fixed contacts present in the switching device.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the switching device has a housing in which the movable contact and at least one fixed contact are arranged. The movable contact can, in particular, be arranged entirely within the housing. The fact that a fixed contact is arranged within the housing can, in particular, mean that the contact area of ​​the fixed contact, which is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the switching state, is located within the housing. For connecting a supply line of a circuit to be switched by the switching device, a fixed contact arranged within the housing can be electrically contactable from the outside, i.e., from outside the housing. For this purpose, a fixed contact arranged within the housing can protrude a portion from the housing and have a connection point for a supply line outside the housing.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the switching device has a switching chamber in which the movable contact and at least one fixed contact are arranged. The switching chamber can, in particular, be located within the housing. The movable contact can, especially preferably, be arranged entirely within the switching chamber. The fact that a fixed contact is arranged within the switching chamber can, in particular, mean that at least one contact area of ​​the fixed contact, which is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the switching state, is located within the switching chamber. For connecting a supply line of a circuit to be switched by the switching device, a fixed contact arranged within the switching chamber can be electrically contactable from the outside, i.e., from outside the switching chamber.For this purpose, a stationary contact arranged in the switching chamber can protrude with a part from the switching chamber and have a connection option for a supply line outside the switching chamber.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the switching device comprises a magnetic drive with a drive unit and a magnetic armature with which the movable contact can be moved. For this purpose, the magnetic 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., when the axle is moved by the axle, it is also moved by the axle. The axle can, in particular, project into the switching chamber through an opening in the switching chamber. Specifically, the switching chamber can have a bottom with an opening through which the axle projects. The magnetic armature can be moved by the drive unit, which is part of a magnetic circuit, to effect the switching operations described above. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit can have a yoke with an opening through which the axle of the magnetic armature projects.Furthermore, the magnetic armature can have a magnetic core, which may be attached to an end of the shaft opposite the moving contact and forms 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 circuit, thereby moving the magnetic armature.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the contacts are arranged in a gas atmosphere. This can mean, in particular, that the movable contact is completely located in the gas atmosphere and that at least a part of the at least one fixed contact, such as the contact area of ​​the at least one fixed contact, is also located in the gas atmosphere. For this purpose, the switching device can have a gas-tight compartment in which the gas atmosphere is kept hermetically sealed from the environment and in which the described components can be arranged. The gas-tight compartment 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 compartment can be formed by parts of the switching chamber wall and / or the yoke and / or a flange in combination with additional wall sections, for example, made of aluminum or stainless steel.In particular, the switching chamber can be arranged within the gas-tight area of ​​the switching device, while the drive unit can be arranged outside the gas-tight area. Furthermore, the magnetic armature can also be arranged entirely within the gas-tight area. The switching device can therefore preferably be a gas-filled switching device, such as a gas-filled contactor. The gas atmosphere can, in particular, promote the quenching of arcs that may occur between the contacts during switching operations. The gas of the atmosphere can preferably contain at least 50% hydrogen (H₂). In addition to hydrogen, the gas can contain an inert gas, particularly preferably nitrogen (N₂) and / or one or more noble gases. Furthermore, the gas, i.e., at least a portion of the gas atmosphere, can be located within the switching chamber.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the drive unit, by means of which the magnetic armature is movable as described above, comprises a coil assembly and a coil connection element. The coil assembly can, in particular, have a coil former 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 former support part on which the coil former is arranged.

[0017] The coil connection element is specifically designed and configured to provide an electrical contact between an external control device, such as an external control circuit for controlling the drive unit, and the coil former. In particular, the coil connection element can be attached to the coil assembly and electrically connected to the coil former.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the coil connection element has a conductor frame with at least two conductor frame parts. Each of the conductor frame parts can be attached to the coil assembly and electrically connected to the coil assembly. In particular, each of the conductor frame parts can be directly attached to the coil assembly. The at least two conductor frame parts can be formed by a first conductor frame part and a second conductor frame part, which are electrically separated from each other, so that two connecting wires of the coil former can be electrically contacted by means of each of the at least two conductor frame parts.

