Flashlight with mode capable of being customized by user

Abstract

The invention discloses a flashlight with modes capable of being customized by a user. The flashlight comprises an LED, an LED driving circuit, a control circuit, a first switch and a second switch. The LED drive circuit and the second switch are electrically connected with the control circuit. The second switch is used for limiting at least one working mode of the flashlight: a setting mode; when the second switch is in the setting mode, the control circuit sets the flashlight into N user-defined modes, and each user-defined mode supports M gears; n and M are smaller than or equal to a preset upper limit value of the flashlight. The invention provides an operation mode that a user can customize a plurality of modes and customize a plurality of gears in each mode, so that the flashlight can adapt to different indoor and outdoor application scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of flashlights, and in particular to a flashlight with user-defined modes. Background Art

[0002] Outdoor lighting flashlights have always been one of the standing equipment for outdoor sports enthusiasts. With the continuous improvement of products, the performance of existing products on the market in terms of durability, waterproofness, and battery life has been greatly improved compared with traditional products. However, the operation mode is still relatively fixed and single, and users cannot customize the settings. For example, some flashlights only have three lighting gears: high brightness, medium brightness, and low brightness. Some users think that there are too few gears, while others think that there are too many gears and they cannot meet their respective usage habits. Summary of the invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a flashlight with user-definable modes.

[0004] A flashlight with user-definable modes, comprising: an LED, an LED driving circuit, a control circuit, a first switch and a second switch;

[0005] Wherein, the LED driving circuit, the first switch, and the second switch are electrically connected to the control circuit respectively; the LED driving circuit is electrically connected to the LED;

[0006] The second switch is used to limit at least one working mode of the flashlight: a setting mode; when the second switch is in the setting mode, the control circuit sets the flashlight to N user-defined modes, and supports M gear numbers in each user-defined mode; both N and M are less than or equal to a preset upper limit value of the flashlight.

[0007] Preferably, it further comprises a first switch, wherein the first switch is used to define at least two use states of the flashlight: a power-on state and a power-off state; the second switch is also used to define a second working mode of the flashlight: a lighting mode;

[0008] In the power-on state, when the second switch is in the setting mode, when the first switch is triggered N times, the LED flashes N times accordingly to remind the user of the current working mode of the flashlight;

[0009] When the flashlight is in the on state and the second switch is in the lighting mode, or when the flashlight is in the off state and the second switch is in the lighting mode, the flashlight starts to flash with variable frequency by long pressing the first switch for a first preset time, and the flashlight turns off the flashlight flash with variable frequency by lightly touching the first switch.

[0010] Preferably, the first switch is a dual-stage push button switch, and the second switch is a dial switch.

[0011] Preferably, the user-defined mode is used to limit the number of brightness levels of the flashlight, and the brightness corresponding to each brightness level is a preset value.

[0012] Preferably, the second switch is also used to limit the third working mode of the flashlight: locking mode;

[0013] In the power-on state, when the second switch is in the lock mode, the flashlight is restricted from entering the power-off state; by long pressing the first switch for a first preset time, the flashlight is restricted from responding to variable frequency flashing; when the second switch leaves the lock mode, the flashlight is unlocked;

[0014] or,

[0015] In the off state and when the second switch is in the lock mode, the flashlight is restricted from entering the on state; by long pressing the first switch for a first preset time, the flashlight is restricted from responding to variable frequency flashing; when the second switch leaves the lock mode, the lock is released.

[0016] Preferably, the first switch and the second switch are also used to limit the factory reset state of the flashlight; in non-setting mode, long press the first switch and put the second switch in the setting mode, and after maintaining for a second preset time, the flashlight enters the factory reset state.

[0017] Preferably, the flashlight comprises: a barrel tail, a barrel tail connecting piece, a first PCB board, a second PCB board, a gear shaft, a gear and a rotating dial; wherein,

[0018] The barrel tail connector is arranged above the barrel tail, and the barrel tail connector has an accommodating cavity opening upward, and the first PCB board is arranged in the accommodating cavity; the first switch is integrated on the first PCB board;

[0019] A first cavity is arranged inside the barrel tail, and a second cavity is arranged on the side wall of the barrel tail; the second PCB board is arranged in the first cavity; a through hole is opened on the upper wall of the first cavity; a gear copper sheet is arranged at the through hole on the second PCB board; a gear spring and a gear bead abutting against each other are arranged in the second cavity;

[0020] The gear shaft is inserted into the through hole in cooperation with the gear after being sleeved with a rotating spring sheet, and the gear shaft is in contact with the gear copper sheet; the upper part of the gear abuts against the barrel tail connecting piece;

[0021] The rotating dial is sleeved outside the barrel tail and the barrel tail connecting piece, and the inner wall of the rotating dial is in contact with the gear and the gear bead respectively;

[0022] When the rotary dial is rotated, it corresponds to the second switch.

