阅读说明：本技术 用于触敏发光二极管开关的光学装置 (Optical device for touch-sensitive light-emitting diode switch ) 是由 方瑞麟 于 2020-04-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于安装到印刷电路板的发光二极管的光学组件具有由第一透镜前表面和相对的第一透镜后锥体限定的第一透镜,该第一透镜后锥体具有面向发光二极管的尖端。具有第二透镜前表面和相对的第二透镜后表面的第二透镜面向印刷电路板。第二透镜限定中心腔,第一透镜设置在该中心腔中。(An optical assembly for a light emitting diode mounted to a printed circuit board has a first lens defined by a first lens front surface and an opposing first lens rear cone having a tip facing the light emitting diode. A second lens having a second lens front surface and an opposing second lens rear surface faces the printed circuit board. The second lens defines a central cavity in which the first lens is disposed.)

1. An optical assembly for a light emitting diode mounted to a printed circuit board, the optical assembly comprising:

a first lens defined by a first lens front surface and an opposing first lens rear cone having a tip facing the light emitting diode; and

a second lens having a second lens front surface and an opposing second lens rear surface, the second lens rear surface facing the printed circuit board, the second lens defining a central cavity, the first lens disposed in the central cavity.

2. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the central cavity of the second lens is defined by an inner cavity wall and an inner cavity surface facing the first lens front surface.

3. The optical assembly of claim 2, wherein the inner cavity surface is planar.

4. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the second lens front surface has a profile selected from the group consisting of: flat, concave and convex.

5. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the central cavity of the second lens and an outer diameter of the first lens are sized to frictionally retain the first lens in the central cavity.

6. The optical assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cover plate mounted to the second lens, the cover plate including one or more light diffusing indicia.

7. The optical assembly of claim 6, further comprising a lens holder axially aligned with a center of the light emitting diode and secured between the panel cover and the printed circuit board, the second lens being disposed in the lens holder.

8. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode is mounted to the printed circuit board with a top surface of a package of the light emitting diode lower than a top surface of the printed circuit board.

9. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode is mounted to the printed circuit board with a top surface of a package of the light emitting diode above a top surface of the printed circuit board, the second lens enclosing the light emitting diode within the central cavity.

10. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the exposed surface of the first lens rear cone has a light reflective coating.

11. The optical assembly of claim 10, wherein an outer sidewall surface of the second lens has a light blocking coating.

12. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the exposed surface of the first lens rear cone has a metal coating.

13. The optical assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the printed circuit board that overlaps the second lens has a light reflective coating.

14. The optical assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a third lens having a third lens front surface and an opposing third lens rear surface bonded to the second lens front surface, the third lens comprising one or more three-dimensional indicia.

15. An optical device for an electroluminescent device comprising:

a lens having a recess formed therein so as to form a tapered first lens portion having a tip facing the electroluminescent device and a second lens portion surrounding and contiguous with the first lens portion.

16. The optical apparatus of claim 15, wherein the notch is shaped to define a conical tapered first lens portion.

17. The optical device of claim 15, wherein the notch is shaped to define a partially spherical, tapered first lens portion.

18. The optical device of claim 15, wherein the lens is defined by an anterior face and an opposing posterior face, the notch being formed in the posterior face.

19. The optical apparatus of claim 18, wherein the front face of the lens has a profile selected from the group consisting of: flat, convex and concave.

20. The optical device of claim 15, wherein the second lens portion surrounds the electroluminescent device.

21. The optical apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first lens portion and the second lens portion are integrally formed.

22. The optical device of claim 15, wherein an exposed surface of the tapered first lens portion has a light reflective coating.

23. The optical device of claim 15, wherein an outer surface of the lens has a light blocking coating.

24. An illuminated indicating panel comprising:

a printed circuit board;

one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices mounted to the printed circuit board;

one or more lenses, each lens having a recess formed therein so as to form a tapered first lens portion having a tip facing a respective one of the electroluminescent semiconductor devices and a second lens portion surrounding and interfacing with the first lens portion, the lens being mounted to interface with the printed circuit board; and

a panel cover having one or more indicia thereon, the one or more indicia overlapping each of the one or more lenses, wherein the panel cover is mounted to each of the one or more lenses.

25. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 24, wherein the recess is shaped to define a conical tapered first lens portion.

26. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 24, wherein the recess is shaped to define a part-spherical, conical first lens portion.

27. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the lenses is defined by a front face and an opposing rear face, the recess being formed in the rear face.

28. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 27, wherein a front face of at least one of the lenses has a profile selected from the group consisting of: flat, convex and concave.

29. The illuminated indication panel as recited in claim 24, further comprising an intermediate cover layer between the panel cover and the one or more lenses, the intermediate cover layer comprising one or more indicia, the one or more indicia comprising the intermediate cover layer overlapping each of the one or more lenses, wherein the intermediate cover layer is mounted to each of the one or more lenses.

30. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 29, wherein the panel cover includes one or more indicia that are illuminated in response to a first emission wavelength output from the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices, and the indicia on the intermediate cover layer are fluorescent and illuminated in response to a second emission wavelength output from the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices.

31. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 24, wherein a portion of the printed circuit board that partially overlaps the second lens has a light reflective coating.

32. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 24, wherein a portion of the printed circuit board that overlaps the second lens has a conductive layer that is connected to an input of a touch sensor controller.

33. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 24, wherein a portion on an opposite side of the printed circuit board that overlaps the second lens has a conductive layer that is connected to an input of a touch sensor controller.

34. The illuminated indication panel according to claim 24, wherein a portion on an opposite side of the printed circuit board that overlaps the second lens has a conductive layer that is grounded.

35. A combination lighting indication and input panel, comprising:

a printed circuit board defined by a top surface and an opposing bottom surface;

one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices mounted to the printed circuit board;

a first conductive layer on the top surface of the printed circuit board and surrounding an area on which one of the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted, the first conductive layer being connectable to an input of a touch sensor controller;

a second conductive layer on the bottom surface of the printed circuit board and surrounding the area on which the one of the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted, the first and second conductive layers being axially aligned; and

a panel cover over the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices.

36. The combination illuminated indication and input panel of claim 35, wherein the second conductive layer is connected to the input of the touch sensor controller.

37. The combination illuminated indication and input panel of claim 35, wherein the second conductive layer is grounded.

38. An optical assembly for a light emitting diode mounted to a printed circuit board, the optical assembly comprising:

a first lens defined by a first lens front surface and an opposing first lens rear surface facing the light emitting diode; and

a second lens having a second lens front surface and an opposing second lens rear surface facing the printed circuit board, the second lens defining a central cavity, wherein the first lens is disposed in the central cavity.

39. The optical assembly of claim 38, wherein the first lens front surface has a profile selected from the group consisting of: flat, convex and concave.

40. The optical assembly of claim 38, wherein the first lens back surface has a profile selected from the group consisting of: flat, convex and concave.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to optical devices and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and more particularly to optical devices for touch-sensitive LED switching devices.

Background

LEDs are ubiquitous output devices that find many applications in a variety of fields due to their advantages of high efficiency, fast switching, and extended lifetime. One of the most common uses is as an indicator for electronic devices, so LEDs can be packaged in different shapes and sizes to suit a particular application. In addition, different illumination colors or radiation wavelengths across the visible spectrum can be obtained from low wavelength red to high wavelength violet. Outside the visible spectrum, however, there are LEDs capable of emitting infrared waves, which are commonly used for inter-device communication. At the opposite end of the spectrum, ultraviolet waves may be used for sterilization, disinfection and disinfection. However, ultraviolet waves can also be used to fluoresce or change color when illuminated to obtain different visual effects for inks, dyes, paints, and various materials coated, painted or colored with such inks, dyes and paints that are sensitive to ultraviolet light. While typical miniature LED indicator lamps have an operating current of about 20mA and an output of less than 1 lumen, some recent high power LEDs are capable of operating at currents of several hundred mA and outputs in excess of several thousand lumens, which can be used as replacements for incandescent light bulbs in lighting applications.

The principle of operation of LED devices is well known, with the central portion being a semiconductor material doped to create a P-N junction. The anode or P-side of the junction is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, while the cathode or N-side of the junction is connected to the negative or common terminal of the power supply. When current flows between the P-N junctions, energy is released in the form of optical photons. LEDs operate in this manner, whether used as miniature low power indicators or as high intensity illuminators.

In some applications, the LED may be used as a photodetector, where photons of light falling on the P-N junction are converted into electrical signals. The LED may be connected to a detection circuit rather than to a power source to produce a response upon receiving a signal therefrom. Alternatively, the LED may include contacts within the body that are connectable to the touch sensor integrated circuit. The contacts may be used as capacitive touch sensors to trigger an output when a finger or other capacitive element interacts with the contact. U.S. patent nos. 8,866,708, 9,471,181 and 9,851,826 to Fong, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose such light emitting diode switching devices. Thus, a single LED may be used for both output and input functions.