[0019] The ladder frame, and thus the ladder frame components, can be formed from metal sheets, for example copper sheets, wherein each of the at least two ladder frame components is preferably three-dimensionally shaped by bends and / or folds. This can particularly mean that the first and second ladder frame components can each be bent and / or folded, so that each of the first and second ladder frame components has areas and / or parts that run in different planes, which, for example, are not parallel to each other.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, each of the at least two conductor frame parts has a fastening contact. The conductor frame parts of the conductor frame are attached to the coil assembly by means of these fastening contacts. In particular, the coil assembly can have retaining elements, and each of the conductor frame parts of the conductor frame can be attached to at least one retaining element of the coil assembly. The retaining elements are particularly preferably mechanical retaining elements, which are particularly preferably designed and configured for soldering the fastening contacts of the coil connection element. Thus, each of the at least two conductor frame parts can particularly preferably be soldered to a retaining element of the coil assembly. Alternatively, clamping or screw connections between the retaining elements and the fastening contacts are also possible.

[0021] For example, the coil carrier can have at least one end region at which one or more retaining elements are arranged. This at least one end region can particularly preferably be connected to the coil former support part and, for example, be formed integrally with the coil former support part. For example, the coil carrier can be made of or from a plastic material.

[0022] 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 support part. Here and in the following, "plate-shaped" can refer to the basic form of an end region. In particular, a plate-shaped end region can, for example, have protrusions, depressions, openings, and especially also side parts that are arranged at an angle to a main part, which is essentially designed as a plate. Furthermore, the coil former can have two end regions, in particular two plate-shaped end regions, which are arranged along the winding axis at the two opposite ends of the coil former support part and are firmly connected to the coil former support part arranged between them, and are particularly preferably formed in one piece.At each of the end regions, two retaining elements can preferably be arranged on the same side, so that the retaining elements are particularly preferably arranged at the corners of an imaginary rectangle.

[0023] Each of the retaining elements can be anchored in the coil former, particularly in an end region, and protrude from that end region. For example, the retaining elements can be formed by metal pins that project into the coil former, and especially into an end region. The retaining elements can also be inserted into designated openings or formed with material from the coil former. Furthermore, each retaining element can have an anchoring structure, such as one or more barbs and / or anchoring holes. As described above, the coil former can have at least one coil wire that is electrically connected to at least two retaining elements. In other words, the coil wire forming the coil former contacts a retaining element at each of its wire ends and is particularly preferably soldered to the retaining elements.The retaining elements contacted by the coil wire also have at least two conductor frame parts of the conductor frame attached to them, so that the first and second conductor frame parts are electrically connected to the coil body via a retaining element each.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the coil carrier has an opening, in particular a cylindrical opening, in which a part of the magnetic armature, in particular the magnetic core, is arranged. This can particularly mean that the coil body 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 magnetic armature is arranged.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, each of the at least two conductor frame parts has a connector contact. The connector contacts preferably protrude from the housing of the switching device, in which the coil assembly and at least the mounting contacts of the coil connection element are arranged. Thus, the drive unit can be electrically connected from outside the housing. The connector contacts can be part of a connector to which an external control circuit for controlling the drive unit can be connected by means of a suitable mating connector. The connector contacts can, in particular, be surrounded by a connector housing, which can, for example, be slid onto the connector contacts.

[0026] Furthermore, the housing of the switching device can have at least two housing parts, and the connector housing can be held clamped between the two housing parts. For this purpose, the housing parts and the connector housing can, for example, have areas for a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, each of the at least two conductor frame parts of the coil connection element has a connection point for an electrical component. These connection points can, for example, be soldered connections. Thus, the coil connection element can have at least one electrical component that is soldered to the connection points of the at least two conductor frame parts. The electrical component can, for example, be a surge protection component.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the conductor frame, in addition to the first and second conductor frame parts, has at least one further conductor frame part which is attached to at least one further retaining element of the coil assembly and preferably soldered to it. Particularly preferably, the further conductor frame part can have two fastening contacts, each of which is attached to a retaining element of the coil assembly. The further conductor frame part can, for example, be V-shaped and be designed to provide mechanical stability and a secure attachment of the coil connection element.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the coil connection element has a covering. Consequently, the conductor frame can be partially enclosed by a covering, which can be made of or containing a plastic material. The covering can be produced, for example, by injection molding or another forming process. In particular, the covering can firmly connect the conductor frame parts to one another and, for example, enclose the entire conductor frame except for the mounting contacts, the connector contacts, and, if present, the connection points. In particular, each of the conductor frame parts can have a base part on which at least one mounting contact is arranged, the base part being located within the covering. The base part and the at least one mounting contact can most preferably be formed in the same plane.