[0023] Preferably, it also includes a cylinder tail connection cover connected to the cylinder tail connection piece; the first switch is a two-stage push button switch, and a silicone cap is provided on the two-stage push button switch.

[0024] Preferably, a button bracket and a hardware gasket are provided between the dual-stage button switch and the silicone cap; and a waterproof ring is provided between the button bracket and the barrel tail connection cover.

[0025] Preferably, it also includes a barrel body connected to the barrel tail; a negative pole spring is arranged at the bottom of the second PCB board, and the negative pole spring is used to be electrically connected to the battery in the barrel body; a locking plate is arranged between the barrel body and the barrel tail; and an insulating pad is arranged inside the locking plate.

[0026] The flashlight with user-customizable modes provided by the present invention provides an operating method that allows the user to customize multiple modes and customize multiple gears in each mode, providing the possibility of adding more product functions; at the same time, the user-customized mode can be set to correspond to a variety of functions, including but not limited to the number of brightness levels of the flashlight, the duration of variable frequency flashing, etc., so that the flashlight can meet the user's usage habits and adapt to different indoor and outdoor application scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A circuit schematic diagram of a flashlight with user-definable modes according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 A program logic diagram of user-defined operations in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of setting the gear combination in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of setting a gear combination in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of restoring the factory settings in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 An exploded view of a flashlight with a user-customizable mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flashlight with user-customizable modes according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 It is a transverse cross-sectional view of the barrel tail in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] A flashlight with user-definable modes, such as Figures 1 to 8 As shown, it includes: an LED, an LED driving circuit, a control circuit, and a second switch;

[0037] Wherein, the LED driving circuit and the second switch are electrically connected to the control circuit respectively; the LED driving circuit is electrically connected to the LED;

[0038] The second switch is used to limit at least one operating mode of the flashlight: a setting mode;

[0039] When the second switch is in the setting mode, the control circuit sets the flashlight to N user-defined modes, and each of the user-defined modes supports M gear numbers; N and M are both less than or equal to the preset upper limit of the flashlight. In any of the user-defined modes, the upper and lower limits of the brightness of each gear support customized adjustment. For example, in the Nth mode, the brightness L of each gear can be customized.

[0040] Here, the user-defined mode is used to limit the number of brightness levels of the flashlight, for example, Figure 4 As shown, assume that the upper limit of the user-defined mode supported by the flashlight is 4 (i.e., N=4, the preset upper limit is determined by the factory setting), and each mode corresponds to a different number of brightness levels A. In mode 1, there is only one level A1, and its brightness is 3000 lumens. In mode 2, there are two levels A1 and A2, and their brightness is 30 lumens and 1500 lumens respectively. Similarly, in mode 4, there are five levels (i.e., M=5, the preset upper limit is determined by the factory setting), namely A1 to A5, and their brightness is 30 lumens to 3000 lumens respectively. If the user is not satisfied with the preset level brightness, the brightness of the level can also be customized. For example, in mode 1, the A1 level is 3000 lumens. If you are not satisfied, you can customize it to any brightness between the lower limit of 30 lumens and the upper limit of 3000 lumens, such as 1000 lumens.

[0041] When using a traditional flashlight, when the user selects the brightness, he must press the buttons from the low brightness level to the brightest level (assuming there are four brightness levels); if the user only wants the brightest level, he must press the buttons four times to achieve his needs. In this embodiment, the user triggers the second switch twice to enter mode 2, which corresponds to two gears A1 and A2. At the same time, the user only needs to press the buttons twice to achieve his needs, thereby greatly simplifying the operation steps.

[0042] Furthermore, it also includes a first switch, which is used to limit at least two usage states of the flashlight: a power-on state and a power-off state; the second switch is also used to limit the second working mode of the flashlight: a lighting mode; in the power-on state, and when the second switch is in the setting mode, when the first switch is triggered N times, the LED flashes N times accordingly to remind the user of the current working mode of the flashlight; in the power-on state and the second switch is in the lighting mode, or in the power-off state and the second switch is in the lighting mode, long press the first switch for a first preset time, the flashlight starts to flash with variable frequency, and lightly touch the first switch to turn off the flashlight's variable frequency flashing.

