Drive unit and switching device

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive unit (2) for moving a magnet armature (5) for a switching device (100), which drive unit has a coil assembly (20) and a coil-connection element (21), the coil-connection element (21) having a lead frame (210) comprising at least two lead-frame parts (211, 212) which are fastened to the coil assembly (20) and electrically conductively connected to the coil assembly (20). The invention also relates to a switching device (100) comprising the drive unit (2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Drive unit and switching device

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] One possible application for such switching devices, in particular power contactors, is the opening and disconnecting of battery circuits, for example in motor vehicles such as electrically or partially electrically powered 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, or 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 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 separate the source from the load in the event of a malfunction.

[0006] 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.

[0007] The printed circuit board version is flexible in its design, as a variety of connectors or solderable cables can be used, with connecting cables or connectors being soldered directly to the circuit board. However, this version offers only limited mechanical stability against external forces, as the solder joints can be subjected to significant stress when, for example, the connecting cables are pulled or a mating connector is inserted. 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.

[0008] 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 means there is no flexibility in terms of control, as a new coil body and / or a 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.

[0009] At least one object of certain embodiments is to specify a drive unit, in particular a drive unit for a switching device. At least one further object of certain embodiments is to specify a switching device.

[0010] These objects are achieved by subject matter according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the subject matter are characterized in the dependent claims and will further emerge from the following description and the drawings.

[0011] 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.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the

[0013] Switching device 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 designed to switch a load circuit connectable to the switching device on and off. The movable contact is movable accordingly in 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 is spaced 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 makes mechanical contact with the at least one fixed

[0014] 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, in the manner described, can be electrically connected to one another or electrically separated from one another by the movable contact, depending on the state of the movable contact. Parts of the description which refer to at least one fixed contact also apply equally to several and in particular all of the fixed contacts present in the switching device.

[0015] 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 completely 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 with a part from the housing and have a connection option for a supply line outside the housing.

[0016] 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 completely 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 inside 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 a part outside the switching chamber.

[0017] Have the option of connecting a supply line.

[0018] 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. The magnet armature can for this purpose have an axis which is connected at one end to the movable contact in such a way that the movable contact can be moved by means of the axis, i.e. when the axis is moved, it is also moved by the axis. The axis 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 which has an opening through which the axis protrudes. The magnet armature can be moved by the drive unit, which is part of a magnetic circuit, in order to bring about the switching processes described above. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit can have a yoke which has an opening through which the axis 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.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the contacts are arranged in a gas atmosphere. This can mean, in particular, that the movable contact is arranged completely in the gas atmosphere and that at least a part of the at least one fixed contact, for example the contact region of the at least one fixed 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 against 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 completely 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 the 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 part of the gas atmosphere, can in particular be located in the switching chamber.

[0020] 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 carrier part on which the coil body is arranged.

[0021] 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.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the coil connection element has a lead frame with at least two lead frame parts. Each of the lead frame parts can be fastened to the coil assembly and electrically connected to the coil assembly. In particular, each of the lead frame parts can be fastened directly to the coil assembly. The at least two lead frame parts can be formed by a first lead frame part and a second lead frame part, which are electrically separated from one another, so that two connecting wires of the coil body can be electrically contacted by means of one of the at least two lead frame parts.

[0023] The leadframe and thus the leadframe parts of the leadframe can be formed by metal sheets, for example by 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 not parallel to one another, for example.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, each of the at least two leadframe parts has a fastening contact. The fastening contacts secure the leadframe parts of the leadframe to the coil assembly.

[0025] 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.

[0026] For example, the coil carrier can have at least one end region on which one or more holding elements are arranged. The at least one end region can particularly preferably be connected to the coil body carrier part and, for example, be formed integrally with the coil body carrier part. For example, the coil carrier can be formed with or from a plastic material.

[0027] 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. The term “plate-shaped” can be used here and below to 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, which 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.

[0028] 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 using 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 that forms 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.

[0029] 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 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 magnet armature is arranged.

[0030] 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. The drive unit can thus 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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, for example, solder connection points. 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the coil connection element has a casing. Consequently, the lead frame can be partially covered by a casing, wherein the casing can be made of or made of a plastic material. The casing can be produced, for example, using an injection molding process or another molding process. In particular, the casing can firmly connect the lead frame parts of the lead frame to one another and, for example, enclose the entire lead frame except for the fastening contacts, the plug contacts and, if present, the connection points. In particular, each of the lead frame parts can have a base part on which at least one fastening contact is arranged, wherein the base part is arranged in the casing. The base part and the at least one fastening contact can particularly preferably be formed in one plane.

[0035] The drive unit described here can, without claiming to be complete and taking the previous 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 is thus partially enclosed in the form of an overmold or an injection molding with a core. This can ensure increased mechanical load-bearing capacity. Additional components, for example an electrical component for overvoltage 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 soldering points with the coil body.A separate connector housing can be pushed and / or plugged over the connector contacts of the lead frame 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 that it can be modified according to customer requirements, while the coil assembly can always remain the same. This means that if the customer requests any changes, for example, only the coil connection element needs to be adapted. In the drive unit described here, the use of a lead frame for the coil connection element in particular combines the advantages of high flexibility and mechanical stability with low costs.

