CONNECTION ELEMENT FOR LED LIGHT SOURCES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection element for the electrical connection of an LED light source with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A generic connection element is disclosed in the applicant's German patent DE 10 2008 005 823 B4. It is a ring element that spans a printed circuit board (PCB) and is capable of holding the PCB between itself and a counter-support, in particular a heat sink. For this purpose, the ring element is attached to the counter-support, for example, by means of screw bolts. Part of its surface facing the PCB rests on the PCB. The ring element has 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-loaded contacts that serve as pressure contacts and rest on contact pads on the PCB.The connection element from the aforementioned patent specification thus serves both for electrical contact and for the mechanical mounting of the circuit board on a counter bearing. The circuit board itself carries an LED. It therefore constitutes a light source that is used in luminaires instead of more familiar incandescent lamps or similar conventional light sources.

[0003] US patent 2017 / 0102115 A1 discloses a connecting element in which two ring elements are joined by a hinge. However, both rings are secured by the same fasteners, so that separating the rings from each other is not possible without detaching them from the counter bearing.

[0004] US patent 2012 / 0051068 shows a connecting element whose first ring is fixed on a counter bearing. The second ring is designed as a locking ring and is screwed onto the first ring.

[0005] WO 2016 / 020446 A2 shows a connection element with only one ring that covers the LED board and is fixed to a counter bearing.

[0006] US 2014 / 0179139 A1 shows a connecting element formed from a first ring and a second ring, the first ring forming the base of the connecting element and connected to the second ring by crimp pins. The connecting element is secured by the second ring, so that the second ring cannot be removed from the first ring. CN 106 704 904 shows the same configuration.

[0007] Standard connection elements have proven extremely effective in practice and are used particularly in spotlights, insofar as these rely on LED light sources.

[0008] LED technology has advanced significantly in the meantime. Circuit boards with mounted LEDs are now available in a wide range of brightness levels and power outputs, which is why the shape and, above all, the size of the circuit boards and the LEDs arranged on them vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer and across different power classes.

[0009] Therefore, a wide variety of generic connection elements are available on the market, each enabling the use of many specific LED circuit boards from a particular manufacturer and of a specific power class. This is generally advantageous, as suitable connection elements are available for every application. However, this range does not meet the requirements of the lighting industry. There, partial components of luminaires are kept pre-assembled so that they can be fully assembled when a specific luminaire type is ordered.

[0010] For example, a specific type of light fixture is offered in various power levels, meaning with different luminous intensity or color temperature of the light source. For this type of light fixture, the standardized housing components are kept in stock. Additionally, the actual lighting unit – typically consisting of an LED light source mounted on a suitably sized heat sink – is stocked in different versions. This allows for a modular system to be used when an order is placed, enabling easy final assembly of the requested light fixture.

[0011] However, a disadvantage here is the need to stock a large number of lighting units. The fully pre-assembled unit, consisting of the LED light source, connection element, and suitable heat sink, represents a significant portion of the actual light fixture's value. Depending on the variety of models available for a given light fixture type, a large inventory is required.

[0012] The object of the invention is to create a suitable connection element which can be used more flexibly with regard to the different circuit board variants of LED light sources.

[0013] The problem is solved by a connecting element having the features of claim 1, in particular its characterizing features, according to which the contact arrangement consisting of the connection contact and the supply contact is formed from two independent contact components, one of the rings, in particular the first ring, carries the connection contact, the other ring, in particular the second ring, carries the supply contact, The connection contact and the supply contact form an electrical connection with each other when the rings are united in a composite, frame-forming state.

[0014] The invention's two-part design of the connection element, comprising a first ring that laterally supports the circuit board against a counter bearing and a second ring that encircles the circuit board, i.e., rests on it to hold it vertically to the surface of the counter bearing, initially allows for a reduction in the degree of pre-assembly of the lighting device. The assembly, i.e., inserting the circuit board with the LED into the first ring and then securing the circuit board vertically, can be performed at a later stage. In this way, a partially assembled unit consisting of the first ring and counter bearing can be completed at a later stage with an LED circuit board selected according to its performance, light color, or similar characteristics.Assuming a uniform circuit board size, the required LED circuit boards can be added shortly before the final assembly of the actual light fixture.

[0015] By separating the contact arrangement into a connection contact and a supply contact, the often manual and therefore costly wiring can be carried out before final assembly of the luminaire. The luminaire assembly could thus consist of the heat sink, the first ring, and the connection wiring already attached to the first ring, while the LED circuit board and the second ring are only inserted before final assembly of the luminaire. The arrangement is such that attaching the first ring to the second ring also electrically connects the connection contact and the supply contact, with the supply contact simultaneously establishing an electrical connection with the contact fields of the LED circuit board.

[0016] The invention preferably provides that the first ring has at least one retaining part, the second ring has at least one coupling part, the retaining part and the coupling part work together to fasten the second ring to the first ring.

[0017] In this way, both rings can be firmly arranged next to each other and joined together to form a single unit.

[0018] This is particularly advantageous if one of the rings is intended to be fixed to the counter bearing with fasteners in order to mechanically anchor the circuit board.

[0019] Then only one of the rings needs to be fixed to the counter bearing in order to attach the entire assembly, i.e. the complete connecting element, to the counter bearing.

[0020] Specifically, it is provided that only one of the rings, preferably the first ring, is intended to be fixed to the counter bearing with fastening means in order to mechanically anchor the circuit board, whereas the other ring, preferably the second ring, is only attached to the first ring in order to mechanically anchor the circuit board.

[0021] The invention provides that an inner contour of the first ring has stop surfaces which are intended to cooperate with edge edges of the circuit board in order to hold the circuit board in a parallel direction to the arrangement surface of the counter bearing, wherein the first ring for this purpose in particular at least partially accommodates the outer contour of the circuit board.

[0022] A first ring designed in this way is suitable for holding at least printed circuit boards of a specific type or with a defined outer contour in the horizontal direction with virtually no play, i.e., parallel to the mounting surface of the counter bearing, thus guaranteeing a defined orientation of the printed circuit board or the LEDs mounted on the printed circuit board. It is conceivable that the inner contour of the first ring only partially corresponds to the outer contour of the printed circuit board being inserted. It is also conceivable that other parts of the inner contour of the first ring are adapted to the outer contour of a differently constructed printed circuit board. In this way, several variants of printed circuit boards with LEDs mounted on them can be held by the first ring.

[0023] A specific embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention provides that the first ring and the second ring are mounted inside one another, in particular coaxially inside one another, wherein the first ring is an outer ring and surrounds the second ring which is designed as an inner ring.

[0024] Although nested rings, especially coaxially nested rings, represent only a preferred embodiment, this design nevertheless offers several advantages. Nesting the rings allows for particularly easy fulfillment of certain requirements, such as centering the LED circuit board and centering the second ring with respect to the LED's light emission direction.

