DE102024004481A1 - Arrangement element for LED and light-directing component - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection element for the electrical connection of an LED light source, wherein the LED light source has a circuit board which is provided with contact springs for the electrical supply of the LED and with an annular frame which is intended to overlap a circuit board and to hold it mechanically on an arrangement surface of a counter-bearing and with a contact arrangement which is mounted in the frame and serves to supply the LED with electricity, wherein the frame is divided into an outer ring and an inner ring and the outer ring is intended to surround the circuit board and to hold it parallel to the arrangement surface of the counter-bearing and the inner ring overlaps the circuit board at least in some areas and is intended to hold the circuit board vertically to the surface of the counter-bearing, characterized in that the outer ring and the inner ring can be fastened to one another by means of a vertically acting fastening element, wherein the fastening element can be displaced from a pre-assembly position into an assembly position and is held at least partially by a screw in the assembly position. As well as a light-directing component.

Description

The invention relates to a connection element for the electrical connection of an LED light source, wherein the LED light source has a circuit board which is provided with contact springs for supplying the LED with electricity, with an annular frame which is intended to overlap a circuit board and to hold it mechanically on an arrangement surface of a counter bearing, with a contact arrangement which is mounted in the frame and serves to supply the LED with electricity, wherein the frame is divided into an outer ring and an inner ring and the outer ring is intended to surround the circuit board and to hold it parallel to the arrangement surface of the counter bearing and the inner ring overlaps the circuit board at least in some areas and is intended to hold the circuit board vertically to the surface of the counter bearing. The invention also relates to a light-directing component.

Connection elements are well known in the prior art. They consist of a ring element that spans a printed circuit board and is capable of holding the printed circuit board between itself and a counter-bearing, in particular a heat sink. For this purpose, the ring element is attached to the counter-bearing, for example, by means of screw bolts. Part of its surface facing the printed circuit board rests on the printed circuit board. The ring element carries contacts in contact chambers. These contacts have a clamping section into which the stripped end of a connecting conductor is inserted. The connecting conductor is thus held in the clamping section and electrically contacted. Each contact then has spring legs that serve as pressure contacts and rest on contact pads on the printed circuit board. The connection element from the aforementioned patent thus serves both for electrical contact and for mechanically securing the printed circuit board to a counter-bearing. The printed circuit board itself carries an LED. It thus represents a lighting device that is used in lights instead of more familiar incandescent filament lamps or similar conventional lighting devices.

Generic connecting elements have proven extremely effective in practice and are used particularly in spotlights that use LED lamps.

LED technology has evolved significantly in the meantime. Printed circuit boards with mounted LEDs are now available in a wide range of brightness levels and power levels, which is why the shape and, above all, the size of the printed circuit boards and the LEDs arranged on them vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer and across different power classes.

Therefore, a wide variety of generic connectors can be found on the market, each of which makes many specific LED circuit boards from a particular manufacturer and with a specific power class usable. This is fundamentally advantageous, as suitable connectors are available for every application. However, this range does not meet the requirements of the lighting industry. There, subcomponents of luminaires are kept pre-assembled and then finally assembled upon acceptance of a specific luminaire type.

For example, a specific luminaire type is offered in various wattages, i.e., with different luminous intensity or color temperature of the light source. For this type of luminaire, the standardized housing components are kept in stock. Furthermore, the actual lighting device—usually consisting of an LED light source mounted on a suitably dimensioned heat sink—is kept in stock in various versions. This allows for a modular system to be used when an incoming luminaire order is received, allowing for easy final assembly of the requested luminaire.

However, the disadvantage here is the need to stock a large number of lighting units. The fully pre-assembled unit, consisting of the LED bulb, connector element, and suitable heat sink, represents a significant value for the actual luminaire. Depending on the variety of a luminaire type, a large inventory is required.

Subsequently, according to the DE 20 2023 105 716 U1 The applicant has developed a generic connecting element which compensates for existing disadvantages by making the frame of the connecting element two-part, consisting of an outer ring and an inner ring.

However, connection elements are also increasingly subject to the requirement of quick interchangeability and, at the same time, sustainability. However, these two increasingly demanded requirements by the lighting industry are always and primarily subject to safety.

The object of the invention is therefore, based on the latter prior art, to create a connecting element which ensures quick replacement, longevity and safety of the connecting element.

The object is achieved by a connecting element according to claim 1, in particular its Characteristic part, according to which the outer ring and the inner ring can be fastened to one another by means of a vertically acting fastening element, wherein the fastening element can be displaced from a pre-assembly position into an assembly position and is held at least partially by a screw in the assembly position.

The inner ring is precisely inserted into the outer ring during the assembly process of the connecting light. During this process, the outer ring and inner ring are loosely positioned against each other. The fastening element acts vertically, i.e., against the direction of light emission, to firmly position the outer ring and inner ring. The fastening element is moved against the direction of light emission and at least partially overlaps the outer ring and/or inner ring. The force exerted by the fastening element on the outer ring and inner ring secures them.