[0030] The drive unit described here, without claiming to be exhaustive and taking into account the preceding description, can particularly preferably have the following features and advantages. In particular, the coil connection element can have a conductor frame, preferably made of or with 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 injection molding with a core. This ensures increased mechanical strength. Additional components, for example an electrical component for overvoltage protection, can be connected to the conductor frame. The conductor frame can be connected to the retaining elements of the coil carrier, and thus particularly at solder joints with the coil former.A separate connector housing can be slid and / or plugged into the connector contacts of the conductor frame components and then clamped between housing components 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, thus allowing it to be modified according to customer requirements, while the coil assembly can always remain the same. This means that, for example, if customers request changes, only the coil connection element needs to be adapted. In the drive unit described here, the use of a conductor frame for the coil connection element thus combines the advantages of high flexibility and mechanical stability with low costs.

[0031] Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and further developments result from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows schematic representations of a part of a switching device according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. Figure 11 shows schematic representations of a drive device and parts thereof according to further embodiments. Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. Figure 15 shows schematic representations of a switching device and parts thereof according to further embodiments.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiments and figures, identical, similar, or similarly functioning elements may be designated with the same reference numerals. The depicted elements and their relative sizes are not to be considered to scale; rather, individual elements, such as layers, components, building elements, and areas, may be exaggerated for clarity and / or better understanding.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the drive unit 2 and the switching device 100 are described in conjunction with the figures. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 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 high electrical currents and / or high electrical voltages and which can be a relay or contactor, in particular a power contactor. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the switching device 100 without housing 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows the drive unit 2 of the switching device 100 in a three-dimensional view. Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. Figure 11 shows parts of drive unit 2 from different perspectives. Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. Figure 15 shows the switching device 100 and parts thereof in various views. The following description applies equally to all figures. The geometries shown are only exemplary and not to be understood as limiting; alternative configurations are also possible.

[0034] The switching device 100 comprises, in addition to the drive unit 2, two fixed contacts 3 and one movable contact 4 within a housing 1. The movable contact 4 is designed as a contact plate. The fixed contacts 3, together with the movable contact 4, form the switching contacts. Alternatively, other numbers of fixed and / or movable contacts are possible. The housing 1 primarily serves as contact protection for the components arranged inside and is made of or comprised of a plastic, for example, PBT or glass fiber-reinforced PBT. The contacts 3, 4 can be made of, for example, copper, a copper alloy, one or more high-melting-point metals such as tungsten, nickel, and / or chromium, or a mixture of copper with at least one other metal, for example, tungsten, nickel, and / or chromium.

[0035] In the sectional view in Fig. Figure 2 shows the switching device 100 in a closed state, in which the movable contact 4 is in contact with the fixed contacts 3, so that a galvanic connection exists between the switching contacts 3 and 4. The illustrated embodiment of the switching contacts 3 and 4, and in particular their geometry, are purely exemplary and not to be understood as limiting. Alternatively, the switching contacts 3 and 4 can also be configured differently. For example, it is possible that only one of the switching contacts 3 or 4 is fixed.

[0036] 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, made of a ferromagnetic material such as pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy. Furthermore, the magnetic armature 5 has an axle 7 that is guided through the magnetic core 6 and is fixedly connected to the magnetic core 6 at one end. At the other end of the axle, opposite the magnetic core 6, the magnetic armature 5 has a 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 stainless steel.

[0037] The magnetic armature 5 is moved by means of the drive unit 2 to perform switching movements, in particular from the rest state to the switching state. The drive unit 2 has an opening 22, which is 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 stationary magnetic core in the flange 8, which are located 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 be made of or consist of pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy.

