Connection element for a light-emitting diode strip and system comprising a connection element and a light-emitting diode strip

Abstract

A connection element (13) is provided for the mechanical arrangement of and electrical connection to a light-emitting diode strip (1), wherein the connection element (13) has a receiving body (14) with a bottom wall (15) and lateral side walls (16) extending from the bottom wall (15) and has an inner recess (17) formed by the bottom wall (15) and the side walls (16), in which the light-emitting diode strip (1) can be received, and the receiving body (14) has at least one cutting contact means (18) extending from the bottom wall (15) in the direction away from the inner recess (17), by means of which an electrical connection can be established between the connection element (13) and the light-emitting diode strip (1),wherein the respective side wall (16) has a recess (33) penetrating the side wall (16) and, on an inner wall surface facing the inner recess (17), has a groove (35) extending in the longitudinal direction of the side wall (16), and the inner recess (17) is provided with a connector element (12) designed to receive the LED strip (1), wherein the connector element (12) has an inner recess (21) which is delimited by a bottom wall (22) and lateral side walls (23, 24) and an end wall (27) as well as a cover wall (25) opposite the bottom wall (22), and the bottom wall (22) has a recess (29) penetrating the bottom wall (22) in the region of the end wall (27).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection element for the mechanical arrangement of and electrical connection to a light-emitting diode strip according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a system with a connection element and a light-emitting diode strip arranged in an elongated profile according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] The aforementioned LED strip can be a flexible LED strip, which is intended, for example, for lighting purposes in a building or on a vehicle. Such an LED strip can have a considerable longitudinal extension, which means that intermediate feeds for supplying current or voltage to the LEDs may be necessary. An LED strip that appears to the observer to be continuous or integral can also be composed of multiple LED strips, so that there is a need to provide a connecting element between the individual LED strips, whereby the connecting element should simultaneously supply the LED strips with current or voltage via the connection point.There is also a need to provide a connection element to enable an initial feed of current or voltage into a first or individual LED strip.

[0003] A light-emitting diode strip, as mentioned above, often has two or more copper tracks or copper layers extending along the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip, which are provided on a flexible printed circuit board, on which the light-emitting diodes are arranged, for example by means of chip-on-board (COB) technology.

[0004] EP 2 037 723 A2 discloses an LED contacting system that provides for the mechanical attachment of an LED module to a support layer comprising two conductive layers by means of two sheet metal screws. However, this document does not describe a mechanical and electrical connection of a connecting element to an LED strip, as explained above.

[0005] The connecting element mentioned at the beginning is intended to provide a mechanical connection option for the connecting element itself to the LED strip, as well as to serve as a connecting element between adjacent LED strips, and as a connecting element for the intermediate feeds of LED strips.

[0006] Finally, the applicant has disclosed a connecting element for a light-emitting diode strip in EP 3 872 931 A1, which has already proven itself but still has room for improvement.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a connection element that meets the above requirements. A system comprising the connection element to be created and a light-emitting diode strip is also to be provided.

[0008] To achieve this object, the invention has the features of claim 1 with respect to the connecting element. Advantageous embodiments thereof are described in the further claims.

[0009] Furthermore, to achieve this object, the invention has the features according to claim 15 with regard to the system, advantageous embodiments of which are described in the further claims.

[0010] The invention provides a connection element for the mechanical arrangement and electrical connection with a light-emitting diode strip, wherein the connection element has a receiving body with a bottom wall and lateral side walls extending from the bottom wall and has an inner recess formed by the bottom wall and the side walls, in which the light-emitting diode strip can be received, and the receiving body has at least one cutting contact means extending from the bottom wall in the direction away from the inner recess, by means of which an electrical connection can be established between the connection element and the light-emitting diode strip, wherein the respective side wall has a recess penetrating the side wall and has a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the side wall on an inner wall surface facing the inner recess,and the inner recess is provided with a connector element designed to receive the LED strip, wherein the connector element has an inner recess which is delimited by a bottom wall and lateral side walls and an end wall as well as a cover wall opposite the bottom wall, and the bottom wall has a recess penetrating the bottom wall in the region of the end wall.

[0011] The possibility of a mechanical arrangement, which may involve accommodating an LED strip in the inner recess of the connection element according to the invention, makes it possible to physically connect the connection element to the LED strip, for example, a LED strip that is pulled off a roll at the installation site and simply cut or trimmed to length, without the need for further preparation work on the LED strip. The inner recess may be an elongated inner recess in which the LED strip or an LED strip can be accommodated.

[0012] This physical connection ensures that the LED strip, which is already held or fastened at the installation or connection location, for example by means of a holding device, also simultaneously holds or fastens the connection connecting element, without it having to be held or fastened separately at the connection or installation location with its own holding device.

[0013] This creates the possibility of mechanically connecting the connecting element to the LED strip at the mounting location or connection location in situ and, since the connecting element is also designed to electrically contact the LED strip to supply it with current and / or voltage, at the same time providing the supply of electrical energy to the LED strip.

[0014] Thus, functional integration is achieved by the inventive design of the connection element, since it realizes both the mechanical connection of the connection element for the electrical energy supply of the LED strip on site, i.e. in situ at the connection location or assembly location, and an element or component, namely the connection element for the electrical energy supply of the LED strip.

[0015] This makes it possible to transport an LED strip, which is manufactured without a connection option for the electrical power supply, for example wound up on a roll, to the connection location or installation site and to provide it there in situ with a connection means via which the electrical power supply is provided at the connection location or installation site. Therefore, no preparatory work whatsoever needs to be carried out on the LED strip wound on a roll for the subsequent electrical power supply at the installation or connection site, since the mechanical connection of the connection connecting element to the LED strip simultaneously creates the electrical contact between the connection connecting element and the LED strip, so that electrical energy can then be fed into the LED strip via the connection connecting element, which is provided with connection means, for example.

[0016] This procedure has the advantage that the LED strip can be pulled off the roll and cut to any length at the installation or connection location without having to carry out any connection work on the LED strip beforehand to attach a component to provide electrical power to the LED strip.

[0017] This procedure considerably facilitates the quick and error-free connection of such a component to provide electrical power to the LED strip at the connection or installation location and therefore also represents a very cost-effective solution for connecting such a component to the LED strip.

[0018] The connection element according to the present invention is characterized by a connector element, which can also be referred to as a connector cap or connector cap, which in turn has an inner recess defined by a bottom wall, lateral side walls, an end wall, and a cover wall opposite the bottom wall. After the LED strip has been cut or trimmed to length, the end face or cut surface resulting from the cutting or trimming can be inserted into the inner recess of the connector element until the cut surface rests against the end wall of the connector element.