[0025] In addition, two components are provided that create possibilities for accommodating certain technical devices such as contacts or other elements that are essential for the function of the connection element.

[0026] Initially, it is provided that the inner ring carries at least one locking element with which the inner ring is fastened inside the outer ring.

[0027] The locking element makes it particularly easy to anchor the inner ring in the outer ring.

[0028] Furthermore, it is provided that the outer ring has at least one clamping element, in particular a clamping spring, which is intended to clamp the inner ring in the direction of an LED circuit board located in the connection element or in the direction of the counter bearing.

[0029] The clamping element allows pressure to be applied via the inner ring to the LED circuit board embedded in the connection element and against the counter bearing, in particular the heat sink. This is a significant advantage for optimizing heat transfer from the circuit board to the heat sink.

[0030] InIn this context, it is assumed that the inner ring has at least one clamping element which interacts with the clamping element of the outer ring and transmits the clamping forces to the inner ring.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, it is provided that the inner ring can be inserted into the outer ring in the insertion direction and can be secured in the outer ring by turning in the manner of a bayonet lock.

[0032] The bayonet connection enables a particularly secure positive locking connection between the first and second rings, which securely positions the inner ring in the outer ring even under strong mechanical loads, especially vibrations.

[0033] This solution also provides that the clamping element engages with the clamping element through rotation.

[0034] It is possible that the clamping element on the inner ring side also serves as a locking element. However, it is also conceivable that the clamping element and the clamping element interact with each other even before the rotation that creates the bayonet-like locking mechanism. In this case, it is preferred that the clamping element on the inner ring side and the locking element on the inner ring side are two independent components.

[0035] In one embodiment, the outer ring is provided to form a retaining element, in particular a detent projection, which interacts with the locking element of the inner ring to hold the inner ring in the outer ring.

[0036] In particular, in this embodiment, it is provided that the identifying part (see claim 18) is inserted.

[0037] This embodiment, in which the holding element and the clamping element are formed by one and the same component, makes it possible to form simple, component-reduced connection elements.

[0038] An alternative method of fixing the inner ring in the outer ring can be achieved by inserting the inner ring into the outer ring in the insertion direction and holding it in place by a snap connection in the outer ring.

[0039] In this embodiment, the anchoring of the inner ring in the outer ring is accomplished simply by inserting the inner ring into the outer ring, in which the locking element of the inner ring engages at least one detent projection.

[0040] The invention provides in particular that the first ring is designed as a universal component capable of accommodating a multitude of different printed circuit boards, whereas the second ring is designed as an individual component for a specific printed circuit board or a group of specific printed circuit boards with common printed circuit board geometry or common LED size.

[0041] In this way, a significant disadvantage of the state of the art can be eliminated, namely the need to keep a large number of different connection elements on hand, each adapted to one or only a few different LED circuit boards.

[0042] Specifically, this inventive concept can be implemented by providing an adapter frame that adapts the inner contour of the first ring to the outer contour of the circuit board in order to ensure that the circuit board is mounted in the first ring with essentially no play.

[0043] In such a connection element, the first ring, or outer ring, is designed as a universal component. The inner contour of the outer ring is adapted to large LED circuit boards, whereas when using smaller LED circuit boards, a suitable adapter frame is inserted into the outer ring.

[0044] It is also conceivable that the first ring or the outer ring has an inner contour exclusively for receiving adapter frames, and that, depending on the LED circuit board used, the appropriate adapter frame is to be inserted into the first ring.

[0045] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the adapter frame is part of the second ring, so that this second ring accommodates the circuit board.

[0046] In this case, the advantage lies primarily in the fact that an adapter frame, and potentially even an adaptation of the first ring (which serves as a universal component), can be dispensed with. Only the second ring, or inner ring, is designed specifically for the circuit board. Ideally, the circuit board is supplied together with the specific inner ring. The LED circuit board may even be pre-mounted on the specific inner ring. In this way, only one assembly step is required to complete the connection element according to this invention and insert it into the luminaire.

[0047] Further advantages of the invention, as well as a better understanding of it, can be found in the following description of two exemplary embodiments. These show: Figure 1: a first embodiment of the invention, shown in exploded view; Figure 2a: a perspective view of the top side of the first ring / outer ring according to Figure 1 Figure 2b: the first ring / outer ring according to Figure 2a View from above; Figure 2c: the first ring / outer ring according to Figure 2a View from below without connection contacts; Figure 3a: Illustration according to Figure 2a with connecting contacts; Figure 3b: a sectional view of the first ring / outer ring along section line III B-III B in Figure 3a Figure 4: a top view of the mounted first ring / outer ring without the heat sink; Figure 5a: a perspective view of the first ring / outer ring from above with the LED circuit board inserted and without the heat sink; Figure 5b: a top view of the first ring / outer ring based on Figure 5aFigure 6a: a perspective view from above of the second ring / inner ring of the first embodiment according to Figure 1 Figure 6b: a top view of the second ring / inner ring according to Figure 6a Figure 6c: a side view of the second ring / inner ring according to view arrow VI C in Figure 6b Figure 7a: a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention according to Figure 1 in compound form and with a second ring / inner ring in loose position; Figure 7b: the representation according to Figure 7a Top view without heat sink; Figure 7c: a sectional view along section line VII C-VII C in Figure 7b including heat sink; Figure 7d: a sectional view along section line VII D-VII D in Figure 7b without heat sink; Figure 8a: the first embodiment of the invention according to Figure 1 in compound form with inner ring in locking position and without depiction of the heat sink; Figure 8b: the representation according to Figure 1in top view; Figure 8c: a sectional view along section line VIII C-VIII C in Figure 8b Figure 8d: a sectional view according to section line VIII D-VIII D in Figure 8b Figure 8e: a sectional view along section line VIII E-VIII E in Figure 8b Figure 9: a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 10a: the first ring / inner ring of the second embodiment according to Figure 9 in perspective view from above; Figure 10b: the representation according to Figure 10c in top view; Figure 10c: the first ring / inner ring of the second embodiment in bottom view without contacts and without clamping elements; Figure 11a: the representation according to Figure 10c with contacts and clamping elements; Figure 11b: a sectional view of the first ring / outer ring along section line XI B-XI B in Figure 11a Figure 11c: a sectional view of the first ring / outer ring along section line XI C-XI C in Figure 11aFigure 12a: a top view of the assembled first ring / outer ring of the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 12b: the representation according to Figure 12a , with inserted adapter frame; Figure 13a: a representation of the second embodiment of the invention with inserted LED circuit board, without heat sink and without inner ring; Figure 13b: the representation according to Figure 13a in top view; Figure 13c: an alternative representation of the second embodiment of the invention with inserted LED circuit board and adapter frame, without heat sink and without inner ring; Figure 13d: the representation according to Figure 13c in top view; Figure 14a: the second ring / inner ring of the second embodiment of the invention according to Figure 9 , in perspective view from above; Figure 14b: the representation according to Figure 14a in top view; Figure 14c: a sectional view through the second ring / inner ring along section line XIV C-XIV C in Figure 14bFigure 15 shows the second embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 in assembled state without heat sink in perspective view of the top; Figure 15b: the representation according to Figure 15a in top view; Figure 15c: a sectional view along section line XV C-XV C in Figure 15b .

