EP2659182A1 - Securing a support and covering a lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device (1), in particular a lighting module, has a support (2), which is fitted with at least one electronic component (7) and with at least one semiconductor light source (4), a covering (8) for covering at least one electronic component (7) and at least one connecting element (9) for securing the covering (8) to the support (2), wherein the connecting element (9) is connected to the support (2) by means of a non-locking connection and is connected to the covering (8) by means of a locking connection. Particularly advantageous is a configuration as a lighting module, in particular an LED module.

Description

description

Fastening of carrier and cover of a lighting device The invention relates to a lighting device, comprising a carrier which is provided with at least one electronic

Component is equipped with at least one semiconductor light source, a cover for covering at least one electronic component and having at least one connecting element for attaching the cover with the

 Carrier. The invention is particularly preferably used in lighting modules, in particular semiconductor lighting modules, in particular LED modules. There are lighting devices of the aforementioned type are known in which the cover is glued to the support with its support edge. It is disadvantageous that this bond has a comparatively high installation costs

needed and the lighting device after bonding

must harden over a large area. In addition, comparatively much glue is needed.

Also, lighting devices of the type mentioned are known in which the cover is clamped to the carrier by means of separate brackets. However, these can be solved by a mechanical stress and are also relatively expensive.

Also, lighting devices of the type mentioned are known in which the cover is screwed to the carrier by means of associated through-bolts. However, this can lead to tension of the cover and / or the carrier. It is the object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art at least partially and in particular an improved attachment of a carrier and to provide a cover of a lighting device. The improvement may be particularly in a simplified assembly and good long-term stability of

Refer to lighting device.

This object is achieved according to the characteristics of the independent

Claims solved. Preferred embodiments are

in particular the dependent claims. The object is achieved by a lighting device,

comprising a carrier having at least one

electronic component and with at least one

Semiconductor light source is equipped, a cover to the

Covering at least one electronic component and having at least one connecting element for securing the cover to the carrier, wherein the connecting element is connected by means of a non-latching connection with the carrier and by means of a latching connection with the cover. This connection element provides a secure,

long-term stable and easy to handle

Attachment or connection between the carrier and the

Cover reached. The cover can be easily mounted on the support (possibly via an intermediate element) and locked securely and permanently with the connecting element. By providing the non-latching connection with the carrier, a connection is made with an elevated one

Positional accuracy provided, which is the

Connecting element in particular other than just

can attach positively to the carrier.

The at least one electronic component may

For example, comprise a resistor, a capacitor, a coil and / or an integrated circuit, in particular in SMD construction. The at least one

electronic component may, for example, a

Driver circuit or a part of a driver circuit for Operating the at least one semiconductor light source

represent.

Preferably, the at least one

Semiconductor light source at least one light emitting diode. at

 If several LEDs are present, they can be lit in the same color or in different colors. A color may be monochrome (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.) or multichrome (e.g., white). This can also be done by the at least one

LED emitted light is an infrared light (IR LED) or an ultraviolet light (UV LED). Several

Light emitting diodes can produce a mixed light; e.g. a white mixed light. The at least one light-emitting diode may contain at least one wavelength-converting phosphor

(Conversion LED). The phosphor can alternatively or additionally be arranged remotely from the light-emitting diode ("remote phosphor"). The at least one light-emitting diode can be in the form of at least one individually housed light-emitting diode or in the form of at least one LED chip. Several LED chips can be mounted on a common substrate ("submount"). The at least one light emitting diode may be equipped with at least one own and / or common optics for beam guidance, e.g. at least one Fresnel lens,

Collimator, and so on. Instead of or in addition to inorganic light emitting diodes, e.g. based on InGaN or AlInGaP, organic LEDs (OLEDs, for example polymer OLEDs) can generally also be used. Alternatively, the at least one semiconductor light source may be e.g. have at least one diode laser.

The carrier may in particular be a printed circuit board or circuit board.

The cover may cover only the at least one electronic component or may also be the at least one

Cover semiconductor light source (translucent). The latching connection may be configured detachable or non-detachable.