[0019] The connector element has a recess in the area of ​​the end wall that passes through the bottom wall, through which the cutting contact means comes into contact with the underside of the LED strip or LED strip when the connector element with the LED strip is inserted or introduced into the inner recess of the receiving body of the connection element and, when the connector element with the LED strip or LED strip is inserted further into the inner recess, penetrates the base profile of the LED strip or LED strip and in the process penetrates electrically conductive copper tracks provided on both sides of the LED strip.Thus, by arranging the LED strip with the LED strip and the base profile receiving the LED strip as well as the potting compound covering the LED strip, a mechanical fixing of the LED strip in the inner recess of the connector element is already achieved, and by introducing and fixing the connector element in the inner recess of the receiving body, a mechanical arrangement and electrical connection of the LED strip to the connection element is also achieved.

[0020] By arranging the connector element in the inner recess of the receiving body of the connection connecting element, a permanently secure mechanical and physical fixing of the LED strip in the inner recess of the connector element is achieved, as will be explained in more detail below, and by arranging the connector element in the inner recess of the receiving body of the connection connecting element, a corresponding mechanical and physical fixing of the connector element in the inner recess of the receiving body is achieved.

[0021] The connector element provided according to the invention is designed to accommodate the LED strip, comprising the LED strip provided in the base profile together with the potting compound, in the inner recess of the connector element, preferably with all-round prestressing. This creates a moisture-proof and dust-proof configuration. Thus, after its arrangement on the connecting element, the LED strip is also intended for use outdoors on buildings and vehicles, since the penetration of dust and moisture into the connection area of ​​the LED strip with the cutting electrical contact means of the connecting element is prevented. This achieves a seal, for example, according to protection class IP67.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the connector element has a longitudinal rib extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector element on an outer surface of the respective side wall. This longitudinal rib can be wedge-shaped or triangular in cross-sectional view, with a width in the cross-sectional direction decreasing from the top wall to the bottom wall of the connector element in the vertical axis direction of the respective side wall.

[0023] This configuration ensures that the connector element can be inserted or introduced into the receiving space or the inner recess of the receiving body from above, as viewed in the vertical axis direction of the receiving body of the connecting element, and can then be pressed downwards in the direction of the bottom wall of the receiving body.When the connector element, which is already partially arranged in the inner recess of the receiving body, moves in the direction of the bottom wall of the receiving body, the said longitudinal ribs then come into contact with the respective side wall, specifically with an upper region of the side wall in the vertical axis direction of the receiving body, which then deviates slightly laterally, so that the connector element can be pressed further downwards towards the bottom wall of the receiving body until the longitudinal ribs of the respective side wall have passed the groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective side wall of the receiving body and then the longitudinal rib of the connector element engages in a form-fitting manner with the groove of the side wall of the receiving body and thus a form-fitting snap-in connection of the longitudinal rib of the respective side wall with the respective groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the side wall of the receiving body is produced.

[0024] This ensures that the connector element, with the LED strip arranged in the inner recess of the connector element, is securely fixed in the inner recess of the receiving body and cannot automatically detach itself from the inner recess of the receiving body. As the connector element, with the LED strip arranged in the inner recess of the connector element, moves toward the bottom wall of the receiving body of the connecting element, the cutting contact element penetrates the base profile of the LED strip and also pierces or penetrates the copper tracks on both sides of the LED strip arranged in the base profile, and penetrates the encapsulation compound of the LED strip arranged above the LED strip in the base profile.This creates a force component that is directed counter to the penetration movement of the cutting contact means and acts via the upper side of the LED strip onto the cover wall of the connector element, thus creating a tendency for the connector element, together with the LED strip, to be pushed out of the inner recess in an upward direction.

[0025] However, since the longitudinal ribs extending in the longitudinal direction on the respective side wall of the connector element are supported on the groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective side wall of the receiving body, this force component cannot press the connector element out of the inner recess of the receiving body of the connection connecting element and the above-mentioned secure mechanical and electrical arrangement of the LED strip in the inner recess of the receiving body of the connection connecting element is maintained.

[0026] According to a further development of the invention, the connector element has a transverse rib extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connector element in the region of the end wall on the respective side wall. This transverse rib comes into contact with the recess penetrating the respective side wall of the receiving body when the connector element is inserted from above into the inner recess of the receiving body, so that the engagement between the transverse ribs of the connector element and the recesses in the side walls of the receiving body prevents the connector element from inadvertently moving out of the inner recess of the receiving body in the axial longitudinal direction.

[0027] The connection element provided according to the invention is designed for arrangement on an LED strip and is also intended for automotive application. The inventive design of the connection element ensures that when the LED strip with connection element is arranged on a vehicle that continuously transmits vibrations or shocks to the LED strip with connection element while driving, these shocks or vibrations do not negatively affect the secure mechanical and electrical connection between the connection element and the LED strip. Thus, the LED strip is securely held on the connection element, and the electrical power supply to the LED strip via the connection element is not negatively affected by the shocks and vibrations.

[0028] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the inner recess of the connector element, in a view transverse to the longitudinal direction of the connector element, has a first width extension in the region below the cover wall opposite the recess and has a rectangular configuration in the region of the first width extension.

[0029] This configuration results in the base profile of the LED strip being received in a form-fitting manner in the region of the rectangular configuration, preferably in such a way that a compressive force is exerted on the two opposite side wall sections of the base profile by the rectangular region of the inner recess of the connector element, the side wall sections of the base profile are therefore received with prestress in the rectangular region of the inner recess and thus a sealing effect against the penetration of dust and moisture into the inner recess of the receiving body is achieved by the side wall sections of the base profile, which are preferably formed with an elastic material.

[0030] According to a further development of the invention, it is also provided that the inner recess of the connector element, in a view transverse to the longitudinal direction of the connector element, has a trough-shaped configuration in the region above the bottom wall, with a second width extension increasing from the bottom wall towards the top wall. This trough-shaped configuration ensures that, when the LED strip is arranged in the inner recess, the base profile of the LED strip conforms to the side walls of the trough-shaped region of the inner recess of the connector element, thus maintaining the sealing effect against the penetration of dust, dirt, and moisture into the area between the outer surfaces of the base profile and the inner surfaces of the inner recess of the connector element.