[0048] In the Figures 1 to 8 A first embodiment of the invention is provided with reference numeral 100. A second embodiment of the invention is described in the Figures 9 to 15The embodiments 100 and 200 of the invention are shown and collectively designated with reference numeral 200. They comprise a number of identical components. Where identical or similarly functioning components are used, they are designated identically and differ only in that they are assigned to either the number range 100 or the number range 200. Therefore, what has been said regarding the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment 200, insofar as identical or similarly functioning components are concerned.

[0049] The first embodiment of the invention comprises according to Figure 1A connecting element designated with the reference numeral 110. The connecting element 110 essentially comprises a first ring 111 and a second ring 112. The first ring 111 is also referred to as the outer ring. The second ring 112 is referred to as the inner ring. This is primarily due to the fact that, in the exemplary embodiment, the rings are arranged one inside the other, resulting in an outer position for the first ring 111 and an inner position for the second ring 112. However, the connecting element 110 / 210 according to the invention, both in the first embodiment 100 and in the second embodiment 200, is not limited to this specific—albeit advantageous—design with an outer ring 111 and an inner ring 112.

[0050] The connecting element 110 also has connecting contacts 113 and clamping elements 114, which are designed as clamping springs 115.

[0051] The connection element 110 interacts with a circuit board 116, which carries an LED 117 as a light source. The connection element 110 also interacts with a counter bearing 118, which is designed as a heat sink 119. However, the counter bearing 118 can also be any type of lighting component instead of the heat sink 119.

[0052] The connection element 110 is attached to the heat sink 119 by means of screw bolts 120. The connection element 110 holds the LED circuit board 116 between itself and the heat sink 119.

[0053] Figure 2aFigure 1 shows the outer ring 111 in a perspective view of its upper surface. The outer ring 111 has a base plate 121. The base plate 121 has an opening 122. This opening 122 defines an inner contour 123 of the outer ring 111, which is subdivided into a rectangular, specifically square, inset contour 124 and engagement contours 125. The engagement contours 125 transition into the inset contour 124.

[0054] The insertion contour 124 is rectangular, in particular square, in the present example, since the embodiment uses a correspondingly rectangular, in particular substantially square, LED circuit board 116 to further illustrate the function of the connection element 110. Different circuit board shapes would result in a different insertion contour 124.

[0055] A ring collar 126 is mounted on the base plate 121. This ring collar 126 surrounds the opening 122 and initially has receiving holes 126a for the screw bolts 120. As seen in conjunction with Figure 1 As can be seen, the receiving holes 126a also serve to receive the retaining section 127 of the tension springs 115, the retaining section 127 being engaged by the screw bolts 120 to secure the tension springs 115 in the outer ring 111.

[0056] Starting from the receiving hole 126a, a passage channel 128 extends circumferentially for a tension spring arm 129. A support mandrel 130 is arranged in the passage channel 128, which serves as a positioning aid for correct orientation during the assembly of the tension springs 115.

[0057] The ring collar 126 is recessed on two opposing circumferential sections, thus forming a wall hook receptacle 131. Each wall hook receptacle 131 has a centering surface 132, which slopes obliquely towards the center of the outer ring 111.

[0058] Figure 2b , the view from above of the first ring 111 according to Figure 2a This makes it clear that the ring collar 126 has an essentially circular inner contour. However, the circular inner wall sections 133 of the ring collar 126, which run on a common radius around the center point M, are initially interrupted by diametrically opposed stop recesses 134. These have end stop surfaces 135 formed by the inner circumferential wall of the ring collar 126.

[0059] The circular inner wall sections 133 of the ring collar 126, which extend on a common radius around the center point M, are also perforated by diametrically opposed receptacles 136 for clamping pins 137 of the second ring 112 or the inner ring 112. The clamping pins 137 will be discussed later. These receptacles 136 are arranged circumferentially offset from the stop recesses 134.

[0060] In the view of the underside of the first ring 111 or the outer ring 111 in Figure 2c It can be seen that this forms two connection chambers 138. In the exemplary embodiment, the connection chambers 138 are open towards the heat sink 119 or counter bearing 118, i.e., opposite to the light emission direction L of the LED 117, so that the connection contacts 113 (see Figure 1) can be used. The connection contacts 113 are held in the connection chamber 138, for example, by friction or positive locking, in particular by snapping. The connection chambers 138 are then accessible for contact with a supply contact (not shown) which is supported by the second ring 112 or inner ring 112, in order to establish an electrical connection with contact fields 139 of the LED circuit board 116 when the first ring 111 and the second ring 112 are subsequently connected.

[0061] Figure 3a shows the representation of the first ring 111 according to Figure 2c, i.e., in a view from below. In this illustration, however, the connection contacts 113 are inserted into the connection chambers 138. It is conceivable that the underside of the outer ring 111 is fitted with a cover (not shown) after the connection contacts 113 have been mounted, in order to protect the connection contacts 113 from contact with the counter bearing 118 or heat sink 119. This ensures that no electrical connection can be established between the connection contacts 113 and the counter bearing 118. However, if the connection contacts 113 are sufficiently protected from the counter bearing 118 and securely mounted in the connection chamber 138, such a cover is not necessary.

[0062] It should be noted at this point that the first embodiment 100 provides a structural separation between connection contacts 113 and a supply contact (not shown). Such a separation is a consequence of the specific embodiment of the first design, but is not essential for the successful implementation of the inventive concept. It is entirely conceivable that the connection contact 113 and the supply contact (not shown) form a single component, which is supported either by the first ring 111 or by the second ring 112.

[0063] Figure 3b shows a sectional view according to section line III B-III B in Figure 3aThe section line is drawn through the terminal contact 113, allowing its construction for connecting a conductor (not shown) to be explained. The terminal contact 113 has a contact cage 140, the base of which is formed by a contact rail 141. The contact rail 141 forms a contact extension 142 (see Figure 3a ) which serves for the electrical connection with the supply contact (not shown). A contact side wall 143 carries a contact cover 144, from which a clamping leg 145 extends. The contact side wall 143 connects the contact rail 141 and the contact cover 144. The clamping leg 145 is arranged on the opposite side from the contact extension 142. The clamping leg 145 lies in the contact input 146, which, in the conductor insertion direction X, is downstream of a connection channel 147 formed by the outer ring 111.

[0064] The sectional view then shows the connection chamber 138, open towards the underside U of the first ring 111. Also visible is the recess of the ring collar 126, open towards the top O, which forms the wall hook receptacle 131.

