DE202009000236U1 - Housed LED module - Google Patents

Abstract

Housed LED module comprising a module (6) with at least one LED (1) arranged thereon,
wherein the module (6) is arranged within a closable housing (3, 4), and
wherein the housing (3, 4) has lateral connection guides (20) for at least two connection cables (10) used for electrical contacting of the module (6) as strain relief elements.

Description

The The present invention relates to a housed LED module for light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), which is a very safe storage and handling of the LEDs or the module allows.

Out The prior art LED modules are known which essentially consist of a module with at least one LED mounted thereon. The individual modules of the LED chain are preferably parallel switched to each other.

The However, conventional LED chain modules have a low Protection against mechanical stress on what their uses severely limits.

aim The present invention is therefore a cased LED module to provide effective protection against Environmental influences on the LED and the module allows. Under protection against environmental influences is here on the one hand Moisture protection, dust protection as well as protection against mechanical To understand the stress of the LED module.

moreover should achieve a maximum light output of the LED of the LED module become.

The Objects of the present invention are achieved by the embodiments according to the independent claims achieved.

in the Under the invention, the LED module is a carrier or a board understood that at least one LED chip located thereon and the necessary control electronics for the at least includes an LED chip.

In In a first aspect, the present invention deals with a cased one LED module comprising a module with at least one arranged thereon LED, the module being inside a lockable housing is arranged, and wherein the housing lateral connection guides for at least two for electrical contacting of the Module used connecting cables as strain relief.

Under LED is described in the context of the invention, an LED chip. This can be either "face-up" or "face-down" on be arranged the module. In addition, a potting compound on the Module can be arranged, which surrounds the LED chip. Accordingly For example, the LED chip may be encapsulated by potting compound. The potting compound exists preferably made of liquid plastic and will help with a dispensing method applied to the module. Instead of Potting compound or in addition to it can be a mechanical Protection of the LEDs may be provided. This can be directly on the LED module be upset. For example, so-called globe tops, So be provided by dispensing potting compounds provided which surround the LED.

The Potting compound may contain color conversion particles. The LED of the LED module preferably emits light of a wavelength between 420-490 nm. By color conversion particles, which in which the LED surrounding potting compound are included, the light at least partially in light of a higher wavelength converted. The present invention is limited not on LEDs of a certain wavelength. As part of The invention can use any monochromatic LED on the LED module be arranged. For example, a red emitting LED mounted on the LED module, which with potting compound with Surrounded by color conversion particles. In addition, LEDs, which with potting compounds with different color conversion particles enclosed are to be arranged on the LED module.

The Potting compound is preferably dome-shaped or hemispherical applied to the LED chip.

It However, it is also possible, the color conversion agent separately are arranged in the housing of the module. Accordingly can spatially a potting compound with color conversion agents be arranged separately from the LED chip.

The Control electronics of the LED chip is preferably on the same Surface of the module attached, like the LED chip. The Control electronics of the module preferably comprises a transistor circuit or other switching regulators and an interface for a Communication device.

The Housing of the LED module is preferably formed in two parts and includes an upper and a lower shell. These are preferably with Help of snap fasteners connected together. The However, housing can also be made in one piece be. For this purpose, for example, a hinge for connecting the Upper and lower shell may be present. The upper and lower shell can be selectively interconnected.

The Housing of the LED module is preferably designed such that it is the LED module on which the at least one LED is firmly enclosed.

The housing preferably has a conically widened outward recess in wel the LED is exposed towards the outside of the housing. The LED is preferably arranged in the center of the conically widened recess.

By the recess in the housing is the LED or preferably dome-shaped or hemispherical potting compound which the LED surrounds, protruding from the housing of the module. Thereby becomes a maximum light output of the at least one LED of the module reached.

In a preferred embodiment is at least the surface of a housing part in the region of the conical recess designed reflective. As a result, light is transmitted through the surface of the potting compound of the LED exits inside the conical recess of the housing reflects.

The Surface of a housing, for example be formed of white reflective plastic material.