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, it is also provided that the second width extension of the inner recess in the contact area of ​​the trough-shaped configuration of the inner recess and the rectangular configuration is greater than or equal to the first width extension.

[0032] This configuration ensures that when the LED strip is inserted with the base profile into the inner recess of the connector element, the base profile has space for lateral deflection into the trough-shaped area of ​​the inner recess and thus the base profile is received in the inner recess with pre-tension in the lateral direction of the inner recess, which leads to a frictional force being generated between the lateral side walls of the base profile and the inner surfaces of the inner recess against which the side walls of the base profile rest, which counteracts the unintentional detachment of the LED strip from the inner recess of the connector element, so that the shocks and vibrations already described above, which act on the LED strip when used on a vehicle, cannot negatively influence the mechanical and electrical connection between the LED strip and the connection element.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, the connector element is designed to be transparent. This configuration ensures that the connector element does not negatively influence the emission of light from the illuminated LED strip, thus preventing any shadowing or similar effects from the LED strip in the contact area between the LED strip and the connector element, and allowing the LED strip to exhibit a uniform, linear light effect along its entire length.

[0034] According to a further development of the invention, the connector element is designed to receive a light-emitting diode strip in the inner recess in a base profile which is at least partially trough-shaped in cross section and is provided with a casting compound.

[0035] This configuration ensures that the aforementioned LED strip, in the form of an elongated base profile with an elongated LED strip arranged therein and covered with a potting compound, can be accommodated in the connector element. The potting compound can be made of a polyurethane material, for example, and can be transparent or translucent, or even multi-layered, namely, for example, a partial layer directly enclosing the LEDs can be transparent and a region or partial layer arranged above it can be translucent, for example, so that the light emission of the LEDs is not impeded and the optical appearance on the top side of the potting compound appears uniform.

[0036] According to a further development of the invention, the connector element accommodates the base profile with the LED strip and the contacting means and potting compound extending in the longitudinal direction of the LED strip in the inner recess with a prestress acting at least in the width direction of the base profile. This creates a configuration in which the LED strip is arranged in the inner recess with prestress, preventing the LED strip from accidentally moving out of the inner recess of the connector element.

[0037] According to a further development of the invention, however, it is also provided that the connector element receives the base profile with LED strip and contacting means extending in the longitudinal direction of the LED strip and potting compound in the inner recess with prestress in the width direction of the base profile and also in the vertical axis direction of the base profile with potting compound.

[0038] This configuration ensures that the LED strip is positioned in the inner recess of the connector element not only with prestress in the width direction of the LED strip, but also with prestress in the vertical axis direction of the LED strip. This further increases the security against the LED strip accidentally moving out of the inner recess of the connector element, which is particularly advantageous when using the connecting element with LED strip to illuminate a vehicle, where shocks and vibrations, and thus tensile forces, naturally act on the LED strip during operation.

[0039] According to a further development of the invention, it is also provided that when inserting the connector element into the inner recess of the terminal connecting element, the cutting contact means penetrates the recess of the connector element and the contacting means of the LED strip. In other words, this means that when a predetermined length of the LED strip is arranged in the inner recess of the connector element and the connector element, together with the LED strip, is inserted from above into the inner recess of the receiving body of the terminal connecting element, and the transverse ribs of the connector element enter the recesses in the side walls of the receiving body,the cutting contact means or the cutting contact means of the receiving body penetrate the recess penetrating the bottom wall of the connector element and thus pierce or cut through the base profile of the LED strip from below and come into contact with the copper tracks arranged on both sides of the LED strip and also pierce them, thus creating an electrically conductive connection between the contact means or the contact means of the receiving body and the connecting element.

[0040] According to a further development of the invention, it is also provided that the base profile is provided with a magneto-operative device in the form, in particular, of a device cooperating with a permanent magnet.

[0041] The base profile can, for example, be U-shaped, with a base profile and two lateral legs extending from the base profile. A magneto-operative device in the form of, for example, a ferromagnetic strip can be arranged on the base profile and / or one of the legs or both legs during the manufacture of the LED strip and can be covered with potting compound after the LED strip has been arranged in the base profile.

[0042] An elongated LED strip formed in this way can, for example, be arranged on an elongated carrier profile and interact by means of permanent magnets also arranged on the carrier profile, so that the LED strip provided with the magneto-operative device can be fastened to the carrier profile with the permanent magnet via the permanent magnets, without the carrier profile having to be modified, for example having to be provided with drill holes in order to provide a support rail for receiving the LED strip.

[0043] This configuration also makes it possible for the LED strip to be reversibly attached to the carrier profile and removed from it again without damaging the carrier profile.

[0044] According to a further development of the invention, it is also provided that the respective side wall of the connection element has two adjacent recesses passing through the side wall and has at least one second cutting contact means extending from the bottom wall in the direction away from the inner recess along the longitudinal direction of the connection element.

[0045] This configuration ensures that, in a top view of the receiving body of the connecting element, a receiving body without an end wall is visible, which has at least two cutting contact means spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the receiving body, preferably two pairs of contact means arranged at a distance from one another. The respective side wall of the receiving body has two recesses penetrating the side wall, spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the side wall of the receiving body.

[0046] This configuration ensures that two connector elements with segments of two LED strips arranged in the respective interior space or the inner recess of the connector element can be arranged in the inner recess of the receiving body, which can then be inserted butt-to-butt into the inner recess of the receiving body. This provides a configuration in which LED strips can be placed next to each other, each of which can be provided with a connector element in the connection element in a butt-to-butt configuration, thus providing a continuous, one-piece LED strip to the viewer. This also appears to be one-piece or one-part in the area of ​​the end face to end face of the respective segment of the LED strip and thus appears continuous and has no dark spots when illuminated.

[0047] According to a further development of the invention, the receiving body also has an end wall in the region of the recess penetrating the respective side wall. This configuration of the receiving body serves to ensure that the end wall of the connector element rests against the end wall of the receiving body when the connector element is arranged in the inner recess of the receiving body, thus providing support. This creates a mechanically very stable configuration of the LED strip with connector element and connecting element, which can very well withstand vibrations and shocks in an automotive application, i.e., an application for lighting on a vehicle.

[0048] The invention also provides a system with a connection element as explained above and a light-emitting diode strip arranged in an elongated profile, which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes provided in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip and the light-emitting diode strip has contacting means extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip for supplying the light-emitting diodes with electrical energy and the light-emitting diode strip has potting compound that at least partially surrounds the light-emitting diodes, wherein the profile with light-emitting diode strip and potting compound is received in the inner recess of the connector element and the connector element is received in the inner recess of the connection element.

