CONNECTION ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection element for the electrical connection of an LED light source, wherein the LED light source has a circuit board which is provided with contact fields for the electrical supply of the LED, as well as with a substantially ring-shaped frame which is provided to cover the circuit board and to mechanically hold it on an arrangement surface of a heat sink and which serves with a contact arrangement which is mounted in the frame and for the electrical supply of the LED.

[0002] A generic connection element is known from the applicant's German patent DE 10 2008 005 823 A1. In this element, a ring element encompasses the circuit board and holds it between itself and a counter-support, in particular a heat sink. The ring element is designed to include housings for contact elements. The contact elements are brought into contact with the contact fields of the LED circuit board. A connecting conductor is inserted into the housing from the outside and held in a clamping section. Simultaneously, the ring element has receptacles for fastening elements, such as screw bolts, so that it can be attached to the heat sink. Thus, the ring-shaped frame of this connection element not only ensures secure and solderless electrical contact with the LED, but also secures it to the heat sink.

[0003] LED technology has advanced significantly in the meantime. Nowadays, COBs (coil over boards) with a large number of different LED chips on a single circuit board are most commonly used. They have a shallow installation depth and are manufactured in a wide range of brightness levels, sizes, and shapes. However, the challenge remains of ensuring reliable electrical contact between the LED board and the heat sink.

[0004] The applicant's German patent application DE 20 2023 105 716 U1 discloses a further development of a generic connection element in which the ring element is divided into two parts, consisting of a first ring as the outer ring and a second ring as the inner ring. The outer ring serves to hold the LED circuit board laterally on the heat sink, while the inner ring is inserted concentrically into the outer ring, partially enclosing the LED circuit board and thus fixing it in place.

[0005] A similar construction comprising an inner and an outer ring is also shown in US 2012 / 0051068 A1.

[0006] This facilitates not only the assembly of a lighting unit, but also pre-assembly, stockpiling of partially assembled units consisting of heat sink and first ring, and subsequent replacement of LED boards.

[0007] At the same time, the market demands the flattest possible designs for the connection elements, as excessive thickness can partially shade the LEDs. This reduces the light output, but above all, it also obstructs the preset beam angle. The flatter the design, the closer a reflector can be positioned to the LEDs. Nevertheless, secure installation of the circuit board remains essential. It must remain precisely in its mounting position to guarantee its full performance. It must be held securely, yet easy replacement should still be possible while installed.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide further secure fastening options for an LED board in a connection element of the above-mentioned type, which take into account the above-mentioned challenges.

[0009] The problem is solved by a connecting element having the features of independent claims 1, 7 or 13.In particular, a connection element is provided in which the frame is divided into a first ring and a second ring, the first ring being designed as an outer ring to surround the printed circuit board and hold it in the parallel direction to the mounting surface of the heat sink, the second ring being designed as an inner ring sitting coaxially in the outer ring, covering the printed circuit board at least partially, and being designed to hold the printed circuit board in the vertical direction to the mounting surface of the heat sink, in which the connection element has a fastening part, the fastening part being seated in a receptacle in the outer ring, the inner ring having a counter bearing for the fastening part, and the fastening part engaging in the counter bearing in the radial direction substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the heat sink and securing the inner ring in the outer ring, wherein the fastening part includes a pivot lug that secures the inner ring in the outer ring.

[0010] According to the invention, the fastening element exerts a substantially radial force on the inner ring and is supported by the outer ring. The outer ring, fastening element, and inner ring interact with each other for fixation in a plane that is parallel to the circuit board, the mounting plane, or the surface of the heat sink. This is particularly advantageous because neither the inner ring nor the fastening element protrudes in height compared to the outer ring. This is of great importance in COB technology, as a flat design of the connection elements improves light transmission.

[0011] According to the invention, it is advantageous if the connecting element has two pivot lugs that are arranged diametrically opposite each other and that secure the inner ring in the outer ring. The two fastening elements exert their essentially radial forces against each other and thus hold the inner ring securely between them.

[0012] The preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the fastening element comprises a pivoting lug that secures the inner ring in the outer ring. In this embodiment as well, the invention provides that the fastening element, here the pivoting lug, engages in a counter bearing parallel to the mounting surface of the heat sink.

[0013] The fastening principle of this embodiment of the invention is based on a swivel disc seated in the outer ring. The pivot axis, around which the swivel disc can rotate, is oriented perpendicular and thus parallel to the installation direction. The swivel disc comprises an elongated section, the pivot nose, which can be rotated out of the outer ring from its rest position within the outer ring to fasten the inner ring. This section can, for example, be wedge-shaped or tongue-shaped.

[0014] According to the invention, the pivot nose engages in a counter bearing on the inner ring of the connecting element, the latter being formed as a radial retaining projection or retaining lug that the pivot nose engages to secure the inner ring. Preferably, the retaining projection extends beyond the otherwise circular contour of the inner ring and provides a surface oriented parallel to the pivot plane, which the pivot nose engages with its underside.

[0015] The positive-locking connection between the surface of the retaining projection and the underside of the pivot lug results in the inner ring being secured to the outer ring by the pivot lug. According to the invention, it is also conceivable that the pivot lug engages in a counter bearing which is closed towards the light-exit side, for example, a groove in the outer circumference of the inner ring.

[0016] Preferably, in this embodiment, the outer ring of the connecting element forms a housing for the pivoting lug, in which the pivoting lug is seated by means of a pin oriented perpendicular to the mounting surface and about whose longitudinal axis it can pivot out of the housing onto the retaining projection. The housing is open towards the inner ring to allow the pivoting lug to protrude.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if the pivoting nose has a receptacle for a release tool. Using the release tool, the pivoting nose can be released from the friction surface pairing and pivoted back into the housing in the outer ring. The inner ring is then free and can be removed from the outer ring, for example, to replace the circuit board.

[0018] Additionally, the outer ring can have a contour relief in the area of ​​the pivot nose to accommodate the associated retaining projections. This contour relief preferably corresponds exactly to the outer contour of the inner ring in the area of ​​the retaining projections.

[0019] Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the connecting element, in which the frame is divided into a first ring and a second ring, the first ring is designed as an outer ring to surround the printed circuit board and hold it parallel to the mounting surface of the heat sink, the second ring is designed as an inner ring to sit coaxially in the outer ring, to cover the printed circuit board at least partially, and to hold the printed circuit board vertically to the mounting surface of the heat sink, in which the connecting element has a fastening part, the fastening part is seated in a receptacle in the outer ring, the inner ring has a counter bearing for the fastening part, and the fastening part engages in the counter bearing in a radial direction substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the heat sink and secures the inner ring in the outer ring, wherein the fastening part is a spring clip with a retaining leg,against which the outer wall of the inner ring rests and which, starting from the retaining leg, has two spring arms in the circumferential direction that grip the inner ring and secure it in the outer ring.

