Circuit board, the portions of which have a variable spacing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a circuit board (10) comprising: an integral, single-piece circuit board body (100); and circuit board components (101, 140) which are fastened to and electrically connected to the circuit board body (100); wherein the circuit board body (100) comprises: a first portion (110), to which at least one first circuit board component (101) is fastened; a second portion (120), to which at least one second circuit board component (140) is fastened; and a connecting portion (130), which directly physically interconnects the first portion (110) and the second portion (120); wherein both the first portion (110) and the second portion (120) each have at least one fixing portion (150, 151, 152) for mechanically fixing the circuit board (10) to an equipment rack (200), wherein the connecting portion (130) is reversibly deformable in order to allow a change in spacing between the first portion (110) and the second portion (120) along an expansion axis (D).

Description

[0001] Printed circuit board with variable spacing of its sections Description:

[0002] The invention relates to a circuit board divided into several sections, wherein a connecting section enables a change in the distance between a first section and the connecting section. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a luminaire with such a circuit board that is mounted in a device carrier.

[0003] Conventional printed circuit boards are usually designed in a plate-like configuration throughout, meaning that linear expansion of the circuit board or manufacturing-related dimensional differences of the circuit board or the device carrier in which the circuit board is held are not compensated for, and manufacturing tolerances or thermal expansion tolerances are therefore not taken into account. The consequence of this is that components mounted on the circuit board (such as additional light sources, sensors, etc.) or light sources can have different positions, especially during operation, which can lead to significant differences in the light output of the light sources and the parameters of the respective component, such as light output, information acquisition, etc. Simply rigidly fixing the circuit board in a central area of ​​the circuit board does not achieve the desired result, as the circuit board continues to expand during operation, and manufacturing tolerances are not taken into account.Even simply rigidly fixing the circuit board at its edges has proven to be disadvantageous, as this creates stress due to thermal expansion of the circuit board, which can cause cracks or bends in the circuit board and permanently damage it. Another known approach to avoid such problems is to physically separate the circuit board into several parts. Individual circuit board components can then be mounted individually on the device carrier, thereby minimizing the influence of thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances. However, this requires the different circuit board components to be wired together in an additional step, which carries the risk of reverse polarity and thus the risk of destroying the components. This known approach is therefore associated with considerable effort and carries the risk of destroying the circuit board.

[0004] In this respect, previously known printed circuit boards and methods for eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional printed circuit boards are unsatisfactory in many respects and do not offer a sustainable solution to the problem. The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a printed circuit board or printed circuit board that allows for the compensation of manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, so that such variable circumstances resulting from production and operation become irrelevant with the printed circuit boards created in this way.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention with the subject matter recited in the independent claim. Particular embodiments of the invention are recited in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the present invention, a printed circuit board is provided which comprises an integral, one-piece printed circuit board body and printed circuit board components, for example a main light source, or an additional light source or a sensor, which are fastened to the printed circuit board body and electrically connected thereto. The printed circuit board body in turn comprises a first section on which at least a first of the printed circuit board components (i.e., at least one first printed circuit board component) is fastened; a second section on which at least a second of the printed circuit board components (i.e., at least one second printed circuit board component) is fastened; and a connecting section which physically connects the first section and the second section directly to one another.Furthermore, it is provided that both the first section and the second section each have at least one fixing section for mechanically fixing the circuit board to a device carrier, wherein the connecting section is designed to be reversibly deformable in such a way as to allow a change in distance between the first section and the second section along an expansion axis.

[0007] With this type of circuit board (also called a printed circuit board), a flexible arrangement of the second section relative to the first section is achieved, as the connecting section allows for a change in distance. This is achieved using a single, integrally connected circuit board, so that destroying a circuit board by separating out individual circuit board components and individually arranging these components relative to one another, for example, on a device carrier, is not necessary. The ability to variably change the distance between the individual sections of the circuit board also means that the dimensions of the circuit board are variable, so that, for example, the circuit board's length can be changed.This is extremely advantageous because it counteracts manufacturing tolerances in the production of the circuit board as well as in the production of the device carrier on which the circuit board is then mounted, making them irrelevant. This means that the best possible positioning of the circuit board on the device carrier is always achieved. This is particularly important in applications in which a precise arrangement of the components, such as the first circuit board component or the second circuit board component, is important - for example, if the first circuit board component is a main light source or the second circuit board component is an emergency light or escape route light, whereby this respective circuit board component must be in a precise position relative to a cover or cover provided in the device carrier.lens is to be arranged; or if the respective circuit board component is a sensor and is to be arranged in a precise position relative to an opening or sensor cover provided in the device carrier. Furthermore, this implementation eliminates the influence of thermal expansion of the circuit board during operation on the position of the second circuit board component arranged on the second section, since the first section with the first circuit board component that generates a significant amount of heat, for example, can certainly change in length along its direction of expansion, but the connecting section compensates for this linear expansion, and the second section therefore remains unchanged in its position. The connecting section is therefore similar to an integral spring element, which allows expansion and compression of the circuit board.