[0049] This configuration therefore creates a light-emitting diode strip with, for example, an elongated U-shaped base profile made of an elastic material, for example a polyurethane material, in whose inner recess between the lateral legs of the U-profile on the bottom segment of the base profile there is arranged a light-emitting diode strip, for example a COB (chip on board) light-emitting diode strip with copper tracks arranged on both sides of the light-emitting diode strip for supplying the light-emitting diodes with electrical energy, and the inner recess of the base profile is provided with a transparent or translucent potting compound or with more than one potting compound with different properties influencing the emitted light, and the light-emitting diode strip thus formed is received in the inner recess of the connector element,so that the segment of the LED strip arranged in the inner recess of the connector element is preferably surrounded on all sides by the connector element and the configuration thus created of LED strips with connector element is arranged in the inner recess of the receiving body of the connection element.

[0050] The receiving body of the connecting element establishes an electrical connection to the copper tracks of the LED strip with the cutting contact means(s). The configuration of the connecting element and LED strip is securely mechanically fixed in the interior or internal recess of the receiving body. The connector element, with its longitudinal ribs extending away from the respective side wall and running in the longitudinal direction of the connector element, assumes a mechanically latching or locking engagement position with the longitudinal grooves of the side walls of the receiving body of the connecting element. This creates a mechanically and electrically permanently stable connection between the connecting element and the LED strip.Connecting wires or connecting cables or, more generally, connecting means can be arranged on the connecting element, via which electrical energy is then supplied via the cutting contact means into the copper tracks of the LED strip and thus the LEDs of the LED strip are made to light up.

[0051] According to a further development of the invention, a system is also provided with a connection element, as explained above, and with a light-emitting diode strip arranged in an elongated profile, which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes provided in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip and the light-emitting diode strip has contacting means extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip for supplying the light-emitting diodes with electrical energy and the light-emitting diode strip has potting compound that at least partially surrounds the light-emitting diodes, wherein the profile with light-emitting diode strip and potting compound is received in an inner recess of the connector element and the connector element is received in the inner recess of the connection element.

[0052] This configuration thus creates a system with a terminal connecting element having a receiving body with an end face or end wall and a light-emitting diode strip arranged in the inner recess of the connector element, and the connector element with the segment of the light-emitting diode strip arranged in the inner recess of the connector element is arranged in the inner recess of the receiving body.

[0053] According to a further development of the invention, there is also a system with a connection element with a receiving body having an end wall in the region of the recess passing through the respective side wall and a light-emitting diode strip arranged in an elongated profile, which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes provided in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip and the light-emitting diode strip has contacting means extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip for supplying the light-emitting diodes with electrical energy and the light-emitting diode band or the light-emitting diode strip has a potting compound at least partially surrounding the light-emitting diodes,wherein the profile with LED strips and potting compound is received in the inner recess of the connector element, and the connector element is received in the inner recess of the connecting element, and a second connector element is provided adjacent to the connector element in a butt-to-butt configuration, which has a profile with LED strips or LED strips and potting compound arranged in the inner recess of the second connector element, and the connecting element is provided with a feed for electrical energy.

[0054] This provides a configuration in which two LED strips are arranged next to each other and both LED strips are supplied with electrical energy at the connection element.

[0055] The invention also provides a system with a connection element and a light-emitting diode strip arranged in an elongated profile, which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes provided in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip and the light-emitting diode strip or the light-emitting diode band has contacting means extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip for supplying the light-emitting diodes with electrical energy and the light-emitting diode band has potting compound that at least partially surrounds the light-emitting diodes, wherein the profile with the light-emitting diode strip or the light-emitting diode band and potting compound is received in the inner recess of the connector element and the connector element is received in the inner recess of the connection element.

[0056] This configuration creates a system of at least two LED strips arranged or adjacent to one another at a respective end face of a respective LED strip. These LED strips are connected to one another in a butt-to-butt configuration by a connecting element and two connector elements, thus creating an elongated LED strip that appears to the observer to be a single, continuous piece. In this way, multiple LED strips can also be arranged one behind the other, thus creating a single-piece or single-piece LED strip with a large longitudinal extension.It is also possible that electrical energy is fed into the system via an intermediate feed of electrical energy via the cutting contact means of the connecting element in the area of ​​the butt-to-butt configuration, thus providing a continuous energy supply for the elongated LED strip, which is composed of several segments of LED strips arranged next to one another.

[0057] Finally, the invention also provides a system as explained above, in which the contacting means extending in the longitudinal direction of the LED strip or LED band is provided with a white coloring, in particular a white lacquer layer, on a side facing the casting compound.

[0058] This configuration has the advantage that the contacting elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the LED strip, in the form of copper tracks, for example, are provided with a white coloring on the side or surface facing the potting compound. This, in turn, means that even with a very low height in the vertical axis direction of the base profile of the LED strip, which results in the height of the potting compound in the vertical axis direction above the contacting elements being low, since the LED strip as a whole has a very low height of, for example, 5 to 6 millimeters, the copper tracks cannot appear as dark areas or shadows, since they are provided with the white coloring at least on the upper side facing the potting compound.This creates a LED strip that appears consistently white, and the viewer perceives the LED strip as consistently white and has no dark spots or shadows or the like.

[0059] In this way, the system according to the invention provides a configuration of a connection element - for example as described above - and a light-emitting diode strip, which is characterized by a simple and cost-effective installation option at the installation site.

[0060] For this purpose, the LED strip can, for example, be provided separately from the connecting element at the installation site and cut to a predetermined length, so that the LED strip thus provided is then inserted with one end face into the inner recess of the connector element. It is then only necessary to insert the connector element with the LED strip arranged in the inner recess of the connector element into the inner recess of the receiving body of the connecting element and secure it there. By securing the connector element in the inner recess of the receiving body, an electrical connection is automatically established between the contacting means of the LED strip, for example, the aforementioned copper tracks, and the cutting contact means of the connecting element.

[0061] In this way, both the mechanical connection between the terminal connecting element and the LED strip or LED tape is provided, as well as the electrical connection between the terminal connecting element and the LED tape, so that this simple procedure can be used to provide a ready-to-use system consisting of the terminal connecting element and the LED tape at the installation site, which is also characterized by fail-safe assembly.