[0038] The drive unit 2 comprises a coil assembly 20 and a coil connection element 21. The coil assembly 20 can, in particular, have a coil former 202 mounted on a coil carrier 200, which is formed by a plurality of windings of one or more coil wires. Specifically, the coil carrier 200 has a coil former support part 201 on which the coil former 202 is arranged. The coil former 202 surrounds the opening 22 in the drive unit 2 and thus the magnetic core 6 of the magnetic armature 5. A current flow in the coil former 202, which can be switched on externally by an external control circuit, causes the magnetic core 6, and thus the entire magnetic armature 5, to move along the axial direction until the movable contact 4 contacts the stationary contacts 3. In the illustration shown, the magnetic armature 5 moves upwards for this purpose.The magnetic armature 5 thus moves from a first position, which corresponds to the rest state and simultaneously to the separating, i.e. non-switching and therefore switched-off state, to a second position, which corresponds to the one in . Fig. The active state shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the switching and thus activated state. In another embodiment, the magnetic armature 5 can alternatively perform a rotary movement, for example. The magnetic armature 5 can be designed, in particular, as a pull-type or hinged armature. If the current flow in the coil body 202 is interrupted, the magnetic armature 5 is moved back to its initial position by one or more springs 10. In the illustration shown, the magnetic armature 5 thus moves downwards again. The switching device 100 is then back in its rest state, in which contacts 3 and 4 are open.

[0039] When contacts 3 and 4 open, an arc can form, which can damage the contact surfaces. This can lead to the risk that contacts 3 and 4 will "stick" together due to arc welding and become impossible to separate. The switching device 100 would then remain in the switched-on state, even though the current in the 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 aid in the extinguishing of any arcs that do occur, contacts 3 and 4 are located in a gas atmosphere, so that the switching device 100 is designed as a gas-filled relay or gas-filled contactor.For this purpose, contacts 3 and 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 zone 14 formed by a hermetically sealed part. The gas-tight zone 14 completely surrounds the magnetic armature 5 and the contacts 3 and 4, except for the portions of the fixed contacts 3 intended for external connection. The gas-tight zone 14, and thus also the switching chamber 11, is filled with a gas. The gas-tight zone 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.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed contacts 3 are attached to 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 floor 13 has a sleeve-like area in which the axis 7 is guided through an opening in the yoke 9.

[0041] The gas that can be filled into the gas-tight area 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 quenching of electric arcs. Furthermore, so-called blow-out magnets (not shown), i.e., permanent magnets, can be present inside or outside the switching chamber 11. These magnets cause an extension of the arc path and thus improve the quenching of the electric arcs.

[0042] The switching chamber wall 12 and / or the switching chamber base 13 can, for example, at least partially or preferably completely comprise or be made of a metal oxide ceramic such as Al₂O₃ or a plastic. Plastics with sufficient temperature resistance are particularly suitable. For example, the switching chamber can be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), and / or glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Furthermore, the switching chamber wall 12 and / or the switching chamber base 13 can also be made at least partially of polyoxymethylene (POM), in particular with the structure (CH₂O) n exhibit.

[0043] The coil connection element 21 is specifically designed and configured to provide an electrical contact between an external control circuit for controlling the drive unit 2 and the coil former 202. The coil connection element 21 is attached to the coil assembly 20 and electrically connected to the coil former 202, as described in detail below.

[0044] The coil connection element 21 has a conductor frame 210 which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the ladder frame 210 has at least two ladder frame parts. The conductor frame 210 is formed by a first conductor frame part 211 and a second conductor frame part 212, which are electrically separated from each other, so that the two ends of the coil wire 208 of the coil former 202 can be electrically contacted by means of each of the at least two conductor frame parts 211, 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor frame 210 has, in addition to the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212, a further conductor frame part 213, which is separate from the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 and is, purely by way of example, V-shaped and is provided for mechanical stability and for secure fastening. Alternatively, one of the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 can also be formed integrally with the further conductor frame part 213.