In particular, the non-latching connection may be a fixed connection in the sense that it is a permanent one

 Compound is received, which in particular is non-soluble or only under considerable, under normal mechanical

Stress not occurring effort is solvable. It is an embodiment that the connecting element is inserted in an associated recess of the carrier. This allows a montage technically simple and safe

Attachment of the connecting element to the carrier. It is advantageous if the connecting element can be inserted from a side facing the cover into the carrier. This makes a simple installation possible. It can also be avoided that the connecting element can be released from the side of the wearer, for example

prevent unauthorized or unintentional disconnection.

It is also expedient if the connecting element from a side facing the carrier in the cover

can be used. This makes a simple installation possible. It can also be avoided that the connecting element can be released from the side of the cover, for example, to prevent unauthorized or unintentional release of the connection. Especially if that

Connecting element can be inserted from a side facing the cover into the carrier and from a side facing the carrier in the cover, a connection is achieved, which is particularly well secured against unintentional or unauthorized release.

It is a development that the recess in the carrier is a passage through the carrier, for example a hole. So For example, a secure fit of the

Reach connecting element in the recess. In addition, the recess can also be used as a passage for further elements, e.g. for carrying out a screw for fixing the finished lighting device, e.g. on a base.

It is still an embodiment that the connecting element is a press / latching connection element, which is held by means of a press connection at least non-positively in the associated recess of the carrier. The recess is in particular somewhat narrower for producing the press fit

formed as the part to be inserted into the recess of the press / latching connection element. By adjusting this maladjustment or this excess, the pressing pressure or the frictional connection can be adjusted quantitatively easily. A length of the press connection may e.g. depending on a thickness of the carrier and / or an oversize of

Press connection can be selected. The press connection is easy to achieve a desired interference fit

formable. The press connection may in particular only be separable with considerable mechanical effort.

It is an alternative embodiment that the

Connecting element is a screw / locking connection element, which in the associated recess of the carrier

can be screwed. For this purpose, the screw / locking connection element may in particular have a screw thread. The screw thread may be for easy screwing to the carrier in particular a self-tapping thread.

It is an alternative or additional embodiment that the connecting element is an adhesive / latching connecting element, which is einklebbar in the associated recess of the carrier. It is also an embodiment that the connecting element at least one contact surface to stop the

Having connecting element on the carrier. Thus, a desired insertion depth of the connecting element can be precisely adjusted during its assembly by simple means.

It is still an embodiment that the connecting element has at least one latching projection on which

at least one associated latching hook of the cover

is engaged. So can in a simple way the

Rastverbindung be prepared.

It is a training that has an undercut of

Locking projection, which is particularly in one

positively engaged with the at least one associated latching hook is chamfered outwardly to provide a releasable latching connection. One to solve the

Locking force expended can, for example, by fixing an angle of attack and / or a

Anstellgeometrie the undercut to be adjusted.

It is a training that has an undercut of

Locking projection, which is particularly in one

positively engaged with the latching hook is chamfered to the inside, to a permanent locking connection

provide. This one likes to the side inside

projecting locking lug of the latching hook in particular be curved. It is also an embodiment that the connecting element has an axially at least twice stepped outer contour, wherein a narrowest riser is inserted into the associated recess of the carrier, a first, inner (step) step serves as the contact surface and a second, outer (step -) step serves as an undercut of the locking projection. As a result, the functions of the striking and the ratchet by means realized a simply shaped and therefore inexpensive to produce connecting element.

It is also an embodiment that the

Connecting element a cylindrical, in particular

circular cylindrical, basic shape. This embodiment is particularly suitable for easy screwing the

Screw / locking connection element and for easy insertion of the press / latching connection element by means of a

Rotation.