The advantage of this is that the outer ring and inner ring are arranged adjacent to each other, preventing the inner ring from slipping out of the outer ring when the connecting element is mounted at the final assembly position, such as a ceiling. This ensures that the connecting element can be securely positioned at the final assembly position.

At the same time, it's advantageous that the outer ring and inner ring are detachably attached to each other. This means that the fastening element can be easily and, above all, quickly removed, ensuring that the respective components, such as the outer ring, inner ring, and other components of the connecting element, can be replaced.

Furthermore, the connectors are still guaranteed to be sustainable. For example, it's possible to send components for repair to the manufacturer and then reinstall the repaired components into the connector. This also ensures that the luminaire that interacts with the connector doesn't necessarily have to be thrown away.

It is further provided that the fastening element is positioned downstream of the outer ring and/or inner ring in the light exit direction. Positioning the fastening element downstream makes it possible, on the one hand, to arrange the fastening element on the connecting element after the inner ring has been inserted into the outer ring. On the other hand, it is then possible to release the fastening element again when the connecting element is positioned at its final assembly position—for example, when the connecting element exhibits components that need to be removed and replaced.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the fastening element is designed as a spring ring.

It is intended that the spring ring is made of metal, thus ensuring the longevity and sustainability of the connecting element, since metal is very robust due to its chemical and physical properties and is therefore less susceptible to damage.

It is advantageous that the spring washer is arranged partially overlying the inner ring, opposite the light exit direction. The spring washer is thus positioned directly downstream of the inner ring in the light exit direction, so that the vertical forces acting during the fastening process act on the inner ring and, from there, on the outer ring, thus ensuring safe handling of the connecting element.

It is particularly advantageous that the spring washer is movable from a pre-assembly position to an assembly position, with the spring washer being arranged at least partially on the inner ring under pre-tension in the pre-assembly position. An initial vertical force is already applied to the inner ring in the pre-assembly position, and thus also distributed to the outer ring. Thus, the spring washer is already arranged on the inner ring in the pre-assembly position.

It is intended that the spring ring forms fastening means in order to fasten the inner ring and the outer ring to each other.

For this purpose, the fastening means are provided with a fastening section and a tool holder. The fastening section serves to position the spring washer on the inner ring. The tool holder is designed exclusively to accommodate a tool so that the spring washer can be moved from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position and from the assembly position back to the pre-assembly position if the spring washer needs to be removed. This ensures simplified handling of the spring washer.

It is advantageous that the fastening section is moved at least partially under a screw head in the manner of a bayonet lock when the spring washer is moved from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position. With the help of the bayonet lock, a special form-fitting connection is achieved between the spring washer, the outer ring and the inner ring, which also particularly strong mechanical stress, especially vibrations.

Alternatively, it is envisaged that the fastening means is designed as a receiving pocket, wherein the receiving pocket has a receiving region which is formed by a fastening projection and a fastening rib, and wherein the receiving region serves to at least partially receive the screw head of the screw.

It is advantageous that in the pre-assembly position the screw head lies at least partially in the receiving area and the spring washer can be moved from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position by turning the screw against the direction of light emission. In the pre-assembly position the spring washer is already pre-tensioned on the inner ring so that the first vertical force acts on the system in the pre-assembly position. The force is increased by the firm arrangement of the screws on the spring washer in the assembly position. The force is thus distributed evenly across the connecting element. Partial component wear is thus prevented because the force is distributed evenly across the entire connecting element rather than across individual components.

The problem is also solved using a light-directing component with a connection element according to the invention. The light-directing component can be, for example, a reflector, a lens, or a collimator.

• 1 eine erste nicht erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform in Explosionsdarstellung,
• 2 in perspektivischer Darstellung auf die Oberseite des ersten Innenrings, ersten Außenrings und des ersten Befestigungselements gemäß 1,
• 3 der erste Innenring, erste Außenring und des ersten Befestigungselements in Ansicht von oben gemäß 2,
• 4 eine Schnittansicht des ersten Innenrings, des ersten Außenrings und des ersten Befestigungselements mit der Schnittlinie III A-III A gemäß 3,
• 5 eine zweite nicht erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform in Explosionsdarstellung,
• 6 in perspektivischer Darstellung auf die Oberseite des zweiten Innenrings, zweiten Außenrings und des zweien Befestigungselements gemäß 5,
• 7 der zweite Innenring, zweite Außenring und des zweiten Befestigungselements in Ansicht von oben gemäß 6,
• 8 eine Schnittansicht des zweiten Innenrings, des zweiten Außenrings und des zweiten Befestigungselements mit der Schnittlinie VIIB-VIIB gemäß 7,
• 9 eine dritte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Explosionsdarstellung in Montageposition,
• 10 eine perspektivische Darstellung auf die Oberseite des dritten Innenrings und des dritten Außenrings sowie drittes Befestigungselements in Vormontageposition,
• 11 der dritte Innenring, der dritte Außenring und das dritte Befestigungselement in Ansicht in Vormontageposition von oben gemäß 10,
• 12 eine Schnittansicht des dritten Innenrings, des dritten Außenrings und des dritten Befestigungselements in Vormontageposition mit der Schnittlinie XI C-XI C gemäß 11,
• 13 eine perspektivische Darstellung auf die Oberseite des dritten Innenrings und des dritten Außenrings sowie drittes Befestigungselements in Montageposition gemäß 9,
• 14 der dritte Innenring, der dritte Außenring und das dritte Befestigungselement in Ansicht in Montageposition von oben gemäß 13,
• 15 eine Schnittansicht des dritten Innenrings, des dritten Außenrings und des dritten Befestigungselements in Montageposition mit der Schnittlinie XIV D-XIV D gemäß 14,
• 16 eine vierte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Explosionsdarstellung in Montageposition,
• 17 eine perspektivische Darstellung auf die Oberseite des vierten Innenrings und des vierten Außenrings sowie vierten Befestigungselements in Vormontageposition,
• 18 der vierte Innenring, der vierte Außenring und das vierte Befestigungselement in Ansicht in Vormontageposition von oben gemäß 17,
• 19 eine Schnittansicht des dritten Innenrings, des dritten Außenrings und des dritten Befestigungselements in Vormontageposition mit der Schnittlinie XVIII E-XVIII E gemäß 18,
• 20 eine perspektivische Darstellung auf die Oberseite des vierten Innenrings und des vierten Außenrings sowie vierten Befestigungselements in Montageposition gemäß 16,
• 21 der vierte Innenring, der vierte Außenring und das vierte Befestigungselement in Ansicht in Vormontageposition von oben gemäß 20,
• 22 eine Schnittansicht des dritten Innenrings, des dritten Außenrings und des dritten Befestigungselements in Vormontageposition mit der Schnittlinie XXII F-F XXII gemäß 21.