[0020] Preferably, the connecting element has two spring clamps that are arranged diametrically opposite each other and that secure the inner ring in the outer ring.

[0021] The spring clip is designed so that the outer wall of the inner ring rests directly against the spring clip in a contact area of ​​the retaining leg. The spring arms extending from the retaining leg grip the outer wall of the inner ring and hold the inner ring firmly within the outer ring using spring force.

[0022] Preferably, each spring arm has a retaining lug at its free end pointing towards the inner ring. The inner ring is provided with wall cutouts, and each retaining lug engages a retaining surface in the wall cutout, so that an additional holding force acting towards the mounting surface is exerted on the inner ring.

[0023] Each clamping spring therefore has a total of two retaining lugs, both of which act on the inner ring in a parallel alignment. These lugs transmit the radial force of the clamping spring to the inner ring and, additionally, provide vertical fixation in the installation direction. The circuit board, positioned within its insert contour, is thus securely held in place between the inner and outer rings.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring arms each have an additional support section at their free end, which is perpendicular to the retaining leg. The support sections of a spring clamp sit on the base of the outer ring and engage the two corresponding retaining projections of the inner ring.

[0025] The spring clip, being a small leaf spring with a thin material, is subject to considerable forces within the connecting element. It can therefore tend to twist, for example, when the inner ring is inserted. Torsion can be prevented if the spring arms can brace laterally against the base of the outer ring using the support sections. At the same time, they provide additional stability when they grip the inserted inner ring from the outside at the retaining projections and hold it between them.

[0026] In this embodiment of the invention, it is particularly advantageous if the receptacle for the spring clip is designed in the form of a trough in the base of the outer ring. By forming a recess in a portion of the outer ring as a trough or receptacle, the spring clip sits particularly securely in the outer ring.

[0027] The support sections then sit on the bottom of the tub and hold the spring clamp in position.

[0028] Furthermore, the overall height of the spring clip can be maximized. This allows, for example, the use of wider spring arms, which exert an even better holding force against the inner ring.

[0029] Furthermore, this embodiment allows for better compensation of tolerances in the height of the inner ring or spring clip, as clearance is provided in the installation direction. It is also advantageous if the spring clip extends from the contact area into a body extension, the surface of which serves as a support for an attachment element that allows the connecting element to be fastened to the heat sink. This body extension has an opening that is congruent with a bore in the outer ring to allow the attachment element to pass through.

[0030] The body extension preferably extends in the opposite direction to the spring arms towards the outer edge of the outer ring. Preferably, the outer ring is correspondingly cut out at this point, forming a recess for the body extension. Since the spring clamp is preferably made of metal, the body extension provides a robust support for a mounting element, such as a screw, which secures the connection element to the heat sink. A metal surface as a bearing surface for the screw head offers significant advantages over plastic, as metal withstands pressure better and is more tolerant of deformation. The recess is designed so that the tightened screw head does not protrude beyond the top surface of the outer ring.

[0031] Another significant advantage is that the outer ring and spring clip can be pre-assembled together on the heatsink. The spring clip is then attached to the outer ring in the area of ​​the body extension, allowing the LED board and inner ring to be inserted in a second assembly step.

[0032] A third embodiment of the invention provides that the fastening element comprises a spring-loaded locking element which secures the inner ring within the outer ring. The force transmission is particularly advantageous here. The holding force of the fastening element acts radially and thus parallel to the plane of arrangement on the heat sink. The connection element can therefore be reduced in height, and the fastening element does not protrude.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer ring forms the receptacle for the spring-loaded locking element in the form of a housing open towards the inner ring, in which the locking element is radially movable. The arrangement of the housing in the annular collar of the outer ring allows the locking element to travel the maximum possible distance towards the inner ring when it is supported against the outer wall of the outer ring. The spring travel in the connecting element is thus maximized, and the spring can exert its maximum force on the locking element.

[0034] According to the invention, the locking element comprises a bolt and a compression spring, the compression spring being located in the housing and pressing the bolt radially towards the inner ring. If the spring of the locking element can be supported against the inner outer wall of the outer ring, the spring travel in the connecting element is maximized and the spring can exert its maximum force on the locking element.

[0035] The inner ring forms a locking wedge as a counter bearing, which interacts with the clamping element, with the lower wedge surface serving as the engagement surface. The wedge tip points towards the outer ring or towards the locking bolt. When the inner ring is inserted into the outer ring, the lower wedge surface of the locking wedge, facing the installation direction, first comes into contact with the top of the bolt. The inclined surface of the wedge's underside guides the bolt back into the housing against the spring tension, allowing the inner ring to enter its installed position.

[0036] Preferably, the upper wedge surface of the locking wedge serves as the locking surface, which interacts with a catch surface on the underside of the bolt and secures the inner ring within the outer ring. The catch surface and the locking surface form a friction-fit connection. When two diametrically opposed locking units act against each other, they hold the inner ring particularly securely between them.

[0037] It is advantageous if the locking surface and the catching surface form a pair of inclined surfaces that directs the radially acting forces of the compression spring towards the mounting surface.

[0038] In this embodiment, any spring element can be used that allows the bolt to be pressed radially towards the inner ring, parallel to the mounting surface of the heat sink. For example, this compression spring of the clamping element can be a coil spring or a leaf spring.

[0039] Further advantages of the invention, as well as a better understanding of it, can be found in the following description of several exemplary embodiments. These show: Figure 1 an embodiment of the invention with the spring clip according to the invention in exploded view, Figure 2 a perspective view on the in Figure 1 The embodiment shown is in its assembled state. Figure 3 a view of the in Figure 1 The embodiment shown is in the assembled state, viewed from above. Figure 4 a cross-sectional view along the in Figure 3 shown section line AA acc. Figure 1 in assembled state, Figure 5 a section along the in Figure 3 marked section line BB, here in particular to the support element of the spring clamp, Figure 6 Another embodiment of the invention with the swivel nose according to the invention as a fastening part in exploded view, Figure 7 a perspective on in Figure 6The embodiment shown is in its assembled state. Figure 8 a view of the in Figure 6 The embodiment shown is in the assembled state, viewed from above. Figure 9 a cross-sectional view along the in Figure 8 shown section line AA acc. Figure 6 in assembled state, Figure 10 a third embodiment of the invention with the locking element according to the invention, Figure 11 a perspective on in Figure 10 The embodiment shown is in its assembled state. Figure 12 a view of the in Figure 10 The embodiment shown is in the assembled state, viewed from above. Figure 13 a cross-sectional view along the in Figure 12 section line AA shown for the second embodiment according to Figure 10 in assembled state, Figure 14 a variant of the third embodiment of the invention with the locking element according to the invention, here leaf spring mounted.

