Optical coupling element and user interaction device

Abstract

An optical coupling element comprises a housing and a light guide element configured to guide light from a light emitting element to a user interaction element. The light emitting element is arranged on a carrier element. The user interaction element is fixedly connected to a mounting adapter via a first snap connection structure and the carrier element is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via at least two fastening elements. The housing is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via a second snap connection structure. The light guide element is directly located behind the light emitting element in a main emission direction. The optical coupling element is arranged not to be mechanically fixed to the carrier element. The housing and the light guide element are each formed as a one-piece structure and the housing and the light guide element comprise different materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an optical coupling element. This disclosure also relates to a user interaction device, and more particularly to a user interaction device including the optical coupling element. Background Technology

[0002] Common optical fibers used to illuminate user interaction elements (such as buttons or selector switches) consist of a base and a light guide. The base or socket typically needs to be pressed or secured to a carrier element, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), via mounting holes. This requires accurate arrangement of the mounting holes and precise alignment of the socket relative to them. Furthermore, common optical fibers are generally unsuitable for use in relatively compact devices where the distance between the mounting adapter and the carrier element is relatively small. Therefore, common optical fibers must be adjusted, for example, by cutting, in a costly manner.

[0003] For example, documents US 6,019,478 A, US 2004 / 0136176 A1 and US 9,607,789 B1 describe knobs that include light guides for illuminating the knobs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Furthermore, one objective is to propose an improved optical coupling element that is particularly easy and flexible to assemble. Thus, the aforementioned limitations are overcome.

[0005] In addition, another objective is to propose an improved user interaction device, which in particular includes such an optical coupling element.

[0006] Furthermore, these objectives are achieved through an optical coupling element and a user interaction device, as shown below.

[0007] According to at least one embodiment, the optical coupling element includes a housing and a light guide element, specifically, the light guide element is disposed within the housing. The optical coupling element is configured to guide light from a light-emitting element to a user interaction element. Specifically, the light-emitting element is disposed on a carrier element.

[0008] For example, the light guide element comprises a material that is transparent to light emitted by the light-emitting element. Preferably, light emitted from the light-emitting element is guided via the light guide element. The housing may be opaque to light emitted by the light-emitting element. In particular, the housing may be configured to mechanically support the light guide element and position the light guide element relative to the light-emitting element.

[0009] Preferably, a mounting adapter is arranged between the carrier element and the user interaction element. The user interaction element is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via a first snap-fit ​​connection structure, and the carrier element is fixedly connected to the mounting element via at least two fastening elements. For example, the user interaction element passes through an opening in the mounting plate of the mounting adapter. Preferably, the first snap-fit ​​connection structure is arranged in this opening. Specifically, the user interaction element includes a first snap-fit ​​structure, and the mounting plate includes a corresponding second snap-fit ​​structure formed in the opening. The first and second snap-fit ​​structures specifically form the first snap-fit ​​connection structure.

[0010] The fastening element for mounting the adapter preferably extends from the mounting plate in the direction toward the carrier element. The defined distance between the mounting plate and the carrier element can be achieved using the fastening element. This distance is, for example, 10 mm.

[0011] Preferably, the housing of the optical coupling element is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via a second snap-fit ​​connection structure. Specifically, the second snap-fit ​​connection structure is arranged on the side of the mounting plate facing the carrier element. For example, the optical coupling element is arranged between the mounting plate and the carrier element.

[0012] More preferably, the light guide element is located directly after the light-emitting element in the main emission direction. Specifically, the light guide element is arranged directly downstream of the light-emitting element in the main emission direction. The light-emitting element may include at least one light-emitting diode or at least one laser diode. "Directly after" here and below specifically refers to the absence of optical elements that could affect the light emitted by the light-emitting element between the light-emitting element and the light guide structure. For example, the light emitted by the light-emitting element is not focused, diffracted, absorbed, reflected, or scattered in the intermediate space between the light-emitting element and the light guide element or optical coupling element. For example, the intermediate space may be filled with air. The optical coupling element or light guide structure may also contact the emitting surface of the light-emitting element.

[0013] The main emission direction, in particular, is the direction in which the radiation characteristics of the light-emitting element contain global or local maxima. That is, during operation, most of the light emitted by the light-emitting element is emitted along the main emission direction.