Of the Angle of the conical recess is preferably between 100 and 150 °. By this invention Configuration of the recess in the housing of the LED module a further maximization of the light output of the LED is achieved.

By the lateral connection guides of the housing The connection cables of the module can from the inside of the housing be guided safely to the outside. Make it possible the connection cables connect the LED module to a power supply. In addition, with the help of the connecting cable several LED modules get connected.

The Cable guides are preferably recesses which are such are dimensioned that a press fit between the individual Cables and the housing parts is present. Accordingly are the connecting cables firmly in the cable guides provided trapped. By this arrangement, a strain relief on the module allows soldered wires. Tensile forces which on the projecting from the housing Cable act, are thus transferred to the housing and not directly to the module. As a result, the mechanical load capacity, especially the tensile load, the LED module increases. About that In addition, the housing according to the invention protects in particular, the encapsulation compound surrounding the LED against mechanical stress such as lateral shearing.

At the housing mounted snap closures, which preferably the lateral recesses for the connecting cable surrounded, allow the provision of a maximum Holding force in the area of the connection cable guides.

In In another aspect, the present invention deals with a cased one LED module comprising a module having at least one disposed thereon LED, the module being inside a lockable housing is arranged, and wherein the housing is a substantially has optically transmissive region, which has a Lichtabstrahlcharakteristik the LED has changing function.

In a preferred embodiment, the optically transparent Range a scattering effect, a reflector effect and / or a color conversion effect which changes the light emission characteristic of the LED.

In a preferred embodiment, the entire upper shell be designed transparent. However, it is preferred that only the area above the at least one LED made transparent while the other areas are different material choices, by surface treatment (roughening, etc.) or Lacquers are transparent. Thus, the connection area of the Connecting cables as well as the electronics on the module from above not be visible.

Of the optically transmissive region may preferably be used as a plastic lens be formed, in particular such that the area of at least one LED beyond the contour of the upper shell bulges. The optically transmissive region is preferably arranged coaxially with the LED. The lens can be a scattered and / or flexion function.

Of the The module's LED chip can be of a hardened, dome-shaped Be surrounded potting compound, which comprises color conversion agent. Of Furthermore, instead of the potting compound, a so-called globe top, which is made of transparent plastic, for example be provided mechanical protection of the LED.

Preferably the housing has an upper shell and a lower shell, which lateral connection guides for the connecting cables of the LED module. At least one preferably comprises the two housing parts in the area of the connection guides a recess open to the outside, through which the connecting guides be filled with liquid, curable plastic can.

By filling liquid, hardenable plastic in the area of the connection guides, possibly existing air spaces between the housing parts and the connecting cables can be filled. Accordingly, the plastic in the cured state allows a shape between the housing parts and the connection cables. This allows effective strain relief of the solder joints on the module.

On this type can be standardized withdrawal forces for the connection cables are met, with which the mechanical Resistance of the module or connecting cable tested becomes.

The Connection guides are preferably two substantially parallel recesses in which the connecting cables of the module are guided. The connection guides preferably have over their entire length an equal diameter. Of the Diameter can be slightly larger than the diameter the connection cable can be selected. In a preferred embodiment also small protrusions in the connection guides provided, which is a firm clinging of the connection cable within ensure the connection. In addition, a leakage made of plastic to be filled outward difficult.

In In another embodiment, the connection guides in a inner area of the housing a larger one Diameter than the connecting cables have to provide a space for the supplied plastic between the housing and provide the connection cables. The diameter of the connection guides in a peripheral area of the housing can be chosen slightly smaller its than the diameter inside the case. Accordingly will be a press fit between connection cable and cable routing in an edge region of the housing allows. Zuzuuführender plastic thus can not go outside escape.

In a preferred embodiment has at least one the two housing parts have a recess in the interior of the Housing on which each of the connection guides one side together. The connection guides the two connection cables, which on one side from the housing lead, are accordingly through a connection recess connected, which next to the connection guides a recording made of plastic. This is preferably by injected an injection hole, which in one of the two housing parts is provided. This will maximize the mechanical load capacity the connection cable and the module inside the housing achieved.