Various different LED packages are known in the art, the most common one being the through-hole type, which includes a body with connection lines extending therefrom. The body may be cylindrical with a part spherical or domed top, but there are also rectangular or square bodies with a flat top, or other geometries. Typically, the body is composed of a translucent plastic having the same hue as the emitted light, and the cathode, anode and electroluminescent semiconductor element (e.g., diode) are encapsulated therein. In the above touch sensitive LED switch, the touch sensor contacts are also understood to be encapsulated within the body. In addition to different types of through-hole packages, surface mount technology without wires extending therefrom is also used to package LEDs.

As mentioned above, LEDs are commonly used to indicate the operational status of electronic devices. Early electronic devices simply mounted the LED such that the light emitting portion was exposed to the outside of the device housing. The operational state (s)/output(s) indicated by the LED may simply be described in a separate document without further descriptors regarding the device, or descriptive labels may be attached or printed in the vicinity of the LED. However, improved device aesthetics and user interface experience may be achieved by selectively illuminating the descriptive label itself. For example, in a device power indicator, an "on" descriptor may be illuminated directly when the device is powered on and not illuminated when the device is powered off. Various configurations for such indicator functions are known in the art, including forming a matrix of individual LEDs as dots or segments of letters or other symbols, and cutting openings or partially etching on the indicator surface corresponding to the letters or symbols, placing a partially translucent diffusive filter cover thereon, and illuminating the cover with LEDs from below the surface.

However, typical LEDs emit a relatively narrow beam of light compared to more diffuse light sources, such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and neon lamps. Although uniform illumination of the entire diffusive filter cover is preferred, due to the lower beamwidth output of the LED, bright spots, dark spots, and other irregularities may be present on its illumination area. The indicator may not be readily discernable when the irregular illumination effect is particularly noticeable, or may appear inactive when the irregular illumination effect is not particularly noticeable. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved optical device for outputting uniform illumination from an LED over a wider area than conventional diffusers. There is also a need in the art for an optical device for an indicator panel illuminated by LEDs and that maintains the input functionality of a capacitive touch sensor LED switch device.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to various embodiments of optical assemblies, optical devices for electroluminescent semiconductor devices, and illuminated indicator panels. In one embodiment, the optical assembly is for a light emitting diode that may be mounted to a printed circuit board. The optical assembly may include a first lens defined by a first lens front surface and an opposing first lens rear cone having a tip facing the light emitting diode. There may also be a second lens having a second lens front surface and an opposing second lens rear surface and facing the printed circuit board. The second lens may define a central cavity in which the first lens is disposed.

In another embodiment, an optical device for an electroluminescent semiconductor device may include a lens having an annular recess formed therein. The recess may facilitate the formation of a tapered first lens portion having a tip facing the electroluminescent semiconductor device, and a second lens portion surrounding and adjoining the first lens portion.

Yet another embodiment may be an illuminated indication panel. The indicator panel may include a printed circuit board and one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices mounted to the printed circuit board. There may be one or more lenses, each lens having an annular recess formed therein. The recess may facilitate the formation of a tapered first lens portion having a tip facing a respective one of the electroluminescent semiconductor devices. The recess may also facilitate formation of a second lens portion surrounding and contiguous with the first lens portion. The lens may be mounted to a printed circuit board. The illuminated indication panel may include a panel cover having one or more indicia etched thereon, the one or more indicia overlapping each of the one or more lenses, wherein the panel cover is mounted to each of the one or more lenses.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there may be a combined illumination indication and input panel. It may include a printed circuit board defined by a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. In addition, there may be one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices mounted to the printed circuit board. The combination illuminated indication and input panel may further include a first conductive layer on the top surface of the printed circuit board surrounding an area on which one of the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted. The first conductive layer may be connected to an input of the touch sensor controller. There may also be a second conductive layer on the bottom surface of the printed circuit board surrounding the area on which one of the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted. The first and second conductive layers may be axially aligned. The combined illuminated indication and input panel may also include a panel cover over the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices.

Another embodiment is an optical assembly for a light emitting diode mounted to a printed circuit board. There may be a first lens defined by a first lens front surface and an opposing first lens rear surface facing the light emitting diode. The optical assembly may further include a second lens having a second lens front surface and an opposing second lens rear surface facing the printed circuit board. The second lens defines a central cavity, wherein the first lens is disposed in the central cavity.

The disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with reference to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an illuminated indicator panel according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated indicator panel shown in FIG. 1 along axis X-X;

fig. 3A is a first cross-sectional view of an optical assembly including a first lens and a second lens according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a second cross-sectional view of the optical assembly shown in FIG. 3A along a different axis Y-Y;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an optical assembly having an electroluminescent semiconductor element mounted on the same side of a printed circuit board as the first and second lenses;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an optical assembly having an alternative configuration of a first lens;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an optical assembly having the first lens and an electroluminescent semiconductor element as shown in FIG. 5 mounted on the same side of a printed circuit board as the first and second lenses;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an optical assembly having a disc-shaped first lens;

FIGS. 8A-8G illustrate various profiles of a first lens used in the optical assembly shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an optical assembly;

FIG. 10A is a first cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an optical assembly having an integrated lens defined by a first lens portion having a conical taper and a second lens portion;

FIG. 10B is a second cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the optical assembly shown in FIG. 10A along the Z-Z axis thereof, illustrating the printed circuit board mount;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an optical assembly in which the electroluminescent semiconductor element and the integrated lens are mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of an optical assembly having a first lens portion with a spherical taper in an alternating configuration;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a ninth embodiment of an optical assembly in which the first lens portion has a spherical taper, the second lens portion has a flat surface, and the electroluminescent semiconductor element is mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board as the integrated lens;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an illuminated indicator panel according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of an optical assembly incorporated into the illuminated indicator panel shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an eleventh embodiment of an optical assembly having a third lens and that can be incorporated into an illuminated indicator panel;

FIG. 17A is a top plan view of a first variation of a printed circuit board utilized in various embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 17B is a bottom plan view of a first modification of the printed circuit board shown in fig. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a top plan view of a second variation of a printed circuit board utilized in various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

fig. 18B is a bottom plan view of a second variation of the printed circuit board shown in fig. 18A.

Detailed Description

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of several presently contemplated embodiments of optical devices for use with conventional Light Emitting Diode (LED) devices and LED switching devices and is not intended to represent the only forms in which these embodiments may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and features in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.

Referring to fig. 1, various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate an illuminated indicator panel (panel) 10 that may be used in an electronic device having various operating states indicated by an output and controlled by an input. It will be appreciated that the generation of such an output and the receipt of such an input, which may be independent of each other, may be achieved with a single touch-sensitive LED switch device 12.

As previously described, the LED switch device 12 includes one or more capacitive touch sensors connectable to a touch sensor controller, and an electroluminescent semiconductor device that outputs photons in response to electrical stimulation generated by the LED driver circuit. More specifically, a finger or other capacitive element in proximity to a given one of the capacitive touch sensors is understood to trigger detection of an input state by the touch sensor controller, while another component, such as a microcontroller or general purpose data processor, generates a command to the LED driver circuit to illuminate the LED. Thus, the LED switch device 12 is understood to function as both an input device and an output device. While the disclosed embodiment utilizes such a combined input/output LED switch device 12, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a conventional output-only LED device may be substituted therefor.

The LED switch device 12 is mounted to a printed circuit board 14 that interconnects the various input and output lines from the LED switch device 12 with the touch sensor controller, LED driver circuitry and microcontroller. According to various embodiments, interfacing with each LED switch device 12 is an optical assembly 16, and the combination of the LED switch device 12 and the optical assembly may be referred to as a lighting switch unit 18.

In the example shown, the illuminated indication panel 10 may be configured for use in an electronic device that contains inputs for starting a function, stopping a function, selecting an automatic operation mode, and selecting a mode. In addition, the electronic device can be turned on and off by illuminating the indication panel 10. In this regard, it can be understood that the first light-emitting switch unit 18a, the second light-emitting switch unit 18b, the third light-emitting switch unit 18c, the fourth light-emitting switch unit 18d, and the fifth light-emitting switch unit 18e correspond to these input functions. These functions and inputs are given by way of example only and not limitation, as any other input function may be handled by the light switch unit 18.

Mounted above the light-emitting switch units 18a to 18d is a panel cover 20 having various markings 22 corresponding to the input function of a respective one of the light-emitting switch units 18a to 18 e. As additionally shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 2, the panel cover 20 is understood to be mounted in alignment with the underlying printed circuit board 14, with the indicia aligned with and in overlapping relation with the light-emitting switch units 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the first light emitting switch unit 18a may be used to turn the electronic device on and off, and thus, when it is mounted to the printed circuit board 14, it is aligned with the "on/off" indicia 22a on the panel cover 20. The second light-emitting switch unit 18b may be used for mode selection input, and therefore, it is aligned with the "mode" mark 22b on the panel cover 20. The third light-emitting switch unit 18c may be used for an auto mode selection input, and therefore, it is aligned with the "auto mode" mark 22c on the panel cover 20. The fourth light-emitting switch element 18d may be used for an activation input and, therefore, it is optically aligned with the "activation" indicia 22d on the panel cover 20. Finally, the fifth light-emitting switch unit 18e may be used to stop the input, and thus, it is aligned with the "stop" mark 22e on the panel cover 20.

