EP3171078B1 - Led light source - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an LED light source, which has at least one LED board, which is arranged in a housing space formed by housing parts. More particularly, the invention relates to an LED light source capable of replacing conventional elongated fluorescent lamps or gas discharge lamps.

LEDs have meanwhile replaced conventional light sources such as light bulbs or fluorescent lamps in almost all areas of lighting technology. Due to the small dimensions of a single LED, which is often referred to as a punctiform light source, compared to conventional light sources, newly developed luminaires are usually designed specifically for the use of LEDs as illuminants. This relates to the storage or arrangement of the LED boards in the lamp housing and the optical means associated with the LEDs, via which the light is influenced in the desired manner.

A special case of LED-based bulbs are so-called retrofit lamps, which are intended to replace classic bulbs such as incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lamps. These retrofit lamps are designed such that they can be used in the same way as a conventional light bulb or fluorescent lamp and thus in existing luminaires that were designed for the use of such classic bulbs can be used. A retrofit LED light bulb thus has, for example, essentially the shape of a conventional light bulb and a base corresponding to the standard, which can be screwed into a corresponding socket of a lamp.

The present invention is particularly concerned with LED light sources intended to replace fluorescent lamps or gas discharge lamps. These are therefore elongate light sources which are usually realized by using a plurality of individual LEDs arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and usually arranged on one or more circuit boards. For this purpose, different solutions are known from the prior art, which aim in particular to emulate a classic fluorescent lamp as well as possible. For example. is distributed by the applicant, a light source in which an LED board in a elongated plastic tube is inserted, the outer dimensions of which correspond to those of a fluorescent lamp.

JP 2003068130 A describes a lamp based on an LED module, which can be replaced in a very simple manner. The luminaire has the following components: the LED module 1 with LED chips 6 mounted on a chip mounting surface 1a and power supply connection parts 3 for current or voltage supply via power supply cable 10, the supply and removed via the rear part 9 of the lamp become. The LED module 1 is held mechanically on the one hand only by a module holding member 2 (a combination of connecting part 4 and electrically conductive and thermally conductive elastic leaf springs 7) on the other hand powered. By removing or plugging the module holding member 2 on the adapter 3, both the electrical and the mechanical assembly and disassembly of the LED module 1 takes place simultaneously and at the same location.

However, it has been shown that the previously known solutions represent more emergency solutions that use the generally higher efficiency of the LEDs only inadequate. Furthermore, the previously known solutions are relatively expensive in their manufacture and assembly.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a novel LED-based light source, which avoids the disadvantages mentioned above. It should therefore be made available on the whole an elongated arrangement for light output on LED basis, which is easy to assemble or manufacture and uses the light emitted by the LEDs light efficiently for lighting purposes.

The object is achieved by an arrangement for emitting light, which has the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The main focus of the solution according to the invention was initially placed on the assembly of the LED light source according to the invention. It has been found in the known from the prior art solutions as disadvantageous that the coming to use LED boards must be relatively expensive connected to corresponding power supply terminals or operating devices. These are work steps that can not usually be carried out automatically but instead have to be done manually. This not only leads to increased personnel expenditure during assembly and thus also to increased production costs, but also increases the susceptibility to errors in the event of production in high quantities.

To avoid these problems, the invention provides that the contacting of the used for use LED board (s) by means of interconnects, pads and spring contacts. These are on the one hand on the LED board and on the other hand arranged on housing parts of the LED light source, in such a way that the LED board (s) between two housing parts are held clamped and electrically contacting.

• ein erstes Gehäuseteil,
• ein zweites Gehäuseteil, welches mit dem ersten Gehäuseteil zusammenfügbar und zumindest teillichtdurchlässig ausgebildet ist, wobei die beiden Gehäuseteile im zusammengefügten Zustand einen Aufnahmeraum umschließen,
• mindestens eine in den dem Aufnahmeraum angeordnete LED-Platine sowie
• Mittel zur elektrischen Kontaktierung der mindestens einen LED-Platine, wobei die Mittel zur elektrischen Kontaktierung der LED-Platine durch Leiterbahnen, Kontaktierungsflächen und Federkontakte gebildet sind, welche an zumindest einem der beiden Gehäuseteile und der mindestens einen LED-Platine derart angeordnet sind, dass die mindestens eine LED-Platine zwischen beiden Gehäuseteilen klemmend und elektrisch kontaktierend gehalten wird.