[0008] Furthermore, a device is provided which has a printed circuit board according to an embodiment described or shown herein and a device carrier, wherein both the first section and the second section are each mechanically fastened to the device carrier by their at least one fixing section, so that upon expansion or compression of the printed circuit board and / or the device carrier, the connecting section allows a change in distance between the first section and the second section along the expansion axis.

[0009] Optionally, it is provided that the circuit board is elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis. As a result, the structure provides a main extension direction of the circuit board, with the manufacturing tolerances then significantly relating to this main extension direction. Furthermore, such elongated circuit boards are particularly suitable for lighting. It is preferably provided that the longitudinal axis and the extension axis are aligned parallel to one another. Further preferably, a plurality of first circuit board components, such as main lighting means, are provided, which are arranged at least partially in series parallel to the extension axis or - if present - to the longitudinal axis. The extension axis can be influenced in particular by components of the circuit board or the arrangement of the conductor tracks.Longitudinally arranged first circuit board components additionally promote longitudinal expansion of the circuit board during operation due to the heat they emit during operation.

[0010] Optionally, it is provided that each fixing section has a through-opening for receiving a complementary fixing means. This makes it particularly easy to place a printed circuit board on a device carrier, since the complementary fixing means, which are formed, for example, by pins, particularly preferably pins with the same diameter as the corresponding through-opening, merely engage in or pass through the through-openings and thus hold the printed circuit board in a supported manner. It is further preferably provided that at least one fixing section has an elongated through-opening extending parallel to the expansion axis for the floating mounting of the respective section of the printed circuit board. By means of such a floating mounting, a connection can be made to the corresponding area of ​​the printed circuit board with an elongated through-opening (for example formed by an elongated hole orAn elongated groove (e.g., an elongated groove) facilitates the compensation of manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion of the circuit board, while simultaneously securing the circuit board to a device carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit board itself can have pins in at least one fixing section, which can be inserted into corresponding receptacles in the device carrier and are thereby held in place on the device carrier, and in particular can also be mounted in a floating manner.

[0011] Optionally, a fixing section of the first section is arranged on a side of the circuit board opposite the second section. This ensures particularly stable mounting of the circuit board. Floating mounting of this opposite side enables thermal expansion and tolerance compensation both in the direction of the second section and in the opposite direction. However, it is preferably provided - at least in circuit board designs with exactly one second section - that the side of the first section opposite the second section is rigidly fixed. This ensures that thermal expansion and tolerance compensation always occur in the direction of the second section, with the connecting section in between compensating for these differences.This in turn ensures that both the second section and the area of ​​the first section opposite the second section are rigidly fixed, and the components arranged thereon are therefore always in the intended position. Optionally, the first section has at least two fixing sections, each for a fixing means, which are arranged in different areas of the first section. This ensures particularly secure holding of the circuit board. Particularly preferably, at least one fixing section is designed for floating mounting and one fixing section is designed for rigid fixing. Preferably, a second circuit board component is also arranged on the first section, wherein a fixing section for a fixing means is provided in the area around this second circuit board component of the first section.In particular, this fixing section is preferably designed for rigid fixing, so that the area around the second printed circuit board component, and thus ideally also the second printed circuit board component itself, are rigidly fixed in position relative to the device carrier, thus ensuring secure positioning of the second printed circuit board component relative to the device carrier. If the fixing section of the second section is also designed for rigidly fixed mounting, this ensures that the second printed circuit board component placed thereon is also rigidly fixed in position relative to the device carrier, thus also ensuring secure positioning of this second printed circuit board component relative to the device carrier.

[0012] Optionally, the connecting section is formed by recesses in the circuit board body. These recesses can be implemented during production of the circuit board or subsequently milled out, whereby these recess areas of the connecting section naturally do not contain any electrical components such as conductor tracks. Preferably, the connecting section has a connecting web running transversely, preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the expansion axis. This design provides particularly effective thermal expansion and tolerance compensation. The connecting web aligned in this way allows for particularly easy stretching or compression of the connecting section.

[0013] Optionally, the connecting section extends essentially in a straight line between the first section and the second section. Specifically, the connecting web of the connecting section extends accordingly. By means of a connecting section created in this way, stretching or compressing the connecting section can be achieved particularly easily. In this case, the connecting section is preferably tapered between the first section and the second section when viewed from above on the circuit board body. This special design improves the stretching / stretching or compressing capacity of the connecting section, or specifically of the connecting web.

[0014] Optionally, the connecting section can be provided to extend essentially in an S-shape between the first section and the second section. This configuration can also achieve advantageous expansion or compression capabilities of the connecting section, or specifically, the connecting web.