[0062] In this way, an electrically conductive connection between the terminal connecting element and the LED strip can be brought about via a simple physical contact between the cutting contact means and the contacting means of the LED strip, which can be, for example, a flexible circuit board with two spaced copper layers for the voltage supply of the LEDs.

[0063] The cutting contact means thus come into electrically conductive contact with the respective spaced copper layers.

[0064] In this way, the system according to the invention creates both a mechanical connection of the connection element with the LED strip and an electrically conductive connection between the connection element and the LED strip, which is of simple construction and can be brought about in a fail-safe manner.

[0065] The connection element and the system according to the invention are characterized in that the connection of the connection element to the LED strip maintains the IP protection class of IP67 and higher provided by the LED strip with its described encapsulation compound. The connection element and / or system created in this way can therefore be installed and operated even in environments exposed to high levels of dirt and / or moisture.

[0066] The invention also provides a connector element with an inner recess defined by a bottom wall, lateral side walls, an end wall, and a cover wall opposite the bottom wall. The bottom wall has a recess extending through the bottom wall in the region of the end wall. The inner recess of the connector element is configured to receive a light-emitting diode strip having a base profile with a respective rib extending longitudinally along the longitudinal direction of the side walls of the base profile. The connector element is thus configured to receive the above-described light-emitting diode strip.

[0067] Finally, the invention also provides a method for forming a mechanical and electrically conductive connection between a terminal connecting element and a light-emitting diode strip, comprising the following steps: Arranging a light-emitting diode strip in an inner recess of the connector element. Arranging the connector element with light-emitting diode strip in the inner recess of the receiving body of the connection element. Applying a compressive force to the connector element arranged in the inner recess in the direction opposite to a cutting contact means of the receiving body and piercing an electrically conductive contacting means of the light-emitting diode strip with the cutting contact means.

[0068] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, which shows: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a light-emitting diode strip with a base profile, a light-emitting diode strip and electrical contacting means as well as potting compound arranged in the base profile; Fig. 2 a sectional view of the LED strip along the section line II-II according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a plan view of a terminal connecting element according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 a plan view of a terminal connecting element according to a second embodiment; Fig. 5 a plan view of a terminal connecting element according to a third embodiment; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a connector element according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 a sectional view along the section line VII-VII according to Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8 a perspective view of a connector element and a light-emitting diode strip according to a first assembly step; Fig. 9 a perspective view of the connector element with LED strip and connection element in a second assembly step; Fig. 10 a perspective view of a system with a connection element and LED strip; Fig. 11 a perspective view of another system with a connection element and two LED strips; and Fig. 12 a perspective view of another system with a connection element and two LED strips.

[0069] Fig. 1 The drawing shows a schematic perspective view of a light-emitting diode strip 1 with a base profile 2, a light-emitting diode strip 3 and electrical contacting means 4 in the form of continuous copper tracks 30 and potting compound 5 arranged in the base profile.

[0070] The light-emitting diode strip 1 has an elastically designed base profile 2, which has a channel-shaped receiving space in which a light-emitting diode strip 3 with a plurality of light-emitting diodes provided at a slight distance from one another is arranged.

[0071] The LED strip 3 can be a Fig. 2 flexible conductor track 6 shown in the drawing and which are Fig. 2 The light-emitting diodes 7, which are only shown schematically, can be mounted on the conductor strip 6 using chip-on-board (COB) technology. Fig. 2 The drawing shows a schematically illustrated magnetooperative device 48 in the form of, for example, a ferromagnetic band or ferromagnetic strip, which are arranged in the inner recess 49 of the base profile 2 in the region of the inner sides of the side wall 8 and the inner side of the bottom wall 9.This configuration has the advantage that a light-emitting diode strip 1 provided with the magneto-operative device 48 can be arranged on a carrier profile in the form of, for example, a carrier rail or a carrier frame or the like and can be releasably secured to the carrier rail or the carrier frame or the carrier profile by means of permanent magnets provided on the carrier profile or the carrier rail or the carrier frame and thus no intervention in the structure of the carrier rail or the carrier frame or the carrier profile has to be carried out, as is carried out, for example, when the carrier has to be provided with drill holes in order to be able to fasten receptacles for the arrangement and securing of the light-emitting diode strip to the carrier.

[0072] With the COB arrangement, it is possible to arrange the LEDs at such a small distance from each other that the LEDs produce a uniform light for the viewer, i.e. the viewer does not perceive individual points of light, but sees a continuous, one-piece or one-piece LED strip with a homogeneous radiation of the light.

[0073] The base profile 2 can be an elastic profile with a trough-shaped or channel-shaped cross-section, which is made, for example, from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), in particular a urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), or also from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material or also from an elastic thermosetting material.

[0074] The base profile 2 of the LED strip 1, as shown in Fig. 2 As can be seen from the drawing, in the embodiment shown, it has two side walls 8 which are formed in one piece with a bottom wall 9 of the LED strip 1 and which extend in the longitudinal direction "L" according to the double arrow Fig. 1 on both sides of the respective side wall have a longitudinal rib 10, which on the one hand increases the rigidity of the base profile 2 and also with a Fig. 7 the drawing visible surface 11 of the connector element 12 according Fig. 6 the drawing can be brought into a releasable, positive engagement.

[0075] Predetermined markings may be provided on the bottom wall 9 of the LED strip 1, which represent cutting lines or positioning aids for the user, at which the user can cut or position the LED strip 1.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a connecting element 13 according to one embodiment. The connecting element 13 has a receiving body 14, which in the illustrated embodiment is channel-shaped, with a bottom wall 15 and two lateral side walls 16 extending from the bottom wall 15.

[0077] The bottom wall 15 and the side walls 16 form an inner recess 17, which is designed to receive the connector element 12. Since the connector element 12 receives the LED strip 1, the inner recess 17 of the receiving body 14 is also designed to receive the LED strip 1.

[0078] Extending from the base wall 15 are two intersecting contact elements 18, which are electrically connected to two connecting wires (not shown in detail) arranged in the connecting cable 19, such that electrical energy is applied to the contact elements 18 according to the required polarity. The required supply voltage of, for example, 12 or 24 volts can thus be provided via the connecting cable using a power supply (not shown in detail). The polarity to be observed can be indicated on the receptacle body 14 with a note to protect against reverse polarity.

[0079] Fig. 4 The drawing shows a further connection element 13 with two receiving bodies 14 with a configuration as described above with reference to Fig. 3 the drawing has been explained in detail and serves to connect a respective LED strip 1 to the respective receiving body 14 in order to create a LED strip configuration which can be Fig. 11 as can be seen in the drawing.