According to the invention, therefore, an LED light source or an arrangement for emitting light is proposed, which comprises:

• a first housing part,
• a second housing part, which can be joined together with the first housing part and is at least partially permeable, wherein the two housing parts in the assembled state enclose a receiving space,
• at least one arranged in the receiving space LED board and
• Means for electrically contacting the at least one LED board, wherein the means for electrically contacting the LED board by strip conductors, contacting surfaces and spring contacts are formed, which are arranged on at least one of the two housing parts and the at least one LED board such that the at least one LED board between two housing parts clamped and held electrically contacting.

The invention is characterized in that on the receiving space facing away from the rear or outer side of the first housing part, an operating device for powering the at least one LED board is arranged, wherein the operating device is electrically connected by means of spring contacts with the means for electrical contacting.

The advantage here is that no complicated connection of a supply cable or even a soldering is required for mounting the operating device.

The solution according to the invention leads to the fact that the LED board or LED boards do not need to be attached to the housing in a complicated manner and, in particular, have to be connected to electrical supply lines, but both the mechanical Holder as well as the electrical contacting is carried out in a simple manner that the boards are positioned in the housing at a suitable location and this is then assembled together. In this regard, so to speak, a wireless LED light source is realized, in which the usually complex wiring process during manufacture is avoided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that also the joining of the two housing parts can be done without tools. In particular, it can be provided that both housing parts are designed latchable with each other, wherein a particularly preferred embodiment may also consist in that the housing parts are pivotally connected to each other on a common side via a hinge and on the opposite side of the hinge corresponding locking means are provided.

As mentioned above, the LED light source according to the invention is intended in particular to be used in luminaires that were originally designed for the use of fluorescent lamps. The LED light source thus has a corresponding length, which usually exceeds the length of classic LED boards. This in turn means that several LED boards must be arranged one behind the other within the receiving space. Since these boards must be electrically connected to each other, it is preferably provided that at one of the two housing parts, preferably on the second housing part, at regular intervals contacting surfaces or spring contacts are arranged, which are designed to each two adjacent LED boards electrically to each other connect. According to a particularly preferred variant, it can be provided here that the contacting surfaces or spring contacts are arranged correspondingly at least two different board lengths. This means that different LED boards can be used which, depending on their respective length, use only certain contact surfaces or spring contacts. The flexibility with regard to the realization of the LED light source is thereby considerably increased since, depending on the field of application, different circuit boards with appropriately designed LEDs can be used. The proposed concept allows the LED boards to be connected both serially and in parallel.

As an alternative to the individual contacting surfaces, however, it would also be conceivable to arrange one or more continuously running conductor tracks on one of the two housing parts, which can then be selectively contacted by the circuit boards. In this case, it can also be provided, in particular, that the contacting means provided on the LED boards are formed with means for interrupting the conductor track (s).

Another development of the invention, which simplifies both the assembly and ensures a high quality light output, is to provide on at least one of the two housing parts means for the defined positioning of the LED board (s). These means may be, for example, a pin or projection, which cooperates with a corresponding recess or opening of the LED board. At the same time, a plurality of guide elements arranged on both sides of the LED board are preferably provided, which, while guiding the LED board, allow a relative movement with respect to the housing, so that due to different thermal expansion coefficients, resulting displacements can be absorbed or compensated.

As an alternative to the embodiment described above, the means for defined positioning may also comprise a grid, wherein it may also be provided in particular that this grid is also used for the defined positioning of optical elements in the housing. This is advantageous when it comes to optical means, e.g. in the form of lenses or the like, which must be accurately positioned with respect to the LEDs in order to ensure a desired effect on the light. Alternatively or in addition, optical means in the form of foils, e.g. Scattering foils or filters are inserted into the housing to adjust the overall light output to special requirements.