[0014] The emitting surface of the light-emitting element is formed, for example, by at least one outer surface of the light-emitting element, through which most of the light leaves the light-emitting element during operation. For example, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the light is emitted through the emitting surface. For example, the emitting surface is the surface of the light-emitting element that is furthest from the carrier element.

[0015] Preferably, the optical coupling element is not mechanically fixed to the carrier element. Specifically, the optical coupling element is not fastened to the carrier element by means of fastening devices (e.g., screws, bolts, clips, etc.). The optical coupling element can contact the carrier element. For example, the optical coupling element can be held in place relative to the light-emitting element by a second snap-fit ​​structure. The height of the optical coupling element, measured in a direction perpendicular to the carrier element, can be approximately the same as the distance between the mounting plate of the mounting adapter and the carrier element.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the optical coupling element includes a housing and a light guide element configured to guide light from a light-emitting element to a user interaction element. The light-emitting element is disposed on a carrier element. The user interaction element is fixedly connected to a mounting adapter via a first snap-fit ​​connection structure, and the carrier element is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via at least two fastening elements. The housing is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via a second snap-fit ​​connection structure. The light guide element is located directly behind the light-emitting element in the main emission direction. The optical coupling element is configured not to be mechanically fixed to the carrier element. The housing and the light guide element are each formed as a one-piece structure, and the housing and the light guide element contain different materials.

[0017] Furthermore, the optical coupling elements described herein are based on the following technical considerations. Conventional optical fibers used to illuminate user interaction elements (such as buttons or selector switches) consist of a base and a light guide. The base or socket typically needs to be pressed or secured to a carrier element, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), via mounting holes for installation. This requires accurate arrangement of the mounting holes and precise alignment of the socket relative to them. Moreover, conventional optical fibers are generally unsuitable for use in relatively compact devices where the distance between the mounting adapter and the carrier element is relatively small. Therefore, conventional optical fibers must be adjusted, for example, by cutting, in a costly manner.

[0018] The optical coupling element described in this paper utilizes the idea of ​​mechanically securing the optical coupling element to a mounting adapter without any fixing structure between the optical coupling element and the carrier element. Therefore, mounting holes are unnecessary, facilitating the installation of the optical coupling element. In particular, the optical coupling element can be adapted to the distance between the carrier element and the mounting plate, eliminating the need for costly adjustment methods. Furthermore, the optical coupling element can be used with a variety of light-emitting elements and can be easily adapted to different applications, increasing application flexibility.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the optical coupling element, the housing of the optical coupling element is configured to completely surround at least the emitting surface of the light-emitting element in the lateral direction. Preferably, the housing is opaque to light emitted by the light-emitting element. For example, the housing includes a recess in which the light-emitting element is at least partially located. The recess may surround the emitting surface of the light-emitting element in the lateral direction. Here and in the following text, "in the lateral direction" specifically means "in the lateral direction," where "lateral direction" is a direction parallel to the main extending plane of the supporting element.

[0020] Advantageously, stray light can be reduced by preferably having an opaque housing that laterally surrounds the emitting surface of the light-emitting element. Therefore, the light transmitted through the optical coupling element can be increased, particularly compared to ordinary optical fibers that typically have a base with an open design, which means a loss of stray light emitted laterally.

[0021] Furthermore, shaping the housing with recesses for the light-emitting element advantageously allows for the use of optical coupling elements for a variety of light-emitting elements, thereby increasing versatility in applications.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the housing includes a first fixing structure and a second fixing structure, each of which is configured to connect to a mounting adapter, wherein the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure have different geometries. Specifically, the mounting adapter includes a first receiving structure corresponding to the first fixing structure and a second receiving structure corresponding to the second fixing structure. For example, the first and second receiving structures are arranged on the side of the mounting plate facing the load-bearing element. Preferably, the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure have different geometries. Specifically, the first fixing structure together with the first receiving structure and the second fixing structure together with the second receiving structure form a second snap-fit ​​connection structure.

[0023] Advantageously, using a first fixing / receiving structure and a second fixing / receiving structure with different geometries facilitates the mounting of the optical coupling element because the risk of incorrect mounting is significantly reduced. For example, the first fixing structure / second fixing structure conforms only to the first receiving structure / second receiving structure, and not to the second receiving structure / first receiving structure. Therefore, during the intended period of use, only one method can be used to mount the optical coupling element.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the housing of the optical coupling element includes a through-hole extending from the light incident surface through the housing to the light incident surface. Preferably, a light guide element is disposed in the through-hole. In particular, the main extension direction of the through-hole is parallel to the main emission direction of the light-emitting element.