[0040] In the Figures 1 to 5One embodiment of the invention is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 100. A further embodiment of the invention is described in the Figures 6 to 9 shown. It is marked overall with the reference number 200. In the Figures 10 to 13 A third embodiment of the invention is presented. This embodiment is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 300. The in Figure 14 The presented variant of the third embodiment is in Fig. 14 All marked with the reference number 400.

[0041] In all figures, the installation direction E is defined as perpendicular to the arrangement plane A on the surface of the heat sink 500 and the light emission direction L as perpendicular away from the arrangement plane A.

[0042] The arrangement plane A as the surface of a heat sink 500, on which all embodiments of the invention can be mounted, is valid for all embodiments, but only shown by way of example in the Figures 10 to 14marked.

[0043] For all figures, it is also true that in the direction of light emission L a system axis S runs through the center point of the arrangement of outer and inner rings 110 / 130, 210 / 230, 310 / 330, 410 / 430.

[0044] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention with a connecting element designated in general by reference numeral 100 in an exploded view. The connecting element 100 comprises a substantially annular frame 105, which consists of a first ring 110 and a second ring 130. The first ring is also referred to as the outer ring 110, and the second ring as the inner ring 130.

[0045] The outer ring 110 and inner ring 130 hold an LED circuit board, or printed circuit board 150, with an LED 151 and the corresponding contact fields 152 for an electrical connection between them.

[0046] The ring-shaped frame 105 of the connection element 100 houses contact elements not shown in detail, which interact with the contact fields 152 and enable electrical contacting of the LED 151.

[0047] The connection element 100 further comprises two fastening parts in the form of two spring clips 170, which secure the inner ring 130 in the outer ring 110. The connection element 100, or rather the outer ring 110, is fastened to the mounting surface of a heat sink 500 (not shown) by means of the screw bolts 190, so that the circuit board 150 with the LED 151 is held between the connection element 100 and the heat sink 500.

[0048] The arrangement plane A of a connection element 100 according to the invention on a heat sink 500 is referred to as follows: Figures 10 to 14 Reference is made to the figures in which the heat sink 500, which can also be used for this embodiment 100, is shown accordingly.

[0049] Of course, according to the invention it is also conceivable that the connecting element 100 is attached to the arrangement plane of any other counter bearing instead of the heat sink 500.

[0050] The outer ring 110 has a bottom surface 111 and a top surface 112. The bottom surface 111 is placed on the surface of the heat sink 500 in the installation direction E. The top surface 112 has a surface in the light emission direction L.

[0051] The outer ring 110 has a cutout 114 on its base plate 113. The cutout 114 is shaped so that it can be divided into a substantially square insertion contour 115 and further engagement contours 116. These contours merge seamlessly into one another. The insertion contour 115 serves to receive the printed circuit board 150. The engagement contours 116 allow the printed circuit board 150 to be removed from its installation position without damage.

[0052] The base plate 113 further features two opposing, trough-like recesses 117. Each of these recesses 117 has a substantially arc-like contour. The recess 117 is complemented by a cutout 118 in the outer ring 110. The cutout 118 and the recess 117 merge into one another to form a receiving trough 119. The spring clip 170 is inserted into this receiving trough 119 during assembly.

[0053] The spring clip 170 consists of a stamped metal sheet with various extensions, each fulfilling a specific function. First, the spring clip has a body extension 171, which serves as a mounting base and has a bore 172 for the insertion of an assembly element, in this case the screw bolt 190.

[0054] The bore opening 172 is advantageously congruent with a bore 120 in the cutout 118 of the outer ring 110. The screw bolt 190 can be guided through both openings 172 and 120 simultaneously. The outer ring 110 and spring clip 170 can therefore be attached simultaneously to the mounting plane A, the surface of the heat sink 500. This simplifies pre-assembly. Furthermore, this partially assembled unit consisting of the heat sink 500, outer ring 110, and mounting part 170 can be stored in this way.

[0055] The body extension or mounting base 171 is aligned parallel to the mounting plane A or to the base plate 113. A retaining leg 173 is arranged on this mounting base 171. The punched-out metal sheet of the spring clip 170 is bent at this point by 90° in the direction of light emission L. The retaining leg 173 is therefore perpendicular to the mounting plane A and forms the contact surface 174 against which the outer wall 136 of the inner ring 130 rests during assembly.

[0056] The metal sheet in the transition area between mounting base 171 and retaining leg 173 is not simply bent at a right angle, but forms a spring arc 175 at the bending angle. This results, on the one hand, in sufficient distance between borehole 172 and retaining leg 173 for the bearing of a screw bolt head 191, and on the other hand, the spring arc 175 enables an additional radial spring force of the retaining leg 173 towards the outer wall 136 of the inner ring 130.

[0057] Starting from the retaining leg 173, a spring arm 176 extends in both directions along the circumference of the inner ring 130. Each spring arm 176 is deflected radially towards the inner ring 130. The spring arms 176 are deflected about an axis that runs perpendicularly through the retaining leg 173 and parallel to the installation direction E. They exert a spring force parallel to the arrangement plane A on the outer wall 136 of the inner ring 130. Since, according to this embodiment, two spring clips 170 are diametrically opposed in each connecting element 100, the spring forces of the spring arms 176 always act against each other and thus clamp the inner ring 130 firmly between them in the outer ring 110.

[0058] At their free ends, the spring arms 176 each have a retaining lug 177. The retaining lug 177 engages the inner ring 130, which will be described first.

[0059] The inner ring 130 also has a bottom surface 131 and a top surface 132. The bottom surface 131 of the inner ring 130 is oriented in the installation direction E towards the base plate 113 of the outer ring 110 and overlaps the circuit board 150.

[0060] According to the invention, both the outer and inner rings 110 / 130 can contain openings or housings for receiving contact elements that serve for the electrical contacting of the LED 151, but are not shown in more detail here.

