EP2083489B1 - Connection element to electrically connect an LED - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connection element for the electrical connection of an LED, which is arranged on a circuit board, which has contact fields for contacting with electrical conductors.

LED's are increasingly used in the lighting industry as a replacement for conventional light sources, such as incandescent and fluorescent lamps, in particular to realize energy-saving and miniaturizing lighting. Examples of such lighting are staircase lighting, emergency and directional lighting for the identification of escape routes but also recessed in floors lights for decorative purposes. In addition, the LED as a light source to replace the conventional room and building lighting increasingly important. Luminaires using LEDs arranged on a circuit board are for example out DE 10 2004 004 779 A1 or US Pat. No. 7,182,627 B1 known.

However, high-intensity LEDs, as they are increasingly used, have a higher power loss, which manifests itself in the form of heat dissipation. Since LED's are very sensitive to heat and in particular the life decreases due to increased heat, effective cooling must be ensured. For this one has often gone over to mount the LED on a board whose material, such as aluminum, has a good heat-conducting property. The LED mounted on such a board is usually placed on a suitable as a heat sink carrier by mediation of a so-called thermal paste. This also ensures effective heat dissipation and thus serves as a so-called heat sink.

For certain applications, it has been naturalized by the manufacturer to apply a single LED on a so-called star board, which has soldered contact pads. The individual star beams are separated by essentially part-circular cutouts. Through this screw shafts can be performed so that the screw head rests on the board and holds them on the support body. The electrical connection cables are soldered to the contact fields using conventional soldering techniques.

However, the luminaire industry, which uses such LED's for the production, but prefers a solderless connection of the connection cable, as this assembly technology means significant relief and allows easy replacement of defective LED's.

Such a solderless termination technique is disclosed US 2007/0070631 A1 in which a plurality of arranged on a board LEDs can be used by means of suitable connection technology in conventional lamp holder of fluorescent lamps. The solution may be particularly suitable for the replacement of fluorescent tubes, but is not suitable for other purposes.

Another solderless electrical connection of LEDs in the automotive sector revealed US 2003/0183417 A1 , which proposes a bayonet-like fixing of an LED, the LED has no board here.

Also proposes a solderless electrical connection with a PCB-less LED DE 87 11 882 U1 in front.

US 2007/0171662 A1 relates to a likewise solderless LED light assembly, wherein the board is held by means of a separate, solely the attachment serving element in the form of a clamp on the base body.

EP 1 492 551 A2 suggests an LED arrangement in which an insulating ceramic part is connected to a thermally conductive base body via an adhesive layer. Again, the LED has no board.

The object of the invention is to provide a connection element for arranged on a circuit board, in particular star circuit board LED, which allows a solderless and easy-to-use connection of the electrical connection cable.

The object is achieved by a connection element with the features of claim 1, in particular with the characterizing features, according to which the connection element contact elements for arrangement has the contact fields, which allow a solderless connection of connecting cables.

The contact elements may be, for example, pressure contacts, which sit on the contact fields of the board and carry contact terminals in the form of plug-in connections for connecting the connection cable. Such a connection element makes it possible for the lighting industry to use common screwless and solderless connection techniques for supplying power to the LED.

Accordingly, a preferred embodiment is characterized in that the connection element overhangs the board at least in the area of the contact fields and keep the board-catching areas of the connection element contact elements in the form of Andruckkontakten to rest on the contact fields, especially if the contact elements contact terminals for solderless and / or screwless Connection of connecting cables have.

The production of lights can be further simplified if the connection element holds the board between itself and a counter bearing, in particular a heat sink or any support element and thus the electrical connection of the LED and the attachment of the LED, wherein the connection element in particular the connection of an LED PCB is used, which is designed as a star board.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the connection element is substantially annular and has open housing shells for receiving the contact elements towards the circuit board and the housing shells additionally form insertion openings for receiving connecting cables. The housing shells ensure a secure fit of the contact elements in the connection element and in addition electrical insulation.

It is provided that the connection element has recesses for receiving fastening means, in particular screws, by means of which the connection element can be fixed.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the recesses of the connecting element are aligned with the beam gaps of the star-shaped board, so that the fastening means for fixing the board directly engage in the counter bearing. With such a connection element, the contact between the connection element and the contact fields of the LED board and the attachment of the LED can be done in one operation, which greatly simplifies the production of luminaires.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the LED is arranged on the board by means of a base, which has a specific outer contour, and in that the connection element has an at least partial contour congruence with the centered orientation of the connection element with respect to the LED. This ensures that the connection element is correctly arranged on the circuit board.

In this case, the connection element may be formed in a further embodiment such that it is adapted to a plurality of different outer contours of different LED base, whereby one and the same connection element can be centered on different boards. Thus, a common connection element can be produced for a plurality of different LEDs, which is of considerable advantage for the production as well as for the distribution of such connection elements.

If it is provided according to a particularly preferred embodiment, that the connection element has a support member which holds the light of the LED influencing devices, in particular the light-directing optics, the above-mentioned centering device also plays the essential role that such a light-influencing device correctly located above the LED. In addition, previously used holders various optics that direct the light of the LED, in particular bundle or scatter, integrated into the connection element, which significantly reduces the number of components and allows the production of prefabricated units.