[0065] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a top view of the mounted first ring 111. The screw bolts 120 pass through the respective retaining section 127 of the tension springs 115, which are located in the receiving holes 126a. The screw bolts 120 engage in threaded receptacles (not labeled) of the heat sink 119 and thus anchor the first ring 111 to the heat sink 119.

[0066] Figure 4This exemplifies one possible method of pre-assembly. This assembly, not yet fitted with an LED circuit board 116, can be kept in stock as a universal part for a specific type of luminaire, so that when an order is placed, it can be fitted with the appropriate LED circuit board to customize the luminaire.

[0067] Figure 5a Figure 1 shows the assembled first ring 111 in a perspective view of its upper surface. The heat sink 119 has been omitted for clarity. The outer ring 111 is... Figure 5a The LED circuit board 116 was inserted during the assembly of a luminaire. It is evident that the insertion contour 124 is adapted to the size of the circuit board 116. The LED circuit board 116 can be removed via the engagement contours 125, either using a removal tool (not shown) or without tools.

[0068] In the first embodiment 100, the insertion contour 124 is adapted to the largest possible LED circuit board 116. Smaller LED circuit boards or even differently shaped LED circuit boards can be used by inserting an adapter frame (not shown in the first embodiment 100) into the insertion contour 124, the inner contour of which in turn corresponds to the outer contour of the differently shaped LED circuit board 116. In this way, the outer ring 111 is designed as a universal component for a multitude of LED circuit boards 116. Alternatively, the insertion contour 124 may not be adapted to any specific LED circuit board 116, but may simply be designed to accommodate adapter frames, each of which then corresponds to a particular LED circuit board 116.

[0069] Figure 5b shows the Figure 5aThe described situation is shown again in a top view. This view shows that the LED circuit board 116 is held virtually without play by the insertion contour 124 in a direction parallel to its bearing surface on the counter bearing 118. In the exemplary embodiment, a certain amount of clearance is provided to insert the LED circuit board 116 into the insertion contour 124. However, it is conceivable to achieve a frictional or positive fit by means of locking elements or spring elements, which are preferably formed in a uniform, material-bonded manner with the first ring 111, in particular with its base plate 121.

[0070] Figure 6a shows the inner ring 112, i.e. the second ring 112 of the connecting element 110 of the first embodiment 100 of the invention in a perspective view of the top side.

[0071] The inner ring 112 is formed by an annular wall 148, which surrounds a central LED recess 149. The annular wall 148 slopes downwards from its upper surface O towards its lower surface U, so that the LED recess 149 is surrounded by a funnel-shaped recessed annular wall section 150. The funnel-shaped recessed annular wall section 150 prevents light shadowing of the light emitted by the LED 117.

[0072] The ring wall 148 is essentially circular in its outer circumference. It carries outwardly projecting actuating handles 151, which are diametrically opposed to each other and serve to anchor the ring 112 in the outer ring 111 by means of a locking movement.

[0073] Also projecting outwards and arranged diametrically opposite each other, the ring wall 148 forms stop elements 152. Each stop element 152 has a stop surface 153 that is aligned parallel to a light emission direction L or vertically to the mounting surface of the LED board 116 on the counter bearing 118. Each stop surface 153 cooperates with an end stop surface 135 of the stop recesses 134 of the outer ring 111 (see Figure 2b or Figure 4 ).

[0074] The ring wall 148 then carries on its outer circumference two clamping elements 154, diametrically opposed to each other and projecting outwards from the ring wall 148. These clamping elements are specifically designed as clamping pins 137. The clamping elements 154, or clamping pins 137, interact with the clamping springs 115, in particular their clamping spring arms 129, to clamp the inner ring 112 against the LED circuit board 116. The clamping force thus acts in the insertion direction E of the LED circuit board 116 into the outer ring 111, and opposite to the light emission direction L.

[0075] Finally, in the first embodiment 100 of the invention, the inner ring 112 has two diametrically opposed locking elements 155 projecting outwards along its outer circumference. In the present embodiment, the locking element 155 serves as a coupling element to secure the inner ring 112 to the outer ring 111. Each locking element 155 is designed as a locking web 156 extending circumferentially around the inner ring 112.

[0076] How Figure 6a As can be seen, the operating handles 151, the stop elements 152, the clamping elements 154 and the locking elements 155 are arranged circumferentially offset from each other.

[0077] 6b shows the Figure 6a The described situation is shown again in a top view of the inner ring 112. This view clearly shows once more that the aforementioned components are indeed arranged diametrically opposite each other and offset circumferentially.

[0078] Figure 6c shows the inner ring 112 according to view arrow VI C in Figure 6b It is immediately noticeable that the inner ring 112 forms a collar projection 157 on its underside, which projects in the opposite direction of light emission L, i.e., towards the counter bearing 118. This collar projection 157 surrounds the LED 117 and rests on the LED circuit board 116. In a preferred embodiment, it is manufactured with an oversize and is elastically or plastically deformable. In this way, manufacturing and material tolerances between the individual components of the connection element 110, the LED circuit board 116, and the counter bearing 118 can be compensated for. This ensures that the contact pressure exerted by the inner ring 112 on the LED circuit board 116 in the direction of the counter bearing 118 is maintained. This, in turn, guarantees optimal heat transfer from the LED circuit board 116 to the counter bearing 118 or the heat sink 119.

[0079] To transfer the contact pressure via the inner ring 112 to the LED circuit board 116, the clamping pins 137 of the inner ring 112 interact with the tension springs 115 (see Figure 1 ) together. For this purpose, as will be explained later, the inner ring 112 is rotated in the bolt direction R after being inserted into the outer ring 111. This causes the in Figure 6c The clamping pins 137 shown are placed onto the tension springs 115, more precisely onto the tension spring arms 129. Each tension spring arm 129 is initially inclined – starting from the retaining section 127 – in the insertion direction E or in the direction of the counter bearing 118. The free end of the tension spring arms 129 is – as shown in particular in Figure 1 As can be seen, the arms are bent upwards in the direction of light emission L, i.e., away from the counter bearing 118. This causes each free end of the tension spring arms 129 to form an anchor nose 158.

[0080] The clamping pin 137, extending in the direction of the bolt R, is initially provided with a ramp surface 159, which extends towards the upper surface O of the inner ring 112. Following this, in the direction of the bolt R, is a support surface 160 sloping down towards the lower surface U, which transitions into a bearing surface 161 with a horizontal orientation parallel to the arrangement surface. In this way, the clamping pin 137 forms an anchor projection 162, particularly via the ramp surface 159 and the adjoining support surface 160.

[0081] Figure 7a The first embodiment 100 is shown, as it is in Figure 1The exploded view shows the assembly in its assembled form. The heat sink 119 carries the outer ring 111, which is secured to the heat sink 119 by the screw bolts 120. The LED circuit board 116 is inserted into the outer ring 111. The inner ring 112 is placed on the LED circuit board 116 and accommodates the LED 117 in its LED recess 149.