[0015] Optionally, the connecting section can extend essentially in a meandering pattern between the first section and the second section. This configuration also allows for advantageous expansion and compression capabilities of the connecting section, or more specifically, the connecting web.

[0016] Optionally, it is provided that the first section and the second section are electrically connected to one another via the connecting section, wherein the connecting section has an electrical conductor track which electrically connects the first section and the second section, and in particular the at least one second printed circuit board component, to one another. This creates an integrated solution for the power supply and / or communication of the components arranged on the various sections (i.e. in particular the first and second printed circuit board components). In a preferred embodiment, it can also be provided that a first printed circuit board component is arranged on the second section and is likewise electrically coupled to the first section.This makes it possible for the first circuit board components not to be restricted to the first section in terms of their arrangement, and thus to be arranged essentially over the full length / width of the circuit board.

[0017] Optionally, the connecting section can be constructed in multiple sections, with multiple connecting bridges running between the first and second sections. This provides additional stability to the connecting section. Furthermore, multiple conductor tracks can run between the sections on the connecting bridges.

[0018] Optionally, it is provided that the circuit board body has a plurality of connecting sections. This makes it possible to create a plurality of decoupled sections on the circuit board. In particular, it can be provided that a first section is provided in a sandwich-like manner with two laterally arranged connecting sections, wherein a second section is preferably also provided on each of the two lateral connecting sections. In this embodiment, it can be provided, in particular, that the two lateral second sections have fixing sections for rigidly fixed mounting, so that their position - and thus the position of the components located thereon, in particular the one or more second circuit board components - is immovably fixed relative to a respective device carrier. In this case, the centrally positioned first section can then expand orcontract, with the two connecting sections compensating for the respective length variation. Optionally, it can also be provided that the printed circuit board body further comprises a plurality of second sections, each of which is connected to the first section by at least one of the plurality of connecting sections. The second sections are preferably arranged at two opposite ends of the first section, further preferably with respect to the expansion axis or—if present—the longitudinal axis. This arrangement allows compression or expansion to be compensated particularly effectively and simply.

[0019] Optionally, at least one second circuit board component comprises an LED, preferably an LED for emergency lighting and / or for escape route lighting, and / or at least one second circuit board component comprises a sensor, preferably a brightness sensor, a presence sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, and / or a temperature sensor. This implementation thus creates a wide variety of application possibilities, with the respective second circuit board component always benefiting from a rigid and immobile positioning relative to the device carrier.

[0020] Optionally, the device carrier comprises fixing means, which are preferably formed integrally with the device carrier. The circuit board is mechanically fastened to the device carrier by means of the fixing means, wherein the fixing means interact with the fixing sections of the circuit board. This ensures a particularly secure hold of the circuit board.

[0021] Optionally, the device carrier may include a cover having recesses and / or light-directing or light-transmitting sections, each associated with a first circuit board component or a second circuit board component. The circuit board is thus protected by the device carrier, allowing light-emitting components, such as a second circuit board component, e.g., implemented as an LED, or a first circuit board component, e.g., implemented as the main light source, to emit their light outward. Furthermore, if a first and / or second circuit board component is a sensor, corresponding environmental information can also be obtained.

[0022] Optionally, it is provided that the circuit board is accommodated in the device carrier in the manner of a housing, wherein the device carrier preferably has an upper housing part and a lower housing part, between which the circuit board is held, particularly preferably resting on the lower housing part.

[0023] Optionally, the circuit board is used in an escape sign luminaire with at least one emergency light luminaire or escape route luminaire, wherein at least one second circuit board component of the circuit board has a corresponding LED, and the device carrier, or the housing, has a corresponding emergency light lens or an escape route lens associated with the LED. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least one second circuit board component is a sensor for such an emergency light / escape route lighting scenario.

[0024] It is further noted that in a specific embodiment of the circuit board, this is an LED board, wherein the LED circuit board has, as a first circuit board component, a main illuminant, which in turn has at least one LED, and wherein the main illuminant is attached to the circuit board body and electrically connected thereto.

[0025] It can also be provided that the device, in a special design, can also be a luminaire, in particular an escape sign luminaire, wherein the circuit board is an LED circuit board.

[0026] In this respect, it should be noted that all embodiments and specifications of a luminaire explained within the present description also generally apply to corresponding embodiments of a device according to the invention, whereby embodiments and specifications of an LED circuit board generally apply to a corresponding embodiment of a circuit board according to the invention, and vice versa. In the context of the present application, the terms "main illuminant" and "first circuit board component" can be used synonymously.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below based on various embodiments and their configurations, and with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic sketch of a first exemplary embodiment of a circuit board according to the invention as an LED circuit board;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic sketch representation of an enlargement of the end regions of the first exemplary embodiment of a circuit board according to the invention as an LED circuit board;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic sketch of a second exemplary embodiment of a circuit board according to the invention as an LED circuit board;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic representation in a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention as a luminaire, in particular as an escape sign luminaire;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic sketch of a cross section along the elongation axis of an exemplary embodiment of a circuit board according to the invention as an LED circuit board in an escape sign luminaire in an enlarged view of an end region with a second section, a connecting section and a first section of the LED circuit board;