Further advantages of the invention and a better understanding of the same can be found in the following description of four exemplary embodiments. They show:

• 1 a first embodiment not according to the invention in exploded view,
• 2 in perspective view of the top side of the first inner ring, first outer ring and the first fastening element according to 1 ,
• 3 the first inner ring, first outer ring and the first fastening element in top view according to 2 ,
• 4 a sectional view of the first inner ring, the first outer ring and the first fastening element with the section line III A-III A according to 3 ,
• 5 a second embodiment not according to the invention in exploded view,
• 6 in perspective view of the top side of the second inner ring, second outer ring and the second fastening element according to 5 ,
• 7 the second inner ring, second outer ring and the second fastening element in top view according to 6 ,
• 8 a sectional view of the second inner ring, the second outer ring and the second fastening element with the section line VIIB-VIIB according to 7 ,
• 9 a third embodiment of the invention in exploded view in assembly position,
• 10 a perspective view of the top side of the third inner ring and the third outer ring as well as the third fastening element in pre-assembly position,
• 11 the third inner ring, the third outer ring and the third fastening element in pre-assembly position viewed from above according to 10 ,
• 12 a sectional view of the third inner ring, the third outer ring and the third fastening element in pre-assembly position with the section line XI C-XI C according to 11 ,
• 13 a perspective view of the top side of the third inner ring and the third outer ring as well as the third fastening element in the assembly position according to 9 ,
• 14 the third inner ring, the third outer ring and the third fastening element in the assembly position viewed from above according to 13 ,
• 15 a sectional view of the third inner ring, the third outer ring and the third fastening element in assembly position with the section line XIV D-XIV D according to 14 ,
• 16 a fourth embodiment of the invention in exploded view in assembly position,
• 17 a perspective view of the top side of the fourth inner ring and the fourth outer ring as well as the fourth fastening element in pre-assembly position,
• 18 the fourth inner ring, the fourth outer ring and the fourth fastening element in pre-assembly position viewed from above according to 17 ,
• 19 a sectional view of the third inner ring, the third outer ring and the third fastening element in pre-assembly position with the section line XVIII E-XVIII E according to 18 ,
• 20 a perspective view of the top of the fourth inner ring and the fourth outer ring and fourth fastening element in assembly position according to 16 ,
• 21 the fourth inner ring, the fourth outer ring and the fourth fastening element in pre-assembly position viewed from above according to 20 ,
• 22 a sectional view of the third inner ring, the third outer ring and the third fastening element in pre-assembly position with the section line XXII FF XXII according to 21 .

In all figures, the installation direction E is defined as perpendicular to the arrangement plane 510 on the surface 511 of a heat sink 500, and the light exit direction R is defined as perpendicular away from the arrangement plane 510. The arrangement plane 510 is shown as the surface 511 of a heat sink 500, on which all embodiments of the invention can be mounted. Likewise, for all figures, in the light exit direction R, a system axis X runs through the center point M of the arrangement of the outer and inner rings.

In the 1 to 4 A first embodiment not according to the invention is provided with the reference number 100. A second embodiment not according to the invention is shown in the 5 to 8 and designated overall by reference number 200. In the 9 to 15 A third embodiment of the invention is shown and is designated overall by the reference number 300. In the 16 to 22 A fourth embodiment of the invention is identified by reference numeral 400.