[0061] The inner ring 130 has an annular opening 133 in its center, the size of which corresponds approximately to the outer circumference of the LED 151, so that the base of the inserted LED 151 is flush with the edge of the opening 133. From its upper surface 132, the inner wall 134 of the inner ring 130 extends in a funnel shape towards the annular opening 133. The funnel shape facilitates maintaining the optimal beam angle of the LED 151.

[0062] Wall cutouts 135 are located at four opposite points. The outer wall 136 has four approximately cube-shaped cutouts distributed around the outer circumference of the inner ring 130. The imaginary cube shape is not completely symmetrical – the base of the wall cutouts 135 in the inner ring 130 is slightly ramped – the cutout 135 becomes deeper towards the outside.

[0063] In this way, four retaining ramps 137 are formed. The ramp tip 138 – the flattest point of the ramp – is directed towards the outer ring 110, more precisely towards the spring arms 176 of the spring clamp 170.

[0064] The retaining lug 177, formed from a bent extension of the spring arm 176, engages the retaining ramp 137 when mounted. The tip 178 of the retaining lug 177 exerts a compressive force in the direction of the opposite tip 178 of the opposite retaining lug 177.

[0065] The underside 179 of the retaining lug 177 rests on the surface 139 of the retaining ramp 137. This exerts an additional pressure force on the inserted inner ring 130, oriented perpendicular to the arrangement plane A, which further secures the inner ring 130 in the outer ring 110 during assembly.

[0066] Furthermore, the lateral inner surfaces 180 of the retaining lugs 177 can bear against the vertical cutout walls 140 of the wall cutouts 135. Here, too, an additional holding force can be exerted on the section of the inner ring 130 located between the wall cutouts 135.

[0067] The wall cutouts 135 thus serve as a total of counter bearings for the spring clamp 170.

[0068] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows the embodiment of the connection element 100 according to the invention in its assembled state, in a top-view perspective. The previously shown in Figure 1The components described in individual parts, outer ring 110 and inner ring 130, are assembled here, holding the circuit board 150 between themselves and an arrangement surface A of a heat sink 500 (not shown), with the spring clip 170 securing and holding the inner ring 130 in the outer ring 110.

[0069] The inner ring 130 is placed from above onto the outer ring 110, which is already pre-mounted on the arrangement level A of the heat sink 500, for installation in the installation direction E. The outer ring 110 also already carries the spring clips 170. These are advantageously fastened at the same time using the same screw bolts 190 that are also used for mounting on the heat sink 500.

[0070] The inner ring 130 is placed from above onto the retaining lugs 177 of the spring clips 170 in installation direction E and clipped into place by manual pressure in installation direction E without the need for any tools. The retaining lugs 177 spring back and, guided by the spring force, slide back into their mounting position via the retaining ramps 137.

[0071] In the installed state, it becomes clear that the spring clip 170 sits in the receiving basin 119 formed by recess 117 and cutout 118 and does not protrude above the height of the outer ring 110.

[0072] The body extension 171 of the spring clamp 170, with its mounting base 171 aligned parallel to the arrangement plane A, forms a stable counter-bearing for the underside 192 of a screw bolt head 191. In contrast to the surfaces 112, 132 of the connection element 100, which are otherwise made of plastic, the metal bearing is break-resistant and, if necessary, flexible, so that the connection element 100 can be securely and firmly fastened to the surface of the heat sink 500 with the screw bolt 190.

[0073] At the same time, the trunk extension 171 with its curved transition in the form of a spring bow 175 provides a stable hold for the retaining leg 173. This leg is slightly spring-loaded and mounted on the trunk extension 171 via the spring bow 175, thus successfully supporting the inner ring 130, while the spring arms 176 grip the outer wall 136 of the inner ring 130 and hold it between the retaining lugs 177 arranged at the free ends.

[0074] Figure 3Figure 1 shows the connecting element of the embodiment 100 according to the invention in a top view. The shape of the spring clip 170, which serves as a fastening element between the outer ring 110 and the inner ring 130, is clearly visible. The body extension 171 of the two spring clips 170 is visible on both sides, and the screw head 191 of the bolt 190 rests on its metallic surface. From above, it is visible that the spring arc 175 provides sufficient clearance between the screw head 191 and the retaining leg 173. The retaining leg 173 rests with its inner side against the outer wall 136 of the inner ring 130.

[0075] From there, the spring clip 170 forks into two spring arms 176, which grip the inner ring 130. At the free ends of each spring arm 176 are retaining lugs 177, which engage the cube-shaped cutouts 135 in the inner ring 130. At their outermost ends, the spring arms 176 also form support sections 181, which support the spring clip 170 in the base of the receiving recess 119 of the outer ring 110 when the inner ring 130 is inserted.

[0076] It also becomes clear that the two opposing spring clips 170 hold the inner ring 130 between them and that the holding forces for fastening the inner ring 130 in the outer ring 110 run essentially parallel to the arrangement plane A of the heat sink 500.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a sectional view along a Figure 3 drawn section line AA. As in the Figures 2 and 3Here too, the inner ring 130 is already fastened in the outer ring 110. The bearing surface of the screw heads 191 on the fuselage extensions 171 is clearly visible in the section 118 on the left side. The section shows that the LED The inner ring 130 is located on its circuit board 150 in the cutout 114 of the underside 111 of the first ring 110 and rests in a plane on the surface and arrangement plane A of the heat sink 500. The inner ring 130 sits inside the outer ring 110 and holds the circuit board 150 securely underneath it. For final fixation, spring clips 170 with their locking lugs 177 or retaining lugs are provided, which fix the inner ring 130 at opposite points.

[0078] The well-thought-out design of the spring clamp 170 is further detailed in the illustration in Figure 5The section shown is clearly visible. In this sectional view, one can see not only the fastening of the spring clip 170 via the body extension 171 in the outer ring 110, retaining leg 173 and spring arms 176, but also the support of the retaining lug 177 on the retaining ramp 137 of the inner ring 130 and the lateral support of the spring clip 170 by the support sections 181 bent at right angles towards the inner ring 130.

[0079] The support sections 181 not only provide more stability to the spring clamp 170 - especially when inserting the inner ring 130 - but also grip the adjacent retaining ramps 137 from the outside and are therefore an additional fastening factor.

[0080] Figure 6Another embodiment 200 of the invention is presented by means of an exploded view. In this embodiment 200 as well, the arrangement of the connecting element 200 comprises a substantially annular frame 205, consisting of a first ring 210 and a second ring 230, as well as an LED circuit board 250 and a pair of fastening elements 270, which serve to fasten the inner ring 230 in the outer ring 210 and thus secure the embedded circuit board 250.