The Housing preferably has positioning, which are configured such that a displacement of the module in the interior of the housing is prevented.

In In a preferred embodiment, the positioning means sprayed on the lower shell and engage in recesses or Recesses of the module. The positioning can be profiled elements. Accordingly, the module in the Lower shell defined and placed in the correct orientation, before the housing upper part clipped and possibly also sealed becomes.

The Positioning means preferably comprise at least one of the Lower shell protruding mandrel, which in a recess of the Module is led. In addition, the module is preferably by a circumferential frame surface of the lower shell of the housing guided.

The lower shell of the housing preferably has a circumferential groove, which is in engagement with a circumferential spring of the upper shell. The circumferential groove or the spring are designed such that a wrong application of the upper shell is prevented on the lower shell of the housing. The engaged by the tongue and groove connection housing parts cause a seal of the housing against incoming dirt, dust and moisture. Preferably, by the inventive design of the housing, a dust and moisture protection of Standard IP67 achieved.

moreover is preferably for assembly of the two housing parts a liquid plastic or epoxy material between the inserted or dispensed with both housing halves, which ensures a marginal seal. Between the connection cables is preferably in one of the two housing shells one Recess provided through which the space in the area of Connecting cable can be filled with epoxy, too to provide dust and moisture protection in this area.

Such Protected LED modules are especially for outdoor applications such as for billboards, etc. suitable.

Around an attachment of the housing on external surfaces to allow at least one of Housing parts fastening means on. these can For example, attached to the housing mounting plates be. The housing according to the invention can but also by gluing (for example with double-sided adhesive tape) mounted on the underside of the lower shell of the housing become. As a result, for example, illuminated letters be mounted on external surfaces in a simple way.

One preferred embodiment of the invention LED module is illustrated in the drawings and will be in the following Description explained in more detail.

1 shows an exploded view of a first preferred embodiment of the LED module according to the invention.

2 shows a perspective side view of the LED module after 1 ,

3 shows an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the LED module according to the invention.

4 shows a perspective side view of the LED module after 3 ,

5 shows a plan view of the lower shell of the LED module after 3 and 4 ,

1 shows an inventive LED module according to a first preferred embodiment. The LED module according to the invention comprises a module 6 , on which preferably three LEDs 1 are applied. The LEDs 1 are preferably connected in parallel. The module 6 also has a transistor circuit or other switching regulator and an interface for a communication device 15 on. The surface 16 of the module 6 on which the LEDs 1 are preferably designed reflective. For this example, white paint or paint on the module 6 be applied. It is also possible to have a reflective layer, for example a prefabricated film, on the module 6 applied. In the module 6 it is preferably a plan module. The electronics of the module is preferably applied only on one surface of the module. The electronics are preferably applied to the module on the same side as the LED chip. As in 1 shown, the module is by means of contacts to the side of the connecting cables 10 contacted.

The LED chips 1 Can face-up or face-down on the module 6 be upset. The LED chips can be surrounded by a hemispherical or dome-shaped potting compound in which color conversion particles can be contained. The color conversion layer is preferably applied to the LED chips in the liquid state with the aid of a dispensing process.

Instead of the potting compound or in addition, a mechanical Protection, for example, a so-called globe top above each the LED chips can be arranged. The globe top is preferably made of transparent plastic.

The LEDs can be any kind of monochromatic LED chips, or comprising color converted or phosphor converted LEDs. In particular, blue or red converted LEDs on the LED module can be arranged.

The color conversion particles of the LEDs 1 At the same time, the light emitted by the LED chip at least partially converts to light of a higher wavelength. By the light rays emitted from the LED chip and the color conversion particles, white light is preferably generated by additive color mixing.

Input and output side, the module has 6 electrical connection cable 10 on, which preferably by means of a solder joint 10a with the module 6 are connected laterally. The connection cables 10 , which are preferably flexible, allow interconnection of individual modules 6 to longer LED chains.