Overall, therefore, a solution is provided in the context of the invention, which makes it possible to produce elongate LED light sources in a simple manner, since many production steps can be carried out in the context of automated manufacturing processes and the manual effort to be performed is reduced to a minimum. Despite all this, the concept is sufficiently flexible to be able to realize with the help of different LEDs and in the context of the use of different second housing parts and different light emission characteristics, each corresponding to special applications of the LED light source.

Figur 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen LED-Lichtquelle in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Figur 2

eine Schnittdarstellung der in Figur 1 gezeigten LED-Lichtquelle;

Figur 3

das zweite Gehäuseteil mit den daran ausgebildeten Kontaktierungsflächen;

Figuren 4-6

Darstellungen der Kontaktierung der Kontaktierungsflächen durch die LED- Platinen;

Figur 7

eine Darstellung zur Verdeutlichung der elektrischen Verbindung zwischen den LED-Platinen und dem Betriebsgerät;

Figur 8

eine erste Möglichkeit zur Realisierung einer definierten Positionierung der LED-Platinen in den Gehäuseteilen;

Figur 9

eine zweite Möglichkeit zur Realisierung einer definierten Positionierung der LED-Platinen in den Gehäuseteilen;

Figur 10

eine Weiterbildung der Variante von Figur 9, bei der zusätzlich auch optische Elemente in definierter Weise in den Gehäuseteilen positioniert werden; und

Figuren 11 bis 14

unterschiedliche Varianten zur Verbindung der LED-Platinen mit zur Stromversorgung vorgesehenen Kontaktierungsflächen oder Leiterbahnen.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

an embodiment of an LED light source according to the invention in a perspective view;

FIG. 2

a sectional view of in FIG. 1 shown LED light source;

FIG. 3

the second housing part with the contact surfaces formed thereon;

Figures 4-6

Representations of the contacting of the contacting surfaces by the LED boards;

FIG. 7

a representation to illustrate the electrical connection between the LED boards and the operating device;

FIG. 8

a first possibility for realizing a defined positioning of the LED boards in the housing parts;

FIG. 9

a second possibility for realizing a defined positioning of the LED boards in the housing parts;

FIG. 10

a development of the variant of FIG. 9 in which, in addition, optical elements are also positioned in a defined manner in the housing parts; and

FIGS. 11 to 14

Different variants for connecting the LED boards with provided for power supply pads or traces.

Based on FIGS. 1 to 7 should first be explained the basic structure of the LED light source according to the invention, then then meaningful developments or variants are discussed.

FIG. 1 shows this in perspective view an embodiment of a reference numeral 100 provided LED light source, in FIG. 2 is a sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the LED light source 100 is shown.

Basically, the LED light source 100 according to the invention consists of two housing parts, a first rear housing part 20 and a second housing part 40, which are connectable to each other and in the connected state, a receiving space 50 (see Fig. 2 ), in which at least one, but usually a plurality of LED boards 10 are arranged with LEDs 11 arranged thereon. The second housing part 40, via which the light emission takes place, is formed at least partially permeable to light and represents the optically active element of the LED light source 100, via which the light output can be influenced.

The configuration of the two housing parts 20, 40 may in particular the sectional view of FIG. 2 be removed. The first, rear housing part 20 serves on the one hand the storage of the LED boards 10 and on the other hand also the storage of a control gear 15 for powering the LED boards 10. It has for this purpose an elongated, plate-shaped central region 21. On both longitudinal sides of this plate-shaped region 21 run lateral projections or webs 22, which are each formed with locking lugs 23 pointing towards the inside. About this locking lugs 23 is then described in more detail below, preferred tool-free connection with the second housing part 40th As further in FIG. 2 , but especially in FIG. 7 can be seen, in this case, the first housing part 20 on the side facing the receiving space 50 side of the plate-shaped portion 21 in the longitudinal direction extending ribs or projections 25. These serve as a support surface for the LED boards 10.