[0045] The coil connection element 21 has a covering 214, so that the conductor frame 210 is partially enclosed by the covering, as for example in Fig. 5 in a three-dimensional exterior view and in the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 is shown in a semi-transparent view. The covering 214 comprises a plastic material or is preferably made of a plastic material. The covering 214 can be produced, for example, by an injection molding process or another forming process by partially encasing the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 with the covering 214. The covering 214 firmly connects the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 of the conductor frame 210 to one another. Particularly preferably, the covering 214 encases the entire conductor frame 210 except for the fastening contacts 216, the connector contacts 218, and, if present, the connection points 219, as described below. In particular, each of the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 can be, as shown in the Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 indicates, having a base part 215 on which at least one fastening contact 216 is arranged, wherein the base part 215 is arranged in the enclosure 214.

[0046] Each of the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 has at least one fastening contact 216 by which the corresponding conductor frame part 211, 212, 213 is fastened to the coil assembly 20. In particular, each of the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 can be directly fastened to the coil assembly 20. The first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 each have one fastening contact 216. The further conductor frame part 213 has two fastening contacts 216. The base part 215 and the at least one fastening contact 216 of each of the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 can particularly preferably each be formed in one plane, and in particular all in the same plane.

[0047] The conductor frame 210, and thus the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 of the conductor frame 210, are preferably formed from metal sheets, for example, copper sheets, wherein at least the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 are preferably three-dimensionally shaped. This can mean that the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 are each bent and / or folded such that each of the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 has parts that run in different planes, which, for example, are not parallel to each other. In particular, the cantilever parts 217 described below can run in a different plane than the base parts 215 and the mounting contacts 216. The connector 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 intended solely for stability and more stable fastening, is preferably flat.

[0048] The coil assembly 20 has retaining elements 204 on the coil carrier 200, to which the coil connection element 21 is attached. The retaining elements 204 are preferably mechanical retaining elements designed and configured for soldering the mounting 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 retaining elements 204 are arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the coil carrier 200 has two end regions 203, which 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 preferably formed in one piece. For example, the coil carrier 200 can be made of or with a plastic material. The end regions 203 are preferably plate-shaped.As described in the general section 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, which is essentially designed as a plate. Preferably, two retaining elements 204 are arranged on each of the end regions 203 on the same side of the coil carrier 200, so that the retaining elements 204 are particularly preferably arranged at the corner of an imaginary rectangle.

[0049] As described above, the coil assembly 20, and thus the coil carrier 200, has an opening 22, in particular a cylindrical opening, in which part of the magnetic armature 5, in particular the magnetic core 6, is arranged. Accordingly, the coil body carrier part 201 and the end regions 203 surround the cylindrical opening 22 in the coil carrier 200.

[0050] Between the retaining elements 204, the switching device 100 can have clamp-shaped metal elements 16 laterally on the coil carrier 200, which in addition to the control unit 2 Fig. Figure 3 shows the switching device 100 being inserted into the opening 22 in the coil carrier 200. A cup-shaped metal element 17 can be incorporated into the switching device 100. 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 magnetic armature 5, and the coil former 202, can form essential parts of the magnetic circuit.

[0051] The retaining elements 204 are anchored in the coil carrier 200, particularly in the end regions 203, and protrude from the respective end region 203. For example, the retaining elements 204 can be, as in Fig. As indicated in Figure 10, the retaining elements 204 are formed by metal pins, each of which projects into the coil former 202 and, in particular, into an end region 203. Preferably, the retaining elements 204 are inserted into corresponding openings in the coil former 200 or formed with material from the coil former 200. Furthermore, the retaining elements 204 can be, as shown in Figure 10, formed by metal pins, each of which projects into the coil former 202 and, in particular, into an end region 203. Fig. 10 can be seen, each having an anchoring structure 2040, for example in the form of one or more barbs and / or in the form of anchoring holes.

[0052] The fastening contacts 216 are formed as holes in the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213, through which the retaining elements 204, which have corresponding pin-shaped areas 2041, project, as shown in Fig. 3 and especially in an excerpt in Fig. Figure 11 shows that the fastening contacts 216 are preferably soldered to the retaining elements 204. Thus, each of the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 can preferably be soldered to at least one retaining element 204 of the coil assembly 20. For clarity, no corresponding solder joints are shown in the figures. Therefore, each of the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213 can be attached to the coil assembly 20 and electrically connected to at least one retaining element 204 of the coil assembly 20.