The module 6 includes positioning means which provide correct positioning of the module 6 inside the case 3 . 4 facilitate. The positioning means may for example be a placement opening 7 be that with a placement pen 8th interacts, located inside the case 3 . 4 essentially perpendicular to the module 6 extends. The placement opening 7 may for this purpose have a special shape, such as rectangular or triangular shape, for accurate and correct positioning of the module 6 inside the case 3 . 4 to enable.

The housing 3 . 4 preferably consists of two halves, a lower shell 4 and a top shell 3 , The lower shell 4 preferably has a circumferential groove 18 on, in which when assembling the upper and lower shell 3 . 4 a circumferential projection 19 - the so-called spring - the upper shell 3 intervenes. The groove 18 and the spring 19 are preferably designed such that a tight connection between the upper shell 3 and the lower shell 4 in the assembled state of the housing 3 . 4 is possible. In this way, the housing can 3 . 4 the module 6 successfully protect against environmental influences such as dust and moisture.

The two housing parts 3 . 4 are preferably made of plastic by means of an injection molding process. The lower shell 4 preferably has fastening stops 11 on, which by means of the injection molding process to the lower shell 4 are poured. The mounting stops have a central bore 11a on which the attachment of the housing 3 . 4 with the help of screws on external surfaces.

The lower shell 4 preferably has lateral recesses 20 for the connection cables 10 on. At the recesses 20 these are preferably two parallel semicircular recesses 20 in which the two connection cables 10 on each side of the LED module. In addition, the upper shell has 3 of the LED module similar recesses 20 on, which when assembling the upper and lower shell 3 . 4 two preferably circular recesses on each side of the housing 3 . 4 form.

The diameter of the semicircular recesses 20 can sometimes be smaller than the cable diameter of the connection cable 10 be educated. In this way, in sections, a press fit between the connecting cables 10 and the recesses 20 scored the connection cables firmly in the recesses 20 pinch.

On the upper shell 3 are preferably clamps 9 molded, with two of these terminals, the recesses 20 for the connection cables 10 surround. In the assembled state of the housing (see. 2 ) are the terminals 9 firmly engaged with the lower shell 4 cast counterparts 9a , As a result, a snap closure is realized, which allows easy assembly of the housing parts 3 . 4 allows. Preferably, the snap closure is so pronounced that it can not be opened again after a single assembly.

The upper shell 3 preferably has circular recesses 21 which are positioned so that when assembling the LED module, the LEDs 1 from the recesses 21 protrude. The recesses 21 are preferably flared outwards. The angle of the conical recess is preferably 100 to 150 °.

The surface 22 in the area of the recesses 21 the upper shell 3 is preferably formed reflective. For this example, white paint on the top shell 3 be upset. It can also be the entire surface of the top shell 3 be formed reflective. As a result, the light output of the through the recesses 21 exposed LEDs 1 increase.

2 shows the LED module according to the invention in the assembled state. Here are the terminals 9 the upper shell 3 firmly engaged with those on the lower shell 4 molded projections 9a , The dome-shaped casting compounds or globe tops, which can be applied to the LED chips, protrude from the center of the frustoconical recesses 21 the upper shell 3 out. The height of the dome-shaped potting compounds or the globe tops is preferably less than the height of the frustoconical recesses 21 , Because the surface of the upper shell 3 , but also the surface of the module 6 are formed preferably reflective, the light output of the LEDs 1 emitted light to be maximized.

3 shows a further preferred embodiment of the LED module according to the invention. The reference numerals of the preceding embodiments correspond to the same components.

As in 3 is shown has the lower shell 4 two placement pens 8th on, which with two placement openings 7 of the module 6 engaged in the assembled state of the LED module. The placement pens 8th differ in at least the shape and / or size, so that a confusion-free positioning of the module 6 in the case 3 . 4 is possible.