The second housing part 40 likewise has a longitudinally extending, central region 41, which is optically effective and responsible for the light emission of the LED light source 100. In the present case, this central light-emitting region 41 is dome-shaped and has approximately a semicircular shape in cross section, so that the light emission surface formed in this way substantially follows the surface of a centrally divided fluorescent lamp.

However, the illustrated shape of the Lichtabstrahlbereichs 41 is merely to be regarded as exemplary and can in principle be chosen in any way to achieve a correspondingly desired light output. This also applies to the choice of material for this Lichtabstrahlbereich 41 of the second housing part 40. Depending on the way in which the light emitted by the LEDs 11 light is to be emitted by the LED light source 100 in total, the Lichtabstrahlbereich 41 from a clear or a consist of light-scattering material. In addition, the inside or outside can additionally be provided with further light-influencing structures such as, for example, prism structures, facets or other structures. Furthermore, it would also be possible - not shown in the figures - - possibility, in the second housing part additionally optically active elements such. Foils, filters or the like to influence the light-emitting properties in the desired manner.

On both sides of the Lichtabstrahlbereichs 41 outwardly standing arms or wings 42 are formed, which are designed to latch with the locking lugs 23 of the first housing part 20. Like the sectional view of FIG. 2 shows, engage behind these arms 42 in the assembled state of both housing parts 20,40 the locking lugs 23, so that a reliable cohesion is ensured. At the same time, however, this latching can be released again by bending one or both lateral webs 22, so that, if necessary, a separation of the two housing parts 20, 40 is again possible.

Since the lateral arms 42 play a subordinate role for the light emission of the LED light source 100, however, a reversed configuration of the means for detachably connecting both housing parts 20 and 40 could also be provided in the same way. It would also be possible in an analogous manner that corresponding webs are formed with locking lugs on the second housing part 40 and that the first housing part 20 has only outwardly facing arms which cooperate with these locking lugs. Also, the means for locking both housing parts 20, 40 may be embodied in any other form, but overall should preferably be a tool-free assembly to be made possible. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable to pivotally connect the two housing parts to one another via one or more hinges.

Both housing parts 20, 40 can therefore be connected to one another in a simple manner and, if necessary, also released from each other again. However, a further special feature of the solution according to the invention consists in particular in the manner in which the LED boards 10 are arranged and electrically contacted in the receiving space 50 enclosed by the two housing parts 20, 40. The peculiarity consists in the fact that the LED light source 100 is wirelessly performed and the electrical contacting of the LED boards 10 exclusively via tracks, pads and spring contacts. This essential for the present invention concept will be described in more detail below.

To realize the electrical contacting or power supply of the LED boards 10, it is necessary that a continuous electrically conductive connection takes place starting from the operating device 15 to the boards 10 and across them and also back from the boards 10 a connection to the operating device 15 present to achieve a closed power supply circuit. For this purpose, elongated conductor tracks 51 and 52 extending at the rear side of the first housing part 20 are initially responsible, which run away from contact surfaces 53 and 54 for the operating device 15 or extend therefrom. These contacting surfaces 53 and 54 are used for the electrical connection of the operating device 15 to the internal power supply circuit for the LED boards 10, wherein the contacting takes place by means provided on the underside of the housing of the operating device 15 spring contacts 16 and 17. The mechanical attachment of the operating device 15 to the rear side of the first housing part 20 takes place with the aid of a retaining clip 18, which is fixed on the one hand to the housing part 20 and on the other hand presses with a control device 15 spanning strap 19 resiliently against the rear or top of the operating device 15 and thus this presses on the first housing part 20. As a result, on the one hand a reliable attachment and on the other hand a secure contacting of the contacting surfaces 53 and 54 is achieved by the spring contacts 16 and 17 of the operating device 15, without requiring additional connection measures would be required.