It is also an embodiment that the

Connecting element has a tubular basic shape. Thus, an interior for receiving and / or performing

further elements, e.g. an electrical line or another fastener, in particular a screw can be used, which facilitates installation of the lighting device. It is yet another embodiment that the

 Connecting element at its end inserted into the recess of the carrier has an end tapered chamfer or chamfer. So a radial determination between the

Connecting element and the recess in the carrier

facilitated.

It is also an embodiment that the cover

Has at least one recess into which the

Connecting element is inserted or used. This allows in particular a radial guidance of the cover during assembly. Between an edge of the recess of the cover and the outer contour of the connecting element, a gap as tolerance compensation and to compensate for

be provided different thermal expansion coefficients in order to avoid mechanical stresses. It is a continuing education that is an upper edge of the

Connecting element outside at least flush with the

Cover connects, that is, flush connected or protrudes from the recess of the cover. This upper edge can on the one hand as a force introduction surface during assembly of the connecting element and on the other hand for

Power transmission during installation of the finished lighting device, e.g. for a screw head of a screw for screwing the lighting device to a base. A force applied to the upper edge is in the axial direction by the contact surface of the

Transfer the connecting element to the carrier. Thus, a power transmission through the cover is avoided and the risk of permanent deformation or cracking, in a cover made of plastic and a

 Plastic relaxation, excluded. As a result, a consistent thermal connection of the lighting device to a substrate can be ensured, and consequently an accelerated aging of the semiconductor light sources can be avoided and a constant luminous flux can be supported over the lifetime.

It is still an embodiment that the at least one latching hook emanates from an edge of the recess. Of the

At least one latching hook can in particular be directed inward, ie inside, and consequently not accessible from the outside. This will be a

Tamper-proof, positive locking connection

allows. However, the at least one latching hook can also depart from another area of the cover.

It is yet another embodiment that the carrier has a first region which is equipped with at least one light source and has a second region which is equipped with at least one electronic component, and the cover at least the second region (ie, only the second area or the second and the first area) covered. So can that from the at least one

Semiconductor light source emitted light with low losses are emitted from the lighting device. It is a development that the carrier is circular, the first region is a central region and the second region is an annular surrounding the central region

Area is. The cover therefore also has, in particular, an annular basic shape.

The connecting element may in particular be a metallic element. The cover can in particular a

Be plastic cover. The lighting device may basically be a lamp, a light, a light module or a lighting system,

Particularly preferred is an embodiment as a

Light module, in particular LED module. In particular, the lighting module may not have its own power supply, but may, in particular connected to further lighting modules, be connected to a power supply, e.g. a transformer or a

Ballast, connectable.

The object is also achieved by a connecting element which is designed for use with the lighting device as described above. Such a connecting element has the same advantages as the lighting device and can analogously to the connecting element described above

be designed.

The problem is also solved by a method for

Attaching a cover to a carrier of

A lighting device as described above, the method comprising at least the following steps: (a) inserting (e.g., plugging and / or screwing in) the at least one

Connecting element in an associated recess of the carrier and (b) placing the cover on the carrier and engaging the cover on the at least one connecting element. Such a method has the same advantages as the lighting device and can be configured analogously. For example, the method may include at least the following steps: (a) press-fitting the at least one

Press / latching connection element in an associated recess of the carrier and (b) placing the cover on the carrier and engaging the carrier on the at least one press / latching connection element.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention as well as the manner in which they are achieved will become clearer and more clearly understood

In connection with the following schematic description of an embodiment, in connection with the

Drawings are explained in more detail. It can to

Clarity identical or equivalent elements must be provided with the same reference numerals.

Fig.l shows a sectional view in a view obliquely from above a lighting device according to the invention with a still separated from a carrier cover.