[0081] The outer ring 210 consists of an essentially circular frame 205 with a bottom surface 211, with which it is placed and fastened on the top surface, or mounting surface, of a heat sink 500.

[0082] For this purpose, the outer ring 210 has two opposing bores 217 through which mounting elements 290, such as screw bolts in this case, are guided in the installation direction E and secured in the heat sink 500. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the bores 217 are designed such that the bore hole on the upper surface 212 of the outer ring 230 is dimensioned to allow the screw head 291 of the screw bolt 290 to be countersunk. It therefore does not protrude from the surface of the connecting element 200.

[0083] The outer ring 210 also has a top surface 212 facing in the direction of light emission L. Inside the outer ring 210, a base plate 213 is visible, which is provided with a cutout 214. This cutout 214 is intended for receiving the LED board 250 and is shown only schematically. Such a cutout 214 is generally adapted to the dimensions of the LED board 250 and includes, shown here only schematically, an insertion contour 215 and an engagement contour 216, which makes it possible to insert the LED board 250 into the recess without damage or to remove it from its recess in the base 213 of the outer ring 210.

[0084] The outer ring 210 also has two opposing housings 218, which serve to receive the fastening elements 270. The otherwise essentially circular contour of the outer ring 210 is extended around its entire circumference in this area. This contour extension 219 allows the intended movement path of the fastening element 270 without it pivoting out of the outer ring 210.

[0085] The outer ring 210 is also open on its upper side 212 in the area of ​​the housing 218 to allow the insertion of the fastening element 270 in installation direction E.

[0086] The housing 218 is also provided with an opening 220 to the interior of the outer ring 210. The fastening element 270 pivots out of this opening 220 to secure the inner ring 230.

[0087] The inner ring 230 also has a bottom surface 231 and a top surface 232. The bottom surface 231 is oriented in the installation direction E towards the base plate 213 of the outer ring 210 and overlaps the circuit board 250.

[0088] According to the invention, both the outer and inner rings 210 / 230 can contain openings or housings for receiving contact elements, which are not shown in detail here.

[0089] The inner ring 230 has an annular opening 233, the size of which corresponds approximately to the outer circumference of the LED 251, so that the base of the inserted LED 251 is flush with the edge of the opening 233. From its upper surface 232, the inner wall 234 of the inner ring 230 extends in a funnel shape towards the annular opening 233. The funnel shape facilitates maintaining the optimal beam angle of the LED 251.

[0090] The outer contour of the inner ring 230 is predominantly ring-shaped; at two opposite points, the inner ring 230 widens outwards. Here, the inner ring 230 forms retaining projections or retaining lugs 235. The retaining projection 235 is a protrusion with an approximately bell-shaped contour on the lower edge of the inner ring 230, facing the mounting surface A, and its height is only about one-quarter of the outer wall height of the inner ring 230. This projection, also referred to as a retaining lug 235, extends towards the outer ring 210.

[0091] The outer ring 210 has corresponding cutouts in its inner circumference contour to allow seamless insertion of the inner ring 230. After insertion, the retaining lugs 235 lie in a plane with the underside 231 of the inner ring 230 on the base 213 of the outer ring 210. The housings 218 are also arranged in the outer ring 230 in the area of ​​these cutouts, and the fastening elements 270 are located here.

[0092] The eccentric-like fastening parts 270 are shown in the exploded view of the Figure 6also shown. They initially comprise a pin 271 which can be inserted into a corresponding recess 221 in the housing 218 in the installation direction E. The fastening part 270 is pivotable about the longitudinal axis running through the pin 271. The fastening part 270 has a pivot disc 272, which has a shorter guide section 273 and a longer fastening section 274, which is also referred to here as a pivot nose 274 or pivot wedge.

[0093] In this embodiment, the outer contour of the swivel disc 272 is oval; however, other contours are also conceivable according to the invention. The oval contour is advantageous because it can only be inserted into the housing 218 in a specific position and, after the inner ring 230 has been inserted and locked, can no longer slip laterally.

[0094] The fastening element 270 has a receiving profile 275 on its upper side, which points in the direction of light emission L, into which a release tool can engage. A simple slotted profile 275, for example for a screwdriver, is shown. Other profiles are also conceivable according to the invention.

[0095] The release tool allows the pivoting movement of the pivoting lug 274 in the horizontal direction, parallel to the arrangement plane A, to be easily performed. The pivoting lug 274, which, after the fastening part 270 has been inserted into the housing 218, still points in the circumferential direction of the outer ring 210, is rotated out of the housing 218 towards the inner ring 230. It then engages the inner ring 230 in the area of ​​the retaining lugs 235 and secures it in its installation position in the outer ring 210.

[0096] Figure 7 shows the embodiment of the invention in assembled form. InFrom this perspective, it is evident that the inner ring 230 sits inside the outer ring 210 and covers the circuit board 250. LED 251 sits in the opening 233 of the inner ring 230 and can optimally emit its light via the funnel-shaped inner wall 234. The connecting element 200 is attached to the mounting surface A of a heat sink 500 by two opposing screws 290 that pass through the annular collar of the outer ring 210. The heat sink 500 is not shown here. The two opposing fastening elements 270 are seated in their respective housings 218; the pivot nose 274 has already pivoted out of the opening 220 and engages the respective retaining projection 235 of the inner ring 230.

[0097] Figure 8Figure 1 shows a top view of the embodiment of the invention. The contour cutouts 219 on the inner circumference of the outer ring 210 are clearly visible here. It is also easy to see that the outer contour of the outer ring 210 in the area of ​​the housing 218 deviates from the normal circular contour and projects slightly outwards. The housing shape is chosen so that the fastening element 270 can be rotated from its rest position into the fastening position within the housing 218 without projecting outwards beyond the outer ring 210.

[0098] Figure 9 The fastening position is shown once in a sectional view along the in Figure 8The section line AA is shown. The fastening element 270 is seated in its housing 218. The pivot pin 271 is rotatably seated in its recess 221. The pivot lug 274 is already pivoted into the fastening position and engages the retaining lug 235. A surface pairing is formed between the underside of the pivot lug 276, facing in the installation direction E, and the surface of the retaining projection 235 of the inner ring 230, facing in the light emission direction L. This securely fixes the inner ring 230 in the outer ring 210. The inner ring 230 thus engages the circuit board 250 and secures it firmly in its position in the connection element 200. The contact force of the pivot lugs 276 is transferred to the circuit board 250. Using a suitable release tool, the fastening part 270 can be turned back from its fastening position to its rest position, so that the inner ring 230 is freed and can be removed from the outer ring 210.