[0082] The operating handles 151 are inserted into the wall hook receptacles 131, with centering ribs 163 (see Figure 6c The actuating handles 151 on the underside of the operating handles interact with the centering surfaces 132. The clamping pins 137 are inserted into the receptacles 136 provided for this purpose. The stop elements 152 are inserted into the stop recesses 134, with the stop surfaces 153 and the end stop surfaces 135 being counteracted relative to each other.

[0083] The inner ring 112 is located in Figure 7aIn its loose position, it is therefore not yet anchored in the outer ring 111. In this position, it can simply be removed from the outer ring 111 in the direction of light emission L. To anchor the inner ring 112 in the outer ring 111, a rotation in the direction of the locking bar R would now be necessary, which will be discussed later.

[0084] Figure 7b shows the representation according to Figure 7a in a perspective view from above, whereby the heat sink 119 is not shown here for the sake of clarity.

[0085] Figure 7c is a sectional view through the first embodiment 100 corresponding to the section line VII C-VII C in Figure 7b In this sectional view, unlike... Figure 7b The heat sink 119 is shown. This illustration shows how the outer ring 111 surrounds the LED circuit board 116 and how the LED circuit board 116 is covered by the second ring 112. In particular, the Figure 7cThe figure shows how the collar projection 157 surrounds the LED 117 and rests on the top side of the circuit board 116, i.e., the side facing away from the heat sink 119. The LED circuit board 116 rests on the heat sink 119. This creates full-surface contact between the underside of the LED circuit board 116 and the contact surface of the heat sink 119, ensuring good heat transfer from the circuit board 116 to the heat sink 119. Also visible are the two connection channels 147 in the outer ring 111, which extend into the connection chambers 138 (not shown) and serve for the insertion of connection conductors (not shown) into the respective connection contacts 113.

[0086] Figure 7d shows a cross-sectional view through the first embodiment 100 and in particular through the connecting element 110 therein along the section line VII D-VII D in Figure 7bThe diagram schematically illustrates the interaction of the centering surfaces 132 of the outer ring 111 and the centering ridges 163 of the actuating handle 151. Both surfaces slope downwards towards the center point M of the outer ring 111 and towards the LED circuit board 116 or towards the heat sink 119 (not shown), and slide against each other when the inner ring 112 is inserted into the outer ring 111. This ensures that the inner ring 112 achieves a substantially centered, coaxial alignment as soon as it is inserted into the outer ring 111.

[0087] Figure 8a shows analogous to Figure 7a A perspective view of the composite first embodiment 100 of the invention, wherein the heat sink 119 is not shown here for the sake of clarity. In contrast to Figure 8aThe inner ring 112 was moved into its locking position in the bolt direction R. The bolt movement ends when the stop surfaces 153 of the stop elements 152 of the inner ring 112 abut the end stop surfaces 135 of the stop recesses 134 of the outer ring 111. Already Figure 8a This suggests how the clamping pins 137, through the bolt movement in the bolt direction R, come under the tension spring arms 129 of the tension springs 115. This alone is sufficient to mechanically fasten the inner ring 112 in the outer ring 111, so that no further retaining parts on the side of the first ring 111 or no coupling part on the side of the second ring 112 would be required.

[0088] Figure 8b The representation shows after Figure 8a View from above. Here too, the one just mentioned Figure 8a The described situation was shown again.

[0089] Figure 8cFigure B shows a sectional view through the first embodiment 100 according to section line VIII C-VIII C. Again, the heat sink 119 is not shown for clarity. This figure shows – particularly with regard to the left side of the drawing – that, due to the rotation of the inner ring 112 in the bolt direction R, the actuating handles 151 are now arranged in the area of ​​the receptacles 136 for the clamping pin on 137, whereas the clamping pin 137 is located in the bolt direction R, i.e., with respect to the drawing plane. Figure 8c has been moved further backwards.

[0090] Figure 8d shows a sectional view of the first embodiment along the section line VIII D-VIII D in Figure 8aThis illustration shows how the clamping pin 137, in the locked position of the inner ring 112, sits beneath the clamping spring arm 129 of the clamping spring 115. During the locking process, the anchor nose 158 performs an overtravel movement. In this movement, the anchor nose 158 slides over the anchor projection 162. In the locked position of the inner ring 112, the anchor nose 158 rests on the bearing surface 161 of the clamping pin 137 and thus presses the inner ring 112 against the LED circuit board 116. This ensures contact pressure between the LED circuit board 116 and the bearing surface of the counter bearing 118 or the heat sink 119, which optimizes heat transfer from the LED circuit board 116 to the heat sink 119.

[0091] Figure 8e is a sectional view of the first embodiment 100 corresponding to section line VIII E-VIII E in Figure 8b As with the others Figures 8a to 8d The heat sink has not been shown here for clarity.

[0092] First, one can also from Figure 8e It can be inferred that the clamping pins 137 were moved under the clamping spring arms 129 by the rotation in the direction of the locking mechanism R. In doing so, the clamping spring arms 129 were deflected upwards, building up a restoring tension, and thus now exert a clamping force on the inner ring 112 in the opposite direction of the light emission L towards the heat sink 119 (not shown).

[0093] It has already been mentioned that a mechanical fixing of the inner ring 112 in the outer ring 111 is possible solely by sliding the clamping pins 137 under the clamping spring arms 129. In However, in the first embodiment 100 presented here, the invention takes a different approach. As already noted above in the description of the inner ring 112, the inner ring 112 has coupling elements in the form of locking bars 156.

[0094] The inner wall sections 133 form locking chambers 164 in a region downstream of the receptacle 136 in the direction of the locking bolt R. These locking chambers 164 are open towards the center of the outer ring 111, or, in other words, form a recess towards the outer circumference of the outer ring 111. Just as the clamping pins 137 are moved under the tension spring arms 129 in the manner of a bayonet lock when the inner ring 112 is moved in the direction of the locking bolt R, the locking elements 155 of the inner ring 112 also engage in the locking chambers 164 in the manner of a bayonet lock.

[0095] Consequently, in the first embodiment 100 of the invention shown here, a positive locking fixity of the inner ring 112 in the outer ring 111 has been chosen by the interaction of the locking elements 155 and the locking chambers 164.

[0096] Figures 9 to 15d show a second embodiment 200 of the invention. As mentioned at the outset, a number of components are identical or have the same effect as corresponding components of the first embodiment 100. Accordingly, although the reference numerals are chosen in the number range 200, the tens digits are identical between the first embodiment 100 and the second embodiment 200.

[0097] Figure 9Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the second embodiment 200. The second embodiment 200 also initially comprises a connection element 210, which includes a first ring / outer ring 211 and a second ring / inner ring 212. The connection element 210 of the second embodiment 200 also includes connection contacts 213 and clamping elements 214. The first ring 211 also has a base plate 221, which in this embodiment not only forms the inner contour 123 but also has additional functions. These will be discussed later.