[0025] For example, the optical guide element precisely fills the through-hole. This specifically means that the through-hole is completely filled by the optical guide element. For example, no air or other structural elements are arranged in the through-hole and between the optical guide element and the housing.

[0026] Alternatively, one or more additional elements, such as adhesive elements or glue, can be arranged between the housing and the light guide element. The light guide element can be fixedly arranged in the through-hole by the adhesive element. In this case, the adhesive element is preferably arranged only on the inner wall of the through-hole, while the light incident surface and the light emitting surface have no adhesive elements or any other structural elements.

[0027] The optical guide element can be integrally formed with the housing. In particular, in this case, the housing and the optical guide element can be separated simply by destroying the optical coupling element. For example, the housing and the optical guide element are formed in a common process step.

[0028] Each of the housing and the light guide element is formed as a one-piece structure. For example, in this case, the light guide element is arranged in a through hole and optionally secured in the through hole, for example, by an adhesive element.

[0029] The housing and the light guide element comprise different materials. Specifically, the light guide element comprises a material that is transparent to light emitted by the light-emitting element, while the housing may be opaque to light emitted by the light-emitting element. For example, the light guide element comprises or is made of polycarbonate, and the housing comprises or is made of polyamide. Advantageously, the materials of the light guide element and the housing can be tailored to the specific function of the light guide element and the housing. For example, polycarbonate may be refractory, making it unsuitable for use in a housing comprising a first fixing structure and a second fixing structure.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, the light guide element comprises a material that is at least partially transparent to light emitted by the light-emitting element. For example, the light guide element comprises or is composed of polyamide. Additionally or alternatively, the light guide element comprises poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, and / or glass and / or glass fiber.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the light guide element may contain a composite material. By using composite materials, the optical properties of the light guide element can be adjusted. For example, a red chromophore or dye can be added to the material of the light guide element. By adding a red chromophore to the light guide element, the red light or red light portion of the light emitted by the light-emitting element can be enhanced. For example, 1% to 5% of the material of the light guide element can be formed using a composite material such as a chromophore.

[0032] Furthermore, a user interaction device is provided. During operation, the user interaction device may include the optical coupling element described herein according to one or more embodiments. This means that all features disclosed for the optical coupling element are also disclosed for the user interaction device, and vice versa.

[0033] In at least one first embodiment, the user interaction device includes an optical coupling element, a user interaction element, a mounting adapter, and a carrier element. The optical coupling element includes a housing and a light guide element configured to guide light from a light-emitting element to the user interaction element. The light-emitting element is disposed on the carrier element. The user interaction element is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via a first snap-fit ​​connection structure. The carrier element is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via at least two fastening elements. The housing is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via a second snap-fit ​​connection structure. The light guide element is located directly behind the light-emitting element in the main emission direction. The optical coupling element is configured not to be mechanically fixed to the carrier element. The carrier element is fastened to the mounting adapter via at least two fastening elements of the mounting adapter by means of a mechanical connection element.

[0034] In at least one second embodiment, the user interaction device includes an optical coupling element according to one or more embodiments described above. Furthermore, the user interaction device includes a user interaction element, a mounting adapter, and a carrier element. The mounting adapter is fastened to the user interaction element via a first snap-fit ​​connection structure. The carrier element is fastened to the mounting adapter via at least two fastening elements of the mounting adapter by means of a mechanical connection element. The housing of the optical coupling element is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter via a second snap-fit ​​connection structure. The light guide element of the optical coupling element is located directly behind the light-emitting element disposed on the carrier element in the main emission direction of the light-emitting element. The optical coupling element is configured to not require mechanical fastening to the carrier element.

[0035] User interaction elements are specifically functional elements configured to be operated by a user (also referred to as an operator here and below) and to provide optical information to the operator, for example, through light emission. In particular, the light emitted by the user interaction element is provided by a light-emitting element via an optical coupling element.

[0036] For example, user interaction elements may serve as or include user-operable mechanical actuators and / or optical indicators. User-operable mechanical actuators may include, or may be, for example, buttons (e.g., safety buttons) or selection switches. Optical indicators may include light transmission elements that may be illuminated from the rear, for example, via a light-emitting element and an optical coupling element. For example, when the optical indicator is illuminated, light is transmitted through the optical indicator and can be perceived by the operator.