[0099] Figure 10This provides an overview of the third embodiment of the invention, in which a spring-loaded locking element 370 serves for fastening. The arrangement 300, as in the other embodiments 100 and 200, consists of a substantially annular frame 305, comprising an outer ring 310 and an inner ring 330, a circuit board 350, and a pair of fastening elements 370, which serve to fasten the inner ring 330 in the outer ring 310 and thus secure the embedded circuit board 350.

[0100] The outer ring 310 consists of an essentially circular frame, also referred to as a ring collar, with a bottom surface 311 by which it is placed and fastened to the top surface, or mounting surface A, of a heat sink 500. Reference is also made to the sectional view in [reference to figure]. Figure 13 and the perspective representation in Figure 11The outer ring 310 has bores in the installation direction E for screw bolts or other equivalent arrangement elements 390. However, it is also provided for in this embodiment that the arrangement elements, such as screw bolts 390, are recessed in the outer ring 310 in such a way that they do not protrude from the top surface 312 of the connecting element 300. Figure 11 This is illustrated in a perspective view.

[0101] The outer ring 310 also has a top surface 312 facing in the direction of light emission L. The base plate 313 is – as in the other two embodiments – provided with a cutout 314, which is designed to accommodate the LED board 350 and is in Figure 10 It is only shown schematically.

[0102] Such a cutout 314 is basically adapted to the dimensions of the LED board 350 and includes here a schematically shown insertion contour 315 and an engagement contour 316, which makes it possible to insert the LED board 350 into the receptacle without damage or to remove it from its receptacle in the base 313 of the outer ring 310.

[0103] The ring collar of the outer ring 310, or rather its outer wall 317, is widened outwards in a box-like shape at two points. This is particularly evident in the top view. Fig. 12The housings 318 for the spring-loaded locking elements 370 are located within these extensions. The radial extension is necessary here to provide the spring travel for the spring-loaded locking elements 370. The outer ring 310 has openings 320 on its inner wall 319 in the area of ​​the housings 318. In this embodiment, the housings 318 are completely closed and are only open at the inner wall 319 towards the interior of the outer ring 310.

[0104] In the area of ​​the opening 320, the base plate 313 of the outer ring 310 has a step or impact edge 321. This serves to prevent the locking element 370, which is movably mounted in the housing 318, from being completely pushed out of the housing 318.

[0105] Finally, the inner surface 319 of the outer ring 310 is slightly cut out in its contour in the area of ​​the housing, resulting in a slight recess 322 in the inner contour, which transitions into the opening 320. The course of the contour line is particularly evident in the top view. Figure 12 recognizable.

[0106] The housings 318 are arranged opposite each other. The fastening elements 370 are mounted in them. These consist of a bolt 371 and a compression spring 372. In the Fig. 10 In the embodiment shown, the bolt 371 is depicted as a substantially cuboid element which is connected to the compression spring 372 at its end 373 facing the outer ring 310 and has a locking device 374 at its other end.

[0107] The compression spring 372, which is in Fig. 10As shown, it is a helical compression spring. One end of its coil is attached to or in the bolt 371. The other free end 375 of the compression spring points towards the outer wall 317 of the outer ring. It bears against the inner wall of the housing 318. The spring 372 thus always pushes the bolt 371 towards the inner ring 330.

[0108] The bolt 371 has a locking device 374 which is locked against the counter bearing of the inner ring 330. The most important surfaces of the locking device 374 are the inclined catch surface 376 and the retaining surface 377, which point towards the base plate 313 of the outer ring 310 in the installation direction.

[0109] If no inner ring 330 is initially inserted, the spring-loaded locking element 370 with the compression spring 371 is seated in the housing 318, the bolt 371 protrudes in the fastening direction or in the direction of the interior of the outer ring 310. The spring 372 presses it against the impact edge 321 provided in the base 313 of the outer ring 310, against which it runs with its retaining surface 377 provided on the underside.

[0110] The inner ring 330, like the inner rings 130 and 230 of the other embodiments, has a bottom surface 331 and a top surface 332. The bottom surface 331 is aligned in the installation direction E with the base plate 313 of the outer ring 310 and covers the circuit board 350 with its LED 351 and the contact fields 352.

[0111] In this embodiment 300 as well, housings for contact elements can be accommodated in the inner ring 330 or in the outer ring 310 according to the invention. They are not shown in detail here.

[0112] This inner ring 330 also has an annular opening 333 in which the LED 351 fits perfectly. The inner wall 334 also has a funnel shape for the optimal beam angle.

[0113] The inner ring 330 has locking wedges 335 at two opposite points. The outer wall 336 of the inner ring 330 is cut in a wedge shape; the wedge tip 337 points towards the outer ring 310. The outer wall 336 of the inner ring 330 forms fitting walls 338 on the left and right sides of the outer circumference, perpendicular to the circumference line and extending to the wedge tip 337.

[0114] The inner ring 330 is inserted vertically into the interior of the outer ring 310 for assembly. The sealing walls 338 serve as guide elements. The sectional view of the Figure 13This illustrates the surfaces that interact during installation. First, the lower wedge surface 339, facing the underside of the inner ring 331, engages the locking bolt 371. This lower wedge surface acts as an engagement surface 339 and pushes the bolt 371 outwards into the housing 318 against the spring force of the compression spring 372. Once the bolt 371 is fully retracted, the bolt face 378 slides over the wedge tip 337. Now, the inclined surface 340 of the bolt 371, which faces the base 313 of the outer ring 310 and is also referred to as the locking surface 340, engages the upper catch surface 376 of the locking wedge 335 on the inner ring 330, which points in the direction of light emission L. Catch surface 376 and locking surface 340 form an inclined surface pair.

[0115] The inclined surface pairing causes the compressive forces of the spring 372, which act radially in the mounting direction B, to be redirected into a holding force acting in the installation direction E. The inner ring 330 is held in the outer ring 310. The circuit board 350 is held between the inner ring 330 and the outer ring 310.

[0116] For the sake of completeness, an embodiment 400, which is almost identical in its fastening principle to embodiment 300, is shown in Figure 14 depicted. The ones already mentioned Figures 10 to 13 The components described above are also present here; however, the fastening part 470 does not have a spiral compression spring, but rather a leaf spring 472.