[0098] The connection element 200, designated overall by reference numeral 210, also serves to mount a circuit board 216 with an LED 217 arranged on it to a counter support 218, in particular a heat sink 219. In this embodiment 200 of the invention as well, the connection element 210 is fastened to the heat sink 219 by means of screw bolts 220. The exploded view according to [reference missing] further illustrates this. Figure 9 An alternative LED circuit board 216a with an alternative LED 217a. An adapter frame 265 is provided to store this in the connection element 210.

[0099] Figure 10a Figure 1 shows the outer ring 211, or first ring 211, in a perspective view of its upper surface O. The base plate 221 of the outer ring 211 is not shown.

[0100] The ring collar 226 of the outer ring 211 is also provided with receiving holes 226a, through which the screw bolts 220 (not shown) engage to fasten the outer ring 211 to the heat sink 219. Retaining channels 266 formed by the ring collar 226 act with clamping pins 267 (see, for example, [reference]). Figure 9 ) together, which are arranged on the base plate 221 and extend in the direction of light emission L.

[0101] The ring collar 226 then forms diametrically opposed positioning grooves 268. These are formed as recesses towards the outer circumference in the otherwise essentially circular inner circumferential wall section 233 of the ring collar 226. The positioning grooves 268 are then open towards the upper surface O of the ring collar 226, so that they are able to receive components opposite to the direction of light emission L.

[0102] For the arrangement of the clamping elements 214, which in the second embodiment are each designed as a detent spring 269, the ring collar 226 is provided with receiving grooves 270 open towards the top at diametrically opposite locations. These also form recesses in the inner circumferential wall section 233 that are sunken towards the outer circumference. Fixing slots 271 are arranged downstream of the receiving grooves 270 towards the outer circumference.

[0103] Figure 10b shows the outer ring 211 after Figure 10a , once again in a top view. This illustration shows in particular that the inner circumferential wall sections 233 of the ring collar 226 are also essentially circular in shape.

[0104] Figure 10cFigure 1 shows the outer ring 211 in a view from below. This illustration clearly shows that the outer ring 211 also forms connection chambers 238 on its underside. Since the base plate 221 is not mounted, the connection chambers 238 are open downwards, i.e., towards the heat sink 219. In this way, a connection contact 213 can be inserted into each connection chamber 238 when the base plate 221 is not mounted. In the illustrated embodiment 200, the connection chambers 238 are arranged adjacent to the positioning grooves 268 and are open towards the respective adjacent positioning groove 268.

[0105] Figure 10c This also shows that the fixing slots 271 penetrate downwards through the ring collar 226.

[0106] Figure 11a The representation shows after Figure 10c , however, the connecting contacts 213 are seated in the connecting chambers 238 and the detent springs 269 are each inserted into a receiving groove 270.

[0107] Figure 11b is a sectional view through the outer ring 211 according to section line XI B-XI B in Figure 11a This illustration shows that the detent springs 269 initially form a spring arm 272 with detent cams 273. The spring arm 272 is connected to a retaining leg 275 via an intermediate piece 274. Overall, the detent spring 269 has an approximately U-shaped cross-section.

[0108] The detent spring 269 is inserted into the fixing slot 271 with its retaining leg 275, whereby the spring arm 272 with the detent cam 273 comes into contact with the receiving groove 270. In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining leg 275 has a notch 276 which engages behind a projection 277 located in the fixing slot 271 in order to ensure a positive locking of the detent spring 269 in the outer ring 211. Such a positive locking is not necessary. A frictional locking would also be conceivable.

[0109] Figure 11cshows a sectional view through the outer ring 211 corresponding to the section line XI C-XI C in Figure 11a The section line is drawn here specifically through the connection contact 213 in order to explain the structure of the connection contact 213.

[0110] The connection contact 213 is essentially identical to the connection contact 113 of the first embodiment 100. Here, too, the connection contact 213 is initially formed by a contact cage 240, which forms a contact rail 241 on its underside. The contact rail 241 is connected to a contact cover 244 via an upwardly extending contact side wall 243. The contact cover 244 carries a clamping leg 245, which projects into the contact input 246 and forms a clamping point for connecting an insertable conductor. The contact input 246 is accessible via a connection channel 247 (not shown). The contact rail 241 carries a contact extension 242 on its side facing away from the clamping leg 245, which extends into the positioning groove 268.

[0111] Figure 12aFigure 1 shows a top view of the assembled and mounted outer ring 211, with the heat sink 219 omitted for clarity. The screw bolts 220 hold the outer ring 211 on the heat sink 219 (not shown). The base plate 221 is attached to the outer ring 211 from below, with the clamping pins 267 engaging in the retaining channels 266 and being frictionally anchored there.

[0112] The base plate 221 has an opening 222, the inner contour 223 of which forms a rectangular, essentially square, insert contour 224. The insert contour 224 is interrupted by two opposing engagement contours 225, whereby the insert contour 224 holds the circuit board 216 (not shown) parallel to its mounting surface on the heat sink 219, and the engagement contours 225 serve to allow the circuit board 216 to be removed from the outer ring 211 without tools or with the aid of a suitable tool. It is worth mentioning that in this embodiment 200, the insert contour 224 is provided with clamping cams 278. These project into the opening 222.

[0113] Figure 12a , also shows that the detent cams 273 of the detent spring 269 protrude into the annular space of the outer ring 211 and that the contact extensions 242 are seated in the positioning grooves 268.

[0114] Also Figure 12bis a top view of the mounted outer ring 211 and initially shows the same situation as the Figure 12a The adapter frame 265 is inserted into the opening 222 of the base plate 221, which takes on the shape of the insert contour 224 of the base plate 221, but reduces its size: The adapter frame 265 also carries clamping cams 278a, which act analogously to the clamping cams 278 of the base plate 221.

[0115] Figure 13a shows the assembled outer ring 211 in a perspective view from above. Figure 13b shows a top view of the in Figure 13a depicted outer ring 211. The Figure 13a and 13b essentially show the Figure 12aThe situation described above is not shown. However, in both figures, an LED circuit board 216 is inserted, which carries an LED 217. Contact fields 239 are arranged on the LED circuit board 216. The LED 217 is supplied with electricity via these fields; the electricity is provided via the connection contacts 213 and is carried to the LED 217 via supply contacts (not shown).

[0116] In both figures it can be seen that the clamping cams 278 hold the LED circuit board 216 in the insertion contour 224 without play and with frictional engagement, and it can also be seen that the LED circuit board 216 can be released from the base plate 221 via the engagement contour 225.

[0117] In the Figure 13c and 13d The adapter frame 265 is first inserted into the insertion contour 224 of the base plate 221. The adapter frame 265, in turn, holds the alternative circuit board 216a, which is obviously significantly smaller than the circuit board 216 in the Figure 13a and 13bFrom the Figure 13c and 13d will be compared with the Figure 13a and 13b It is clear that the alternative circuit board 216a is held in the same way as the circuit board 216, namely by friction through clamping cams of the adapter frame 265.