[0033] Figure 6A is a schematic sketch representation of a strain calculation of an exemplary embodiment of a printed circuit board according to the invention in the stretched state of the connecting section;

[0034] Figure 6B shows a schematic sketch of a strain calculation of an exemplary embodiment of a printed circuit board according to the invention in the compressed state of the connecting section. The embodiments of the printed circuit board 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and 5 each show the printed circuit board 10 as an LED printed circuit board 10 by way of example. Figures 4 and 5 in turn show the specific configuration of the device 1 as a light 1, and in particular as an escape sign light 1. In this respect, it should be noted that in these specific exemplary embodiments, the at least one first printed circuit board component 101 is always a main illuminant 101 having an LED, wherein the main illuminant 101 is attached to the printed circuit board body 100 and is electrically connected thereto. In principle, other types of components are also conceivable as the first printed circuit board component 101.In addition to these first printed circuit board components 101 of the printed circuit board components 101, 140 of the printed circuit board 10 designed in this way, at least one second of the printed circuit board components 140, i.e. at least one second printed circuit board component 140, is also provided.

[0035] Figures 1 and 2 each show the same exemplary embodiment of a printed circuit board 10 according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a further alternative exemplary embodiment of a printed circuit board 10 according to the invention. Figures 4 and 5 show the printed circuit board 10 and the lamp 1 accommodating the printed circuit board 10, respectively. In Figures 6A and 6B, the stretchability or elongation capacity of the printed circuit board 10 is illustrated by way of example using a strain calculation using a finite element method (FEM).

[0036] The same designations and, where appropriate, the same reference symbols are used for all figures and the embodiments shown therein. Identical configurations in the different embodiments are not necessarily described again. It is further noted that, in the context of the present application, the terms "main illuminant" and "first printed circuit board component" can be used synonymously.

[0037] The circuit boards 10 shown in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3 each extend along a longitudinal axis L and each have an integral, one-piece elongated circuit board body 100, main lighting means 101 fastened to the circuit board body 100 and electrically connected thereto, and at least two second circuit board components 140, which are also each fastened to the circuit board body 100 and electrically connected thereto.

[0038] For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed below that all of the second circuit board components 140 provided in the respective embodiment of the circuit board 10 comprise LEDs. Alternatively, however, it can of course be provided that some or all of the provided second circuit board components 140 comprise a sensor and / or another component.

[0039] In Figures 1 and 2, the circuit board body 100 in the present embodiment has a first section 110, on which the main lighting means 101 and a second circuit board component 140 are mounted; a second section 120, on which a further second circuit board component 140 is mounted; and a connecting section 130, which physically connects the first section 110 and the second section 120 directly to one another.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the circuit board body 100 has a first section 110 on which only main illuminants 101 are arranged—and no second circuit board component 140—, wherein a connecting section 130 is provided on each of the front sides of the first section 110, which in turn couples the first section 110 to a second section 120. In this embodiment shown, the provided second circuit board components 140 are always arranged on the second sections 120. However, it is also conceivable in this implementation for a (further) second circuit board component 140 to also be arranged on the first section 110.

[0041] Across all designs, both the first section 110 and the second section 120 each have at least one fixing section 150, 151, 152 for mechanically fixing the LED circuit board 10 to a device carrier 200. These fixing sections 150, 151, 152 are thus extremely important for the assembly or insertion of the circuit board 10 in a device, such as a luminaire 1, or in its device carrier 200. The fixing section 150, 151, 152 can be designed differently, whereby different fixing types are possible in cooperation with the respective fixing means 250, 251, 252.

[0042] On the one hand, it is conceivable that the fixing section 150, 151, 152 is a fixing section 152 for floating support, thus allowing floating support of the respective region of the circuit board body 100 relative to the correspondingly designed fixing means 252 for floating support. This enables, in particular, thermal expansion or cold compression of the circuit board 10 in this region. Such a fixing section 152 for floating support can be formed, in particular, by a longitudinal groove or an elongated hole, into which a corresponding, for example, rod-shaped fixing means 252 for floating support, whose cross-sectional shape and size therefore do not correspond to those of the fixing section 152 for floating support, can be inserted, thus enabling floating support.In this case, a fixing means 252 for floating mounting is preferably used, the width of which in cross section corresponds to the width of the elongated hole or the longitudinal groove, so that movement is only possible in the longitudinal direction of the hole or the groove, wherein this longitudinal direction particularly preferably corresponds to the longitudinal axis L or the extension axis D of the printed circuit board 10. This is illustrated in particular by way of example in Figure 2.