[0117] A ring-shaped frame 405 is present, consisting of an outer ring 410 and an inner ring 430. Furthermore, a circuit board 450 with an LED 451 and contact fields 452 is also seated in a cutout 414 in the base 413 of the outer ring 410. It is covered by the inner ring 430.

[0118] The inner wall 419 of the outer ring 410 again has openings 420 identical to embodiment 300, through which the bolt 471 attached to the leaf spring 472 can slide in order to attach the connecting element 400 with the LED board 450 to the heat sink 500.

[0119] Here too, two housings 418 are found in the outer ring 410, arranged opposite each other. The housings 418 serve to receive the leaf spring 472 and are adapted to its contour. The housings 418 are formed by a cutout in the outer wall 417 of the outer ring 410, so that the leaf springs 472 can be inserted in the installation direction.

[0120] The housing 418 forms grooves 423 on the circumferential line of the outer ring 410. The free retaining ends 475 of the leaf spring 472 are seated in these grooves 423. The leaf spring 472 is inserted into the housing 418 under tension, and the retaining ends 475 bear against the inner walls 424 of the grooves, which face the outside of the outer ring 410.

[0121] The locking mechanism with the locking wedge 435 is identical to that of embodiment 300. The description also applies to the fastening part 470. Reference symbol list

[0122] 100 connection element 105 ring-shaped frame 110 first ring / outer ring 111 underside 112 topside 113 base plate 114 cutout 115 insert contour 116 engagement contour 117 recess 118 cutout 119 receiving tray 120 bore 130 Second ring / inner ring 131 Underside 132 Top side 133 Ring-shaped opening 134 Inner wall 135 Wall cutout 136 Outer wall 137 Mounting ramp 138 Ramp tip 139 Surface 140 Vertical cutout wall 150PCB 151LED 152Contact panels 170 Spring clip 171 Trunk extension 172 Drill hole opening 173 Retaining leg 174 Contact surface 175 Spring arch 176 Spring arms 177 Retaining nose 178 Retaining nose tip 179 Underside 180 Lateral inner surfaces 181 Support sections 190 Screw bolt 191 Screw bolt head 192 Underside 200 connection element 205 ring-shaped frame 210 first ring / outer ring 211 bottom 212 top 213 base plate 214 cutout 215 insert contour 216 engagement contour 217 holes for screw bolts 218 housing 219 contour extension 220 opening to the inside 221 recess for pin 230 Second ring / inner ring 231 Underside 232 Top side 233 Ring-shaped opening 234 Inner wall 235 Retaining lug 236 Surface of the retaining lug 250PCB 251LED 252Contact panels 270 Fastening part 271 Pin 272 Swivel disc 273 Guide section 274 Swivel nose 275 Mounting profile 276 Underside of swivel nose 290 Screw bolt 291 Screw bolt head 292 Underside 300 connection element 305 ring-shaped frame 310 first ring / outer ring 311 underside 312 topside 313 base plate 314 cutout 315 inset contour 316 engagement contour 317 outer wall of the outer ring 318 housing 319 inner wall of the outer ring 320 opening to the inside 321 butt edge 322 recess 330 Second ring / inner ring 331 Underside 332 Top side 333 Ring-shaped opening 334 Inner wall 335 Locking wedge 336 Outer wall of the inner ring 337 Wedge tip 338 Fitting walls 339 Recessed surface 340 Locking surface 350PCB 351LED 352Contact panels 370 Fastening part 371 Bolt 372 Compression spring 373 Connection point 374 Locking device / locking surface 375 Free end of compression spring 376 Catching surface 377 Holding surface 378 Bolt face 390 Screw bolt 391 Screw bolt head 392 Underside 400 connection element 405 ring-shaped frame 410 first ring / outer ring 411 underside 412 topside 413 base plate 414 cutout 415 inset contour 416 engagement contour 417 outer wall of the outer ring 418 housing 419 inner wall of the outer ring 420 opening to the inside 421 butt edge 422 recess 423 groove 424 groove inner wall 430 Second ring / inner ring 431 Underside 432 Top side 433 Ring-shaped opening 434 Inner wall 435 Locking wedge 436 Outer wall of the inner ring 437 Wedge tip 438 Fitting walls 439 Recessed surface 440 Locking surface 450 Circuit board 451 LED 452 Contact fields 470 Fastening part 471 Bolt 472 Leaf spring 473 Connection point 475 Free retaining ends of the leaf spring 476 Catching surface 477 Retaining surface 478 Bolt front 490 Screw bolt 491 Screw bolt head 492 Underside 500 Heat sink A Arrangement plane B Mounting direction S System axis E Installation direction L Light emission direction

Claims

1. Connection element (200) for the electrical connection of an LED light source, wherein the LED light source has a printed circuit board (250) which is provided with contact fields (252) for the electrical supply of the LED (251), - with a substantially ring-shaped frame (205) which is designed to cover the printed circuit board (250) and hold it mechanically to an arrangement surface (A) of a heat sink (500), - with a contact arrangement which is mounted in the frame (205) and serves to supply the LED (251) with electricity, wherein - the frame (205) is divided into a first ring (210) and a second ring (230), - the first ring (210) is designed as an outer ring to surround the circuit board (250) and hold it parallel to the mounting surface (A) of the heat sink (500), - the second ring (230) is coaxially seated in the outer ring (210) as an inner ring, - it overlaps the circuit board (250) at least in some areas and is designed to hold the circuit board (250) in a vertical direction relative to the mounting surface (A) of the heat sink (500), - the connecting element (200) has a fastening part (270), - the fastening part (270) is seated in a receptacle (218) in the outer ring (210), - the inner ring (230) has a counter bearing (235) for the fastening part (270), characterised in that the fastening part (270) engages in the counter bearing (235) essentially parallel to the arrangement surface (A) of the heat sink (500) and secures the inner ring (230) in the outer ring (210), wherein the fastening element (270) comprises a pivot lug (274) which secures the inner ring (230) in the outer ring (210).

2. . Connection element (200) according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection element (200) has two pivot lugs (274) which are arranged diametrically opposite each other and which fix the inner ring (230) in the outer ring (210).

3. . Connecting element (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the counter bearing on the inner ring (230) is formed as a radial retaining projection (235) which the pivot lug (274) engages to secure the inner ring (230).

4. . Connecting element (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer ring (210) forms a housing (218) as a receptacle for the swivel lug (274), in which the swivel lug (274) is seated by means of a pin (271) perpendicular to the arrangement surface (A) and about whose longitudinal axis it can be pivoted out of the housing (218) onto the retaining projection (235).