[0036] Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures.

[0037] Figures 1 and 2 show schematic representations of a part of a switching device according to an embodiment,

[0038] Figures 3 to 11 show schematic representations of a drive device and parts thereof according to further embodiments,

[0039] Figures 12 to 15 show schematic representations of a switching device and parts thereof according to further embodiments.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiments and figures, identical, similar or similarly acting elements can each be provided with the same reference numerals. The elements shown and their relative sizes to one another are not to be regarded as being to scale; rather, individual elements, such as layers, components, components and regions, can be shown exaggeratedly large for clarity and / or better understanding. Preferred exemplary embodiments of the drive unit 2 and of the switching device 100 are described in conjunction with the figures. Figures 1 and 2 show a three-dimensional view and a three-dimensional sectional view of the switching device 100, which can be used for example to switch strong electrical currents and / or high electrical voltages and which can be a relay or contactor, in particular a power contactor.Figures 1 and 2 show the switching device 100 without the housing 1. Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the drive unit 2 of the switching device 100. Figures 4 to 11 show parts of the drive unit 2 in different views. Figures 12 to 15 show the switching device 100 and parts thereof in different views. The following description applies equally to all figures. The geometries shown are only examples and are not to be understood as restrictive and can also be designed in alternative ways.

[0041] 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 has a plastic or is made thereof, for example PBT or glass fiber-filled PBT. The contacts 3, 4 can, for example, be made with or from Cu, a Cu alloy, one or more high-melting 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.

[0042] In the sectional view in Figure 2, the switching device 100 is shown in a switched-through 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 shown design of the switching contacts 3, 4 and in particular their geometry are purely exemplary and should not be understood as restrictive. 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.

[0043] The switching device 100 has a movable magnetic armature 5, which essentially carries out 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. Furthermore, the magnetic armature 5 has an axle 7, which is guided through the magnetic core 6 and which is firmly connected to the magnetic core 6 at one end of the axle. At the other end of the axle, 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. The magnetic armature 5 is moved by means of the drive unit 2 to carry out switching movements, in particular from the idle 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 magnet armature 5 with the movable contact 4 can move along the axial direction, i.e. along the main direction of extension 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 magnet armature 5 is guided. The flange 8 and the yoke 9 can preferably comprise or be made of pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy.

[0044] 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 upwards for this purpose.The magnet armature 5 thus moves from a first position, which corresponds to the rest state and at the same time the isolating, i.e. non-switching and thus switched off state, into a second position, which corresponds to the active, i.e. switching and thus switched on state shown in Figure 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 into the first position by one or more springs 10. In the illustration shown, the magnet armature 5 thus moves downwards again. The switching device 100 is then back in the rest state in which the contacts 3, 4 are open.

[0045] When the contacts 3, 4 open, an arc may occur which may damage the contact surfaces. This may result in the risk that the contacts 3, 4 will "stick" to one another due to welding caused by the arc and can no longer be separated. The switching device 100 then remains 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. In order to prevent the formation of such arcs or at least to assist in the extinguishing of arcs that do occur, the contacts 3, 4 are arranged in a gas atmosphere, so that the 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 region 14 formed by a hermetically sealed part. The gas-tight region 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 region 14 and thus also the switching chamber 11 are filled with a gas. The gas-tight region 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.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed contacts 3 are secured in the switching chamber wall 12, for example by brazing, and protrude through a cover region of the switching chamber wall 12 into the interior of the switching chamber 11 and thus into the gas-tight region 14. The switching chamber base 13 has a sleeve-like region in which the axis 7 is guided through an opening in the yoke 9.

[0047] The gas which 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 be hydrogen-containing, 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.

[0048] Furthermore, so-called blowout magnets (not shown) can be present inside or outside the switching chamber 11, i.e. permanent magnets which cause an extension of the arc gap and thus can improve the extinguishing of the arcs. 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 a 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 .

[0049] 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.

[0050] The coil connection element 21 has a lead frame 210, which is shown in Figure 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 body 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.

[0051] The coil connection element 21 has a casing 214, so that the lead frame 210 is partially covered by the casing, as shown, for example, in a three-dimensional external view in Figure 5 and in a semi-transparent view in Figures 6 and 7. The casing 214 has a plastic material or is preferably made of a plastic material. The casing 214 can be produced, for example, using an injection molding process or another molding process by partially covering the lead frame parts 211, 212, 213 with the casing 214. The casing 214 firmly connects the lead frame parts 211, 212, 213 of the lead frame 210 to one another. Particularly preferably, the sheath 214 encloses the entire lead frame 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 indicated in Figures 4, 6 and 7, may have 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.

[0052] 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 part 211, 212 each has 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.