[0043] It is also conceivable for the fixing section 150, 151, 152 to be a fixing section 151 for rigidly fixed mounting, i.e., to allow rigidly fixed mounting of the respective area of ​​the printed circuit board body 100 relative to the correspondingly designed fixing means 251 for rigidly fixed mounting. This fixes the respective area of ​​the printed circuit board 10 and thus represents an anchor point for the printed circuit board 10 relative to the device carrier 200, whereby thermal expansion or cold compression or other mechanical stretching or compression of the printed circuit board body 100 does not affect this area around the respective fixing means 251 for rigidly fixed mounting. Such a fixing section 151 for rigidly fixed mounting can be implemented, in particular, by a hole (in particular a punched-out portion, bore, or similar).) can be formed, into which a corresponding, for example, rod-shaped fixing means 251 for rigidly fixed mounting, the cross-sectional shape and size of which corresponds to that of the fixing section 151 for rigidly fixed mounting, can be inserted, thus enabling rigidly fixed mounting. In this case, a fixing means 251 for rigidly fixed mounting is preferably used whose cross-sectional dimensions correspond as closely as possible to the dimensions of the hole. Movement of this region of the circuit board body 100 in the vicinity of the fixing section 151 for rigidly fixed mounting relative to the fixing means 251 is thus prevented. The rigidly fixed mounting thus promotes the exact positioning of the circuit board 10 and its position-sensitive second circuit board components 140 on the device carrier 200, wherein in particular a centered positioning of the circuit board 10 is possible.This is illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 5.

[0044] Fixing sections 151 for a rigidly fixed mounting (and correspondingly complementary fixing means 251 for the rigidly fixed mounting) are to be used in particular in those areas of the circuit board body 100 whose position should not change during operation - in the present case therefore particularly in areas in which a second circuit board component 140 is arranged, since here a particularly precise positioning relative to the device carrier 200, or special sections 230, 240, 260 arranged thereon, is desired, so that during operation the quality of a light output (in the case of an LED as the second circuit board component 140) or an information recording (in the case of a sensor as the second circuit board component 140) is not changed (and in particular worsened) by repositioning.In this respect, it is provided that - as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5 - the second section 120 is provided with at least one fixing section 151 for a rigidly fixed mounting, which is designed for corresponding coupling with a complementary fixing means 251 for the rigidly fixed mounting of the device carrier 200.

[0045] This is shown in particular by way of example in Figure 2, wherein it can be seen that in this embodiment the second section 120 even has three fixing sections 151 for rigidly fixed mounting, so that displacement of the second section 120 when inserted into the device carrier 200 is prevented, and thus the second printed circuit board component 140 placed thereon is rigidly positioned. These three fixing sections 151 for rigidly fixed mounting are arranged at edge regions of the second section 120 so as to frame the second section 120. The first section 110, on the other hand, has a fixing section 152 for floating mounting at the end facing the second section 120, so that the first section 110 can move along the expansion axis D upon corresponding expansion or extension or compression. This respective rigidly fixed orFloating mounting relative to the device carrier 200 is promoted in particular by the interaction of the respective fixing sections 150, 151, 152 with the respectively provided complementary fixing means 250, 251, 252 and the functioning of the connecting section 130 of the circuit board body 100.

[0046] Since the first section 110 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 also has second printed circuit board components 140 at the end region of the first section 110 facing away from the second section 120 in the longitudinal direction L (or in the extension direction D), it is advantageously also provided here that the first section 110 has a fixing section 151 for rigidly fixed mounting in this respective region around the respective second printed circuit board component 140 - i.e., in this case, at this end region - so that these two second printed circuit board components 140 are also rigidly fixed relative to the device carrier 200. This special design is also shown in Figures 1 and 2.Preferably, the printed circuit board 10 thus created also has a centrally arranged fixing section 152 for floating support, which interacts with a corresponding fixing means 252, thereby supporting the support of the printed circuit board 10 and, at the same time, promoting thermal expansion or compression.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be provided that a printed circuit board 10 has different fixing sections 150, 151, 152 within a region of the printed circuit board body 100, so that depending on the use of the printed circuit board 10, the respectively required fixing sections 150, 151, 152 can be used, and thus different sections can be flexibly fixed rigidly or floatingly mounted.

[0048] As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3 and 5, and particularly Figures 6A and 6B, the connecting section 130 is designed to be reversibly deformable in such a way that it allows a change in the distance between the first section 110 and the second section 120 along an expansion axis D. This makes it possible to compensate for thermal expansion or cold compression or other mechanical stretching or compression of the circuit board body 100 - for example, thermal expansion of the first section 110, for example due to the heat production of the main lighting means 101 (and / or the controller 190) during operation, is absorbed by this connecting section 130, wherein the side of the first section 110 facing the connecting section 130 moves in the direction of the connecting section 130, and thus also in the direction of the second section 120, so that the distance between the two sections 110, 120 is reduced.In the event of compression, the opposite occurs – the distance between sections 110, 120 increases. This is particularly favored when the printed circuit board 10 is inserted into a device carrier 200 by the fact that the second section 120 – as previously mentioned as a preferred embodiment – ​​is fixed in its position relative to the device carrier 200. As a result, when the first section 110 expands, the force acting on the connecting section 130 does not lead to a displacement – ​​i.e., a repositioning – of the second section 120, but is absorbed by the connecting section 130 through deformation of its components.