[0037] User interaction elements can also be complex functional elements, such as a single illuminated button or a double illuminated button. Where the user interaction element is specifically used as or includes a user-operable mechanical actuator, the user interaction element may include at least one actuating element, such as a plunger, that moves due to the user's interaction with the user interaction element.

[0038] User interaction elements may include a user interaction section designed and configured to provide information to an operator, and optionally also operable by the operator. In the case of a user-operable mechanical actuator, the operator may operate the user interaction section to move the actuator element. For example, the user interaction section may include or be an optical transmission window.

[0039] Preferably, the mounting adapter is intended and configured to mount a carrier element with a light-emitting element to a user interaction element. Specifically, the mounting adapter is intended and configured to mount and secure the carrier element to a connection portion of the user interaction element. Furthermore, the mounting adapter is intended and configured to mount an optical coupling element.

[0040] Specifically, the mounting adapter includes at least two fastening elements to which the carrier element is fastened. Specifically, the carrier element can be fastened to each fastening element by means of a mechanical connecting element. Preferably, the mechanical connecting element is a screw or locking bolt that can be inserted into a hole in the fastening element. Such a hole can be at least partially pre-made, or can be formed by the mechanical connecting element. Preferably, the mechanical connecting element can be a self-tapping screw. Each mechanical connecting element can pass through a hole in the carrier element to reach one of the fastening elements of the mounting adapter.

[0041] At least two fastening elements extend and protrude from one side of the mounting plate of the mounting adapter in a direction toward the carrier element. For example, each fastening element may have a basic cylindrical or truncated conical shape and may be formed as a cylindrical or conical pin.

[0042] Preferably, at least two fastening elements and the mounting plate form an integral part. In other words, the mounting adapter, including the mounting plate and at least two fastening elements, can be formed as a single piece, preferably made of a plastic material such as polyamide 6.6. Preferably, the mounting adapter is manufactured using a molding process.

[0043] Preferably, at least two fastening elements have a predetermined length, such that the carrier element, and therefore the light-emitting element, and other electrical components optionally arranged on the carrier element, are in a predetermined position relative to the user interaction element. Thus, the distance and relative position of the light-emitting element and optional other electrical components relative to the user interaction element can be determined very accurately in advance by the lengths of the at least two fastening elements, regardless of other geometric factors (e.g., the thickness of the carrier element).

[0044] According to at least one embodiment, the light-emitting element provides an optical signal indicating the state of the user interaction device, wherein the optical signal is guided to a user interaction portion of the user interaction element via an optical coupling element, and the optical signal can be sensed at the user interaction portion. For example, the optical signal is guided to a light transmission window and can be sensed at the light transmission window.

[0045] For example, if the user interaction device is in a first state, the user interaction portion can be partially illuminated. In another instance, the user interaction device can be illuminated with different colors depending on its state.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, optical signals can provide information relevant to the user interaction device, such as information about the use of the user interaction device during operation. In particular, the information provided by optical signals is not particularly limited. It is possible that optical signals can provide any suitable type of information that can be perceived at the user interaction point.

[0047] According to at least one embodiment, the user interaction element laterally surrounds the light-emitting surface of the optical coupling element. Advantageously, if the user interaction element surrounds the light-emitting surface of the optical coupling element, lateral light loss can be reduced.

[0048] According to at least one embodiment, at least one electromechanical contact element is arranged on the carrier element. This at least one electromechanical contact element is operable by a user interaction element. For example, the at least one electromechanical contact element is one of other optional electrical components arranged on the carrier element besides the light-emitting element.

[0049] For example, when the user interaction element is a user-operable mechanical actuator, it can mechanically interact with electromechanical contact elements. These electromechanical contact elements are, for example, switching elements that can provide electrical signals indicating the mechanical state of the user interaction element. These electrical signals can be, for example, resistance, current, and / or voltage. The mechanical state of the user interaction element can be, for example, the position of an actuating element (e.g., a plunger). In other words, when an operator operates the user interaction element, for example, by pushing or rotating the user interaction section, the electromechanical contact element can be switched from one state to another via the actuating element of the user interaction element.