The non-inventive embodiments 100/200 and the embodiment 300/400 of the invention have a number of identical components. Where identical or identically functioning components are used, they are named the same and differ only in that they are assigned to either the number range 100 or the number range 200, or the number range 300 or the number range 400. Thus, what was said about the first embodiment always applies to the second embodiment 200 as far as identical or identically functioning components are concerned, and what was said about the third embodiment 300 always applies to the fourth embodiment 400 as far as identical or identically functioning components are concerned.

Furthermore, all four versions share the same or identical components with the same or similarly functioning components. These are also named the same and differ only in the corresponding number range: 100/200/300/400.

The electrical supply of the circuit boards is not shown in the embodiments, since it plays only a minor role for the core of the invention.

In the 1 The first connection element 110 is shown, which consists of a first outer ring 111, a first inner ring 112, and a first fastening element 113. The connection element 110 also has connection contacts (not shown).

The connection element 110 interacts, on the one hand, with a circuit board 114, which carries an LED 114A as the light source. On the other hand, the connection element 110 cooperates with a counter-bearing 500, which is designed as a heat sink 500. Instead of the heat sink 500, however, the counter-bearing 500 can also represent a lighting component of any type.

The connection element 110 is attached to the heat sink 500 by means of two screws 117, each forming a screw head 118 and a screw body 119. The connection element 110 holds the LED 114A of the circuit board 114 between itself and the heat sink 500.

The outer ring 111 initially has a base plate 120. The base plate 120, in turn, forms an opening 121. This opening 121 defines the inner silhouette 122 of the outer ring 111, which is divided into a rectangular, in particular square, insertion contour 123 and an engagement contour 124. The engagement contours 124 merge into the insertion contour 123.

On the base plate 120, there is an annular collar 125, which surrounds the opening 121 and has receiving holes 126. The receiving holes 126 serve to accommodate the screws 117.

The annular collar 125 has a substantially circular inner contour 129. The inner wall sections 127 of the annular collar 125 extend on a common radius around a center point M and are interrupted by locating nose receptacles 128.

The inner contour 129 of the outer ring 111 is circular and is formed as an internal thread 130.

The first inner ring 112 has a top side O and a bottom side U. In addition, the inner ring 112 is equipped with an annular wall 131, which surrounds an LED holder 132. In addition, the annular wall 131 forms diametrically opposed locating lugs 133, which are connected to the locating lugs naufnahmen 128 of the outer ring 111 interact.

The first fastening element 113 is a screw connection 113A and is designed as a coupling ring 113B. The coupling ring 113B forms a coupling ring base body 134, which has a front side F and a reverse side K. The coupling ring base body 134 is ring-shaped and surrounds an inner ring receptacle 135.

In addition, the coupling ring 113B has an outer contour 136, which is shaped as an external thread 137. Above the external thread 137, the coupling ring 113B has operating means 138 for moving the coupling ring 113B.

Furthermore, the 1 the light exit direction R of the light from the LED 114A.

In the 2 The assembled connecting element 110 is shown in a perspective view from above. The specific configuration process and the effective force distribution of the connecting element 110 will be described later.

It can be seen that the inner ring 112 is seated in the outer ring 111. The LED recess 132 is positioned above the LED 114A. The LED recess 132 is in turn overlaid in the light exit direction R by the inner ring receptacle 135 of the coupling ring 113B, so that the light emitted by the LED 114A can exit the connection element 110 unhindered.

In the assembled state, the collar ring 113B sits within the inner wall section 127 of the outer ring 111, so that the external thread 137 of the collar ring 113B interacts with the internal thread 130 of the outer ring 111. To arrange the two threads 137 and 130, the collar ring 113B was displaced into the outer ring 111 in a vertical direction, i.e., opposite to the light exit direction R, using the operating means 138 and acts on the inner ring 112 and the outer ring 111 using vertical forces.

In the 3 A top view of the connector element 110 is shown in the assembled state. It can be clearly seen that the LED 114A is not overlaid by any components and that the light emission is not prevented.

The 4 shows the assembled state of the connecting element 110 according to section lines IIIA-IIIA from 3 .

The outer ring 111 is arranged on the heat sink 500. The screws 117 are inserted into the receiving holes 126. The circuit board 114 with the LED 114A is inserted into the insertion contour 123. The circuit board 114 is now securely protected against horizontal displacement or displacement parallel to the assembly surface. The inner ring 112 is located within the annular collar 125 of the outer ring 111. The collar ring 113B is mounted on the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 112 in the light exit direction R. The internal thread 130 of the outer ring 111 interacts with the external thread 137 of the collar ring 113B, and a vertical force emanating from the collar ring 113B acts counter to the light exit direction R.

The mechanism of action of the first connecting element 110 will be discussed later.

The second non-inventive embodiment 200 of the connecting element 210 is now shown in the drawings 5 to 8.

Compared to the first embodiment 100 of the connecting element 110, the second outer ring 211 of the second connecting element 210 has an outer contour 229, which forms an external thread 230. The external thread 230 has diametrically opposed recesses A, which ensure the screwing in of the screw 217 and the external thread 230 does not hinder the arrangement of the screw 217.

In addition, the second fastening element 213 forms an inner contour 236, which forms an internal thread 237, as the 5 and the 8 can be seen.

The mechanism of action of the second connecting element 210 will be discussed later.