[0080] The Fig. 4 The electrical connection cable 20 shown in the drawing ensures that the electrical supply voltage, which is provided via the Fig. 11 The LED strip 1a shown in the drawing and the receiving body 14 with the electrically conductive contact means 18 arranged therein can be introduced into the connecting line 20, can be applied to the LED strip 1b via the receiving body 14, which is assigned to the LED strip 1b, so that the LED strip 1b can be supplied with electrical energy via the LED strip 1a and the LED strip 1b can be laid at any desired angle or in any desired orientation relative to the LED strip 1a. Such a configuration is advantageous, for example, if the LED strip 1b is to be laid at an angle of 45 degrees or 90 degrees or another angle relative to the LED strip 1a in a different spatial direction.

[0081] Fig. 5 The drawing shows a terminal connecting element 13 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As is readily apparent, the terminal connecting element 13 according to Fig. 5 the drawing a trough-shaped elongated configuration with a bottom wall 15 and two side walls 16 which extend at a right angle from the bottom wall 15 and form an inner recess 17 which is intended to receive two connector elements 12.

[0082] From the bottom wall 15 extend two pairs of cutting contact means 18 arranged at a distance from one another, which can establish an electrically conductive connection with respective light-emitting diode strips 1 which are accommodated in internal recesses of connector elements 12.

[0083] As shown by Fig. 12 The drawing can be seen with the aid of Fig. 5 A butt-to-butt configuration of two LED strips 1 can be produced using the connecting element 13 shown in the drawing, which appears to the observer as a continuous one-piece or one-part LED strip 1.

[0084] Fig. 6 The drawing shows a perspective view of a connector element 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The connector element 12 has an inner recess 21 into which the LED strip 1 can be inserted or introduced, as shown schematically in FIG. Fig. 8 the drawing is visible, so that the, for example, also based on Fig. 10 the connection configuration shown in the drawing or the one based on Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 the configuration of the connector element 12 shown in the drawing with the light-emitting diode strip 1 arranged in the inner recess 21 of the connector element 12.

[0086] The connector element 12 has a bottom wall 22, which can be formed, for example, by Fig. 6 and also based on the sectional view according to Fig. 7 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view according to Fig. 7 As can be seen from the drawing, the connector element 12 has a first width extension 47 in the inner recess 21 in the area of ​​the cover wall 25 and, in addition, has a rectangular configuration in section in this area. Fig. 7 the drawing also shows that the connector element 12 has a trough-shaped configuration above the bottom wall 22 with a second width extension increasing from the bottom wall 22 in the direction of the top wall 25.

[0087] The connector element 12 is made of a transparent plastic material so that the light emitted by the LED strip 1 can pass through the connector element 12.

[0088] In addition, the connector element 12 has two side walls 23 and 24 extending from the bottom wall 22 at a right angle, as can be seen from Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 The bottom wall 22 is provided with the Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 The bottom wall 22, side walls 23 and 24 as well as the top wall 25 define the inner recess 21, which is formed on the front side 26 according to Fig. 6 the drawing is limited by an end wall 27, wherein the end wall 27 of the connector element 12 can also be seen, for example, from Fig. 9 The end wall 27 of the connector element 12 serves to ensure that the LED strip 1 arranged in the inner recess 21 assumes a defined position in the inner recess 21, since the Fig. 8 the end face 50 of the LED strip 1 shown in the drawing comes to rest on the end wall 27 of the connector element 12.

[0089] The end face 50 is produced by simply cutting off the LED strip 1 at any desired location in the longitudinal direction of the LED strip 1. The LED strip 1 can therefore be cut at any desired location because the copper layers 30 or copper tracks 30 running parallel to the LEDs 7 can be contacted with the cutting contact means 18 of the receiving body at any desired location on the LED strip 1 in its longitudinal direction and thus a voltage supply point can be formed at any desired location on the LED strip 1 and thus there is no unnecessary waste of LED strip.

[0090] Fig. 12 The drawing shows that in the butt-to-butt configuration of the arrangement of the LED strips 1 with two connector elements 12, the respective end wall 27 of the respective connector element rests against the end wall 27 of the other connector element. As already explained above, this configuration appears to the observer as a uniform, continuous LED strip 1, whereby a linear, continuous illumination can be realized, which is also perceived by the observer of the LED strip 1 as continuously illuminated without shadows and without individual light points.

[0091] Fig. 6 The drawing also shows the insertion opening 28 of the connector element 12, into which the LED strip 1 can be inserted, as can be seen schematically from Fig. 8 the drawing is visible. In addition, Fig. 8 the drawing also shows that on the bottom wall 22 of the connector element there is provided a recess 29 passing through the bottom wall 22, via which recess 29, when the connector element 12 is arranged in the Fig. 3 shown inner recess 17 of the receiving body 14, the electrically conductive cutting contact means 18 penetrate and in Fig. 2 shown bottom wall 8 of the base profile 2 of the LED strip 1 in order to get into an electrically conductive connection with the two copper tracks 30 of the LED strip 1, which can be Fig. 2 are visible in the drawing.

[0092] For example, in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 und Fig. 5 The electrically conductive cutting contact means 18 shown penetrate during the movement of the LED strip 1 with the connector element 12 in the direction of the arrow 31 to Fig. 9 during the insertion movement of the connector element 12 into the receiving body 14, the two Fig. 2 illustrated copper tracks 30 and in this way an electrically conductive connection can be established between the contact means 18 of the connection element 13 and the copper tracks 30 and thus the light-emitting diode strip 1.

[0093] The connector element 12 has, as can be seen from Fig. 6 the drawing and also Fig. 7 As can be seen from the drawing, on the outside of the respective side wall 23 there is a transverse rib 32 running transversely to the longitudinal direction V, which can be received in a respective recess 33 of the receiving body 14 of the connecting element 13, as can be seen from Fig. 9 , Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 as well as Fig. 12 as can be seen in the drawing. The transverse rib 32 serves to prevent the connector element 12 from being pulled out of the inner recess 17 of the receiving body 14 if an axial tensile force is exerted on the LED strip 1.

[0094] As shown by Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and for example also based on Fig. 5 As can be seen from the drawing, the receiving body 14 has on the inner wall surface 34 of the side walls 16 in the region of the inner recess 17 a groove 35 extending in the axial longitudinal direction of the receiving body 14.