[0043] Specifically, when the user needs to use 5 brightness levels, when the flashlight is turned on and the second switch is in the setting mode, press the first switch 4 times, and the LED light flashes 4 times accordingly, and the user knows that the custom mode is currently being set; when the user puts the second switch in the lighting mode, the 5 gear settings are completed. In use, when the second switch is in the lighting mode, the user triggers the first switch to cycle through the 5 brightness levels.

[0044] It is understandable that the user-defined mode is not limited to limiting the number of brightness levels of the flashlight. Figure 3The schematic diagram of the gear combination setting is shown. In the setting mode, through the various gear combinations preset by the program, you can set, including but not limited to, the number of gears, gear lumen value, constant light or flashing mode, etc. Among them, the number of modes is 1 to m; A represents the gear, and the number of gears is 1 to iMAX; the corresponding gear parameter under each gear Ai is L, and its upper limit value is LMAX; m, iMAX, L, and LMAX are all determined by the factory settings. When the user needs to change the brightness of the Ai-th gear in the N-th mode, put the second switch in the setting mode, enter the last selected mode by default, and the LED light flashes the corresponding number of times. Press the first switch N times, and the LED light flashes N times accordingly, indicating that mode N is selected, and then press and hold the first switch to enter the brightness customization, and the LED lights up the first gear of the current mode. After releasing it, press the first switch i times again to select the Ai-th gear, and the brightness is Li. At this time, press and hold the first switch again, and the brightness Li increases, and changes cyclically within the preset lower limit to upper limit until the brightness is satisfactory. Release the switch to determine the brightness. If you are not satisfied, press and hold the first switch again to continue adjusting. After the adjustment is completed, short press the first switch to switch to the next gear. If no further adjustment is needed, put the second switch in the lighting mode to exit the custom mode and use it normally. Repeat the above steps to customize the brightness of each gear in each mode.

[0045] Therefore, users can use custom modes to achieve the purpose of using different gear parameters in different scenarios.

[0046] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the first switch S1 and the second switch S2 are connected to the IO port of the control circuit, and the level signals of 0 and 1 are changed by turning on and off the switches and fed back to the control circuit, and the control circuit drives and controls the LED.

[0047] The operation mode of the first switch at least includes defining different states according to the length of the circuit connection time, such as long press (S1-2 contact connection time is greater than t, t is usually preset to 0.5 seconds), short press (S1-2 contact connection time is less than t, t is usually preset to 0.5 seconds) or half press (S1-1 contact is disconnected, S1-2 contact is not connected), etc., corresponding to different circuit on-off states. For example, long press the first switch to turn on the flashlight, and long press the first switch again to turn off the flashlight. At the same time, combined with whether the flashlight is currently in the on state or the off state, and the working mode of the second switch, long press, short press or half press of the first switch can also be defined as the functions of gear adjustment, setting selection, and brightness customization. It can be understood that the operation mode of the second switch can be the same as or different from the operation mode of the first switch. For example, in one implementation, the first switch uses a two-stage key switch and the second switch uses a dial switch; or, both use a two-stage or three-stage key switch, or both use a dial switch, and it depends on the hardware design of the flashlight. It can be understood that the first switch and the second switch can be one or more, and are not limited to the above description. As long as there is a mechanism that can generate a signal on and off, different signals can be generated by different on-times to achieve operation.

[0048] When the second switch is a dial switch, by rotating the dial switch, different contacts are connected, and different signals are fed back to the control circuit, thereby entering different working modes. The working modes include at least a lighting mode and a setting mode.

[0049] In the operation of setting a custom gear by the user, see Figure 2 In the flowchart shown, S2-3 represents the setting mode. When S2-3 is turned on, the user starts to set the custom mode. The on and off of S1-1 and S1-2 represent different operation signals when the user triggers the first switch S1. For example, when S1-1 is disconnected and the S1-2 is turned on for longer than the preset time, it is an operation signal, which means that the user long presses the first switch S1 to enter the brightness customization. When the user half-presses the first switch S1, the two-stage key switch is between S1-1 and S1-2. At this time, the operation signal transmitted to the control circuit board is to switch gears in a certain user-defined mode.

[0050] Enter the user-defined setting mode by operating S2. In this mode, through the operation of S1, multiple half-presses select different gear combinations, and long presses to enter the custom brightness, and provide feedback to the user through the LED on and off and brightness changes. If the control device program storage space and LED power are large enough, theoretically enough gear brightness can be set to fully meet the user's usage needs.