[0049] As can be seen from the various embodiments shown, each of the respective connecting sections 130 is formed integrally with the circuit board body 100, and in particular created by recesses in the circuit board body 100. These recesses can be created in particular by milling, sawing, etching or cutting. Various designs of the connecting sections 130 are conceivable, wherein it is conceivable that a connecting section 130 extends essentially in a straight line between the first section 110 and the second section 120, wherein the connecting section 130 is preferably designed to be tapered between the first section 110 and the second section 120 in a plan view of the circuit board body 100 - as is shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2; as well as that the connecting section 130 is essentially S-shaped orextends in a meandering manner between the first section 110 and the second section 120 - as shown particularly in Figures 3, 5, 6A, and 6B. Each of the different configurations further promotes the reversible deformability of the connecting section 130.

[0050] The connecting section 130 has at least one connecting web 131, which gives the respective connecting section 130 the respective straight-line / S-shaped / meandering characteristic. In the embodiments shown here, each connecting section 130 even has two connecting webs 131, each arranged between the first section 110 and the respective second section 120. On at least one of the connecting webs 131, at least one (preferably at least two) conductor track(s) is preferably provided, by means of which the second section 120 is also electrically coupled to the first section 110. By configuring the connecting section 130 with multiple connecting webs 131, the number of potential electrical conductor tracks between the first section 110 and the second section 120 is thus also increased, whereby the coupling of the sections 110, 120 to one another becomes stiffer and thus also more stable.

[0051] As shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the rectilinear (waisted) connecting web 131 between the first section 110 and the second section 120 runs essentially perpendicular to the expansion axis D of the circuit board body 100. This - and particularly advantageously due to the waisted shape - enables a relative displacement of the first section 110 to the second section 120, wherein the connecting web 131 at the end of the connecting section 130 connected to the first section 110 moves along with the latter, so to speak, and thus causes a bending or slanting of the connecting section 130, and thus of the connecting web 131. The first section 110 moves past the second section 120, so to speak, wherein the connecting section 130 is deformed, and the second section 120 remains in a fixed position. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the connecting sections 130 each run essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L, orto the expansion axis D, wherein the connecting webs 131 for each connecting section 130 are essentially S-shaped, although a meandering design is also conceivable. The lateral second sections 120 each have two fixing sections 150, 151, 152, wherein these are particularly preferably fixing sections 151 for rigidly fixed mounting, so that the second printed circuit board component 140 arranged on the second section 120 can be rigidly fixed relative to a device carrier 200 with corresponding fixing means 251. The first section 110 arranged between the two second sections 120 can flexibly expand and contract through the two lateral connecting sections 130, so that corresponding changes in the length of individual sections of the printed circuit board body 100 are compensated for by the printed circuit board 10 itself.In this case, it can be provided that a centrally centered fixing section 150, 151, 152 of the first section 110 is a fixing section 151 for rigidly fixed mounting or a fixing section 152 for floating mounting.

[0052] The design of the connecting section 130 in the compression or stretching case is illustrated in particular in Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A shows the case in which the first section 110 expands, for example due to heat development on the circuit board 10, and in doing so moves in the direction of the second section 120. As a result, the connecting section 130 is compressed, whereby the rigidly fixed second section 120 experiences no movement, i.e., no change in position. The case shown in Figure 6B shows the complementary scenario in which an (already compressed) connecting section 130 is stretched because the first section 110 moves away from the second section 120. These movements are indicated in the two figures by small position arrows.

[0053] Figures 6A and 6B thus show the plastic strain of the connecting section 130 in the exemplary embodiment, with this representation being based on strain calculations using a finite element method. The degree of plastic strain of a respective region of the connecting section 130 can be seen from the legend positioned to the side, with the upper values ​​corresponding to a high strain (or compression) and the lower values ​​to a low strain (or compression). It can be seen here that the curved regions of the connecting sections 130, as well as regions of the connecting sections 130 extending to a medium extent parallel to the strain axis D or longitudinal axis L, in particular, experience strain or compression.

[0054] The implementation of Figures 1 and 2 creates an equally functional connecting section 130, whose expansion and compression options are, however, not as extreme as in the case of Figures 3, 5, 6A, and 6B. However, this allows for a series of main lighting devices 101 extending over the entire length L of the circuit board 10.