2 shows a sectional view in a view obliquely from above a section of the

 still separated lighting device according to the invention in the region of a connecting element;

3 shows a representation similar to Figure 2 with a now attached to the connecting element

Cover;

 4 shows a representation similar to that of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 with a cover now connected to the connecting element; and

FIG. 5 shows, in an illustration analogous to FIG. 1, the fully assembled inventive device

Lighting device. Fig.l shows a sectional view in a view obliquely from above a lighting device in the form of an LED module 1 with serving as a carrier circular disk-shaped

Circuit board 2. A shown front side of the printed circuit board 2 is in a first, central area 3 with at least one semiconductor light source in the form of one or more

Light-emitting diodes 4 equipped. The at least one light-emitting diode 4 is of common optics in the form of a lens 5

covered. The front side of the printed circuit board 2 is in a second, annular around the central area. 3

lying around area 6 with multiple electronic

Components 7 equipped. The electronic components 7 are made to protect them by means of an annular cover 8

covered with opaque plastic. The cover 8 is placed on the circuit board 2 and is connected or fixed with it by means of two metallic fasteners 9.

The connecting elements 9 are each connected by means of a non-latching connection with the circuit board 2 and by means of a latching connection with the cover 8.

As also shown in enlarged detail in Figure 2, each of the connecting elements 9 has a hollow cylindrical or tubular basic shape. The connecting element 9 has an axially doubly stepped outer contour. The stepped outer contour has a narrowest (vertical)

 Riser 10 (with the smallest outer diameter), which is inserted from the front of the circuit board 2 in an associated circular, continuous recess 11 of the circuit board 2 frictionally or with a press fit.

The interference fit is achieved in that a diameter of the recess 11 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter the riser 10. The respective connecting element 9 thus protrudes at a front side of the circuit board 2 in the direction of the cover 8 upwards. At his in the recess 11 of the circuit board. 2

used (lower) end 12, the connecting element 9 a the end 12 tapered chamfer 13. As a result, a radial determination between the connecting element 9 and the recess 11 is facilitated.

A first, inner (horizontal) step 14, which adjoins the riser 10, serves as a contact surface for abutment with the printed circuit board 2 and allows a precise insertion depth of the connecting element 9 in the recess 11th

Above the first stage 14 is a second, outer stage 15. The second stage 15 has the largest

Outer diameter and serves as an undercut of a formed by the largest outer diameter, laterally encircling locking projection 16th

An upper, horizontal edge 17 of the connecting element 9 has a (slightly chamfered on both sides) circular ring shape. This upper edge 17 can serve as a force introduction surface during assembly of the connecting element 9.

The cover 8 has above the connecting element 9 on a circular recess 18, the edge 19 a

Diameter which is slightly larger than the (largest) diameter of the locking projection 16. This fits the

 Connecting element 9 with a small gap or clearance in the recess 18, which is facilitated by the chamfering of the upper edge 17. Through the game become one

Tolerance compensation and compensation of different

coefficient of thermal expansion provided to avoid mechanical stresses. From the edge 19 of the recess 18 protrude four at the edge 19 equidistantly arranged latching hooks 20 vertically downwards or in the direction of the circuit board 2. The lugs 21 of the latching hooks 20 are directed in the direction of the recess 18 (inward).

Figure 3 shows the LED module 1 partially enlarged in a state in which now the cover 8 so far

has been lowered so that it is attached to the connecting element 9. The chamfering of the upper edge 17 of the

 Connecting element 9 facilitates together with a chamfering of the lugs 21 of the latching hooks 20, a sliding and bending of the latching hooks 20 at the upper edge 17 in another

Lowering the cover 8 on the connecting elements. 9

4 shows the LED module 1 enlarged in a detail in a state in which the cover 8 is now with the

Connecting element 9 and thus locked to the circuit board 2 finished. 5 shows in section the whole LED module 1 in this state.

The latching hooks 20 are now on the locking projection 16 of the

associated latches 21 are engaged by the lugs 21 with the second stage 15 serving as an undercut. The second stage 15 is designed horizontally here, so that the latching connection is not solvable.

The cover 8 is so far on the circuit board. 2

lowered, that the upper edge 17 of the connecting element 9 is substantially flush with the cover 8.