The third embodiment 300 of the third connection element 310 is shown in the 9 to 15 described, whereby the 10 to 12 the pre-assembly position of the fastening element 313 and the 9, 13 to 15 show the mounting position of the fastening element 313.

The 9 shows the third connection element 310 according to the invention, which also consists of an outer ring 311, an inner ring 312, and a fastening element 313 in the assembly position. The fastening element 313 is designed as a spring ring 313C, wherein the spring ring 313C can be moved from a pre-assembly position to an assembly position.

The outer ring 311 forms, unlike the first and second embodiments 100/200, a fastening section arrangement area on the plane starting from the receiving holes 326 340, which forms an arrangement surface 341.

The inner ring 312 also has an annular wall 331. The upper side O of the inner ring 312 forms a support ring G, which has two diametrically opposed pre-assembly fixations Z.

The spring ring 313C forms a spring ring base body 342, which is essentially annular in shape. The spring ring base body 342 has a front side S and a rear side T. Furthermore, the spring ring base body 342 surrounds a spring ring inner receptacle 343, which is clamped in the assembly position. In the pre-assembly position (not shown), the spring ring inner receptacle 343 is curved.

Two diametrically opposed fastening means 344 are formed on the outer circumference of the spring washer base body 342. These fastening means 344 have a fastening section 345 and a tool holder 346.

The 10 to 12 now shows the pre-assembly position of the spring washer 313C. In the 10 The inner ring 312 is inserted into the outer ring 311. The spring ring 313C sits under preload on the inner ring 312. The fastening means 344 are loosely mounted in the light exit direction R in the fastening section arrangement area 340 above the plane of the screw head 318 of the screw 317.

The outer ring 311 has an outer ring support surface C, which serves to support the screw heads 318. The support of the screw heads 318 creates a gap P pointing toward the circuit board 314.

This serves to accommodate the fastening section 354. The outer ring 311, with its outer ring support surface C, acts as a spacer for the accommodation of the fastening section 345.

The 13 to 15 represent the mounting position of the spring ring 313C. For this purpose, the spring ring 313C was attached to the outer ring 311 and the inner ring 312 using a bayonet lock. The detailed process of moving from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position, and thus the fastening process, will be described later.

The 16 to 22 show a fourth embodiment 400 of the fourth connection element 410 according to the invention, wherein the 17 to 19 the pre-assembly position of the fourth fastening element 413 and the 16 and 20 to 22 represent the mounting position of the fastening element 413.

The 16 shows the fourth connection element 410, which also consists of an outer ring 411, an inner ring 412, and a fastening element 413 in the assembly position. The fastening element 413 is designed as a spring ring 413C, wherein the spring ring 413C can be moved from a pre-assembly position to an assembly position.

The outer ring 411 forms a receiving pocket arrangement region 450 on the plane starting from the receiving holes 426, which has a receiving pocket arrangement surface 451.

The outer ring 411 has an outer ring support surface C, which serves to support the screw heads 418. The support of the screw heads 418 creates a gap P facing the circuit board 414. This gap P serves to accommodate the fastening projection 455. The outer ring 311, with its outer ring support surface C, acts as a spacer for accommodating the fastening projection 455.

The inner ring 412 has the support ring G in the light exit direction R, which forms two diametrically opposed pre-assembly fixations Z.

The spring ring 413C forms one spring ring base body 442, which is essentially ring-shaped. The spring ring base body 442 has a front side S and a rear side T. Furthermore, the spring ring base body 442 surrounds a spring ring inner receptacle 443, which is clamped in the assembly position. In the pre-assembly position (not shown), the spring ring base body 442 is curved.

Two diametrically opposed fastening means 444 are formed on the outer circumference of the spring washer base body 342. These fastening means 444 have a receiving pocket 452, which has a receiving area 453, a fastening rib 454, and a fastening projection 455.

The spring ring base body 342 also forms diametrically opposed arrangement sections B. These are inserted between the surface O of the inner ring 412 and the pre-assembly fixations Z, so that the spring ring 413C is pre-tensioned.

The 17 to 19 now shows the pre-assembly position of the spring washer 413C. In the 17 the inner ring 412 is inserted into the outer ring 411. The arrangement sections B are arranged below the pre-assembly fixations Z, so that the spring ring 413C is pre-tensioned on the inner ring 412 sits, wherein the screw head 418 lies at least partially in the receiving area 453 and the fastening rib 454 and the fastening projections 455 come into contact with the receiving pocket arrangement surface 451 of the receiving pocket arrangement area 450.

The 20 to 22 represent the mounting position of the spring washer 413C. For this purpose, the respective fastening projection 455 is locked below the screw head 418 in the gap P. The detailed process of moving from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position and thus the fastening process will be described later.

In the following, the functioning of the first and second non-inventive embodiment 100/200 of the first connection element 110 and the second connection element 210 is first explained based on the synopsis of the 1 and 4 and the overview of 5 and 8 explained.

First, the first outer ring 111 is placed on the heat sink 500, whereby directly afterwards the screw body 119 of the screw 117 is pushed through the receiving holes 126 and interacts with the heat sink 500, so that the outer ring 111 is fastened on the heat sink 500.