5. . Connecting element (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pivot lug (274) has a receiving profile (275) for a release tool.

6. . Connecting element (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer ring (210) forms a contour cut-out (219) in the area of each of the pivot lugs (274) for insertion of the associated retaining projection (235).

7. . Connection element (100) for the electrical connection of an LED light source, wherein the LED light source has a printed circuit board (150) which is provided with contact pads (152) for the electrical supply of the LED (151), - with a substantially ring-shaped frame (105) which is designed to cover the printed circuit board (150) and hold it mechanically to an arrangement surface (A) of a heat sink (500), - with a contact arrangement which is mounted in the frame (105) and serves to supply the LED (151) with electricity, wherein - the frame (105) is divided into a first ring (110) and a second ring (130), - the first ring (110) is designed as an outer ring to surround the circuit board (150) and hold it parallel to the mounting surface (A) of the heat sink (500), - the second ring (130) is coaxially seated in the outer ring (110) as an inner ring, - it overlaps the circuit board (150) at least in some areas and is designed to hold the circuit board (150) in a vertical direction relative to the mounting surface (A) of the heat sink (500), - the connecting element (100) has a fastening part (170), - the fastening part (170) is seated in a receptacle (119) in the outer ring (110), and - the inner ring (130) has a counter bearing (135) for the fastening element (170), characterised in that the fastening element (170) engages in the counter bearing (135) substantially parallel to the arrangement surface (A) of the heat sink (500) (135) and fixes the inner ring (130) in the outer ring (110), wherein the fastening element is a spring clip (170) with a retaining leg (173) against which the outer wall (136) of the inner ring (130) rests, and which has two spring arms (176) extending oppositely in the circumferential direction from the retaining leg (173), which spring arms grip the inner ring (130) and fix it in the outer ring (110).

8. . Connection element (100) according to claim 7, characterised in that the connection element (100) has two spring clips (170) which are arranged diametrically opposite each other and which fix the inner ring (130) in the outer ring (110).

9. . Connecting element (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that each spring arm (176) has a retaining lug (177) at its free end pointing towards the inner ring (130), the inner ring (130) is provided with wall cut-outs (135) and each retaining lug (177) engages a retaining surface (137) in the wall cut-out (135), thereby exerting an additional retaining force on the inner ring (130) in the direction of the arrangement surface (A).

10. . Connection element (100) according to claim 9, characterised in that the spring arms (176) each have a support section (181) at their free end, which is perpendicular to the retaining leg (173), wherein the support sections (181) rest on the bottom (113) of the outer ring (110) and the support sections (181) of a spring clip (170) surround the two corresponding wall cut-outs (135) of the inner ring (130).

11. . Connection element (100) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the receptacle for the spring clip (170) is designed as a trough (119) in the base (113) of the outer ring (110).

12. . Connection element (100) according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that the spring clip (170) forms a body extension (171) starting from the retaining leg (173), the surface of which serves as a support for an arrangement means (190) with which the connection element (100) can be fastened to the heat sink (500), wherein the body extension (171) has an opening (172) which is arranged congruently with a bore (120) in the outer ring (110) in order to guide the arrangement means (190) therethrough.

13. . Connection element (300, 400) for the electrical connection of an LED light source, wherein the LED light source has a printed circuit board (350, 450) which is provided with contact fields (352, 452) for the electrical supply of the LED (351, 451), - with a substantially ring-shaped frame (305, 405) which is designed to cover the printed circuit board (350, 450) and hold it mechanically to an arrangement surface (A) of a heat sink (500), - with a contact arrangement mounted in the frame (305, 405) and serving to supply power to the LED (351, 451), wherein - the frame (305, 405) is divided into a first ring (310, 410) and a second ring (330, 430), - the first ring (310, 410) is designed as an outer ring to surround the circuit board (350, 450) and hold it parallel to the arrangement surface (A) of the heat sink (500), - the second ring (330, 430) is coaxially seated in the outer ring (310, 430) as an inner ring, - at least partially overlaps the printed circuit board (350, 450) and is designed to hold the printed circuit board (350, 450) in a vertical direction relative to the mounting surface (A) of the heat sink (500), - the connecting element (300, 400) has a fastening part (370, 470), - the fastening part (370, 470) is seated in a receptacle (318, 418) in the outer ring (310, 410), and - the inner ring (330, 430) has a counter bearing (335, 435) for the fastening part (370, 470), characterised in that - the fastening element (370, 470) engages in the counter bearing (335, 435) essentially parallel to the arrangement surface (A) of the heat sink (500) and fixes the inner ring (330, 430) in the outer ring (310, 410), wherein - the fastening element (370, 470) comprises a spring-loaded locking element (370, 470) which secures the inner ring (330, 430) in the outer ring (310, 410), - wherein the outer ring (310, 410) forms the receptacle for the spring-mounted bolt element (370, 470) in the form of a housing (318, 418) open towards the inner ring (330, 430) 418) open towards the inner ring (330, 430), in which the locking element (370, 470) is seated so as to be radially movable, and wherein the locking element (370, 470) comprises a bolt (371, 471) and a compression spring (372, 472), wherein the compression spring (372, 472) is seated in the housing (318, 418) and presses the bolt (371, 471) in the radial direction towards the inner ring (330, 430).

14. . Connecting element (300, 400) according to claim 13, characterised in that the connecting element (300, 400) has two spring-loaded locking elements (370, 470) which are arranged diametrically opposite each other and which fix the inner ring (330, 430) in the outer ring (310, 410).

15. . Connecting element (300, 400) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, characterised in that the inner ring (330, 430) forms a locking wedge (335, 435) which interacts with the bolt (371, 471), the lower wedge surface (339, 439) serving as an engagement surface.

16. . Connecting element (300, 400) according to claim 15, characterised in that the upper wedge surface (340, 440) of the locking wedge (335, 435) serves as a locking surface which interacts with a catch surface (376, 476) on the underside of the bolt (371, 471) and secures the inner ring (330, 430) in the outer ring (310, 410).

17. . Connection element (300, 400) according to claim 16, characterised in that the bolt surface (340, 440) and the catch surface (376, 476) form a pair of inclined surfaces which deflect the radially acting forces of the compression spring (372, 472) in the direction of the arrangement surface (A).

18. . Connection element (300, 400) according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterised in that the compression spring (372, 472) of the spring-mounted bolt element (370, 470) is a coil spring (372) or a leaf spring (472).