[0053] The ladder frame 210 and thus the ladder frame parts 211 ,

[0054] 212, 213 of the lead frame 210 are preferably formed by metal sheets, for example by copper sheets, wherein at least the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212 are preferably shaped three-dimensionally. This can mean that the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212 are each bent and / or kinked in such a way that each of the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212 has parts that run in different planes that are not parallel to one another, for example. 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 run, for example, in a plane that is parallel, as shown, 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.

[0055] 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 which 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 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 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 can be seen in particular in Figures 8 and 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 designed 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.

[0056] 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 body carrier part 201 and the end regions 203 surround the cylindrical opening 22 in the coil carrier 200.

[0057] Between the holding elements 204, the switching device

[0058] 100 may have clamp-shaped metal elements 16 on the side of the coil carrier 200, which are shown in addition to the control unit 2 in Figure 3. Inserted into the opening 22 in the coil carrier 200, the switching device 100 may have a cup-shaped metal element 17. The metal elements 16, 17 may be made of pure iron or a lightly 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, may form essential parts of the magnetic circuit.

[0059] 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 can be formed by metal pins, as indicated in Figure 10, each of which protrudes 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 can each have an anchoring structure 2040, for example in the form of one or more barbs and / or in the form of anchoring holes, as can be seen in Figure 10.

[0060] 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 regions 2041, protrude, as can be seen in Figure 3 and in particular in a section in Figure 11. The fastening contacts 216 are particularly preferably soldered to the holding elements 204. Thus, each of the lead frame 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 lead frame parts 211, 212, 213 can be fastened to the coil assembly 20 and electrically conductively connected to at least one holding element 204 of the coil assembly 20.

[0061] The coil former 202 has a wire 208 which is electrically conductively 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 indicated in Figure 11 by a soldering point 209. The course of the wire 208 and the soldering point 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 to the latter. Furthermore, the first and second lead frame parts 211, 212 of the lead frame 210 are fastened 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.

[0062] 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. The drive unit 2 can thus 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 an external control circuit for controlling the drive unit 2 can be connected by means of a suitable mating plug 90, which is indicated in Figure 12. 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 indicated in Figures 12 to 15. Due to the bent or.In the 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 extending 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.

[0063] 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 held clamped between the two housing parts 101, 102, as can be seen in particular in Figures 14 and 15. For this purpose, the upper housing part 101 and the plug housing 230 can, for example, have regions for a tongue-and-groove-like connection. For example, an edge region 103 of the upper housing part 101 can engage in a groove 231 of the plug housing 230. In the embodiment shown, the groove 231 is formed in an area arranged separately from the actual plug part, so that the mating plug 90 can be pushed onto the plug 23 parallel to the side wall of the housing 1, preferably with some distance from the side wall, as indicated in Figure 12.The mating connector 90 with the indicated electrical lines can be part of an external control circuit. By supporting 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.

[0064] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, 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 can be seen, for example, in Figures 7 and 11, whereas in the exemplary embodiment in Figure 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 lead frame parts 211, 212.

[0065] While in the prior art the control circuit is connected to the coil of the magnetic drive via plugs or cables permanently integrated in the housing or via plugs that are soldered to a circuit board in the housing, the drive unit 2 described here combines the advantages of both variants. Because the lead frame parts 211, 212, 213, which are designed, for example, as copper sheets, are enclosed by a sheath 214 with or made of plastic, a high mechanical load capacity can be achieved. The lead frame 210 can also serve as a carrier for overvoltage protection. The plug 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 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, if the customer requests 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the embodiments by the description thereof. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature and any combination of features, which in particular includes any combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly mentioned in the

[0068] patent claims or embodiments.

[0069] Reference symbol list

[0070] 1 housing

[0071] Drive unit fixed contact

[0072] 4 movable contact

[0073] 5 magnet armatures

[0074] 6 magnetic core

[0075] 7 Axis

[0076] 8 Flange

[0077] yoke

[0078] 10 springs

[0079] 11 S h itch combs

[0080] 12 Switching chamber wall

[0081] 13 Switching chamber base

[0082] 14 gas-tight area

[0083] 15 Gas filling nozzle

[0084] 16 , 17 metal element

[0085] 20 Coil assembly

[0086] 21 Coil connection element

[0087] 22 Opening

[0088] 23 plugs

[0089] 24 electrical component

[0090] 41 Bridge insulator

[0091] 42 Contact spring

[0092] 90 mating connectors

[0093] 100 switching device

[0094] 101 , 102 Housing part

[0095] 103 Marginal area

[0096] 200 coil carriers

[0097] 201 Coil former carrier part

[0098] 202 coil formers

[0099] 203 End area holding element

[0100] wire

[0101] solder joint

[0102] Ladder frame

[0103] 212 , 213 ladder frame part

[0104] Wrapping

[0105] Base part

[0106] Fastening contact

[0107] boom part

[0108] Plug contact

[0109] Junction

[0110] Connector housing

[0111] Nut

[0112] 2040 Anchoring structure

[0113] 2041 pin-shaped area

Claims

Patent 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), 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).

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 cantilever 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 previous 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).

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