The circuit board 114 with the LED 114A is then inserted into the insertion contour 123 of the opening 121. The insertion contour 123 and the circuit board contour are precisely aligned. However, the circuit board 114 can be removed again using the engagement contour 124, if necessary.

Once the circuit board 114 is inserted into the insertion contour 123, the inner ring 112 is loosely placed in the outer ring 111, opposite to the light exit direction R. To this end, the LED recess 132 is positioned above the circuit board 114, and the locating lugs 133 are inserted into the locating lug receptacles 128 provided for this purpose. The inner ring 112 is now positioned above the circuit board 114 and loosely inserted into the outer ring 111.

Since such an attachment to a final assembly position would not be possible, the outer ring 111, inner ring 112 and circuit board 114 must now be fastened together.

For this purpose, the coupling ring 113B is now screwed into the outer ring 111 against the light exit direction R using the operating means 138. For this purpose, the reverse side K of the coupling ring base body 134 is placed on the outer ring 111 and then moved vertically against the light exit direction R, so that the external thread 137 engages the internal thread 130 of the outer ring 111 and is screwed in a vertically downward motion, i.e., toward the heat sink 500. The external thread 137 engages the internal thread 130, and the frictional connection between the two threads 130 and 137 is established. Due to the vertical force acting on the inner ring 112 by the collar ring 113B, the inner ring 112 is moved in the direction of the outer ring 111, and the circuit board 114 located between the inner ring 112 and the outer ring 111 is also pressed in the light exit direction R, so that the pressure force acts on the circuit board 114 and the heat sink 500 and secures them. At the same time, a contact force is also created between contacts (not shown) and the circuit board 114. The connection element 110 is securely mounted on the heat sink 500. The interaction is particularly evident in the 4 The force transmission between the coupling ring 113B, the inner ring 112, the outer ring 111, and the inserted circuit board 114 is homogeneous. As a result, no component is subjected to excessive force, reducing component wear and contributing to the durability of the connection elements 110.

The connection element 110 can thus be assembled anywhere, since the fastening at the end at the final assembly position only needs to be carried out by the rotating movement of the coupling ring 113B.

It is possible to release the fastening again by moving the operating means 138 and thus the retaining ring 113B as a whole back into the light exit direction R. This ensures a quick and uncomplicated replacement of the components.

In contrast to the first embodiment 100, in the second embodiment 200 of the connecting element 210, the screw body 219 is guided along the recesses A in the external thread 230, so that the screw head 218 sits in the recesses A when the screw 217 is finally arranged on the heat sink 500.

In this embodiment 200, the collar ring 213B has no operating means. However, such a configuration is also conceivable.

The coupling ring 213B is then placed with the reverse side K on the internal thread 237 of the outer ring 211. The internal thread 237 of the coupling ring 213B engages over the external thread 230 of the outer ring 211. By means of a rotational movement opposite to the light exit direction R, the internal thread 237 and external thread 230 are screwed together in a force-locking manner. Due to the vertical force of the coupling ring 213B on the Due to the compression of the outer ring 211 and the inner ring 212 inserted between the two components, the inner ring 212 is also pressed against the light exit direction R and thus acts on the circuit board 214, which in turn is pressed against the heat sink 500 and secured. The force transmission between the coupling ring 213B, the inner ring 212, the outer ring 211, and the inserted circuit board 214 is homogeneous. As a result, no component is subjected to excessive force, and component wear is also reduced based on the second embodiment 200, contributing to the durability of the connection elements 210.

The connection element 210 can thus be assembled anywhere, since the fastening at the end at the final assembly position only needs to be carried out by the rotating movement of the coupling ring 213B.

It is possible to release the fastening again by displacing the collar ring 213B in its entirety in the light exit direction R. This enables a quick and uncomplicated replacement of the components of the connecting element 210.

In the following, the functioning of the third embodiment 300 of the third connection element 310 will be explained based on the overview of the 10 , 12 and 13 and 15.

The 10 and 12 show the third connecting element 310 with fastening element 313 in pre-assembly position.

First, the third outer ring 311 is placed on the heat sink 500, with the screw bodies 319 of the screws 317 being pushed through the receiving holes 326 and interacting with the heat sink 500 immediately thereafter, so that the outer ring 311 is fastened to the heat sink 500. The screw heads 319 rest firmly on an outer ring support C, creating the gap P, which later accommodates the fastening section 345 of the spring ring 313C. The outer ring support C of the outer ring 311 thus serves as a spacer.

The circuit board 314 with the LED 314A is then inserted into the insertion contour 323 of the opening 321. The insertion contour 323 and the circuit board contour are precisely aligned. However, the circuit board 314 can be removed again using the engagement contour 324, if necessary.