The present disclosure contemplates an electroluminescent semiconductor element illuminating indicia 22 from beneath panel cover 20. More specifically, the electroluminescent semiconductor elements integrated into the LED switch device 12 are driven on and the light therefrom is uniformly distributed throughout the indicia 22 by the optical assembly 16, the structure and construction of the optical assembly 16 being more fully described below. In addition, a touch input on the panel cover 20 in proximity to the corresponding mark 22 is understood to be detectable via a touch sensor also within the light emitting switch unit 18. That is, a touch input on or near the "on/off" indicia 22a is understood to activate a function associated with the first light emitting switch unit 18a, e.g., turn the electronic device on or off, a touch input on or near the "mode" indicia 22b is understood to activate the second light emitting switch unit 18b, e.g., select an operational mode, and so forth.

The illumination of the markers 22 is understood to be independent of the touch input. However, the output may be changed based on the touch input. In general, the color/wavelength and intensity of the light output by the electroluminescent semiconductor elements of the LED switching device 12 may be varied. Further, the LED driver circuit may pulse or otherwise time-sequence the output of light. These visual effects may be combined and output in response to detecting a touch input. For example, when the electronic device is powered off, the "on/off" indicia 22a may be illuminated red, and a gradually approaching capacitive touch input may respond by flashing the LED switch device 12. Depending on the resolution of the touch sensor controller, the closer the finger is to the panel cover 20, the faster the pulse can be output. Once the finger contacts the panel cover, the electronic device may be powered on and the illumination color may change to green. This is only one exemplary input/output sequence and other sequences/visual effects may be implemented.

The backlighting of the indicia 22 may be accomplished in several different ways. In one embodiment, the panel cover 20 may be constructed of an opaque material with the indicia 22 cut through its entire thickness. Alternatively, a translucent or light diffusing material may be filled in the opening. In another embodiment, the indicia 22 may be partially etched into the panel cover 20 constructed of a partially opaque material, wherein the reduced thickness of the etched portion is partially light transmissive and the thicker unetched portion is more opaque. In yet another embodiment, the indicia 22 may be embossed, screen printed or pad printed with white (reverse white) or light colored indicia 22, while the remainder of the surrounding background on the panel cover 20 may be printed or coated with a darker or more intense colored or opaque paint or material. Metals, glass, ceramics, glass ceramics, and plastics may be used for the panel cover 20, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize alternative means and materials without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the indicia 22 may not be present on the panel cover 20, but the indicia 22 may be included on the optical assembly 16. In this case, the user facing side of the optical assembly 16 may have an opaque coating applied thereto, and the indicia 22 may be laser etched in the coating. In another embodiment, the indicia 22 may likewise be omitted from the transparent or translucent cover 20, but may be included on the optical assembly 16. In these embodiments, the user-facing side of the optical assembly 16 may have a light-colored (e.g., white) translucent coating applied thereto, and the darker-colored indicia 22 may be screen-printed, spray-coated, or pad-printed on top of the coating, or vice versa, such as an inverse-white indicia on a darker-colored background.

The illuminated indication panel 10 utilizes a first embodiment of an optical assembly 16a, additional details of which are shown in fig. 3A and 3B. According to this embodiment, there is a first lens (primary lens)100 defined by a first lens front surface 102 and an opposing first lens rear cone 104 having a tip 106. In the illustrated embodiment, first lens 100 may also be defined by an outer cylindrical wall 108 between first lens front surface 102 and first lens rear cone 104. Thus, the first lens front surface 102 is circular, and in this first embodiment the first lens rear cone 104 has a conical shape. The tip 106 faces the LED switch device 12 defined by the light emitting side 24 and the opposing base side 26. The touch sensor contacts embedded within the package of the LED switch device 12 are understood to be disposed toward the light emitting side 24.

The optical assembly shown is presented by way of example only. The first lens front surface 102 may be circular, elliptical, or any other desired shape. Further, the first lens back cone 104 may include a plurality of flat facets angled relative to each other along a generally circular pattern and terminating at a tip 106, or a sphere, pyramid, oval, tetrahedron, or any other geometric shape that may be generally characterized as a cone and/or further contribute to uniform reflection of light. Along this line, first lens 100 may also be a sphere, an ovoid, or any circular, spherical, or other structure or profile. In such embodiments, when referring to the first lens front surface 102, this may refer to a portion that includes one half of a sphere or other spherical structure. Furthermore, when referring to the first lens rear cone 104, this portion may likewise be other portions or halves of a sphere or other spherical structure. Additional embodiments of the optical assembly 16 disclosed herein also include a first lens defined by a first lens front surface having a particular geometry and a first lens rear cone having a particular geometry. In the context of these additional embodiments, it should be understood that the specific reference to the geometry of the first lens front surface and/or the first lens rear cone is merely exemplary, and any other geometry including those mentioned above may be readily substituted in these alternative embodiments.

The illustrated embodiment utilizes a combination input/output LED switch device 12 that includes touch sensor contacts, but may be replaced with conventional output-only LEDs while still maintaining the touch input characteristics. As will be described in further detail below, the printed circuit board 14 may include conductive traces underneath the optical assembly 16 that may replace and/or supplement the touch sensor contacts in the LED switch device 12. In a preferred but alternative embodiment, those configurations of the lighting switch unit 18, as shown in fig. 3A and 3B, in which the LED switch devices 12 are mounted to the bottom surface 30, are those in which conventional LEDs are most suitable for replacing the LED switch devices 12.

The printed circuit board 14 is similarly defined by a top surface 28 and an opposing bottom surface 30, and one embodiment of the illuminated indication panel 10 contemplates the LED switch devices 12 being mounted to the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board 14 and the optical assembly 16 being mounted to the top surface 28 thereof. Thus, the printed circuit board 14 also defines a hole or opening 32 with which the light emitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 is axially aligned. Fig. 3B best illustrates the mechanical attachment of the LED switch device 12 to the printed circuit board 14, with the distal portion 34 of the LED switch device 12 extending beyond the opening 32 secured to the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board 14.

The first embodiment of the optical assembly 16a also includes a second lens (secondary lens)110 generally defined by a second lens front surface 112 and an opposing second lens rear surface 114. In general, the second lens 110 has a cylindrical configuration with vertical sidewalls 116 defining its thickness between the second lens front surface 112 and the second lens rear surface 114. Thus, the second lens front surface 112 has a circular profile. Likewise, the second lens rear surface 114 has a circular outer contour. As mentioned above with respect to the first lens 100, specific references to the geometric profile of the cylindrical second lens 110 are likewise to be understood as exemplary, and not limiting. Any other shape may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, additional embodiments of the optical assembly 16 disclosed further below also describe the second lens as having a cylindrical configuration, but these embodiments are understood to be exemplary only. In the case of these additional embodiments, other geometries may be used in addition to the cylindrical configuration described, including oval, square, rectangular with rounded corners, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like.

The second lens 110 also defines a central cavity 118 that opens toward the second lens rear surface 114. The central cavity 118 has a cylindrical configuration with a vertical sidewall 120 and a circular base cavity wall 122. Since the central cavity 118 is thus defined in the second lens 110, the second lens posterior surface 114 has a generally annular or ring-like profile. The first lens 100 fits within the central cavity 118. Again, while specific reference is made to a cylindrically configured central lumen 118, this is merely exemplary and not limiting. The central lumen 118 in this embodiment, as well as other central lumens in other embodiments disclosed below, may utilize central lumens of alternative shapes.

As shown, the diameter of the first lens 100, and more specifically the diameter of its outer cylindrical wall 108, is understood to be sized and configured for frictional retention within the vertical sidewall 120 of the central cavity 118. That is, the circumference of the outer cylindrical wall 108 may be slightly larger than the circumference of the central cavity 118 of the second lens 110, with the vertical side wall 120 of the central cavity 118 having an undercut annular portion 119 to retain the first lens 100 therein. In addition to the frictional undercut retention described above, other forms of retention (e.g., glue, etc.) may be substituted.

The first lens front surface 102 also contacts or abuts the circular base chamber wall 122. In the first embodiment of optical assembly 16a, first lens anterior surface 102 has a concave configuration so there may be a gap 124 between it and circular base cavity wall 122. Fabrication of this embodiment of optical assembly 16 may include molding first lens 100 and second lens 110 separately, allowing concave first lens front surface 102 to be formed and subsequently inserted into central cavity 118.

The first lens rear cone 104 and the vertical sidewalls 120 of the second lens 110 are understood to define an inverted cone shaped recess. Specific reference to tapered recesses should be understood as being by way of example only and not as limiting. Between the central cavity 118 and possible variations of the first lens rear cone 104, there may be various arrangements of the geometries that the inverted cone shaped recesses may take. All such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure in this embodiment of the optical assembly 16, as well as in other embodiments disclosed below.