[0051] Furthermore, when the flashlight is powered on and the second switch is in the lighting mode, or when the flashlight is powered off and the second switch is in the lighting mode, the flashlight starts to flash with variable frequency by pressing and holding the first switch for a first preset time, and the flashlight turns off the variable frequency flash by lightly touching the first switch. The variable frequency flash is suitable for outdoor rescue, signaling, and other purposes.

[0052] Furthermore, the second switch is also used to limit the third working mode of the flashlight: the lock mode. The lock mode is used to prevent the problem of accidental touch when turning on or off. Specifically, in the power-on state, and when the second switch is in the lock mode, the flashlight will not be turned off due to an accidental touch; long press the first switch for a first preset time, the flashlight is restricted to respond to variable frequency strobe; when the second switch leaves the lock mode, it is unlocked; or, in the power-off state, and when the second switch is in the lock mode, the flashlight is restricted to enter the power-on state; long press the first switch for a first preset time, the flashlight is restricted to respond to variable frequency strobe; when the second switch leaves the lock mode, it is unlocked.

[0053] Furthermore, the first switch and the second switch are used to limit the factory reset state of the flashlight; in the non-setting mode, long press the first switch and put the second switch in the setting mode, and after maintaining the second preset time, the flashlight enters the factory reset state. Figure 5 As shown, in the non-setting mode, that is, when S2-3 is not turned on, press and hold the first switch S1-2, and at the same time turn the second switch S2 to the S2-3 position to turn it on, and keep the switch S1-2 pressed for more than time t, then the factory default state is restored. If the switch S1-2 or S2-3 is disconnected within time t, the operation ends and the factory default state restoration operation is not responded.

[0054] Furthermore, the flashlight comprises: a barrel tail 1, a barrel tail connector 2, a first PCB board 3, a second PCB board 4, a gear shaft 5, a gear 6 and a rotating dial 7; wherein,

[0055] The barrel tail connector is arranged above the barrel tail, and has an upwardly open accommodation cavity, in which the first PCB board is arranged; the first switch, namely the dual-stage key switch 22, is integrated on the first PCB board;

[0056] A first cavity is arranged inside the tail of the barrel, and a second cavity is arranged on the side wall of the tail of the barrel; a second PCB board is arranged in the first cavity; a through hole is opened on the upper wall of the first cavity; a gear copper sheet 8 is arranged at the through hole on the second PCB board; a gear spring 9 and a gear bead 10 abutting against each other are arranged in the second cavity;

[0057] After the rotating spring sheet 11 is sleeved, the gear shaft is inserted into the through hole in cooperation with the gear, and the gear shaft contacts the gear copper sheet; the upper part of the gear abuts against the barrel tail connector;

[0058] The rotating dial is sleeved outside the barrel tail and the barrel tail connecting piece, and the inner wall of the rotating dial is in contact with the gear and the gear bead respectively;

[0059] When the rotary dial is turned, it corresponds to the second switch, namely the dial switch.

[0060] Furthermore, it also includes a barrel tail connection cover 12 connected to the barrel tail connection piece; the first switch is a double-stage push button switch, and a silicone cap 13 is sleeved on the double-stage push button switch.

[0061] Furthermore, a key bracket 14 and a hardware gasket 15 are provided between the dual-stage key switch and the silicone cap; and a waterproof ring 16 is provided between the key bracket and the tube tail connection cover.

[0062] Furthermore, the flashlight also includes a barrel 17 connected to the barrel tail; a negative pole spring 18 is provided at the bottom of the second PCB board, and the negative pole spring is used to be electrically connected to the battery in the barrel; a locking piece 19 is provided between the barrel body and the barrel tail.

[0063] Furthermore, an insulating pad 20 is provided inside the locking piece; and a waterproof ring 21 is provided between the gear and the gear shaft.

[0064] The order of flashlight assembly is as follows:

[0065] 1) After putting the waterproof ring 20 on the gear 6 and installing it into the barrel tail 1, install the rotating spring piece 11 on the gear shaft 5 and insert it into the gear to fix it.

[0066] 2) The second PCB board 4 is installed in the barrel tail assembly, and the locking piece 19 equipped with the insulating pad 20 is used to lock the second PCB board 4 in the barrel tail assembly.

[0067] 3) After the tail assembly is equipped with the shift spring 9 and the shift bead 10, and the rotary dial 7 is put on and installed into the tail connector 2, the tail connector is locked with a thread equipped with a waterproof ring 16.