As soon as the circuit board 314 is inserted into the insertion contour 323, the inner ring 312 is loosely placed in the outer ring 311 against the light exit direction R. For this purpose, the LED recess 332 is arranged above the circuit board 314 and the locating lugs 333 are inserted into the locating lug receptacles 328 provided for this purpose. The inner ring 312 now lies above the circuit board 314 and loosely in the outer ring 311. Subsequently, the spring ring 313C is pre-tensioned with the locating sections B of the spring ring base body 342 below the pre-assembly fixation Z and above the upper side O, and the spring ring 313C is thus curved. This pre-tensioning applies the vertical force to the connection element 310. The contacts (not shown) and the circuit board 314 are moved against the light exit direction R.

At the same time, the fastening sections 345 of the spring ring 313C are now located within the fastening section arrangement area 340 of the outer ring 311 above the screw heads 318.

In order to move the spring ring 313C into the assembly position, the fastening means 344 of the spring ring 313C is moved in a bayonet-type manner by means of a tool (not shown) engaging the tool holder 346 such that the fastening section 345 initially enters the gap P and is then arranged at least partially beneath the screw heads 318. This changes the spring ring 313C from a curved to a tensioned configuration. The spring ring base body 342 rests on the upper side O of the ring wall 331 of the inner ring 312, with the spring ring inner holder 343 overlapping the LED recess 332 of the inner ring 312, as shown in the 15 can be seen.

The entire system is now subjected to tension and frictional force, so that the spring ring 313C now securely fastens the inner ring 312 in the outer ring 311, thus securing the circuit board 314 sandwiched between them. The connection element 310 has been securely positioned on the heat sink 500.

This fastening variant of the connecting element 310 can be released at any time by loosening the screws 317 and then sliding the fastening section 345 out from below the screw heads 318. Subsequently, only the spring ring 313C needs to be removed from the inner ring 312. The connecting element 310 or its components can thus be replaced quickly and easily.

In the following, the functioning of the fourth embodiment 400 of the fourth connection element 410 will be explained based on the overview of the 17 , 19 as well as 20 and 22.

The 17 and 19 show the fourth connection element 410 according to the invention with fastening element 413 in pre-assembly position.

In the fourth embodiment 400, the spring ring 413C is positioned when the screws 417 are arranged in the receiving openings 426. For this purpose, the outer ring 411 is first positioned on the heat sink 500, and the circuit board 414 is inserted into the insertion contour 423. The inner ring 412 is then loosely positioned in the outer ring 411. The screw head 419 rests on the outer ring support C, so that the gap P is created by the positioning of the screw head 418, and the outer ring 411 thus acts as a spacer.

The spring washer 413C is now placed on the inner ring 412. To do this, first, the fastening rib 454 of the receiving pocket 452 is positioned on the receiving pocket arrangement surface 451 of the receiving pocket arrangement area 450. Then, the screws 417 are inserted into the receiving holes 426 by means of the screw body 419. The screw bodies 418 pass through the receiving pocket arrangement area 450 and the fastening projection 455, and the screw heads 418 remain in the pre-assembly position between the fastening rib 454 and the fastening projection 455 of the receiving pocket 452.

Then, the arrangement section B of the spring ring 413C is first fastened between the surface O of the inner ring 412 and the pre-assembly fixings Z in the vertical direction, i.e., opposite to the light exit direction R. The spring ring 413C has a curved geometry, so that at the contact area between the arrangement section B and the pre-assembly fixings Z, the force acts opposite to the light entry direction R on the inner ring 412 and from there on the circuit board 414 and the outer ring 411.

The mounting position of the spring ring 413C is in conjunction with the 20 and 22 clearly visible. The spring washer 413C is already under tension. The fastening ribs 454, which are already resting on the screw heads 418, are locked into the respective gap P. For this purpose, the fastening rib 454 dips into the gap P so that they lock firmly below the respective screw head 418. The entire system is subjected to tension and friction forces, as the spring washer 413C is thereby further tensioned. The forces from the spring washer 413C are evenly transferred via the inner ring 412 to the outer ring 411. The inner ring 412, outer ring 411, and the circuit board 414 are now arranged in a fastening manner to one another. The connection element 410 is securely fastened to the heat sink 500.

If a replacement or repair of one of the connecting element components is required, the spring ring 413C can be loosened again and the spring ring 413C can be removed so that no fastening force acts on the outer ring 411 and inner ring 413.