A comparable procedure is also provided for the electrical contacting of the LED boards 10. Since these, however, generally have a shorter length than the entire LED light source 100 and thus several boards 10 are arranged in the longitudinal direction one behind the other used, additional care must be taken to ensure that the individual boards 10 can be electrically connected to each other.

For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, contacting surfaces 44 are again formed on the second housing part 40, more precisely on the two upper sides of the side arms 42 facing the receiving space 50. These arranged at regular intervals, elongated contact pads 44 are intended to be contacted by the LED boards 10, for which purpose, in each case correspondingly designed spring contacts 12 are provided at the end portions of the LED boards 10 again. As in particular the representation of FIG. 6 shows, the positioning of the contacting surfaces 44 and the spring contacts 12 is selected such that two longitudinally successively arranged LED boards 10 each contact a Kontaktierungsfeld 44 via the spring contacts 12, thereby the required to achieve a closed power supply circuit electrical connection of the LED Platens 10 can be achieved with each other.

Finally, it is then only necessary for one, preferably the first LED board 10 seen in the longitudinal direction, to be connected to the interconnects 51 and 52 running on the rear side of the first housing part 20. This is achieved in an advantageous manner in that the already mentioned contacting surfaces 44 are also provided in this end-side end region of the second housing part 40, wherein, however, now these contacting surfaces 44 on the one hand by the associated spring contacts 12 of the LED board 10 and on the other hand on the first housing part 20 provided spring contacts 55 and 56 (see Fig. 7 ) are contacted, which are connected at the same time via a corresponding via with the interconnects 51 and 52. These arranged on the first housing part 20 spring contacts 55 and 56 engage over the front side of the LED board 10 and are positioned in the same way as it would be the spring contacts of a neighboring further LED board 10. The intended for connection to the tracks 51 and 52 frontally mounted LED board 10 does not need to be modified in a special way but may instead be configured identically to all other LED boards 10.

The measures described above have the consequence that for mounting the LED light source 100, only the LED boards 10 are inserted or placed in suitable positions in one of the two housing parts 20 and 40 and then both housing parts 20, 40 must be joined. In this case, the previously explained joining or connection of the individual electrically conductive components provided for the power supply takes place automatically in order to ultimately form a completely closed power supply circuit starting from the operating device 15 to the LED boards 10 and back again. The use of the spring contacts 12 also brings with it the advantage that they provide a sufficiently reliable mechanical locking of the LED boards 10 within the housing of the LED light source 100 due to their flexibility. Other measures such as, for example, a separate fastening of the boards 10 in a separate step or the like are also not required.

It can therefore be seen that an assembly or an assembly of the various components of the LED light source 100 according to the invention can take place in a very simple manner. In particular, no complicated steps for cabling or electrical connection of the various components are required. Instead, all the essential measures such as the application of the conductor tracks and contacting surfaces and possibly the fixing of the spring contacts on the LED boards can be done in an automated manner. The manual installation work can be kept to a minimum.

It should be noted in this context that as an alternative to the previously described embodiment, the positioning of the contacting surfaces 44 and the spring contacts 12 could also be reversed. In this case, therefore, 10 contacting surfaces would have to be provided on the corresponding surface of the LED boards and the spring contacts would instead be positioned on the second housing part 40. Again, however, the same advantages would result in the manufacture of the various components of the LED light source as well as the assembly in the final assembly.

Another modification could also be that contrary to the illustrated embodiment, the LED boards 10 are contacted from the back by appropriate measures. The spring contacts 12 or contacting surfaces 44 would then have to be embodied on the rear side of the LED boards 10 or on the corresponding surface of the first housing part 20. The embodiment as shown in the Figures 1-7 is shown, however, is advantageous in that, as usual LED boards are designed for a contact from the front side and, accordingly, can be used again on standard components.