[0053] The coil former 202 has a wire 208 which is electrically connected to the two retaining elements 204, which in turn are connected to the fastening contacts 216 of the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212. The wire 208 of the coil former 202 can, in particular, be soldered to the retaining elements 204, as shown in Fig. Figure 11 indicates a solder joint 209. The path of the wire 208 and the solder joint 209 are only indicated here and are purely illustrative. Thus, the coil wire contacts a retaining element 204 at each of its wire ends and is preferably soldered to these elements. The first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 of the conductor frame 210 are also attached to the retaining elements 204 contacted by the coil wire, so that the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 are electrically connected to the coil former 202.

[0054] Furthermore, the first and second conductor frame 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 mounting 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 a suitable mating plug 90, which is located in Fig. As indicated in Figure 12, an external control circuit can be connected to control the drive unit 2. The plug contacts 218 can, in particular, be surrounded by a plug housing 230 of the plug, which is, for example, pushed onto the plug contacts 218, as shown in the Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. As indicated in Figure 15. Due to the curved or folded design of the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212, each of the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 has a cantilever section 217 that extends from the base part 215 to the connector contact 218. The connector housing 230 is pushed onto the connector contacts 218 in such a way that the connector housing 230 rests on the cantilever sections 217 and is supported by them.

[0055] The connector housing 230 is particularly preferably a separate part from the housing 1 of the switching device 100. For fastening the connector housing 230, the housing 1 of the switching device 100 has at least two housing parts 101, 102. The connector housing 230 is, as shown in particular in the Fig. 14 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 15, the connector is held clamped between the two housing parts 101 and 102. For this purpose, the upper housing part 101 and the connector housing 230 can, for example, 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 illustrated embodiment, the groove 231 is formed in an area separated from the actual connector part, so that the mating connector 90 can be slid onto the connector 23 parallel to the side wall of the housing 1, preferably with some distance to the side wall, as shown in Figure 15. Fig. 12 is indicated. The mating connector 90 with the indicated electrical leads can be part of an external control circuit. The connector housing 230 rests on the extension parts 217 of the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 and is securely held in place by the tongue-and-groove connection with the upper housing part 101, 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.

[0056] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212 of the coil connection element 21 has a connection point 219 for an electrical component 24. The connection points 219 are preferably provided in the extension parts 217 of the first and second conductor frame parts 211, 212. The connection points 219 can, for example, be solder terminals that may have mounting holes into which the connecting leads of an electrical component 24, such as a surge protection component, can be inserted and soldered to the conductor frame parts 211, 212, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 11 can be seen, while in the exemplary 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 which can be soldered to the connection points 219 of the at least two conductor frame parts 211, 212.

[0057] 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 inside the housing, the drive unit 2 described here combines the advantages of both variants. By enclosing the conductor frame parts 211, 212, 213, which are designed, for example, as copper sheets, with a covering 214 made of plastic, high mechanical strength can be achieved. The conductor frame 210 can simultaneously 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 in terms of design variations, so that, for example, a large number of different connectors can be implemented easily and cost-effectively, since, for example, if customer-specified changes are required, only the conductor 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.

[0058] The features and embodiments described in connection with the figures can be combined with one another according to further embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the embodiments described in connection with the figures can alternatively or additionally include further features as described in the general section.

[0059] The invention is not limited to the description provided by means of the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature as well as every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the claims, even if that feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the claims or exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list 1 case 2 Drive unit 3 fixed contacts 4 movable contacts 5 magnetic anchors 6 magnetic core 7-axis 8 flange 9 yoke 10 springs 11 Switching chamber 12 Switch chamber wall 13 Switch chamber floor 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 plugs 100 switching device 101, 102 Housing part 103 Edge area 200 coil carriers 201 Coil carrier part 202 coil formers 203 End area 204 retaining element 208 wire 209 Solder joint 210 ladder frames 211, 212, 213 Ladder frame part 214 Envelope 215 Base part 216 Mounting contact 217 Boom section 218 Plug contact 219 Junction 230 connector housing 231 Nut 2040 Anchoring structure 2041 pen-shaped area

Claims

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

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