[0055] In the embodiments shown, the main lighting means 101 are each arranged on the first section 110, although it can of course also be provided that at least some of the main lighting means 101 are also arranged on the second section(s) 120.

[0056] It is also conceivable for an external connection 180 to be arranged on the circuit board body 100, which is used for external communication and / or power supply. Furthermore, the circuit board 10 can also have a controller 190, which communicates with the components arranged on the circuit board 10, such as the circuit board components 101, 140, i.e., in particular, a first circuit board component 101, such as the main illuminant 101, and a second circuit board component 140, and also receives and preferably also evaluates information data, in particular from the second circuit board component 140.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a possible use of the circuit board 10 according to the invention, or an embodiment of this circuit board 10, wherein the circuit board 10 is inserted into a device 1, specifically an (escape sign) light 1. Figure 5 shows an exemplary cross-section along the elongation axis D, or longitudinal axis L, with an enlarged edge region in which at least one second circuit board component 140 is arranged.

[0058] As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, the printed circuit board 10 is accommodated in the device carrier 200 of the luminaire in a housing-like manner, wherein the device carrier 200 preferably has an upper housing part 210 and a lower housing part 220, between which the printed circuit board 10 is held. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a printed circuit board 10 is inserted which corresponds in the edge region to the embodiment in Figure 3. The upper housing part 210 and the lower housing part 220 also form the luminaire housing in the present case, wherein an operating device for the luminaire i can also be arranged in the housing. The lower housing part 220 can serve in particular as a cover 220 of the printed circuit board 10, which has recesses 230 and / or light-directing sections 240, 260, each of which is assigned to a main illuminant 101 or a second printed circuit board component 140.

[0059] The escape sign luminaire 1 comprises an emergency light luminaire or escape route luminaire with a corresponding light-directing lens 240 for illuminating a corresponding escape route or for emergency lighting. This lens 240 is arranged as a light-directing section 240 in the direct vicinity of the at least one second printed circuit board component 140 on the device carrier 200, as can be seen in detail in Figure 5, wherein the lens 240 can in particular be inserted into the recess 230. If a sensor is to be used as the second printed circuit board component 140, the recess 230 ensures that the sensor can be arranged so as to protrude from the housing of the device carrier 200, or at least that the information acquisition of the sensor is not disrupted. Instead of the recess 230, a transparent cover can alternatively be provided, depending on the type of sensor or application.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the luminaire 1 has a plate-shaped light guide 261 as a light-directing section 260, which is arranged in the direct vicinity of the main light sources 101 on the device carrier 200. The plate-shaped light guide 261 is arranged essentially parallel to the light emission direction E of the main light sources 101, wherein the light guide 261 has light output structures for emitting light that backlights the escape sign 262.

[0061] It can also be seen from Figure 5 that, in the example shown, the printed circuit board 10 is mounted on the device carrier 200 by means of fixing means 250, 251, 252. Specifically, a fixing means 251 for rigidly fixed mounting engages in the complementary fixing section 151 for rigidly fixed mounting of the second section 120. As a result, the at least one second printed circuit board component 140 arranged thereon is held rigidly fixed relative to the device carrier, so that the light emission of the second printed circuit board component 140 (here in the form of an LED) is also optimally directed towards the light-directing lens 240. This ensures that optimal illumination of, for example, the escape route or the surrounding area is achieved by the luminaire 1.

[0062] Differences caused by manufacturing tolerances of the device carrier 200 or the circuit board body 100, as well as an expansion or compression of individual sections of the circuit board body too, are compensated by the connecting section 130, since this compresses or expands accordingly, thus compensating for these differences.

[0063] It is also conceivable to connect a plurality of first sections 110 to one another by means of corresponding connecting sections 130, wherein the first sections 110 are preferably each mounted in a floating manner. This minimizes the influence of heat-induced expansion on the position of the individual main illuminants 101 (or generally of the first printed circuit board components 101), since the connecting sections 130 create, so to speak, a plurality of buffer zones. A second section 120 can also be arranged between two first sections 110 by means of corresponding connecting sections 130, wherein—as previously explained—the second section 120 is preferably mounted in a rigidly fixed manner, so that the second printed circuit board component 140 arranged thereon is arranged in a fixed position relative to the device carrier 200.

[0064] The printed circuit board 10 thus created provides a particularly easy-to-manufacture and easy-to-assemble printed circuit board 10, which is particularly space-optimized and thus space-saving. The integrated design of the various printed circuit board sections and the preferred electrical coupling of these sections results in extremely low assembly effort, while the assembly of the printed circuit board 10 is also particularly simple and reliable. Furthermore, this also provides a device 1 or a lamp 1 whose respective second printed circuit board components 140 are always arranged in a secure position relative to the device carrier 200, and thus also relative to any recesses 230 or light-directing sections 240, 260 arranged thereon.