[0118] It should be noted, as already stated above, that the adapter frame 265, or rather the principle of adapting circuit boards 216, 216A of different sizes, can readily be applied to the first embodiment 100 as well. Similarly, it should be noted for the second embodiment 200 described here that the base plate 221 does not necessarily have to be adapted to a circuit board 216. The base plate 221 of the second embodiment 200 can form a receiving contour for adapter frames 265, whereby only the adapter frames 265 then correspond to one or more LED circuit boards 216, 216a.

[0119] The rectangular, and in particular square, insertion contour of the exemplary LED circuit boards 216, 216a, and 116 shown in the first embodiment 100 is also due to [the specific requirements]. Other circuit boards 216, 216a, and 116 may require different insertion contours 224, 124. These can easily be implemented using the base plate 221, 121, or suitable adapter frames 265.

[0120] Figure 14a Figure 1 shows the inner ring 212 or second ring 212 of the second embodiment 200. The inner ring 212 comprises a ring wall 248 with a central LED recess 249. A preferably circumferential ring wall section 250 slopes down from the upper surface O of the inner ring 212 to the lower surface U and is funnel-shaped towards the center of the inner ring 212. In this way, shadowing of the light emitted by the LED 217 by the ring wall 248 is avoided.

[0121] The ring wall 248 has two diametrically opposed positioning pins 279 on its outer circumference. These project outwards, i.e. away from the center point M, and serve to align the inner ring 212 in the outer ring 211.

[0122] In the second embodiment 200, the inner ring 212 has locking projections 280 arranged on the outer circumference of the ring wall 248, diametrically opposed to each other. These combine the function of the clamping element and the locking element in one component.

[0123] Figure 14b The representation shows after Figure 14a View from above. This figure clearly shows that both the locking projections 280 and the positioning pins 279 protrude outwards from the ring wall 248.

[0124] Figure 14cis a sectional view along the section line XIV C-XIV C through the inner ring 212. This figure shows in particular the locking projections 280, which are provided with sliding surfaces 281 facing towards the underside U, extending obliquely upwards and outwards, and with locking surfaces 282 extending in the opposite direction.

[0125] Figure 15a Figure 200 shows the second embodiment in its assembled form, although the heat sink 219 is not shown for clarity. The inner ring 212 is inserted into the outer ring 211. The LED 217 is seated in the LED recess 249 of the second ring 212. The positioning pins 279 of the inner ring 212 engage in the positioning grooves 268, thus ensuring the correct orientation of the inner ring 212 within the outer ring 211. In embodiment 200, it is particularly important that the detent projections 280 of the inner ring 212 are aligned with the detent springs 269 of the outer ring 211.

[0126] Figure 15b The representation shows after Figure 15a View from above. The Figure 15a The statements made above therefore also apply to Figure 15b .

[0127] Figure 15c is a sectional view of the second embodiment 200 according to section line XV C-XV C in Figure 15bThe mechanical fastening of the inner ring 212 in the outer ring 211 can be explained as follows, based on this figure: The inner ring 212 is inserted into the outer ring 211 in the insertion direction E, i.e., opposite to the direction of light emission L, consequently in the direction of the LED circuit board 216 or in the direction of the heat sink 219 (not shown). In doing so, the detent projections 280 displace the detent cams 273 of the detent springs 269, which project into the annular space of the outer ring 211 in their rest position. The detent cams 273 then execute an overtravel movement over the detent projection 280, caused by the restoring elasticity of the detent spring 269. In the final position of the inner ring 212 outer ring 211, the locking cams 273 engage behind the locking projections 280 and thus prevent a loosening movement of the inner ring 212 in the direction of light emission direction L, i.e. in the vertical direction.

[0128] The inclined surface pairing between the detent cams 273 and the respective detent projection 280 also transmits a clamping force acting in the insertion direction E from the detent springs 269 to the inner ring 212. In this way, the detent springs 269 serve as clamping elements and the detent projections 280 as clamping receiving elements to clamp the inner ring 212 against the circuit board 216 and the circuit board against the Figure 15c to press the heat sink 219 (not shown). This ensures optimal heat transfer from the LED circuit board 216 to the heat sink 219.

[0129] It should also be noted that in embodiments 100 and 200 of the present description, annular or substantially annular outer rings 111 and 211 and inner rings 112 and 212 are shown. However, the circular shape is by no means necessary for the success of the invention. This also applies to the first embodiment 100, in which the inner ring 112 is rotated within the outer ring 111.

[0130] Screw bolts 120 and 220, respectively, in embodiments 100 and 200, have also been used to fasten the connecting element 110 or 210. Of course, it is conceivable to use other fastening means for securing the respective connecting element 110 or 210. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0131] 100 First embodiment 110 Connection element 111 First ring / outer ring 112 Second ring / inner ring 113 Connection contacts 114 Tensioning element 115 Tension spring 116 Circuit board 117 LED 118 Counter bearing 119 Heat sink 120 Screw bolt 121 Base plate 122 Opening 123 Inner contour 124 Insertion contour 125 Engagement contour 126 Ring collar 126a Retaining holes 127 Retaining section 128 Passage channel 129 Tension spring arm 130 Support mandrel 131 Wall hook receptacle 132 Centering surface 133 Inner wall section 134 Stop recess 135 End stop surface 136 Receptacle for pin 137 Tension pin 138 Connection chamber 139 Contact field 140 Contact cage 141 Contact rail 142 Contact extension 143 Contact side wall 144 Contact cover 145 Clamping leg 146 Contact input 147 Connection channel 148 Ring wall 149 LED recess 150 Ring wall section 151 Actuating handle 152 Stop element 153 Stop surface 154 Clamping element 155 Latch element 156 Latch web 157 Collar projection 158 Anchor lug 159 Ramp chamfer 160 Support surface 161 Bearing surface 162 Anchor projection163 Centering bridge 164 Bolt chamber R bolt direction E Direction of insertion L Light emission direction M center U bottom O Top X conductor insertion direction 200 Second embodiment 210 Connection element 211 First ring / Outer ring 212 Second ring / Inner ring 213 Connection contact 214 Tensioning element 216 Circuit board 216a Alternative circuit board 217 LED 217a Alternative LED 218 Counter bearing 219 Heat sink 220 Screw bolt 221 Base plate 222 Opening 223 Inner contour 224 Insertion contour 225 Engagement contour 226 Ring collar 226a Receptacle hole 233 Inner circumferential wall section 238 Connection chamber 239 Contact field 240 Contact cage 241 Contact rail 242 Contact extension 243 Contact side wall 244 Contact cover 245 Clamping leg 246 Contact input 247 Connection channel 248 Ring wall 249 LED recess 250 Ring wall section 265 Adapter frame 266 Retaining channel 267 Clamping pin 268 Positioning groove 269 Detent spring 270 Mounting groove 271 Fixing slot 272 Spring arm 273 Detent cam 274 Intermediate piece 275 Retaining leg 276 Notch 277 Projection 278 Clamping cam 278a Clamping cam 279 Positioning pin 280 Detent projection 281 Sliding surface 282 Locking surface