The height of the first lens 100, i.e. the distance from the first lens front surface 102 to the tip 106, is understood to substantially correspond to the depth of the central cavity 118. The second lens rear surface 114 abuts the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 and the first lens 100 is positioned over the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14. The major axis of the first lens 100 is aligned with the central light emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. The output of the LED switch device 12 passes through the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14 and is diffused by the second lens 110 to uniformly illuminate the indicia 22 on the panel cover 20 on top of the second lens front surface 112. The surface area, circumference, or diameter of the first lens 100 is understood to be greater than or equal to the emission window, central cavity 118, and/or opening 32 of the LED switch device 12. This relationship between the dimensions of the first lens 100 and the other portions of the optical assembly 16 to which it is attached is contemplated to reduce dark and hot spots when illuminating the second lens front surface 112.

While the optical assembly 16 is contemplated to function based on the aforementioned geometry, diffusion of the illumination output from the LED switch device 12 may be further improved by coating the surfaces of the first and second lenses 100, 110 with alternating light reflecting and light absorbing/blocking coatings that are selectively applied to maximize the effect. Typically, the first lens 100 and the second lens 110 are transparent or translucent. In a preferred but alternative embodiment, second lens 110 may be made of silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, or the like, or any other suitable plastic material, while first lens 100 may also be made of silicone rubber, or other plastic material, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), PVC, or a die sleeve metal alloy material, or any other suitable material, such as glass, ceramic, silicon, paper, or the like. Silicone is understood to conduct capacitive touch input to the LED switch device 12. In addition, silicone rubber can be made to have a white hue that contributes to light diffusion.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of the vertical sidewall 116 may be coated with a light absorbing material, such as a black paint, to limit the amount of light that leaks laterally where it is not visible to a viewer of the panel cover 20. Alternatively, the outer surface of the vertical sidewall 116 may be coated with a light reflective material, such as a metallic silver paint, which reflects the outwardly transmitted light toward the vertical sidewall 116 and back to the interior of the second lens 110. Along these lines, the contact area between the rear surface 114 of the second lens and the printed circuit board 14 may be coated with a light reflective material, such as silver or a white paint. The outer surface of the first lens rear cone 104 may be coated with a substantially light transmissive coating, such as a white paint, to allow light from the LED switch device 12 to pass through the first lens 100 and diffuse therefrom, with the diverging light transmitted through the second lens 110, as shown in fig. 3A. The outer surface of the first lens rear cone 104 may also be coated with a light reflective material, such as a metallic silver paint, to reflect light from the LED switch device 12 toward the cylindrical sidewall 120 defining the central cavity 118 of the second lens 110. In such embodiments, the second lens 110 is understood to diffuse the reflected light that strikes the reflective surface of the first lens rear cone 104, as depicted in fig. 3B.

The secondary effect of metallic silver paint is understood to be an increase in the sensitivity of capacitive touch input, since the additional metallic layer serves as a capacitive touch contact even though it is not electrically connected to the touch sensor controller. Along this line, additional metal components may be added on top of or below the panel cover 20 without electrical connection with other components including the optical assembly 16 or the light emitting switch cells 18 of the LED switch devices 12, and such metal components are understood to enhance capacitive touch input sensitivity. Thus, to the extent such metal components are added to the top of the panel cover 20, they may incorporate various decorative features to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the overall device.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3B, various embodiments contemplate a lens holder 126 having an annular configuration sized and configured to hold the second lens 110 therein. The lens holder 126 may include a pair of feet 128 that mate with correspondingly positioned locator holes 36 defined by the printed circuit board 14. This engagement between the lens holder 126 and the printed circuit board 14 is understood to limit axial rotation thereof and further limit withdrawal of the second lens 110 along a central axis thereof.

While various features of the optical assembly 16 have been described in the context of the first embodiment 16a, it will be understood that certain features are not intended to be limited to such embodiments. These features may be applicable to other embodiments described in more detail below, even if the description of these features is not specifically mentioned. In this regard, features of the optical components are understood to be interchangeable unless otherwise indicated or described as mutually exclusive, or apparent in context with describing one feature in one embodiment to the exclusion of another feature in a different embodiment.

The cross-sectional view of fig. 4 depicts a second embodiment of the optical assembly 16b in which the LED switch device 12 and the optical device are mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14. According to this embodiment, the first lens 200 is defined by a first lens front surface 202 and an opposing first lens rear cone 204 having a tip 206. First lens 200 may be defined by an outer cylindrical wall 208 between first lens front surface 202 and first lens rear cone 204. Thus, as an example, the first lens front surface 202 may be circular and the first lens rear cone 204 may have a conical shape. The tip 206 faces the LED switch device 12, which is also defined by the light emitting side 24 and the opposing base side 26.

As mentioned briefly above, the second embodiment of the optical assembly 16b contemplates mounting the LED switch device 12 on the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14. A second lens 210 is also mounted to the top surface 28 and is generally defined by a second lens front surface 212 and an opposing second lens rear surface 214. Second lens 210 has a cylindrical configuration with vertical sidewalls 216 defining its thickness between second lens front surface 212 and second lens rear surface 214. Similar to the first embodiment of optical assembly 16b and its corresponding components, second lens anterior surface 212 has a circular profile and second lens posterior surface 214 has a circular outer profile.

The second lens 210 also defines a central cavity 218 that opens toward the second lens rear surface 214. The central cavity 218 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first vertical sidewall 220 and a second vertical sidewall 221, the first vertical sidewall 220 being sized and configured to receive the LED switch device 12, and the second vertical sidewall 221 being sized and configured to receive the first lens 200. Central cavity 218 is further defined by a circular base cavity wall 222. Thus, the second lens rear surface 214 has a substantially annular profile. The first lens 200 and the LED switch device 12 are mounted in the central cavity 218 with the first lens 200 within a portion of the central cavity 218 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 221 and the LED switch device 12 within a portion of the central cavity 218 corresponding to the first vertical sidewall 220.

The diameter of the first lens 200 (more specifically, the circumference of its outer cylindrical wall 208) is understood to be sized and configured for frictional retention within the second vertical sidewall 221 of the central cavity 218. Other modes of retention may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first lens front surface 202 also abuts the circular base chamber wall 222. In the second embodiment of optical assembly 16b, first lens anterior surface 202 has a concave configuration so there may be a gap 224 between it and circular base cavity wall 222. Along this line, the first lens rear cone 204 and the second vertical sidewall 221 of the second lens 210 are understood to define an inverted cone-shaped recess.

The height of the first lens 200 is understood to substantially correspond to the depth of the central cavity 218 across the second vertical sidewall 221, while the height of the LED switch device 12 is understood to substantially correspond to the depth of the central cavity 218 across the first vertical sidewall 220. The second lens rear surface 214 abuts the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 and the first vertical sidewall 220 is oversized to accommodate the LED switch device 12. The first lens 200 is positioned directly above the LED switch device 12. The major axis of the first lens 200 is aligned with the central light emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. The output from the LED switch device 12 is transmitted through the first lens 200 and diffused by the second lens 210 to uniformly illuminate the indicia 22 on the panel cover 20 positioned on top of the second lens front surface 212. The lens holder 226, which has an annular configuration, is sized and configured to hold the second lens 210 therein.

Referring now to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, a third embodiment of optical assembly 16c utilizes an alternative first lens configuration. Similar to the first embodiment 16a, the LED switch device 12 is mounted on the side of the printed circuit board opposite to the side on which the optical assembly 16c is mounted. First lens 300 is defined by a first lens front surface 302 and an opposing first lens rear cone 304 having a tip 306. First lens 300 may also be defined by an outer cylindrical wall 308 between first lens front surface 302 and first lens rear cone 304. As an example, the first lens front surface 302 may be circular and the first lens rear taper 304 may be conical. The tip 306 faces the LED switch device 12, the LED switch device 12 being defined by a light emitting side 24 and an opposite base side 26.

The printed circuit board 14 is also defined by a top surface 28 and an opposing bottom surface 30. In this embodiment, the LED switch device 12 is mounted to the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board 14 and the optical assembly 16c is mounted to the top surface 28 thereof. The LED switch device 12 can be replaced with a conventional output-only LED while maintaining touch input capability due to conductive traces disposed on the top surface 28 and connected to a touch sensor controller, as will be described in more detail below. Thus, the printed circuit board 14 has a hole or opening 32 with the light emitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 axially aligned therewith.

The third embodiment of the optical assembly 16c also includes a second lens 310 generally defined by a second lens front surface 312 and an opposing second lens rear surface 314. The second lens 310 has a cylindrical configuration with vertical sidewalls 316 defining its thickness between the second lens front surface 312 and the second lens rear surface 314. Thus, the second lens front surface 312 has a circular profile and the second lens rear surface 314 has a circular profile.

The second lens 310 also defines a central cavity 318 that opens toward the second lens rear surface 314. The central cavity 318 has a cylindrical configuration with vertical sidewalls 320 and a circular base cavity wall 322. Since the central cavity 318 is thus defined in the second lens 310, the second lens posterior surface 314 has a generally annular or ring-like profile. The first lens 300 fits within the central cavity 318.