Claims

Claims:

1. Printed circuit board (io) comprising: • an integral one-piece printed circuit board body (too); and • Printed circuit board components (toi, 140) which are attached to the printed circuit board body (100) and electrically connected thereto; wherein the printed circuit board body (100) comprises: • a first section (110) on which at least a first of the circuit board components (101) is mounted; • a second section (120) on which at least a second of the circuit board components (140) is mounted; and • a connecting section (130) which physically connects the first section (110) and the second section (120) directly to one another; wherein both the first section (110) and the second section (120) each have at least one fixing section (150, 151, 152) for mechanically fixing the printed circuit board (10) to a device carrier (200), wherein the connecting section (130) is designed to be reversibly deformable in such a way as to allow a change in distance between the first section (110) and the second section (120) along an extension axis (D).

2. Printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (10) is elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis (L); wherein the longitudinal axis (L) and the extension axis (D) are preferably aligned parallel to one another; wherein preferably a plurality of first printed circuit board components (101) are provided, which are arranged at least partially in series parallel to the extension axis (D) or - if present - to the longitudinal axis (L).

3. Printed circuit board according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each fixing section (150, 151, 152) has a through-opening (151, 152) for receiving a complementary fixing means (250, 251, 252), wherein preferably at least one fixing section (150, 151, 152) has an elongated through-opening (152) extending parallel to the expansion axis (D) for the floating mounting of the respective section of the printed circuit board (10). 4- Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a fixing section (150, 151, 152) of the first section (110) is arranged on a side of the printed circuit board (10) opposite the second section (120).

5. Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (110) has at least two fixing sections (150, 151, 152) for a fixing means (250, 251, 252) each, which are arranged in different regions of the first section (110), wherein a further second printed circuit board component (140) is preferably arranged on the first section (110), wherein a fixing section (150, 151, 152) for a fixing means (250, 251, 252) is present in the region around this second printed circuit board component (140) of the first section (110).

6. Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (130) is formed by means of recesses in the printed circuit board body (100), wherein the connecting section (130) preferably has a connecting web (131) running transversely, preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the expansion axis (D).

7. Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (130) extends essentially in a straight line between the first section (110) and the second section (120), wherein the connecting section (130) is preferably waisted between the first section (110) and the second section (120) in a plan view of the printed circuit board body (100); or wherein the connecting section (130) extends essentially in an S-shape between the first section (110) and the second section (120); or wherein the connecting section (130) extends essentially in a meandering shape between the first section (110) and the second section (120).

8. Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (110) and the second section (120) are electrically connected to each other via the connecting section (130), wherein the connecting section (130) has an electrical conductor track which electrically connects the first section (110) and the second section (120), and in particular the second printed circuit board component (140), to one another, wherein preferably a first printed circuit board component (101) is also arranged on the second section (120), which is also electrically coupled to the first section (110).

9. Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (130) is constructed in several parts, and thus a plurality of connecting webs (131) run between the first section (110) and the second section (120).

10. Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board body (100) has a plurality of the connecting sections (130).

11. Printed circuit board according to claim 10, wherein the printed circuit board body (100) further comprises a plurality of second sections (120), each of which is connected to the first section (110) by at least one of the plurality of connecting sections (130), wherein the second sections (120) are preferably arranged at two opposite ends of the first section (110), further preferably with respect to the elongation axis (D) or - if present - the longitudinal axis (L).

12. Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second printed circuit board component (140) comprises an LED, preferably an LED for emergency lighting and / or for escape route lighting, and / or wherein the second printed circuit board component (140) comprises a sensor, preferably a brightness sensor, a presence sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

13. Printed circuit board according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board (10) is an LED printed circuit board (10), and wherein the LED printed circuit board (10) has as a first printed circuit board component (101) a main illuminant (101) which has an LED, wherein the main illuminant (101) is attached to the circuit board body (100) and electrically connected thereto.

14. Device (1) comprising: • a printed circuit board (10) according to one of the preceding claims; and • a device carrier (200); wherein both the first section (110) and the second section (120) are each mechanically fastened to the device carrier (200) by their at least one fixing section (150, 151, 152), so that upon expansion or compression of the circuit board (10) and / or the device carrier (200), the connecting section (130) allows a change in distance between the first section (110) and the second section (120) along the expansion axis (D).

15. Device according to claim 14, wherein the device carrier (200) has fixing means (250, 251, 252) which are preferably formed integrally with the device carrier (200), wherein the circuit board (10) is mechanically fixed to the device carrier (200) by means of the fixing means (250, 251, 252), wherein the fixing means (250, 251, 252) interact with the fixing sections (150, 151, 152) of the circuit board (10).

16. Device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the device carrier (200) has a cover (220) which has recesses (230) and / or light-directing sections (240, 260) which are each assigned to a first circuit board component (101) or a second circuit board component (140).

17. Device according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the device (1) is a luminaire (1), in particular an escape sign luminaire (1), wherein the circuit board (10) is an LED circuit board (10) according to claim 13.

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