[0095] The connector element 12 has on the respective side wall 23, 24 on the outer area a cross-sectionally triangular longitudinal rib 36, which can assume a positive engagement position with the respective groove 35 when the connector element 12, as can be seen from Fig. 9 is shown by the arrow 31, is pressed downwards in the direction of the inner recess 17 of the receiving body 14, so that when the connector element 12 is arranged together with the light-emitting diode strip 1 in the inner recess 17, the connector element 12 cannot be inadvertently released from the inner recess 17 in the opposite direction to the arrow 31.

[0096] As already explained above, during the insertion movement of the connector element 12 with the LED strip 1 into the inner recess 17 of the receiving body 14, the contact means 18 cut through the base profile 2 and also penetrate the copper tracks 30 and enter the potting compound 5 of the LED strip. In this case, the elastic potting compound 5 generates a reaction force to the penetration movement of the cutting means 18, which counter to the direction of the arrow 31 Fig. 9 the drawing works.

[0097] This reaction force is supported by the respective upper side 37 of the triangular rib 36 on the respective longitudinal groove 35 of the receiving body 14, so that the connector element 12 does not inadvertently move in the opposite direction of the arrow 31 to Fig. 9 from the inner recess 17 of the receiving body 14.

[0098] Fig. 8 The drawing shows with the arrow 38 the direction of movement of the connector element 12 relative to the LED strip 1 in which the LED strip 1 is moved into the Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 shown inner recess 21 of the connector element 12.

[0099] During this receiving movement, the ribs 10 of the base profile 2 of the LED strip 1 are received in the respective recess 39 of the inner wall surface 40 of the respective side wall 23, 24 of the connector element 12 and the base profile 2 nestles with its outer surface 41 against the cross-sectionally trough-shaped configuration of the inner recess 21. Since the connector element 12 has a cutout or recess 29 on the bottom wall 22, the electrical contact means 18 can penetrate through the recess 29 into the base profile 2 of the LED strip and, upon a further insertion movement of the LED strip 1 into the inner recess of the receiving body 14 in the direction of the arrow 31, Fig. 9 the cutting agents penetrate the copper layer 30 and penetrate into the potting compound 5.

[0100] When the LED strip 1 is arranged in the inner recess 21 of the connector element 12, as can be seen from Fig. 9 As can be seen from the drawing, a respective pressure force component is exerted by the inner wall surfaces of the recess against the outer wall surfaces of the base profile 2 and also on the surface 43 of the casting compound 5, as shown in Fig. 7 in the drawing is indicated by the arrows 42. This respective force component ensures that the base profile 2 and thus the LED strip 1 is received in the inner recess 21 of the connector element with prestress, which means that a tensile force component acting on the LED strip 1, which would pull the LED strip 1 out of the inner recess 21 of the connector element, does not result in the LED strip 1 being inadvertently released from the inner recess 21 of the connector element 12. The contact means 18 engaged with the casting compound also secure the LED strip 1 against being inadvertently pulled out of the connector element 12.

[0101] Fig. 11 The drawing shows that the base profile 2 has a dashed line 45 on the outer wall surface 44. This line 45 serves as a visualization of the negative pole for the electrical connection of the LED strip 1 to the connection element 13, which can also have a corresponding label on the top side 46 of the receiving body 14, so that the user receives visual protection against reverse polarity and thus incorrect connection of the LED strip 1 relative to the receiving body 14.

[0102] The system according to the invention, comprising a terminal connecting element and the connector element with an LED strip arranged therein, is characterized in that the LED strip can be cut to length at any desired location and mechanically and electrically connected to the terminal connecting element. This allows for continuous contacting, since the electrically conductive connection between the terminal connecting element and the LED strip can be established at any desired location along the longitudinal direction of the LED strip.

[0103] In addition, the LED strip is characterized by its extremely low height of, for example, approximately 5.5 millimeters, making it suitable for installation in locations where the possible height is very limited.

[0104] Because the connector element completely surrounds and encapsulates the LED strip, an electrically secure connection is created in the contact zone between the electrically conductive, cutting contact means and the LED strip with the copper tracks arranged therein, which connection is also subject to the force flow acting on all sides of the LED strip, as explained above, and thus a detachment of the electrical contact between the contact means and the copper tracks is counteracted, even if the system according to the invention is operated in an environment exposed to dust and moisture, such as on the external facades of buildings or on vehicles outdoors.

[0105] The system according to the invention is characterized by a homogeneous light emission and also by the fact that a cut can be made at any point along the LED strip for cutting the LED strip to length, meaning the LED strip can be cut to length at any point along its length. This also allows a feed point for the electrical power supply of the LED strip to be implemented at any point along the LED strip.

[0106] Due to the low overall height of the LED strip and the connecting element as well as the connector element, the system according to the invention is also suitable for arrangement on pieces of furniture where only one groove has to be provided for integrating the system on the surfaces of the piece of furniture to be illuminated.

[0107] The system according to the invention is also characterized by a high degree of protection against dust and moisture according to protection class IP67, so that it can also be used outdoors in buildings and on vehicles, as already explained above.

[0108] With regard to features of the invention not explained in detail above, reference is expressly made to the patent claims and the drawings. List of reference symbols

[0109] 1. LED strip 2. Base profile 3. LED strip 4. Contacting means 5. Potting compound 6. Conductor strip 7. LED 8. Side wall 9. Bottom wall 10. Rib 11. Surface 12. Connector element 13. Connection element 14. Receptacle 15. Bottom wall 16. Side wall 17. Internal recess 18. Cutting contact means 19. Connection cable 20. Connection cable 21. Internal recess 22. Bottom wall 23. Side wall 24. Side wall 25. Top wall 26. End face 27. End wall 28. Insertion opening 29. Recess 30. Copper tracks 31. Arrow 32. Cross rib 33. Recess 34. Inner wall surface 35. Groove 36. Rib 37. Top side 38. Arrow 39. Recess 40. Inner wall surface 41. Outer surface 42. Arrows 43. Surface 44. Outer wall surface 45. Line 46. Top side 47. First width extension 48. Magnetooperative device 49. Inner recess 50. End surface 51. End wall 1a. LED strip 1b. LED strip L: Longitudinal direction V: Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A connecting element (13) for mechanically arranging and electrically connecting a light-emitting diode strip (1), wherein the connecting element (13) has a receiving body (14) with a bottom wall (15) and lateral side walls (16) extending from the bottom wall (15) and has an inner recess (17) formed by the bottom wall (15) and the side walls (16), in which the light-emitting diode strip (1) can be received, and the receiving body (14) has at least one cutting contact means (18) extending from the bottom wall (15) in the direction away from the inner recess (17), by means of which an electrical connection can be established between the connecting element (13) and the light-emitting diode strip (1),wherein the respective side wall (16) has a recess (33) passing through the side wall (16) and has a groove (35) extending in the longitudinal direction of the side wall (16) on an inner wall surface facing the inner recess (17), and the inner recess (17) is provided with a connector element (12) designed to receive the light-emitting diode strip (1), , characterized in that the connector element (12) has an inner recess (21) which is delimited by a bottom wall (22) and lateral side walls (23, 24) and an end wall (27) as well as a cover wall (25) opposite the bottom wall (22), and the bottom wall (22) has a recess (29) passing through the bottom wall (22) in the region of the end wall (27).