[0068] 4) Install the first PCB board 3 into the barrel tail assembly, solder the wires and then put the button bracket 14 and the hardware gasket 15 on the switch.

[0069] 5) Lock the barrel tail connection cover equipped with the silicone cap 13 and the waterproof ring 16 onto the barrel tail assembly.

[0070] The above is an explanation of the user-customizable mode flashlight of the present invention to help understand the present invention; however, the implementation mode of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, and simplifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should be equivalent replacement methods and are included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flashlight with user-definable modes, characterized in that: include: LED, LED driving circuit, control circuit and second switch; Wherein, the LED driving circuit and the second switch are electrically connected to the control circuit respectively; the LED driving circuit is electrically connected to the LED; The second switch is used to limit at least one working mode of the flashlight: a setting mode; when the second switch is in the setting mode, the control circuit sets the flashlight to N user-defined modes, and supports M gear numbers in each user-defined mode; both N and M are less than or equal to a preset upper limit value of the flashlight.

2. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The flashlight also includes a first switch, wherein the first switch is used to define at least two use states of the flashlight: a power-on state and a power-off state; the second switch is also used to define a second working mode of the flashlight: a lighting mode; In the power-on state, when the second switch is in the setting mode, when the first switch is triggered N times, the LED flashes N times accordingly to remind the user of the current working mode of the flashlight; When the flashlight is in the on state and the second switch is in the lighting mode, or when the flashlight is in the off state and the second switch is in the lighting mode, the flashlight starts to flash with variable frequency by pressing and holding the first switch for a first preset time, and the flashlight stops flashing with variable frequency by lightly touching the first switch; In any of the user-defined modes, the brightness of each gear can be adjusted between an upper limit and a lower limit.

3. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The first switch is a dual-stage key switch, the second switch is a dial switch, and the number of the first switches is one or more.

4. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The user-defined mode is used to limit the number of brightness levels of the flashlight, and the brightness corresponding to each brightness level is a preset value.

5. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The second switch is also used to limit the third working mode of the flashlight: locking mode; In the power-on state, when the second switch is in the lock mode, the flashlight is restricted from entering the power-off state; by long pressing the first switch for a first preset time, the flashlight is restricted from responding to variable frequency flashing; when the second switch leaves the lock mode, the flashlight is unlocked; or, In the power-off state, when the second switch is in the locking mode, the flashlight is restricted from entering the power-on state; By long pressing the first switch for a first preset time, the flashlight is restricted to respond to variable frequency flashing; when the second switch leaves the locking mode, the lock is released.

6. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The first switch and the second switch are also used to limit the factory reset state of the flashlight; in non-setting mode, long press the first switch and put the second switch in the setting mode, and after maintaining the state for a second preset time, the flashlight enters the factory reset state.

7. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The flashlight comprises: a barrel tail, a barrel tail connecting piece, a first PCB board, a second PCB board, a gear shaft, a gear and a rotating dial; wherein, The barrel tail connector is arranged above the barrel tail, and the barrel tail connector has an accommodating cavity opening upward, and the first PCB board is arranged in the accommodating cavity; the first switch is integrated on the first PCB board; A first cavity is arranged inside the barrel tail, and a second cavity is arranged on the side wall of the barrel tail; the second PCB board is arranged in the first cavity; a through hole is opened on the upper wall of the first cavity; a gear copper sheet is arranged at the through hole on the second PCB board; a gear spring and a gear bead abutting against each other are arranged in the second cavity; The gear shaft is inserted into the through hole in cooperation with the gear after being sleeved with a rotating spring sheet, and the gear shaft is in contact with the gear copper sheet; the upper part of the gear abuts against the barrel tail connecting piece; The rotating dial is sleeved outside the barrel tail and the barrel tail connecting piece, and the inner wall of the rotating dial is in contact with the gear and the gear bead respectively; When the rotary dial is rotated, it corresponds to the second switch.

8. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a cylinder tail connection cover connected to the cylinder tail connection piece; the first switch is a two-stage key switch, and a silicone cap is sleeved on the two-stage key switch.

9. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: A key bracket and a hardware gasket are arranged between the dual-stage key switch and the silicone cap; a waterproof ring is arranged between the key bracket and the barrel tail connection cover.

10. The flashlight with user-definable modes as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a barrel body connected to the barrel tail; a negative pole spring is arranged at the bottom of the second PCB board, and the negative pole spring is used to be electrically connected to the battery in the barrel body; a locking plate is arranged between the barrel body and the barrel tail; and an insulating pad is arranged inside the locking plate.

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