Furthermore, profile elements 8a in the lower shell 4 and / or top shell 3 be provided. These allow exact positioning and displacement-free storage of the module 6 inside the case 3 . 4 ,

The housing can be attached via additionally attached to the upper and lower shell closure elements 9b feature. These are preferably snap closure elements, which are cast on the upper and lower shell. These support in the assembled state of the housing 3 . 4 (see. 4 ) a firm anchoring of the two housing halves.

Also in this embodiment is preferably a planar module 6 ,

The upper shell 3 of the housing is at least in the region of the LEDs in this embodiment 1 transparent. The area between the LEDs 1 the upper shell 3 is preferably formed intransparent. However, it can also be the entire top shell 3 be formed transparent to the housing. The upper shell 3 points in the area above the LEDs 1 of the module 6 lenticular elements 12 on. The lenticular elements 12 can in the upper shell 3 be poured. The lenticular elements 12 are preferably coaxial with the LEDs or with the dome or semi-circular potting compound or the globe tops of the LEDs 1 arranged.

Also the upper shell 3 and the lower shell 4 in this embodiment have semicircular recesses 20 as guides for the connecting cables 10 on.

As in 3 and 5 is shown have the recesses 20 preferably rejuvenations 20a on which sections the diameter of the recess 20 out. These protruding sections 20a allow a Klemmver Connection between the connecting cables 10 and the recesses 20 in the assembled state of the housing 3 . 4 , Preferably, at least one tapers 20a in each semicircular recess 20 intended. It can, however, also several rejuvenations 20a in each of the semicircular recesses 20 be provided.

The lower shell 4 additionally has a connection chamber 24 on which the two recesses 20 the connection cable 10 connects with each other. The connection chamber 24 is preferably a recess, which by means of injection molding in the lower shell 4 is shaped. The connection chamber 24 preferably only connects the two Anschlußkabelausnehmungen 20 on one side of the LED module. In addition, the connection chamber 24 completely in the outer edge area of the lower shell 4 cast. A connection between the connection chamber 24 and the central recess 23 in which the module 6 is stored, does not exist. Accordingly, the connection chamber 24 from the central recess 23 foreclosed.

The upper shell 3 also has an opening 13 which is positioned so that they in the assembled state of the housing 3 . 4 an access to the connection chamber 24 the lower shell 4 allows. As a result, in the assembled state of the LED module injection material such as liquid plastic or epoxy material through the opening 13 the upper shell 3 in the connection chamber 24 be introduced. Because the connection chamber 24 the two cable recesses 20 connects, thereby distributes the introduced liquid material in the connecting chamber 24 and the cable recesses 20 , The connection cables 10 are accordingly surrounded by the introduced liquid material. By drying or curing of the introduced material, a form-fitting connection is thus produced between the housing halves 3 . 4 and the connection cables 10 of the module 6 ,

Furthermore, the housing 3 . 4 additional openings 13a each having directly over the Kabelausnehmungen 20 are arranged and via which additional liquid sealing material can be introduced.

The cable recesses 20 can thus be sealed against the environment. In addition, on the conductor cables 10 acting tensile forces better on the housing 3 . 4 which increases the mechanical resistance of the LED module.

Before assembling the two housing halves 3 . 4 can also liquid plastic material in the circumferential groove 18 be introduced. This is possible, for example, with the aid of a dispensing process. As an alternative, a prefabricated blank of sealing material on the surface of the lower shell 4 and thus in the circumferential groove 18 be applied.

When assembling the two housing halves 3 . 4 (see. 4 ) The plastic material is then from the rotating spring 19 the upper shell 3 in the circumferential groove 18 the lower shell 4 pressed. The snap closure 9 . 9a and the optional additional connectors 9b allow a firm connection of the housing 3 . 4 , Drying or curing of the applied material allows sealing of the two housing halves. Because thus all openings 20 . 13 . 18 the upper and lower shell 3 . 4 sealed, the housing of the LED module is protected against environmental influences such as dust, dirt and moisture. Due to the inventive design of the housing 3 . 4 is a dust and moisture protection of Standard IP67 achieved.