The diameter of the first lens 300, and more specifically its outer cylindrical wall 308, is sized and configured for frictional retention within the vertical sidewall 320 of the central cavity 318. That is, the circumference of the central cavity 318 may be less than the circumference of the outer cylindrical wall 308 of the first lens 300, with the central cavity 318 expanding to compressively retain the first lens 300 therein. Alternatively, a two-molding process may be used in which first lens 300 is inserted and/or molded within central cavity 318 of second lens 310. Other forms of retention are possible, as described more fully above.

The first lens front surface 302 also contacts or abuts the circular base chamber wall 322. In this illustrated embodiment, the first lens front surface 302 is flat, and thus, substantially the entirety thereof is understood to contact a substantially entire circular base cavity wall 322. Similar to other embodiments having the first lens rear taper 304, the vertical sidewalls 320 of the second lens 310 define an inverted conical recess with the first lens rear taper 304. Specific reference to tapered recesses should be understood as being by way of example only and not as limiting. Between the central cavity 318 and possible variations of the first lens rear cone 304, there may be various arrangements of the geometries that the inverted cone shaped recesses may take.

The height of the first lens 300 may correspond to the depth of the central cavity 318. The second lens rear surface 314 abuts the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 when the first lens 300 is positioned over the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14. The optical assembly 16c includes a lens holder 326 having an annular configuration and sized and configured to hold the second lens 310 therein, and the lens holder 326 is in turn mounted to the printed circuit board 14. Alternatively, the lens holder 326 may be integrated into the panel cover 20.

Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of an optical assembly 16d in which the LED switch device 12 and the optical device are mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14, and the first lens configuration of the third embodiment 16c is used. First lens 400 is defined by a first lens front surface 402 and an opposing first lens rear cone 404 having a tip 406. First lens 400 may be defined by an outer cylindrical wall 408 between first lens front surface 402 and first lens rear cone 404. As an example, the first lens front surface 402 may be circular and the first lens rear cone 404 may have a conical shape. The tip 406 faces the LED switch device 12, the LED switch device 12 also being defined by a light emitting side 24 and an opposite base side 26.

A second lens 410 is also mounted to the top surface 28 and is generally defined by a second lens front surface 412 and an opposing second lens rear surface 414. The second lens 410 has a cylindrical configuration with a vertical sidewall 416 defining its thickness between a second lens front surface 412 and a second lens rear surface 414. The second lens front surface 412 has a circular profile and the second lens rear surface 414 has a circular outer profile.

The second lens 410 also defines a central cavity 418 that opens toward the second lens rear surface 414. The central cavity 418 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first vertical sidewall 420 sized and configured to receive the LED switch device 12 and a second vertical sidewall 421 sized and configured to receive the first lens 400. The central cavity 418 is additionally defined by a circular base cavity wall 422. Thus, the second lens rear surface 414 has a substantially annular profile. The first lens 400 and the LED switch device 12 are mounted in the central cavity 418 with the first lens 400 within a portion of the central cavity 418 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 421 and the LED switch device 12 within a portion of the central cavity 418 corresponding to the first vertical sidewall 420.

The diameter of the first lens 400/circumference of its outer cylindrical wall 408 is understood to be sized and configured for frictional retention of the first lens 400 within the second vertical sidewall 421 of the central cavity 418. The first lens front surface 402 also contacts or abuts the circular base chamber wall 422. Similar to the third embodiment of optical assembly 16c, the first lens front surface 402 of the fourth embodiment of optical assembly 16d is flat, and thus, substantially the entirety thereof is understood to contact the substantially entire circular base cavity wall 422. Similar to other embodiments having the first lens rear taper 404, the first vertical sidewall 420 of the second lens 410 defines an inverted conical recess with the first lens rear taper 404. Specific reference to tapered recesses should be understood as being by way of example only and not as limiting. Between the central cavity 418 and possible variations of the first lens rear cone 404, there may be various arrangements of the geometries that the inverted cone shaped recesses may take.

The height of the first lens 400 is understood to substantially correspond to the depth of the central cavity 418 across the second vertical sidewall 421, while the height of the LED switch device 12 is understood to substantially correspond to the depth of the central cavity 418 across the first vertical sidewall 420. The second lens rear surface 414 abuts the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 and the first vertical sidewall 420 is oversized to accommodate the LED switch device 12. The first lens 400 is positioned directly above the LED switch device 12. The major axis of the first lens 400 is aligned with the central light emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. The output from the LED switch device 12 is transmitted through the first lens 400 and diffused by the second lens 410 to uniformly illuminate the indicia 22 on the panel cover 20 positioned on top of the second lens front surface 412. The lens holder 426 having an annular configuration is sized and configured to hold the second lens 410 therein, although the lens holder 426 may also be incorporated into the panel cover 20.

Fig. 7 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the optical assembly 16e in which the LED switch device 12 and the optical device are likewise mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14, but with an alternatively configured first lens 500 defined by a first lens front surface 502 and an opposing first lens rear surface 503. Accordingly, first lens 500 is designed to be disc-shaped, i.e., first lens front surface 502 and first lens rear surface 503 are both circular or substantially circular with an outer cylindrical wall 508 therebetween that defines the thickness of first lens 500. The first lens rear surface 503 faces the LED switch device 12, the LED switch device 12 also being defined by a light emitting side 24 and an opposite base side 26.

The optical assembly 16e also includes a second lens 510 having a similar structure and construction as the other second lenses described above. More particularly, the second lens 510 is mounted to the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 and is defined by a second lens front surface 512 and an opposing second lens rear surface 514. The second lens 510 has a cylindrical configuration with vertical sidewalls 516 defining its thickness between the second lens front surface 512 and the second lens rear surface 514. Second lens front surface 512 has a circular profile and second lens rear surface 514 has a circular profile.

The second lens 510 also defines a central cavity 518 that opens toward the second lens back surface 514. The central cavity 518 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first vertical sidewall 520 sized and configured to receive the LED switch device 12 and a second vertical sidewall 521 sized and configured to receive the first lens 500. The central lumen 518 is additionally defined by a circular base lumen wall 522. Thus, the second lens rear surface 514 has a substantially annular profile. The first lens 500 and the LED switch device 12 are mounted in the central cavity 518 with the first lens 500 within a portion of the central cavity 518 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 521 and the LED switch device 12 within a portion of the central cavity 518 corresponding to the first vertical sidewall 520.

The diameter of the first lens 500 (and more particularly its outer cylindrical wall 508) is understood to be sized and configured for frictional retention within the vertical sidewall 521 of the central cavity 118. That is, the circumference of the outer cylindrical wall 508 may be slightly larger than the circumference of the central cavity 518 of the second lens 510, with the vertical wall 508 of the central cavity 518 having an undercut annular portion 519 to retain the first lens 500 therein. Other forms of retention, such as glue, etc., may be substituted. The first lens front surface 502 also contacts or abuts the circular base chamber wall 522. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lens front surface 502 is flat, so its substantial entirety is understood to contact a substantially entire circular base cavity wall 522. The thickness of the first lens 500 can vary and can be as thin as a single coating of material applied to the circular base chamber wall 522. The first lens 500 and the second lens 510 may be integrally formed as a single lens structure, and those portions of such a single lens structure may correspond to or otherwise relate to the individual first lens 500 and second lens 510.

Unlike the previously described embodiments, the first lens 500 does not define a rear cone and therefore has no tip. Thus, the entire first lens rear surface 503 is understood to face the LED switch device 12. However, similar to other embodiments, various surfaces or portions of the first lens 500 may be coated with alternating reflective/white or light absorbing/black coatings to maximize light transmission and scattering effects. Further, first lens front surface 502 and first lens rear surface 503 may have varying profiles that may be selected for a desired effect. Fig. 8A shows one such variation 500a of the first lens. This variation is characterized by a flat front surface 502a and a flat rear surface 503 a. Fig. 8B depicts a second variation 500B of the first lens having a concave anterior surface 502B and a concave anterior surface 503B. Fig. 8C shows a third variation 500C of the first lens having a concave front surface 502b and a flat rear surface 503 a. Fig. 8D shows a fourth variation 500D having a concave front surface 502b and a convex rear surface 503 c. Fig. 8E shows a fifth variation 500E having a convex front surface 502c and a flat rear surface 503 a. Fig. 8F shows a sixth variation 500F having a convex front surface 502c and a concave rear surface 503 b. Fig. 8G shows a seventh variation 500G having a convex front surface 502c and a convex rear surface 503 c. Fig. 8H shows an eighth variation 500H having a flat front surface 502a and a convex rear surface 503 c. Finally, fig. 8I shows a ninth variant 500I having a flat front surface 502a and a concave rear surface 503 b. Each of these combinations of back/front surfaces is understood to exhibit different light transmission and diffusion effects when combined with the second lens 510, and one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select a combination for a particular effect or degree of effect.

The first lens 500 is located directly above the LED switch device 12. The major axis of the first lens 500 is aligned with the central light emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. The output of the LED switch device 12 is transmitted through the first lens 500 and diffused by the second lens 510 to uniformly illuminate the indicia 22 on the panel cover 20 on top of the second lens front surface 512. Lens holder 526, which has an annular configuration, is sized and configured to hold second lens 510 therein, but lens holder 526 may be included as part of panel cover 20.