For fixing the LED module 1 to its rear side (i.e., here, via a back side of the circuit board 2), it can be screwed to a base, etc. Can do this

Screws (o.Fig.) Are passed through the hollow connecting elements 9, wherein a screw head this

Screws preferably on the upper edge 17 of the respective Connecting element 9 rests. A force applied to the upper edge 17 by the screw head is transmitted to the printed circuit board 2 in the axial direction by the riser 10 of the connecting element 9 serving as a contact surface.

Thus, a power transmission through the cover 8 is avoided. Such a screw can also serve a more secure attachment and attitude of the cover 8 on the circuit board 2. Although the invention in detail by the shown

The exemplary embodiment has been illustrated and described in more detail, the invention is not limited thereto and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Reference sign list

1 LED module

 2 circuit board

 3 central area of the circuit board

4 LED

 5 lens

 6 annular area of the circuit board

7 electronic component

 8 cover

 9 connecting element

 10 riser

 11 recess of the circuit board

 12 end of the connecting element

 13 chamfer

 14 first stage of the connecting element

15 second stage of the connecting element

16 locking projection of the connecting element

17 upper edge of the connecting element

18 recess of the cover

 19 edge of the recess of the cover

20 snap hooks

 21 nose of the latching hook

Claims

claims 1. lighting device (1), in particular lighting module,  including  a support (2) provided with at least one  electronic component (7) and equipped with at least one semiconductor light source (4), - A cover (8) for covering at least one  electronic component (7) and  at least one connecting element (9) for fastening the cover (8) to the carrier (2),  - Wherein the connecting element (9) by means of a non-latching connection (10, 11) with the carrier (2) and by means of a latching connection (16, 20) with the cover (8) is connected. 2. lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the  Connecting element (9) in an associated recess (11) of the carrier (2) is inserted. 3. Lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element (9) from one of the cover (8) facing side into the carrier (2) can be inserted. 4. lighting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting element (9) of a carrier (2) facing side into the cover (8) can be inserted. 5. lighting device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the connecting element (9) is a press / latching connection element (9), which by means of a Press connection (10, 11) at least frictionally in the associated recess (11) of the carrier (2) is held. 6. lighting device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the connecting element is a screw / locking connection element, which in the associated  Recess (11) of the carrier (2) can be screwed. 7. lighting device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the connecting element is an adhesive / latching connection element, which in the associated  Recess (11) of the carrier (2) is einklebbar. 8. lighting device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the connecting element (9) at least one  Has contact surface (14) for abutment of the connecting element (9) on the carrier (2). 9. lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding  Claims, wherein the connecting element (9) has at least one latching projection (16) on which at least one associated latching hook (20) of the cover (8) is engaged. 10. Lighting device (1) according to at least claims 8 and 9, wherein the connecting element (9) has an at least twice stepped outer contour (10, 14, 15), wherein  - A narrowest riser (10) in the associated  Recess (11) of the carrier (2) is inserted,  - A first, inner step (14) serves as the contact surface and  - A second, outer step (15) as an undercut of the locking projection (16) is used. 11. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding  Claims, wherein the connecting element (9) a having cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical, basic shape. 12. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (9) has a  having tubular basic shape. 13. Lighting device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the connecting element (9) at its in the  Recess (11) of the carrier (2) inserted end (12) has a the end (12) tapered chamfer (13). 14. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding  Claims, wherein the cover (8) at least one  Recess (18), in which the  Connecting element (9) is inserted suitably, starting from an edge (19) of the recess (18) starting from the at least one latching hook (20) is directed inwards. 15. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding  Claims, wherein the carrier (2) has a first region (3) which is equipped with the at least one light source (4) and has a second region (6) which is equipped with the at least one electronic component (7), and wherein the cover (8) covers at least the second area (6). 16. connecting element (9), in particular press / latching connecting element, which for use with the  Lighting device (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. 17. A method of attaching a cover (8) to a support (2) of the lighting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising at least the following steps:  - Firm insertion of at least one  Connecting element (9) in an associated recess (11) of the carrier (2) and Placing the cover (8) on the carrier (2) and engaging the cover (8) on the at least one connecting element (9).