[0050] According to at least one embodiment, the user interaction element passes through an opening in the cover element. The user interaction element is secured to the cover element by means of a threaded ring threaded to a connecting member. The connecting portion is further secured to the mounting adapter by means of a first snap-fit ​​connection structure. The connecting portion of the user interaction element is arranged on the side of the cover element facing the mounting adapter; in particular, the user interaction portion of the user interaction element is arranged on the side of the cover element away from the mounting adapter and thus away from the carrier element.

[0051] Specifically, the user interaction element can be fastened in the opening of the cover element. A threaded ring can preferably be positioned on the side of the cover element facing the carrier element. Therefore, the connection portion can be threaded, and the mounting ring is threaded onto this thread. Particularly preferably, the user interaction element can be the sole part of the user interaction device that is directly fastened to the cover element, for example, by the mounting ring. All other components of the user interaction device described below can be held in place, directly or indirectly, by the user interaction element rather than any part of the cover element.

[0052] The cover element can be part of the housing used for user interaction devices. For example, the cover element is the front panel of the housing, or it can be part of the front panel.

[0053] According to another embodiment, the carrier element includes a printed circuit board (PCB) or a printed circuit board (PCB). A light-emitting element and optionally at least one electrical component may be mounted to (i.e., mechanically and electrically connected to) the carrier element. The carrier element may include other electrical or electronic components for operating at least one electrical component and for electrically connecting the user interaction device to other devices.

[0054] Other advantages and beneficial embodiments of the optical coupling elements and user interaction devices described herein, as well as other improvements, will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments illustrated below in conjunction with the schematic diagrams. In the drawings, the same elements, elements of the same type, or elements having the same effect have the same reference numerals. The scale of the drawings and the elements shown should not be considered as drawn to true scale. Rather, for better presentation and / or better understanding, the individual elements may be shown in an enlarged manner. Attached Figure Description

[0055] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of the user interaction device according to an exemplary embodiment described herein is shown; Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 1A detailed view of the user interaction device, showing an optical coupling element used in the user interaction device according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A detailed view of the user interaction device, showing the arrangement of the optical coupling element on the carrier element; Figures 4 to 7 An optical coupling element according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in different views. Detailed Implementation

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown in the exploded diagram, the user interaction device 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment described herein includes a user interaction element 3, a cover element 8, a threaded ring 9, a mounting adapter 4, an optical coupling element 1, and a carrier element 5.

[0057] The user interaction element includes a user interaction part 31 and a connection part 32. For example... Figure 2 As shown in the detailed illustration, the user interaction element 3 is arranged through the opening 80 of the cover element 8. Therefore, the connecting portion 32 is arranged on the side of the cover element 8 facing the support element 5, and the user interaction portion 31 is arranged on the side of the cover element 8 away from the support element 5. The connecting portion 32 includes a thread 34, on which a threaded ring 9 is threadedly connected to secure the user interaction element 3 to the cover element 8. The cover element 8 may be part of the housing for the user interaction device 100.

[0058] The connecting portion 32 is further connected to the mounting adapter 4 via a first snap-fit ​​connection structure 41. The first snap-fit ​​connection structure 41 engages with the opening 45 of the mounting plate 44 of the mounting adapter 4. The first snap-fit ​​connection structure 41 is arranged in the opening 45.

[0059] The mounting adapter 4 also includes a fastening element 42 for securing the carrier element 5 to the mounting adapter 4. The fastening element 42 extends from the side of the mounting plate 44 facing the carrier element 5 toward the carrier element 5. The fastening element 42 is configured to receive a mechanical connection element 7, such as a screw or bolt, via which the carrier element 5 can be secured to the mounting adapter 4.

[0060] Mounting adapter 4 is preferably formed as a one-piece structure, such that mounting plate 44 and fastening element 42 contain the same material and are formed in a common process (e.g., molding process). Mounting adapter 4 contains a polymer, such as polyamide.

[0061] Two electromechanical contact elements 6 are arranged on the carrier element 5. The user interaction element 3 can mechanically interact with the electromechanical contact elements 6. The electromechanical contact elements 6 are, for example, switching elements. In addition, the light-emitting element 2 is arranged on the carrier element 5 on the side facing the mounting adapter 4. Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0062] The carrier element 5 is a printed circuit board (PCB). The light-emitting element 2 and the electromechanical contact element 6 are mechanically and electrically connected to the carrier element 5.