Another embodiment of the illuminated indicator panel 10' contemplates the integration of the first lens and the second lens into a single unitary structure. This alternative configuration may also feature a single lens having various sub-features as part of the same structure, as shown in and described with reference to fig. 9, 10A, and 10B. A sixth embodiment of the optical assembly 16f has a lens 150 defined by a front surface 152 and an opposing rear surface 154. The front surface 152 is understood to be flat and circular in that the lens 150 has a cylindrical shape with vertical sidewalls 156.

The lens 150 also includes an annular recess 158 formed therein so as to form a tapered first lens portion 160 with a tip 162 facing the electroluminescent semiconductor element of the LED switch device 12. Annular recess 158 also facilitates forming a second lens portion 164 surrounding and adjoining conical first lens portion 160. More particularly, the vertical depth or extent of the annular recess 158 generally bisects the lens 150 into an upper portion 166 having a flat, disk-shaped configuration that at least partially meets the tapered first lens portion 160, and a lower portion 168 having an annular or ring-shaped configuration that surrounds the tapered first lens portion 160. In this regard, the interior of the annular recess 158 may also be defined by a vertical inner sidewall 170.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tapered first lens portion 160 has a conical shape, but this is merely exemplary and not limiting. Alternative configurations may include a tapered first lens portion that includes a plurality of flat facets that are angled relative to each other along a generally circular pattern and that terminate at a tip 162, or that includes a sphere, pyramid, tetrahedron, or any other geometric shape that may be generally characterized as a cone and/or that further facilitates uniform reflection of light. Additional embodiments of the optical assembly 16 disclosed herein also include the particular geometry of the tapered first lens portion 160. In the context of these additional embodiments, it should be understood that the specific references to geometries are merely exemplary, and that any other geometries, including those mentioned above, may be readily substituted in these alternative embodiments.

The tip 162 faces the LED switch device 12 defined by the light emitting side 24 and the opposing base side 26. The touch sensor contacts embedded within the package of the LED switch device 12 are understood to be disposed toward the light emitting side 24.

The LED switch device 12 may be mounted to the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board 14 with the sixth embodiment of the optical assembly 16f mounted to the top surface 28 thereof. The annular recess 158 of the lens 150 thus opens to the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14, and the light emitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 is axially aligned with the tapered first lens portion 160, and in particular with the tip 162 thereof. The tip 162 is co-extensive with the rear surface 154 of the lens 150. Fig. 10B shows the mechanical attachment of the LED switch device 12 to the printed circuit board 14, with the distal portion 34 of the LED switch device 12 extending beyond the opening 32 secured to the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board 14.

This embodiment of the lens 150 is also understood to incorporate features of the lens holder, which in various embodiments are separate components. At this point, a pair of feet 172 insertable into the locator holes 36 defined in the printed circuit board 14 extend from the lower portion 168 of the second lens portion 164 and beyond the rear surface 154. This engagement between the lens 150 and the printed circuit board 14 is understood to limit axial rotation thereof and further limit the exit of the lens 150 along its central axis away from the printed circuit board 14. The optical assembly 16f may also be held by a compressive force exerted on the optical assembly 16f by the panel cover 20, which faces the front surface 152 of the lens 150.

The major axis of the first lens 160 is aligned with the central light emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. The output of the LED switch device 12 passes through the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14 and is diffused by the second lens portion 164 to uniformly illuminate the indicia 22 on the panel cover 20 on top of the second lens front surface 152. To the extent indicia 22 are imprinted on lens 150, it should be understood that such indicia are similarly illuminated.

As with the embodiments of the optical assembly 16 described above, the sixth embodiment 16f also contemplates improving the diffusion of the illumination output from the LED switch device 12 by coating the surfaces of the tapered first lens portion 160 and second lens portion 164 with alternating light reflecting and light absorbing/blocking coatings that are selectively applied to maximize the effect. Generally, the lens 150 is understood to be transparent or translucent. In a preferred but alternative embodiment, the lens 150 may be made of silicone rubber or other plastic material (such as ABS, PVC, etc.). Silicone rubber can be manufactured to have a white tint that helps light diffusion.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of the vertical sidewall 156 may be coated with a light absorbing material, such as a black paint, to limit the amount of light that leaks laterally where it is not visible to a viewer of the panel cover 20. Alternatively, the outer surface of the vertical sidewall 156 may be coated with a light reflective material, such as a metallic silver paint, that reflects outwardly transmitted light toward the vertical sidewall 156 and back into the interior of the lens 150. The outer surface of the tapered first lens portion 160 and the printed circuit board 14 in those areas of the rear surface 154 of the contact lens 150 may be coated with a light reflective material, such as a solid white paint or a metallic silver paint, or the like, to better reflect and scatter light from the LED switch device 12.

The outer surface of the first lens portion 160 may be coated with a substantially light transmissive coating, such as a white paint, to allow light from the LED switch device 12 to pass through the first lens portion 160 and diffuse therefrom, with the divergent light being transmitted through the second lens portion 164. A light reflective material may also be applied to the outer surface of the first lens portion 160 to reflect light from the LED switch device 12 toward the vertical inner sidewall 170. In such embodiments, the second lens portion 164 is understood to diffuse reflected light that illuminates the reflective surface of the first lens portion 160. The secondary effect of metallic silver paint is understood to be an increase in the sensitivity of capacitive touch input, since the additional metallic layer serves as a capacitive touch contact even though it is not electrically connected to the touch sensor controller.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an optical assembly 16g in which the LED switch device 12 and the optical device are mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14. According to this embodiment, lens 250 is defined by a front surface 252 and an opposing rear surface 254. The front surface 252 is understood to be flat and circular in shape because the lens 250 has a cylindrical shape with vertical sidewalls 256.

The lens 250 also includes an annular recess 258 formed therein so as to form a tapered first lens portion 260 with a tip 262 facing the electroluminescent semiconductor element of the LED switch device 12. In this regard, the light emitting side 24 thereof is understood to face upwardly toward the tip 262, while the base side 26 is attached to the printed circuit board 14. The annular recess 258 includes a counterbore 259, the counterbore 259 enlarging the diameter of the annular recess 258 and providing additional clearance for the LED switch device 12 when the LED switch device 12 is mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14. Annular recess 258 facilitates forming a second lens portion 264 surrounding and contiguous with tapered first lens portion 260. The vertical depth or extent of the annular recess 258 generally bisects the lens 250 into an upper portion 266 having a flat, disk-shaped configuration that at least partially meets the tapered first lens portion 260 and a lower portion 268 having an annular or ring-shaped configuration that at least partially surrounds the tapered first lens portion 260.

In more detail, the lower portion 268 may be divided into a first half 268a surrounding the tapered first lens portion 260 and a lower half 268b defining the counterbore 259 described above. The interior of annular recess 258 may be defined by a first vertically inner sidewall 270 and a second vertically inner sidewall 271 corresponding with counterbore 259. The height of the second vertical inner sidewall 271 is understood to be substantially equal to the height of the LED switching device 12, and the height of the first vertical inner sidewall 270 is understood to be substantially equal to the height of the tapered first lens portion 260.

An eighth embodiment of an optical assembly 16h, shown in fig. 12, has a lens 350 defined by a front surface 352 and an opposing back surface 354. Unlike other single lens configurations described above, in this embodiment, the front surface 352 is concave, defining a gap 353 between the lens 350 and the panel cover 20. However, similar to these embodiments, the lens 350 has a cylindrical shape, and thus the front surface 352 is circular. The lens 350 also includes vertical sidewalls 356.

The lens 350 also includes an annular recess 358 formed therein so as to form a tapered first lens portion 360 having a tip 362 facing the electroluminescent semiconductor element of the LED switch device 12. Annular recess 358 also facilitates forming a second lens portion 364 surrounding and adjoining conical first lens portion 360. More particularly, the vertical depth or extent of the annular recess 358 generally bisects the lens 350 into an upper portion 366 having a disc-shaped configuration (with concave anterior surface 352) that at least partially meets the tapered first lens portion 360 and a lower portion 368 having an annular or ring-shaped configuration that surrounds the tapered first lens portion 360. The interior of the annular recess 358 may be defined by a vertical inner sidewall 370.

In this embodiment, the tapered first lens portion 360 has a spherical shape, but this is merely exemplary and not limiting. The earlier described embodiments contemplate conical shapes and therefore alternative conical configurations may be readily substituted. The tip 362 faces the LED switch device 12 defined by the light emitting side 24 and the opposing base side 26. The touch sensor contacts embedded within the package of the LED switch device 12 are understood to be disposed toward the light emitting side 24. The LED switch device 12 can be replaced with a conventional output-only LED while maintaining touch input capability due to the conductive traces disposed on the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 and connected to the touch sensor controller, as will be described in further detail below.