Claims

1. Connection element (110, 210) for the electrical connection of an LED light source, - wherein the LED light source has a printed circuit board (116, 216) which is provided with contact fields (139, 239) for the electrical supply of the LED (117, 217), - with a substantially ring-shaped frame which is designed to cover the printed circuit board (116, 216) and hold it mechanically on an arrangement surface of a counter bearing (118, 218), - with a contact arrangement which is mounted in the frame and serves to supply the LED (117, 217) with electricity, wherein - the frame is divided into a first ring (111, 211) and a second ring (112, 212), - the first ring (111, 211) is designed to surround the circuit board (116, 216) and hold it in parallel with the mounting surface of the counter bearing (118, 218), - the second ring (112, 212) overlaps the printed circuit board (116, 216) at least in some areas and is designed to hold the printed circuit board (116, 216) in a vertical direction relative to the surface of the counter bearing (118, 218), - the contact arrangement is formed by at least one supply contact, which is intended to be arranged on a contact field (139, 239) of the printed circuit board (116, 216) for the purpose of electrical supply and, for this purpose, in particular forms a pressure contact, preferably a spring leg, - the contact arrangement comprises at least one connection contact (113, 213) which serves to connect a connection conductor without soldering for the electrical supply of the LED (117, 217) and, in particular, serves as a clamp contact for connecting a stripped connection conductor, - characterised in that - the contact arrangement consisting of the connection contact (113, 213) and the supply contact is formed from two contact components that are independent of each other, - one of the rings (111 / 211, 112 / 212), in particular the first ring (111, 211), carries the connection contact (113, 213), - the other ring, in particular the second ring (112, 212), carries the supply contact, - the connection contact (113, 213) and the supply contact form an electrical connection with each other when the rings (111 / 211, 112 / 212) are joined together in an assembled state forming the frame.

2. Connecting element (110, 210) according to claim 1, characterised in that - the first ring (111, 211) has at least one retaining part, - the second ring (112, 212) has at least one coupling part, - the retaining part and the coupling part interact with each other to secure the second ring (112, 212) to the first ring (111, 211).

3. Connection element (110, 210) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one of the rings (111 / 211, 112 / 212) is designed to be fixed to the counter bearing (118, 218) with fastening means in order to mechanically anchor the printed circuit board (116, 216).

4. Connection element (110, 210) according to claim 3, characterised in that only one of the rings (111 / 211, 112 / 212), preferably the first ring (111, 211), is designed to be fixed to the counter bearing (118, 218) with fastening means in order to mechanically anchor the printed circuit board (116, 216), whereas the other ring, preferably the second ring (112, 212), is only fixed to the first ring (111, 211) in order to mechanically anchor the printed circuit board (116, 216).

5. Connection element (110, 210) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an inner contour (123, 223) of the first ring (111, 211) has stop surfaces which are designed to cooperate with the edge edges of the printed circuit board (116, 216) in order to hold the printed circuit board (116, 216) in parallel with the arrangement surface of the counter bearing (118, 218), wherein the first ring (111, 211) for this purpose in particular at least partially accommodates the outer contour of the printed circuit board (116, 216).

6. Connection element (110, 210) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first ring (111, 211) and the second ring (112, 212) are mounted inside one another, in particular coaxially inside one another, wherein the first ring (111, 211) is an outer ring and surrounds the second ring (112, 212), which is designed as an inner ring.

7. Connection element (110) according to claim 6, characterised in that the inner ring (112) carries at least one locking element (156, 280) with which the inner ring (112, 212) is secured within the outer ring (111, 211).

8. Connection element (110, 210) according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the outer ring (111, 211) has at least one clamping element (114, 115, 269), in particular a clamping spring (115), which is designed to clamp the inner ring (112, 212) in the direction of an LED circuit board (116, 216) lying in the connecting element (110, 210) or in the direction of the counter bearing (118, 218).

9. Connection element (110, 210) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the inner ring (112, 212) has at least one A clamping element (154, 137, 280) which interacts with the clamping element (114, 115, 269) of the outer ring (111, 211) and transmits the clamping forces to the inner ring (112, 212).

10. Connection element (110) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the inner ring (112) can be inserted into the outer ring (111) in the insertion direction and can be secured in the outer ring (111) by rotation in the manner of a bayonet lock.

11. Connection element (110) according to claims 9 and 10, characterised in that the clamping receiving element (154, 137) engages with the clamping element (114, 115) by means of the rotation.

12. Connection element (110, 210) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the clamping receptacle element (154, 137, 280) and the locking element (155, 137, 262) are formed by the same component.

13. Connecting element (210) according to claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the outer ring (211) forms a retaining element, in particular a locking projection (269), which interacts with the locking element (280) of the inner ring (212) to hold the inner ring (212) in the outer ring (211).

14. Connection element (210) according to claim 13, characterised in that the retaining element and the clamping element (269) are formed by the same component.

15. Connection element (210) according to claims 12 and 14, characterised in that the inner ring (212) is inserted in the insertion direction (E) into the outer ring (211) and is held in the outer ring (211) by a snap-fit connection.

16. Connection element (110, 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the first ring (111, 211) is designed as a universal component which is capable of accommodating a plurality of different printed circuit boards (116, 216), whereas the second ring (112, 212) is designed as an individual component for a specific printed circuit board or a group of specific printed circuit boards with a common printed circuit board geometry or common LED size.

17. Connection element (110, 210) according to claim 16, characterised in that an adapter frame is provided which adapts the inner contour of the first ring (111, 211) to the outer contour of the printed circuit board (116, 216) in order to ensure that the printed circuit board (116, 216) is mounted in the first ring (111, 211) with essentially no play.

18. Connection element (210) according to claim 17, characterised in that the adapter frame is part of the second ring (212), so that this second ring (212) accommodates the printed circuit board (216).

19. Connection element according to claim 1, characterised in that - only the first ring has receiving holes (126a, 226a) for a fastening means (118, 218), - only the first ring (111 / 211) is intended to be fixed to the counter bearing (118, 218) with fastening means in order to mechanically anchor the printed circuit board (116, 216) in a direction parallel to the arrangement surface of the counter bearing, - the first ring (111, 211) has at least one retaining part, - the second ring (112, 212) has at least one coupling part, - the retaining part and the coupling part interact with each other to fasten the second ring (112, 212) to the first ring (111, 211) and to mechanically anchor the printed circuit board (116, 216) in the vertical direction to the surface of the counter bearing (118, 218), - the second ring (112, 212) can be fixed to the first ring (111, 211) independently of the fixing of the first ring (111, 211) to the counter bearing (118, 218).