Another development could also be that the contacting surfaces 44 are designed in different arrangement patterns on the corresponding housing part, in this case the second housing part 40, so that it is possible to use LED boards of different lengths. That is, the positioning of the pads 44 is such that subgroups thereof each form an array pattern evenly spaced apart longitudinally, although a single pad may well be associated with multiple patterns. Depending on how long the boards are used, then only the corresponding suitably positioned contacting surfaces 44 are contacted by the LED boards 10, whereas those contacting surfaces 44, which are not arranged in the transition region between two adjacent LED boards 10, remain functionless. This opens up the possibility of being able to use different LED boards for the realization of the LED light source 100, which can then also have different properties with regard to the LEDs used and the light emitted by them. Despite a fundamentally common concept, a wide variety of LED light sources can be made available in this way, depending on how they are to be used.

In addition, details or preferred developments of the hitherto on the basis of the Figures 1-7 explained inventive concept will be explained.

Thus, it is initially preferably provided that both housing parts 20 and 40 are made of plastic. For this purpose, the same material can be used in each case, but it would also be conceivable to use different materials. This also applies to the individual housing parts themselves, wherein, for example, a combination of PMMA and PC for the realization of the second housing part 40 would be useful in order to achieve optimum properties for the respective areas. Since PMMA usually has a better optical efficiency than PC, while PC is again less sensitive to temperature and impact, it would therefore be useful to form the responsible for the light output area 41 of PMMA and the other areas of PC.

In addition to this, at least in certain areas, a plastic with improved thermal conduction properties could be used, which improves the thermal behavior the LED light source 100 according to the invention in total supported. As a rule, such plastics are also more expensive with improved heat conduction properties, the production of a housing part of several material components would also make sense here.

Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the realization of the housing parts 20 and 40 to combine plastic with other materials. This relates in particular to the realization of the first housing part 20, wherein, for example, metallic materials such as aluminum, copper, sheet metal, etc., or ceramics could be used. The use of metallic materials serves in particular the heat dissipation, while conversely speak for the use of ceramic materials, the insulating properties and the ability to apply to the ceramic materials in a simple way, the traces and pads can. Another advantage is that ceramics can have a high degree of reflection and, if necessary, the efficiency of the LED light source can be increased here.

An improved heat coupling between the LED boards 10 and the first housing part 20 could also be achieved by introducing a separate element with high thermal conductivity into the remaining gap. It may be both plastic with improved heat conduction and a metal, which fills the space between the top of the LED board and the bottom surface of the first housing part and thus transmits the heat directly from the LEDs 11 to the back of the housing part 20 ,

The production of the housing parts 20, 40 can be done depending on the materials used. When using plastics and / or aluminum, it is possible to carry out the housing parts as extruded parts, possibly also with two different material components. The extrusion part can then be cut to the desired length and used either stand alone or possibly with other additional parts. These accessories may be e.g. to additional holders, which allow the attachment of the LED light source to a light carrier part, or act on end portions, which terminate the receiving space 50 at the two end sides of the LED light source 100.

Alternatively to the production as an extrusion part, it would also be conceivable to produce one or possibly both housing parts by injection molding. This is particularly advantageous when different materials are combined with each other and / or additional shapes or structuring, for example, to influence the light output are required, which can not be produced in the context of the extrusion process, or at least not easily.

In addition, a combination of an extrusion part together with an injection mold part would be possible. Both parts can then be joined together to form an overall unit, wherein as a further automation step a simultaneous processing would be conceivable in which the variable in its length extrusion part is sprayed together with the tool.

In the case of producing one or both housing parts by injection molding, it would also be conceivable to modularly construct the tool with basic units which - seen in the longitudinal direction - form central or central areas of the corresponding housing part, and additional elements which realize the end faces with possibly desired end caps , By combining the number of different basic units possibly in different lengths with the frontal additional elements then different lengths of housing parts could be created to realize the LED light source according to the invention without great effort.

A useful further development, in particular of the first housing part 20, could also be to provide measures which take into account the different thermal expansion of the LED boards 10 in comparison to the housing parts. This is known to be quite a problem with elongated arrangements for light output, which is why it can be provided in an advantageous manner that on the one hand, the LED boards 10 are each centrally fixed, starting from this point, however, extend to the side relative to the housing part 20 and move can.