2. Connection element (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector element (12) has a longitudinal rib (36) extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector element (12) on an outer surface of the respective side wall (23, 24).

3. Connection element (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connector element (12) has, in the region of the end wall (27) on the respective side wall (23, 24), a transverse rib (32) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connector element (12).

4. Connection element (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner recess (21) of the connector element (12) has a first width extension in a view transverse to the longitudinal direction of the connector element (12) in the region below the cover wall (25) opposite the recess (29) and has a rectangular configuration in the region of the first width extension.

5. Connection element (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe inner recess (21) of the connector element (12) in a view transverse to the longitudinal direction of the connector element (13) in the region above the bottom wall (22) has a trough-shaped configuration with a second width extension increasing from the bottom wall (22) in the direction of the top wall (25).

6. Connection element (13) according to claim 4 and 5, characterized in that the second width extension of the inner recess (21) in the contact area of ​​the trough-shaped configuration of the inner recess (21) and the rectangular configuration is greater than or equal to the first width extension.

7. Connection element (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector element (12) is transparent.

8. Connection element (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe connector element (12) is designed to receive a light-emitting diode strip (1) in the inner recess (21) in a base profile (2) which is at least partially trough-shaped in cross section and is provided with a casting compound (5).

9. Connection element (13) according to claim 8, characterized in that the connector element (12) receives the base profile (2) with the light-emitting diode strip (1) and the contacting means (30) extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip (1) and the casting compound (5) in the inner recess (21) with prestress acting at least in the width direction of the base profile (2).

10. Connection element (13) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in thatthe connector element (12) receives the base profile (2) with light-emitting diode strip (1) and contacting means (30) extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip (1) and casting compound (5) in the inner recess (21) with prestress in the width direction of the base profile (2) and in the vertical axis direction of the base profile (2) with casting compound (5).

11. Connection element (13) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that when inserting the connector element (12) into the inner recess (17) of the connection element (13), the cutting contact means (18) passes through the recess (29) of the connector element (12) and penetrates the contacting means (30) of the light-emitting diode strip (1).

12. Connection element (13) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the base profile (2) is provided with a magneto-operative device (48) in the form, in particular, of a device cooperating with a permanent magnet.

13. Connection element (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective side wall (16) has two adjacent recesses (33) passing through the side wall (16) and has at least one second cutting contact means (18) extending from the bottom wall (12) in the direction away from the inner recess (14) along the longitudinal direction of the connection element (13).

14. Connection element (13) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the receiving body (14) has an end wall (51) in the region of the recess (33) passing through the respective side wall (16).

15. System with a connection element (13) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12 and a light-emitting diode strip (3) arranged in an elongated profile (2), which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (7) provided in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip (3) and contacting means (30) extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip (3) are provided on the light-emitting diode strip (3) for supplying the light-emitting diodes (7) with electrical energy and the light-emitting diode strip (1) has a potting compound (5) at least partially surrounding the light-emitting diodes (7), characterized in that the profile (2) with LED strips (3) and casting compound (5) is received in the inner recess (21) of the connector element (12) and the connector element (12) is received in the inner recess (17) of the connection element (13).

16. System with a connection element (13) according to claim 13 and a light-emitting diode strip (3) arranged in an elongated profile (2), which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (7) provided in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip (3), and the light-emitting diode strip has contacting means (30) extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip (3) for supplying the light-emitting diodes (7) with electrical energy, and the light-emitting diode strip (3) has a potting compound (5) at least partially surrounding the light-emitting diodes (7), characterized in thatthe profile (2) with LED strips (3) and potting compound (5) is received in the inner recess (21) of the connector element (12) and the connector element (12) is received in the inner recess (17) of the connection element (13) and a second connector element (12) is provided adjacent to the connector element (12) in a butt-to-butt configuration, which has a profile (2) with LED strips (3) and potting compound (5) arranged in the inner recess (21) of the second connector element (12) and the connection element (13) is provided with a feed for electrical energy.

17. System with a connection element (13) according to claim 14 and a light-emitting diode strip (3) arranged in an elongated profile (2), which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (7) provided in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip (3), and the light-emitting diode strip (3) has contacting means (30) extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip for supplying the light-emitting diodes (7) with electrical energy, and the light-emitting diode strip (3) has a potting compound (5) at least partially surrounding the light-emitting diodes (7), characterized in that the profile (2) with LED strips (3) and casting compound (5) is received in the inner recess (21) of the connector element (12) and the connector element (12) is received in the inner recess (17) of the connection element (13).

18. System according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in thatthe contacting means (30) extending in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting diode strip (3) is provided with a white coloring, in particular a white lacquer layer, on a side facing the casting compound (5).

19. Connector element (12) with an inner recess (21) which is delimited by a bottom wall (22) and lateral side walls (23, 24) and an end wall (27) as well as a cover wall (25) opposite the bottom wall (22), and the bottom wall (22) has a recess (29) passing through the bottom wall (22) in the region of the end wall (27), wherein the inner recess (21) of the connector element (12) is designed to receive a light-emitting diode strip (1) which has a base profile (2) with a respective rib (10) running longitudinally along the longitudinal direction of the side walls of the base profile.

20. Method for forming a mechanical and electrically conductive connection between a connection element (13) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and a light-emitting diode strip (1), characterized by following steps: - arranging a light-emitting diode strip (1) in an inner recess (21) of the connector element (12) - arranging the connector element (12) with light-emitting diode strip (1) in the inner recess (17) of the receiving body (14) of the connection element (13) - applying a compressive force to the connector element (12) arranged in the inner recess (17) in the direction opposite to a cutting contact means (18) of the receiving body (14) and piercing an electrically conductive contacting means (30) of the light-emitting diode strip (3) with the cutting contact means (18).

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