[0063] An optical coupling element 1 is disposed between the carrier element 5 and the mounting adapter 4. The optical coupling element 1 is configured to guide light from the light-emitting element 2 to the user interaction element 3. That is, the optical coupling element 1 optically couples the light-emitting element 2 to the user interaction element 3.

[0064] Figures 4 to 7 Different views of the optical coupling element are shown. Figure 4 An exploded view of optical coupling element 1 is shown. Figure 5 A side view of the optical coupling element is shown. Figure 6 A top view of the optical coupling element is shown, and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the optical coupling element is shown.

[0065] The optical coupling element 1 includes a housing 11 and a light guide element 12. The light guide element 12 is arranged in a through hole 15 in the housing 11. Figure 4 , Figure 7 A through-hole 15 extends from the light incident surface 16 through the housing 11 to the light exit surface 17. The light guide element 12 comprises polycarbonate, PMMA, and / or glass and is transparent to light emitted by the light-emitting diode 2. Additionally or alternatively, the light guide element 12 may comprise a composite material. By using a composite material, the optical properties of the light guide element 12 can be adjusted. For example, a red chromophore or dye can be added to the material of the light guide element. By adding a red chromophore to the light guide element 12, the red light or red light portion of the light emitted by the light-emitting element can be enhanced. For example, 1% to 5% of the material of the light guide element 12 can be formed using a composite material such as a chromophore.

[0066] The light guide element 12 is configured to guide light from the light incident surface 16 to the light emitting surface 17. The housing 11 is opaque to the light-emitting element 2. The housing 11 contains polyamide.

[0067] The optical coupling element 1 is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter 4 via a second snap-fit ​​connection structure 43. The second snap-fit ​​connection structure 43 is arranged on the side of the mounting plate 44 facing the carrier element 5. The second snap-fit ​​connection structure 43 includes a first fixing structure 13 and a second fixing structure 14. The geometry of the first fixing structure 13 and the geometry of the second fixing structure 14 are different from each other, such that during the intended installation, only one method can be used to fasten the optical coupling element 1 to the mounting adapter 4.

[0068] like Figure 3As shown, it illustrates Figure 2 In detail D, there is no mechanical fixing structure between the optical coupling element 1 and the carrier element 5. The optical coupling element 1 is arranged above the light-emitting element 2 and is held in place only by means of the mounting adapter 4. Therefore, the precise mounting holes in the carrier element can be eliminated, and the positioning of the optical coupling element 1 is facilitated.

[0069] The housing 11 includes a recess 18 in which the light incident surface 16 can be approached. Figure 3 The recess 18 is formed such that the housing 11 laterally surrounds the emitting surface 21 of the light-emitting element 2. The light-emitting element 2 is a light-emitting diode with the emitting surface 21 located on the side away from the carrier element 5. The recess 18 reduces stray light.

[0070] The light guide element 12 is arranged downstream of the light-emitting element 2 in the main emission direction 20. That is, light emitted by the light-emitting element 2 can be coupled into the light guide element 12 via the light incident surface 16. The light guide element 12 guides the light to the light exiting surface 17. The light is further coupled out at the light exiting surface 17. The user interaction element 3 laterally surrounds the light exiting surface 17, as shown... Figure 2 As shown. Therefore, the light-emitting element 2 can illuminate the user interaction element 3 via the optical coupling element 1.

[0071] During operation of the user interaction device 100, the light-emitting element 2 illuminates the user interaction portion 31 of the user interaction element 3 via the optical coupling element 1. For example, the light-emitting element 2 provides an optical signal via the optical coupling element 1 to indicate the status of the user interaction device 100. The user interaction portion 31 includes an optical indicator, such as an illuminated window, at which the optical signal can be sensed.

[0072] For example, the user interaction element 3 is a button, which a user or operator can use to activate the electromechanical contact element 6 to switch the device. Optical signals, for example, provide information about the switch state. For instance, in a first state, the user interaction element 31 is illuminated, or illuminated in a first color, while correspondingly, in a second state, the user interaction element 31 is not illuminated, or illuminated in a second color different from the first color.