One way of doing this would be as in FIG. 8 schematically shown are first to provide a corresponding pin 26 on the bottom surface of the first housing part 20, which engages in an associated recess 13 of the LED board 10. On both sides in the longitudinal direction then laterally additional guide elements 27 in the form of pins, projections or the like are provided which guide the board 10 each side, so that different length expansions can be accommodated in a simple manner. Of course, the corresponding elements for central fixing on the one hand and elongated guidance of the sinkers 10 on the other hand could also be provided on the second housing part.

Alternatively to this possibility could also be provided on or in one of the two housing parts 20, 40 and a grid, which is incorporated laterally, above or below. As schematically in FIG. 9 is shown, then an additional component 14 in the form of a pin or projection must be attached to the respective board 10, which is, for example, soldered or fixed in a comparable manner. This component 14 then engages in the screening 28, in turn, to achieve a central fixation or a locking in the desired position in the longitudinal direction. Also in this case, as shown schematically in the FIG. 9 shown - a different thermal expansion of the board 10 relative to the housing part are made possible.

In an in FIG. 10 illustrated embodiment, the screening 28 on the housing part 20 and 40 could then also be used to position additional optical elements 48 which are introduced into the receiving space 50 in the desired manner. This is advantageous in that optics for influencing the light of LEDs 11 are often designed to be individually assigned to an LED. The desired influencing of the light output is ensured in this case only if it is ensured that the optics are actually positioned in a defined manner with respect to the LED 11. This could also be realized with the aid of the above-mentioned additional screening 28 or toothing, in which case the optical element 48 again has projections 49 or engagement elements 49 which are comparable to the component 14 and which are suitable for cooperating with the grid 28.

Another development of the inventive concept consists in the design of the provided on the housing parts 20 or 40 contacting surfaces for powering the LED boards 10. In the embodiment of the Figures 1-7 were as explained in certain sections positioned contacting surfaces 44 are provided, each electrically connect two frontally adjacent LED boards 10 together. This results in an interconnection, as shown schematically again in FIG. 11 the illustration shows a case for a board length at which only every second contacting surface 44 is contacted by the spring contacts 12 of the boards 10. In the same way, however, it would also be possible to use shorter boards, which then use all the contacting areas 44.

Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable to provide continuous conductor tracks 45 ₁ , 45 ₂ , 45 ₃ in the longitudinal direction of the housing part 20 or 40 responsible for the contacting of the boards 10. By a different stepped tapping position of the contacts 12 of the LED boards 10 is then a contacting of the tracks 45 ₁ , 45 ₂ , 45 ₃ , as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 12 is shown. That is, the first LED board 10 is the input side to a first conductor 45 ₁ and the output side connected to a second conductor 45 ₂ , while the second LED board 10 on the input side to the second and output side to the third conductor 45 ₂ and 45 _3rd is connected. This continues accordingly, so that a simple serial connection of the LED boards 10 can be achieved. In the same way, however, parallel connection of the LED boards 10 would be conceivable

Alternatively, as in FIG. 13 shown - a single serial line 45 are used, in which case one of the contacts 12 of the LED boards 10, here in each case the first and left, is executed with an interrupt function. As shown schematically, the continuous interconnect 45 is thus interrupted subsequent to the corresponding contact 12, so that in this case, a corresponding interconnection of the LED boards 10 can be obtained. In this case, the corresponding contacts 12 of the LED boards 11 would have to be suitably designed to achieve the interrupt function. The responsible for this - shown schematically - interruption unit 12a must then be carried out correspondingly electrically insulating and they can, for example, integrated into the tap or be performed separately.

As an additional safety function can also also, as in FIG. 14 illustrated, provided that the second or output-side contact 12 of the LED board 10 leads to an interruption of the conductor 45. In this case, then the appropriate interruption must be provided before the associated contact point.