It is provided that the support member is integrally connected to the connection element or that the support member is releasably fixed to the connection elements. In the latter case, it is provided that the support member and the connection element form a latching means for detachable attachment.

If the support part and connection element can be detached from each other, it is possible to prefabricate and provide connection elements including optics holders according to a modular system.

Fig. 1

eine Explosionsansicht einer LED-Leuchte mit erfindungsgemäßen Anschlusselement und Optikhalter, montiert auf einen ebenen Träger,

Fig. 2

die Leuchte gemäß Fig. 1 in zusammengesetztem Zustand,

Fig. 3

das erfindungsgemäße Anschlusselement gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

die Leuchte gemäß Fig. 2 in teilweise aufgebrochener Darstellung,

Fig. 5

und 6 LED's mit unterschiedlichen Sockelaußenkonturen auf je einer Sternplatine mit zugehörigem Anschlusselement,

Fig. 7

LED auf Sternplatine mit einem Universalanschlusselement.

Further advantages of the invention and a better understanding will be apparent from the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of an LED lamp with connecting element according to the invention and optics holder, mounted on a flat support,

Fig. 2

the luminaire according to Fig. 1 in assembled condition,

Fig. 3

the connection element according to the invention according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4

the luminaire according to Fig. 2 in a partially broken view,

Fig. 5

and 6 LEDs with different base outer contours on each star board with associated connection element,

Fig. 7

LED on star board with a universal connection element.

In the figures, an LED lamp is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The luminaire 10 comprises a star board 12 with an LED 13 arranged thereon, a connecting element 15 which can be mounted on the luminous carrier by means of screws 14 and which serves for the solderless connection of connecting cables 16, an optics holder 17 and an optic 18 mounted on a light carrier 11.

The light carrier 11 has a dual function for the light 10. On the one hand, the lamp 10 is fastened by means of the screws 14 on the light carrier, on the other hand serves the light carrier of the dissipation of heat, which arises during operation of the LED 13. Therefore, the light carrier 11 as well as the star plate 12 made of a good thermal conductivity material, usually made of aluminum. To accommodate the shafts 19 of the fastening screws 14 are bores 20.

The star plate 12 is presently formed in six beams, each beam 21 of the star board 12 is spaced by a substantially part-circular recess 22 of its respective adjacent beam. On the upper side of the star board, the LED 13 is arranged in an LED socket 23 and is connected via contact feet 24 and printed conductors, not shown, with contact pads 25, which are also located on top of the star board 12, in conjunction.

The contact pads 25 are usually covered with solder to easily enter a solder joint with connection cables. Such contact fields 25 can also be referred to as solder fields.

The connecting element 15 according to the invention is substantially annular and sits in the assembled state of the luminaire according to Fig. 2 on the star board 12. The ring interior 26, which is surrounded by a collar element 27, serves to receive the LED 13 together with the base 23.

The collar member 27 initially forms two housing shells 28 in opposite peripheral regions and interposed lying to cooperate with the optical holder 17 locking elements in the form of inwardly facing locking lugs 29. Each housing shell 28 is open to the star board 12 and has to the outside of the collar member 27 towards Anschlußkabeleinführöffnungen 30 through which stripped ends 31 of the connecting cable 16 are inserted into an inserted into the housing shells 28 contact terminal. For positioning of the connecting element 15 on the star board 12, the collar element 27 forms positioning noses 32, which engage in contact with the star board 12 in two opposing recesses 22. Also aligned with recesses 22 also forms the connection element 15 part-circular recesses 33, in the present two.

The optic holder 17 is a substantially annular element which initially forms counter-latching noses 34 on its underside facing the circuit board 12, by means of which it can be latched onto the connection element 15 via the latching-element-side latching noses 29. Locking elements 35 directed towards the upper side serve to hold the optics 18. The contour of the optical element 18 receiving holding parts 36, positioning grooves 37 or positioning webs 38 serve for the correct position alignment of the optics 18.

In Fig. 3 Once again, the connection element 15 is shown, wherein the viewer facing housing shell 28 is partially broken and allows the view of the inner contact element 39.

The contact element 39 has a pressure contact in the form of a directed toward the star board 12 strut 40, which is provided for contact with contact or solder pads 25. A located in the region of the Anschlußkabeleinführöffnung 30 clamping leg 41 of the contact element 39 has a contact leg 42 as an abutment Clamping leg 41 is resiliently biased against the contact legs 42 and is displaced during insertion of the stripped end 31 of a connecting cable 16 from a rest position. He holds the connecting cable 16 electrically contacting firmly against the insertion direction.

The assembly of the into the Fig. 2 and 4 shown LED light happens as follows:

The star plate 12 is placed on the light carrier 11 so that part-circular recesses 22 are arranged in alignment over the holes 20 of the light carrier 11. On the star board 12, the connection element 15 is placed, wherein positioning tabs 32 engage in recesses 22 of the star board 12. This ensures the correct fit of the struts 40 on the contact or solder pads 25 for all commercially available star plates 12 and ensures correct positioning of the connection element-side recesses 33. By the aligned recesses 33 and 22, the shafts 19 of the screws 14 into the holes 20 of the light carrier 11 introduced. When tightening the screws 14, the screw heads 43 hold the connecting element 15 and the star plate 12 between itself and the light carrier 11. After mounting of connection element 15 and star plate 12 of the optical holder 17 is locked on the connection element 15 and finally the optics 18 placed.