[0073] This invention is not limited to the description based on exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention covers any novel features, and also any combination of features, particularly including any combination of features in the patent claims, even if the feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Figure Labels 1 Optical coupling element 2 light-emitting elements 3 User interaction elements 4. Install the adapter 5 load-bearing elements 6 Electromechanical contact elements 7 Mechanical connecting elements 8 cover components 9-thread ring 11. Shell 12 optical waveguide elements 13 First Fixed Structure 14 Second fixed structure 15 through holes 16 light incident surfaces 17 light-emitting surfaces 18 recesses 20 main launch directions 21 Launch Surface 31 User Interaction Section 32 Connection Part 33 thread 41 First snap-fit ​​connection structure 42 Fastening Components 43 Second snap-fit ​​connection structure 44 mounting plate 45 Mounting plate opening 80 opening of cover element 100 user interaction devices

Claims

1. An optical coupling element (1) comprising a housing (11) and a light guide element (12), the light guide element being configured to guide light from a light-emitting element (2) to a user interaction element (3), wherein, - The light-emitting element (2) is arranged on the carrier element (5), - The user interaction element (3) is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter (4) via the first snap-fit ​​connection structure (41). - The carrier element (5) is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter (4) via at least two fastening elements (42). - The housing (11) is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter (4) via a second snap-fit ​​connection structure (43). - The light guide element (12) is located directly behind the light-emitting element (2) in the main emission direction (20). - The optical coupling element (1) is configured not to be mechanically fixed to the carrier element (5), and - The housing (11) and the light guide element (12) are each formed as a one-piece structure, and the housing (11) and the light guide element (12) contain different materials.

2. The optical coupling element (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (11) of the optical coupling element (1) is configured to completely surround at least the emitting surface (21) of the light-emitting element (2) in the lateral direction, and the housing (11) is opaque to light emitted by the light-emitting element (2).

3. The optical coupling element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing (11) includes a first fixing structure (13) and a second fixing structure (14), each of the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure being configured to be connected to the mounting adapter (4), and the first fixing structure (13) and the second fixing structure (14) having different geometries.

4. The optical coupling element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing (11) includes a through hole (15) extending from the light incident surface (16) through the housing (11) to a light emitting surface (17) away from the light incident surface (16), and the light guiding element (12) is arranged in the through hole (15).

5. A user interaction device (100) comprising an optical coupling element (1), a user interaction element (3), a mounting adapter (4), and a carrier element (5), wherein, - The optical coupling element (1) includes a housing (11) and a light guide element (12) configured to guide light from the light-emitting element (2) to the user interaction element (3). - The light-emitting element (2) is arranged on the carrier element (5), - The user interaction element (3) is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter (4) via the first snap-fit ​​connection structure (41). - The carrier element (5) is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter (4) via at least two fastening elements (42). - The housing (11) is fixedly connected to the mounting adapter (4) via a second snap-fit ​​connection structure (43). - The light guide element (12) is located directly behind the light-emitting element (2) in the main emission direction (20). - The optical coupling element (1) is configured not to be mechanically fixed to the carrier element (5), and - The bearing element (5) is fastened to the mounting adapter (4) by means of the mechanical connecting element (7) via the at least two fastening elements (42) of the mounting adapter (4).

6. The user interaction device (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The light-emitting element (2) provides an optical signal indicating the state of the user interaction device (100), wherein the optical signal is guided to the user interaction portion (31) of the user interaction element (3) by the optical coupling element (1), and the optical signal can be sensed at the user interaction portion (31).

7. The user interaction device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The user interaction element (3) surrounds the light emitting surface (17) of the optical coupling element (1) in the side direction.

8. The user interaction device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, At least one electromechanical contact element (6) is arranged on the carrier element (5), and the electromechanical contact element (6) can be operated by the user interaction element (3).

9. The user interaction device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, - The user interaction element (3) passes through the opening (80) in the cover element (8). - The user interaction element (3) includes a connection portion (32) located on the side of the cover element (8) facing the mounting adapter (4). - The user interaction element (3) is fastened to the cover element (8) by means of a threaded ring (9) threaded onto the connecting portion (32), and - The connecting portion (32) is fastened to the mounting adapter (4) by means of the first snap-fit ​​connection structure (41).

10. The user interaction device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The user interaction element (3) includes a mechanical actuator that can be operated by the user.

11. The user interaction device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The user interaction element (3) is a button or a selection switch.

12. The user interaction device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The carrier element (5) includes a printed circuit board.

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