Finally, it should be noted that the two housing parts can certainly be made variable in terms of their design and, for example. Also, the possibility exists to combine differently designed second housing parts each in the desired manner with a first housing part. This is particularly useful when different Lichtabrahleigenschaften for the LED light source according to the invention to be realized, which is achieved in that different types for the second housing part with different shapes and / or materials or structures of the surface are provided. However, all these different second housing parts can then in principle be combined with the first housing part in order to form a complete LED light source according to the invention.

In the same way, it would also be conceivable to provide different variants for the first housing part, which optionally then have additional areas, chambers or fastening means in individual embodiments in order to be able to fasten additional components. In this sense, for example, in addition to the operating device on the back of the first housing part additional sensors, emergency light operating devices, heat sink or the like can be arranged.

Ultimately, therefore, the present inventive concept is very flexible and allows to provide elongated LED light sources available in a simple manner, which meet a variety of requirements in terms of their lighting properties. In spite of everything, the concept according to the invention is basically characterized by the fact that the LED light source consists of relatively few separate structural units and these can be assembled in a very simple way during the final assembly.

Claims (13)

1. LED light source (100), comprising:

   • a first housing part (20),

   • a second housing part (40), which is configured to be connectable to the first housing part (20) and is at least partially light-permeable, wherein, in the assembled state, the two housing parts (20, 40) enclose a receiving space (50),

   • at least one LED circuit board (10) disposed in the receiving space (50), and

   • means for electrically contacting the at least one LED circuit board (10), wherein the means for electrically contacting are formed by strip conductors (45), contact surfaces (44) and spring contacts (12), which are arranged on at least one of the two housing parts (20, 40) and the at least one LED circuit board (10) such that the at least one LED circuit board (10) is held between the two housing parts (20, 40) in a clamped and electrically contacting manner,

   characterized in that
   an operating device (15) for supplying the at least one LED circuit board (10) with power is arranged on the rear or outer side of the first housing part (20) facing away from the receiving space (50),
   wherein the operating device (15) is electrically connected to the means for electrically contacting by means of spring contacts (16, 17).
2. LED light source according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the two housing parts (20, 40) can be connected, in particular snapped, to one another without tools,
   wherein the housing parts (20, 40) are preferably pivotably connected to one another on a common side by means of a hinge.
3. LED light source according to one of the preceding Claims,
   characterized in that
   contact surfaces (44) or spring contacts (12), which are configured to electrically connect a plurality of LED circuit boards (10) to one another, are disposed at regular intervals on one of the two housing parts (20, 40), preferably on the second housing part (20).
4. LED light source according to Claim 3,
   characterized in that
   the contact surfaces (44) or spring contacts (12) are arranged in patterns corresponding to at least two different circuit board lengths.
5. LED light source according to one of Claims 1 to 2,
   characterized in that
   at least one continuously extending strip conductor (45), which can be brought into contact by the at least one LED circuit board (10), is disposed on one of the two housing parts (20, 40), preferably on the second housing part (20).
6. LED light source according to Claim 5,
   characterized in that
   the contacting means provided on the at least one LED circuit board (10) are provided with means for interrupting the strip conductor (45).
7. LED light source according to Claim 5,
   characterized in that
   several parallel extending strip conductors (45₁, 45₂, 45₃) are provided, which can be brought into contact selectively by the at least one LED circuit board (10).
8. LED light source according to one of the preceding Claims,
   characterized in that
   means for the defined positioning of the at least one LED circuit board (10) are provided on at least one of the two housing parts (20, 40).
9. LED light source according to Claim 8,
   characterized in that
   the means for the defined positioning include a pin or projection (26) which interacts with a recess (13) of the LED circuit board (10), as well as preferably several guide elements (27) disposed on both sides of the LED circuit board (10).
10. LED light source according to Claim 8,
    characterized in that
    the means for the defined positioning include a grid (28).
11. LED light source according to one of the preceding Claims,
    characterized in that
    additional optical means (48) are disposed in the receiving space (50).
12. LED light source according to Claim 10 and Claim 11,
    characterized in that
    the optical means (48) interact with the grid (28).
13. LED light source according to Claim 11,
    characterized in that
    the optical means are films or filters which are positioned in the second housing part (20).

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