Fig. 4 shows the composite LED lamp 10 again in a partially broken side view. Here it is once again apparent how the contact element 39 with its spring strut 40 forms a contact pressure and with its leg 41 and contact leg 42 a clamping contact for electrical connection of the LED 13. The latching between connection element 15 and optical holder 17 by means of the latching lugs 29 and counter-latching noses 34 is very easy to recognize. Finally, it is shown how the screw shafts 19, not provided with reference numerals recesses 22 and 33 of star board 12 and terminal 15 pass through. Likewise, the engagement of the optical element 18 in the optical holder 17 is very easy to recognize.

The Fig. 5 to 7 each show in plan view a star board 12 with an LED 13, which is mounted in each case in an LED socket 23, wherein the LED sockets 23 have different outer contours. Respectively associated terminal elements 15 are shown in plan view, which are characterized by different cutout contours of the LED 13 receiving ring interior 26. As can be seen at first glance, corresponds to the inner contour 26 of the ring interior in Fig. 5 the outer contour of the base 23rd

In Fig. 6 In contrast, the inner contour of the ring interior 26 only partially corresponds to the base outer contour. In addition to a corresponding contour congruence recesses for emerging from the base 23 contact feet 24 are formed. However, the contour of the ring interior 26 sufficiently matches the outer contour of the LED socket 23 in such a way that the connection element 15 is optically centered with respect to the LED 13 on the star board 12. This results in a total of a higher precision in the interaction of all components in comparison to the previously described alignment of terminal 15 and star board 12 for the sole purpose of securing the electrical contact.

In Fig. 7 On the other hand, a connecting element 15 is shown, the annular interior 26 of which is cut completely free and shows no contour congruence with one of the bases 23 shown. Such a connection element would be for each in the Fig. 5 to 7 shown star board 12 suitable.

At the contact fields 25 of the star board 12 and on the housing shells 28 of the connection element 15, information on the polarity +/- are present, which must be observed in the electrical wiring of the LED13. The correct assignment must be through the assembly process be assured. However, it is also conceivable to produce only a positionally correct mounting position by a type of encryption of certain contours of the star circuit board 12 and connection element 15, for example by an additional bore in the star circuit board 12 and a corresponding pin on the housing of the connection element 15.

In summary, a very simple constructed connection element 15 for LED's 13, by means of which a solderless electrical connection of the arranged on a star board 12 LED 13 and at the same time fixing the star board 12 on a support member, such as a heat sink, is possible.

Claims (13)

1. Connection element (15) to electrically connect an LED (13) for room and building lighting, which LED is arranged on a circuit board, which has contact fields (25) for contacting with electrical conductors, wherein the connection element (15) has contact elements (39) for arranging on the contact fields (25), which elements facilitate a solderless connection of connection cables (16), characterised in that the connection element (15) sits on the circuit board and the connection element (15) holds the circuit board between itself and a counter bearing and can thus serve the electrical connection of the LED (13) and the attachment of the LED (13).
2. Connection element according to claim 1, characterised in that the areas of the connection element (15) overlaying the circuit board hold contact elements (39) in the form of press-on contacts (40) for applying to the contact fields (25).
3. Connection element according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the contact elements (39) have contact clips (41, 42) for solderless and/or screwless connection of connection cables (16).
4. Connection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the circuit board of the LED (13) is formed as a star circuit board (12).
5. Connection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection element (15) is substantially annular and has housing shells (28) that are open towards the circuit board for receiving the contact elements (39) and the housing shells (28) additionally form introduction openings (30) for receiving connection cables (16).
6. Connection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection element (15) has recesses (33) for receiving attachment means, in particular screws (14), by means of which the connection element (15) is fixable.
7. Connection element according to claim 4, 5 and 7, characterised in that the recesses (33) of the connection element (15) are aligned with the axis interstices of the star-shaped circuit board (12), so that the attachment means for fixing the circuit board (12) engage directly in the counter bearing.
8. Connection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the LED (13) is arranged by means of a socket (23) on the circuit board, which socket has a certain outer contour and that the connection element (15) has an at least partial contour congruence for the centred alignment of the connection element (15) with reference to the LED (13).
9. Connection element according to claim 8, characterised in that the contour congruence of the connection element (15) is adapted to different outer contours of various LED sockets (23).
10. Connection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection element (15) has a carrying part, which holds devices influencing the light of the LED (13), in particular lenses (18) focusing the light.
11. Connection element according to claim 10, characterised in that the carrying part is connected in one piece to the connection element (15).
12. Connection element according to claim 11, characterised in that the carrying part is fixed detachably on the connection element (15).
13. Connection element according to claim 11, characterised in that the carrying part and the connection element (15) form catch means (27, 34) for detachable fixing to one another.

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