List of reference symbols

100

first embodiment

110

connecting element

111

first outer ring

112

first inner ring

113

first fasteners

113A

Screw fasteners

113B

coupling ring

114

circuit board

114A

LED

117

screw

118

screw head

119

Screw body

120

base plate

121

breakthrough

122

Interior silhouette

123

Insert contour

124

Intervention contour

125

Ring collar

126

Mounting holes

127

Interior wall section

128

Arrangement nose recording

129

inner contour

130

internal thread

131

Ring wall

132

LED recess

133

Arrangement nose

134

Union ring base body

135

inner ring holder

136

Outer contour

137

external thread

138

Operating tools

200

second embodiment

210

connecting element

211

second outer ring

212

second inner ring

213

second fastening elements

213A

Screw fasteners

213B

coupling ring

214

circuit board

214A

LED

217

screw

218

screw head

219

Screw body

220

base plate

221

breakthrough

222

Interior silhouette

223

Insert contour

224

Intervention contour

225

Ring collar

226

Mounting holes

227

Interior wall section

229

Outer contour

230

external thread

231

Ring wall

232

LED recess

234

Union ring base body

235

inner ring holder

236

inner contour

237

internal thread

300

third embodiment

310

connecting element

311

third outer ring

312

third inner ring

313

third fastening element

313C

spring ring

314

circuit board

314A

LED

317

screw

318

screw head

319

Screw body

320

base plate

321

breakthrough

322

Interior silhouette

323

Insert contour

324

Intervention contour

325

Ring collar

326

Mounting holes

327

Interior wall section

328

Arrangement nose recording

331

Ring wall

332

LED recess

333

Arrangement nose

340

Fastening section arrangement area

341

Arrangement surface

342

Spring washer base body

343

Spring ring inner holder

344

Fasteners

345

Fastening section

346

Tool holder

400

fourth embodiment

410

connecting element

411

fourth outer ring

412

Fourth inner ring

413

fourth fastening element

413C

spring ring

414

circuit board

414A

LED

416

Mounting holes

417

screw

418

screw head

419

screw body

420

base plate

421

breakthrough

422

Interior silhouette

423

Insert contour

424

Intervention contour

425

Ring collar

426

Mounting holes

427

Interior wall section

428

Arrangement nose recording

429

Ring wall

430

LED recess

431

Ring wall

432

LED recess

433

Arrangement nose

442

Spring washer base body

443

Spring ring inner holder

444

Fasteners for the mounting bag

450

arrangement area receiving pocket-

451

arrangement surface

452

Recording pocket

453

Recording area

454

Mounting rib

455

Mounting projection

500

Heat sink/counter bearing

510

Arrangement level of 500

511

Surface of 500

A

recess

B

Arrangement section of 313c and 413C

C

Outer ring support

E

Installation direction

F

Front of 113, 213

G

Support ring

K

Reverse side of 113, 213

KF

Contact spring

M

Center

O

Top of 112, 212, 312 412

P

gap

R

Light exit direction

S

Front of 313, 413

T

Back of 313, 413

U

Bottom of 112, 212, 312 412

V

vertical force

X

System axis

Z

Pre-assembly fixings

QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20 2023 105 716 U1 [0008]

Claims (11)

Connection element (310, 410) for the electrical connection of an LED illuminant (LED) (314A, 414A) - wherein the LED illuminant has a circuit board (314, 414) which is provided with contact springs for the electrical supply of the LED (314A, 414A), - with an annular frame which is intended to cover a circuit board (314, 414) and to hold it mechanically on an arrangement surface of a counter bearing, - with a contact arrangement which is mounted in the frame and serves to supply the LED (314A, 414A) with electricity, - wherein the frame is divided into an outer ring (311, 411) and an inner ring (312, 412), and the outer ring (311, 411) is intended to surround the circuit board (314, 414) and to hold it parallel to the arrangement surface of the counter bearing, and the inner ring (312, 412) overlaps the printed circuit board (314, 414) at least in some areas and is provided to hold the printed circuit board in the vertical direction to the surface of the counter bearing, characterized in that the outer ring (311, 411) and the inner ring (312, 412) can be fastened to one another by means of a vertically acting fastening element (313, 413), wherein the fastening element (313, 413) can be displaced from a pre-assembly position into an assembly position and is held in the assembly position at least partially by a screw (317, 417). Connecting element (310, 410) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the fastening element (313, 413) is arranged downstream of the outer ring (1311, 411) and/or inner ring (312, 412) in the light exit direction (R). Connecting element (310, 410) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the fastening element (313, 413) is designed as a spring ring (313C, 413C). Connecting element (310, 410) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the spring ring (313C, 413C) is arranged partially overlying the inner ring (311, 411) opposite to the light exit direction (R). Connecting element (310, 410) according to Claim 3 and 4 , characterized in that the spring ring (313C, 413C) is movable from a pre-assembly position into an assembly position, wherein the spring ring (313C, 413C) is arranged at least partially on the inner ring (312, 412) under prestress in the pre-assembly position. Connecting element (310, 410) according to one of the Claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that the spring ring (313C, 413C) forms fastening means (344, 444) in order to fasten the inner ring (312, 412) and the outer ring (311, 411) to one another. Connecting element (310) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the fastening means (344) have a fastening section (345) and a tool holder (346). Connecting element (310) according to one of the Claims 3 until 7 , characterized in that the fastening section (345) is moved at least partially under a screw head (318) of a screw (317) when the spring ring (313C) is moved from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position in the manner of a bayonet lock. Connecting element (410) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the fastening means (444) is designed as a receiving pocket (452), - wherein the receiving pocket (452) has a receiving area (453) which is formed by a fastening projection (455) and a fastening rib (454), and - wherein the receiving area (453) serves to at least partially receive the screw head (418) of the screw (417). Connecting element (410), according to Claim 5 , 6 and 9 characterized in that - in the pre-assembly position, the screw head (418) of the screw (417) lies at least partially in the receiving area (453) and - the spring ring (413C) can be moved from the pre-assembly position into the assembly position by turning the screw (417) against the light exit direction (R). Light-directing component with a connecting element according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 .