The LED switch device 12 may be mounted to the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board 14 and the eighth embodiment of the optical assembly 16h mounted to the top surface 28 thereof. The annular recess 358 of the lens 350 opens into the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14 and the light emitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 is axially aligned with the tapered first lens portion 360, and in particular with the tip 362 thereof. The tip 362 is understood to be coextensive with the rear surface 354 of the lens 350.

Fig. 13 shows a ninth embodiment of the optical assembly 16i, and it will be appreciated that this embodiment incorporates a combination of the various features described above. More specifically, the LED switch device 12 and the optical device are mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14. The light emitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 faces upward toward the tip 462, while the base side 26 is attached to the printed circuit board 14. In addition, the first lens portion has a spherical conical configuration, as will be described more fully below. The optical assembly 16i includes a lens 450 defined by a front surface 452 and an opposing rear surface 454. The front surface 452 is understood to be flat and circular in that the lens 450 has a cylindrical shape with vertical sidewalls 456. The front surface 452 of the panel cover 20 facing the lens 450 is mounted to the optical assembly 16.

The lens 450 further includes an annular recess 458 formed therein so as to form a tapered first lens portion 460, the tapered first lens portion 460 having a bulbous tip 462 facing the electroluminescent semiconductor element of the LED switch device 12. The annular recess 458 includes a counterbore 459 that enlarges the diameter of the annular recess 458 and provides additional clearance for the LED switch device 12 when mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14. The annular recess 458 facilitates forming a second lens portion 464 surrounding and contiguous with the tapered first lens portion 460. The vertical depth or extent of the annular recess 458 generally bisects the lens 450 into an upper portion 466 having a flat, disk-shaped configuration that at least partially meets the tapered first lens portion 460, and a lower portion 468 having an annular or ring-like configuration, at least a portion of which surrounds the tapered first lens portion 460.

The lower portion 468 may be divided into a first half 468a that surrounds the tapered first lens portion 460 and a lower half 468b that defines the aforementioned counterbore 459. The interior of annular recess 458 may be defined by a first vertically interior sidewall 470 and a second vertically interior sidewall 471 corresponding with counterbore 459. The height of the second vertical inner side wall 471 is understood to be substantially equal to the height of the LED switch device 12, and the height of the first vertical inner side wall 470 is understood to be substantially equal to the height of the tapered first lens portion 460.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of an illuminated indicator panel 10 "for use in an electronic device having various operating states indicated by outputs and controlled by inputs. It will be appreciated that the generation of such outputs and the receipt of such inputs may be independent of each other, they may be implemented using touch sensitive LED switch devices 12, or in the alternative, using conventional LEDs in combination with additional touch sensor contacts disposed as conductive traces on the printed circuit board 14.

The LED switch device 12 is mounted to a printed circuit board 14 that interconnects the various input and output lines from the LED switch device 12 with the touch sensor controller, LED driver circuitry and microcontroller. Similar to the previous embodiment, the optical assembly 16 is also mounted to the printed circuit board 14.

The illuminated indicating panel 10 "includes a differently configured panel cover 60, the panel cover 60 having a base frame 62, an intermediate film or cover layer 64, and a top cover 66. The printed circuit board 14 is mounted to a base frame that defines a plurality of openings 68 for each combination of the LED switch device 12 and the optical assembly 16. Each component of the panel cover 60 is generally defined by a flat top portion 70 and a curved portion 72. The opening 68 is defined along the length of the curved portion 72 and is designed to tilt the LED switch device 12 and its indicating/input functions toward the user. There may be a second printed circuit board 14' to which a different set of LED switch devices 12 are mounted, the different set of LED switch devices 12 being configured to be visible and/or activated from the flat top 70.

The intermediate film or cover layer 64 may also include indicia that align with the openings 68 on the optical assembly 16 and the base frame 62. These markings may be made with a fluorescent paint/ink that is visible only when exposed to ultraviolet light and may be screen printed, pad printed, or sprayed on the top or bottom surface of the intermediate or overlay layer 64. Alternatively, in the case of the embodiment shown in fig. 1, such indicia may be made on the top or bottom surface of the cover plate 20. In such embodiments, the LED switch devices 12 may have ultraviolet wavelength emission in addition to visible wavelength emission. Indicia visible at visible wavelength emissions may be incorporated into the optical assembly 16, so different indicia from the same opening 68 may be selectively made visible in response to the ultraviolet and visible light emissions.

A tenth embodiment of an optical assembly 16j for use in an illuminated indicator panel 10 "is shown in more detail in fig. 15. In this embodiment, the LED switch device 12 and the optical device are mounted to the same side of the printed circuit board 14. Specifically, first lens 600 is defined by a first lens front surface 602 and an opposing first lens rear cone 604 having a tip 606. First lens 600 may be defined by an outer cylindrical wall 608 between first lens front surface 602 and first lens rear cone 604. Again, as an example, the first lens front surface 602 may be circular and the first lens rear cone 604 may have a conical shape, although alternative geometries for these elements are also possible, as discussed in more detail above. The tip 606 faces the LED switch device 12, which LED switch device 12 is also defined by a light emitting side 24 and an opposite base side 26.

The second lens 610 is contiguous with the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board and is generally defined by a second lens front surface 612 and an opposing second lens rear surface 614. In this alternative configuration of the illuminated indication panel 10 ", the opening 68 in the base frame 62 defines a tapered counterbore 74 that is coupled with the second lens 610. Thus, the second lens 610 is defined by a corresponding tapered wall 617 and a short vertical sidewall 616. In the example shown, the second lens front surface 612 has a circular shape with a convex profile designed to match the convex back surface of the intermediate film or cover layer 64 and the top cover 66. The base frame 62 also defines an alignment keyway 76 within the counterbore 74. Accordingly, the second lens 610 may also include a key portion 78 sized and configured to engage the keyway 76. The convex curvature of the second lens front surface 612 is maintained throughout its entirety. The second lens rear surface 614 has a circular outer contour.

The second lens 610 further defines a central cavity 618 that opens toward the second lens rear surface 614. The central cavity 618 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first vertical sidewall 620 sized and configured to receive the LED switch device 12 and a second vertical sidewall 621 sized and configured to receive the first lens 600. The central cavity 618 is additionally defined by a circular base cavity wall 622, the circular base cavity wall 622 being slightly oversized relative to a diameter dimension of the second vertical sidewall 621, and the central cavity 618 may additionally have an offset thickness 623 effective to form a flanged opening toward the circular base cavity wall 622. The second lens rear surface 614 has a generally annular profile.

The first lens 600 and the LED switching device 12 are mounted in the central cavity 618 with the first lens 600 within the portion of the central cavity 618 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 621 and the offset thickness 623 and the LED switching device 12 within the portion of the central cavity 618 corresponding to the first vertical sidewall 620.

The diameter of the first lens 600/circumference of its outer cylindrical wall 608 is understood to be sized and configured to frictionally retain the first lens 600 within the second vertical sidewall 621 and the offset thickness 623 of the central cavity 618. The first lens front surface 602 also contacts or abuts the circular base chamber wall 622. The first lens front surface 602 is flat so that it is understood substantially entirely to contact the substantially entirely circular base cavity wall 622. Similar to other embodiments having the first lens rear taper 604, the second vertical sidewall 621 of the second lens 610 defines an inverted conical recess with the first lens rear taper 604. Specific reference to a tapered recess is to be understood as merely illustrative and not restrictive, as the feature may take on alternative geometries as described above.

The height of the first lens 600 is understood to substantially correspond to the depth and offset thickness 623 of the central cavity 618 across the second vertical sidewall 621, while the height of the LED switch device 12 is understood to substantially correspond to the depth of the central cavity 618 across the first vertical sidewall 620. The second lens rear surface 614 abuts the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 and the first vertical sidewall 620 is sized slightly larger to accommodate the LED switch device 12. The first lens 600 is located directly above the LED switch device 12. The major axis of the first lens 600 is aligned with the central light emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. The output from the LED switch device 12 is transmitted through the first lens 600 and diffused by the second lens 610 to uniformly illuminate any indicia on the intermediate film or cover layer 64 on top of the second lens front surface 612 or on the second lens front surface 612 itself.

Fig. 16 shows an eleventh embodiment of an optical assembly 16k that may be used in the illuminated indicator panel 10 ". The LED switch device 12 and the optical device are also mounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14. The first lens 700 is defined by a first lens front surface 702 and an opposing first lens rear cone 704 having a tip 706. First lens 700 may be defined by an outer cylindrical wall 708 between first lens front surface 702 and first lens rear cone 704. The first lens front surface 702 may be circular and the first lens rear cone 704 may have a conical shape, but as described above, alternatives are possible. The tip 706 faces the LED switch device 12, which LED switch device 12 is also defined by a light emitting side 24 and an opposite base side 26.

The second lens 710 interfaces with the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 and is generally defined by a second lens front surface 712 and an opposing second lens rear surface 714. The second lens 710 is defined by a tapered wall 717 and a short vertical sidewall 716, and the second lens front surface 712 may have a flat circular profile, but again, this is merely an example. The manner in which the second lens 710 interfaces with the base frame 62 and top cover 66 is the same as in the eleventh embodiment of the optical assembly 16k, as in the tenth embodiment of the optical assembly 16J discussed above, and therefore additional details thereof will not be repeated.