By The strain relief of the connection cable is also a resistant Linkage of several LED modules according to the invention allows for a LED chain.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• - IP67 standard [0038]
• - standard IP67 [0076]

Claims (23)

Housed LED module with a module ( 6 ) with at least one LED ( 1 ), where the module ( 6 ) within a lockable housing ( 3 . 4 ), and wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) lateral connection guides ( 20 ) for at least two for electrical contacting of the module ( 6 ) used connection cables ( 10 ) as strain relief elements. Housed LED module with a module ( 6 ) with at least one LED ( 1 ), where the module ( 6 ) within a lockable housing ( 3 . 4 ), and wherein the housing has a substantially optically transmissive region ( 12 ) having a light emission characteristic of the LED ( 1 ) has changing function. A sheathed LED module according to claim 1, wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) a conically widened outward recess ( 21 ), in which the LED ( 1 ) is exposed towards the exterior of the housing. A sheathed LED module according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the LED ( 1 ) in the center of the conically enlarged recess ( 21 ) is arranged. A sheathed LED module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least the surface ( 22 ) of the housing ( 3 ) in the region of the conical recess ( 21 ) is designed reflective. A sheathed LED module according to claim 3 to 5, wherein the angle of the conical recess ( 21 ) is between 100 and 150 °. A sheathed LED module according to claim 2, wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) lateral connection guides ( 20 ) for at least two for electrical contacting of the module ( 6 ) used connection cables ( 10 ) as strain relief elements. Housed LED module according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the housing is formed in two parts and the two housing parts ( 3 . 4 ) by means of snap locks ( 9 . 9a ) are connectable, wherein the snap fasteners are designed such that these the lateral recesses ( 20 ) for the connection cables. A sheathed LED module according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) in the area of the connection guides ( 20 ) an opening ( 13 ), through which the connection guides ( 20 ) can be filled with liquid and / or curable potting compound. A sheathed LED module according to claim 9, wherein the terminal guides ( 20 ) are two substantially parallel recesses in which the connection cables ( 10 ) of the module ( 6 ) are guided. A sheathed LED module according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) a connection chamber ( 24 ), which in each case the connection recesses ( 20 ) connects one side to each other. A sheathed LED module according to claim 11, wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) Positioning means ( 8th ), which are designed such that a displacement of the module ( 6 ) inside the housing ( 3 . 4 ) is prevented. A sheathed LED module according to claim 12, wherein the positioning means ( 8th ) at least one of the housing ( 3 . 4 ) projecting profile element which in a recess ( 7 ) of the module ( 6 ) to be led. A sheathed LED module according to claim 2, wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) an at least partially transparent upper shell ( 3 ) having. A clad LED module according to claim 2 or 14, wherein the optically transmissive region ( 12 ) has a scattering effect, a reflector effect and / or a color conversion effect. A clad LED module according to claim 2, 14 or 15, wherein the optically transmissive region ( 12 ) a lenticular region ( 12 ), which is preferably coaxial with the LED ( 1 ) is arranged. A sheathed LED module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) from an upper shell ( 3 ) and a lower shell ( 4 ), which are connectable. A sheathed LED module according to claim 17, wherein the lower shell ( 4 ) of the housing a circumferential groove ( 18 ), which with a circumferential spring ( 19 ) of the upper shell ( 3 ) is engaged. A sheathed LED module according to claim 18, wherein between the groove ( 18 ) and the spring ( 19 ) A liquid plastic layer is introduced. A sheathed LED module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LED ( 1 ) is a monochromatic LED, which is surrounded by a preferably transparent dome or semi-shaped globe top. A sheathed LED module according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the LED ( 1 ) is surrounded by a preferably dome or semi-shaped potting compound of hardened plastic, wherein in the encapsulant includes color conversion particles which at least partially convert the light emitted by the LED into a light of a different wavelength. A sheathed LED module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing ( 3 . 4 ) Fastening means ( 11 ), which allow the mounting of the housing on external surfaces. Housing for a housed LED module according to one of the preceding claims.