The second lens 710 further defines a central cavity 718 that opens toward the second lens back surface 714. The central cavity 718 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first vertical sidewall 720 sized and configured to receive the LED switch device 12 and a second vertical sidewall 721 sized and configured to receive the first lens 700. The central cavity 718 is additionally defined by a circular base cavity wall 722, the circular base cavity wall 722 being slightly oversized relative to the diameter of the second vertical side wall 721, and the central cavity 718 may additionally have an offset thickness 723 effective to form a flanged opening toward the circular base cavity wall 722. The first lens 700 and the LED switch device 12 are mounted in the central cavity 718 with the first lens 700 within the portion of the central cavity 718 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 721 and the offset thickness 723 and the LED switch device 12 within the portion of the central cavity 718 corresponding to the first vertical sidewall 720.

The diameter of the first lens 700/circumference of its outer cylindrical wall 708 is understood to be sized and configured to frictionally retain the first lens 700 within the second vertical side wall 721 and the offset thickness 723 of the central cavity 718. The first lens front surface 702 contacts or abuts the circular base chamber wall 722. The first lens front surface 702 is flat so that it is understood that substantially the entirety thereof is in contact with the substantially entire circular base cavity wall 722.

In addition, there is a third lens (tertiary lens)730 attached to or otherwise engaged with second lens 710. The third lens 730 is similarly defined by a third lens front surface 732 and an opposing third lens rear surface 734 that abuts the second lens front surface 712. Because the second lens front surface 712 is flat, the third lens rear surface 734 may also be flat such that one of the second lens front surface 712 and the third lens rear surface 734 is positioned substantially entirely against the other, although this is by way of example only.

Third lens 730 is designed to include a reverse relief (reverse relief) of three-dimensional symbol(s), letter(s), or other indicia 23. The indicia 23 may be molded, etched, or otherwise applied to the third lens 730. In the example shown, such indicia 23 are formed on the third lens front surface 732, but may be incorporated on the third lens rear surface 734. Such indicia 23 may be sanded/blasted or molded to define areas of higher translucency, or polished to define areas of higher transparency. In this regard, the third lens 730 may be composed of a transparent or translucent plastic resin material, and may contain a UV photosensitive pigment. It should be understood that the third lens 730 may be constructed of any of the materials described above in connection with the construction of the first lens or the second lens. The aforementioned intermediate panel 65 is attached over the third lens 730, which is positioned on top of the third lens front surface 732. The top cover 66 is in turn attached to the middle panel 65. Various three-dimensional engraved, etched or molded indicia are also contemplated for the intermediate panel 65, which may be made on either side. The combined illumination of the different indicia 22 on the top cover 66 and/or the middle panel 65 and the indicia 23 on the third lens 730 may be used to create a holographic or three-dimensional lighting effect. The surface of the indicia 23 or the surface on the intermediate panel 65 may also be coated with a fluorescent material that can be illuminated in response to the ultraviolet wavelength emissions from the LED switch devices 12. Thus, selective illumination of UV sensitive and visible light materials can be expected.

As noted above, the presently disclosed embodiments of the optical assemblies 16 a-16 k may be used with LED switch devices 12 (i.e., combination input and output devices). Further enhancements to capacitive touch sensing may be expected based on the configuration of the printed circuit board 14. Fig. 17A shows an exemplary layout of the top surface 28, while fig. 17B shows an exemplary layout of the bottom surface 30. It will be appreciated that the illustrated printed circuit board 14 may be used in connection with those embodiments of the optical assembly 16 in which the LED switch device 12 and the optical device are mounted to the same top surface 28. Thus, the top surface 28 defines a set of surface mount pads 38 for surface mount contacts of the LED switch device 12.

The surface mount pad 38 is centered on a conductive trace pad 40, which is in turn surrounded by an isolation channel 42. The outline of the optical assembly 16 is understood to be coextensive with the outline of the conductive trace pad 40, or to a slight extent beyond its boundaries, possibly to the outer boundaries of the isolation channel 42. Thus, the conductive trace pad 40 is circular, but this is merely exemplary and not limiting. The conductive trace pad 40 is understood to be connected to the via 44 by a bridge trace 43 that spans the isolation channel 42. Further use of the vias 44 will be described below. The increased contact area of the conductive trace pad 40 is expected to improve capacitive touch input detection. In addition, light scattering may be improved by coating the conductive trace pad 40 with a reflective material (e.g., the white or silver paint described above).

The LED switch device 12 includes terminals corresponding to the touch sensor contacts embedded therein, and there is a subset of surface mounting pads 38a, 38b connected to conductive trace pads 40 that are ultimately connected to the touch sensor controller by conductive traces 48. The bottom surface 30 also includes conductive trace pads 50 positioned in alignment with the conductive trace pads 40 on the back side (i.e., the top surface 28) of the printed circuit board 14. Isolation vias 52 surround conductive trace pads 50. Similar to the conductive trace pad 40, the conductive trace pad 50 may be connected to a touch sensor controller to detect capacitive touch inputs. The conductive trace pads 40 on the top surface 28 and the conductive trace pads 50 on the bottom surface 30 are both understood to be conductive metal layers that are selectively etched therearound to define such features in conventional printed circuit boards. However, alternative embodiments having conductive metal contacts attached to the printed circuit board 14 may be substituted, either after its initial mask/etch manufacturing process or any other manufacturing process for fixedly placing the conductive trace pads 40, 50 with the LED switch device 12 and the optical assembly 16.

As described above, conventional output-only LEDs can be utilized in place of the LED switch devices 12, while still maintaining capacitive touch input capability. In this regard, the conductive trace pads 40 on the top surface 28 may replace touch sensor contacts that would otherwise be embedded in the LED switch device 12 and connected to a touch sensor controller, particularly in those embodiments where the LEDs are mounted to the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board. Conductive trace pads 50 on the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board 14 may be used with the conductive trace pads 40 on the top surface 28 and connected to the touch sensor controller to enhance sensitivity. In this configuration, a jumper wire may be connected between the connection pad 45 electrically connected to the via 44 and the connection pad 47 on the conductive trace pad 50. Thus, the conductive trace pad 50 and the conductive trace pad 40 may be electrically connected.

Alternatively, the conductive trace pads 50 on the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board 14 may be grounded and, in this case, serve as a shield for the conductive trace pads 40 on the top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 to prevent unwanted inputs from the back surface. This may be useful in applications such as greeting cards where inadvertent proximity of a capacitive element (e.g., a hand) would otherwise be detected as an input. Shielding is made possible by grounding the conductive trace pad 50, detecting that the hand holding the device/card is not interpreted as being detected as input; only those tactile inputs on the front surface of the card, i.e. capacitive elements approached from the front surface or second lens front surface 112, are detected. Along these lines, outside the boundaries of the isolation channels 42 and 52, a conductive plane 54 may be included on each of the top and bottom surfaces 28 and 30 of the printed circuit board 14. The conductive plane 54 is grounded, which is intended to mitigate and prevent interference from capacitance changes from other nearby components. In more detail, jumpers may alternatively be connected from the connection pads 47 on the conductive trace pads 50 to the ground pads 56.

Fig. 18A and 18B show an alternative configuration of the printed circuit board 14' in which the LED switch device 12 is mounted to a bottom surface 30 thereof, the bottom surface 30 being opposite the top surface 28 on which the optical assembly 16 is mounted. A surface mount pad 38 is located on the bottom surface 30 of the printed circuit board and includes an opening 32 through which illumination from the LED switching device 12 is transmitted toward the optical assembly 16 mounted on the other side. Conductive trace pad 50' surrounds opening 32 and surface mount pad 38 and has an exemplary rectangular shape with rounded corners. Again, this shape may be replaced with other geometric shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The conductive trace pad 50 'is in turn surrounded by an isolation channel 52'. The conductive trace pad 50' is understood to serve the same functional purpose as the conductive trace pad 50, i.e., as an additional touch sensor contact, or as a ground shield. Further, the conductive trace pads 40 'and 50' may be manufactured in various ways, as discussed above with respect to the conductive trace pads 40 and 50.

Thus, the conductive trace pad 50 ' may be connected to the conductive trace pad 40 ' through the bridge trace 43, the via 44, and the connection pad 45 connected to the connection pad 47 on the conductive trace pad 50 '. Alternatively, the conductive trace pad 50' may be grounded by connecting the connection pad 47 to the ground pad 56.

The top surface 28 of the printed circuit board 14 'also includes conductive trace pads 40' that are substantially coextensive with the conductive trace pads 50 'on the opposite side and are surrounded by the isolation channel 42'. The conductive trace pad 40' also serves a functional purpose similar to that of the conductive trace pad 40 of another capacitive touch sensor contact to enhance detection. The bridge trace 43 connects to the via 44 and the conductive trace pad 40 'across the isolation channel 42'. Traces 48 are understood to connect conductive trace pads 40 ', 50' to the touch sensor controller.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the optical devices for LEDs and LED switching devices and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to show more details than is necessary, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the disclosure may be embodied in practice.