A flashlight with alarm function

Abstract

This utility model discloses a flashlight with an alarm function, belonging to the field of flashlight technology. It includes a flashlight body, a battery module, a microcontroller unit, an alarm switch, and a wireless communication module. Both the microcontroller unit and the wireless communication module are electrically connected to the battery module. The alarm switch is connected to the microcontroller unit and is used to input commands to turn the alarm mode on or off. The microcontroller unit activates the wireless communication module upon receiving a command to activate the alarm mode and deactivates it upon receiving a command to deactivate the alarm mode. The wireless communication module, when activated, connects to an external communication device and triggers an alarm through that device. It also includes a buzzer and an arc component. This utility model increases the concealment of the alarm, has a wide range of applications, and can provide information such as the location of the person in distress, the surrounding environment, and their needs, allowing rescuers to accurately formulate rescue plans and improve the likelihood and efficiency of rescue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of flashlight technology, specifically relating to a flashlight with an alarm function. Background Technology

[0002] A flashlight, or simply a flashlight, is a handheld electronic lighting tool. Early flashlights only had a single lighting mode, controlled by a switch on the side of the flashlight or a switch at the rear. Because existing flashlights are relatively limited in function, primarily serving a lighting purpose, they are not suitable for a wide range of scenarios. In response, Longgang Jingye Technology Co., Ltd. has disclosed a multi-functional flashlight (authorization announcement number CN222210271U). This multi-functional flashlight integrates lighting, alarm, and self-defense functions, making it suitable for various situations. The alarm function is implemented through a buzzer.

[0003] The aforementioned flashlight alarms are primarily used to send distress signals to those around the user in emergencies, typically through a high-decibel noise to attract attention or help the caller obtain assistance. However, they have the following limitations: 1. Limited functionality: Most personal alarms only have a basic siren function and lack other auxiliary functions, failing to provide additional safety support for the caller. 2. Inability to pinpoint the location of the person seeking help: In emergencies, relying solely on sound signals is often insufficient to quickly and accurately determine the caller's location, leading to untimely or incomplete communication of the distress message. Furthermore, they lack recording capabilities; existing alarms cannot record the scene, the caller's description, or other useful information, thus failing to provide additional clues to emergency response teams. 3. In situations such as kidnapping or illegal detention, they cannot discreetly sound an alarm, potentially alerting the perpetrators. Therefore, it is clear that existing multi-functional flashlights still cannot meet the self-protection needs in the event of criminals or other catastrophic emergencies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flashlight with an alarm function to solve the problems that existing flashlights with alarm functions cannot conceal the alarm and cannot transmit accurate location information and surrounding environment information of the victim.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] This utility model relates to a flashlight with an alarm function, comprising a flashlight body, a battery module, and a microcontroller unit. It also includes an alarm switch and a wireless communication module, both electrically connected to the battery module. The alarm switch, connected to the microcontroller unit, is used to input commands to the microcontroller unit to turn the alarm mode on or off. The microcontroller unit is used to activate the wireless communication module upon receiving a command to activate the alarm mode and deactivate the wireless communication module upon receiving a command to deactivate the alarm mode. The wireless communication module, connected to the microcontroller unit, is used to connect to an external communication device and send an alarm signal to the external communication device.

[0007] Preferably, the wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, or a cellular network module.

[0008] Preferably, the alarm switch is located on the side wall of the flashlight body, and the alarm switch is any one or more combinations of a button, a contact sensor, and a pressure sensor.

[0009] Preferably, the flashlight body includes an illumination module and function buttons. The illumination module uses LED red and white lights, which are located at the front end of the flashlight body and connected to the microcontroller unit. The function buttons are located on the side wall of the flashlight body and connected to the microcontroller unit. Different light commands are sent to the microcontroller unit through the function buttons, so that the microcontroller unit controls the LED red and white lights to emit light of corresponding color, brightness and light emission mode.

[0010] Preferably, the flashlight body is further provided with a buzzer, which is connected to the microcontroller unit, and the function button is also used to input the command to turn the buzzer on or off to the microcontroller unit.

[0011] Preferably, the flashlight body is further provided with a vibration switch inside, which is connected to the microcontroller unit and is used to input a command to turn on the buzzer to the control unit in conjunction with the function button.

[0012] For different application scenarios, the wireless communication module can be activated via the alarm switch or / and the buzzer can be activated via the function button and vibration switch to better transmit distress information.

[0013] Preferably, the flashlight body has an arc assembly at its end, which includes a zinc alloy ignition head, an arc telescopic spring, an ignition coil, a pusher plate, and a ceramic head. The zinc alloy ignition head is fixed to the end of the flashlight body, and the ceramic head is disposed inside the zinc alloy ignition head, with one side of it fixed to the end of the pusher plate. The pusher plate is exposed and slidably connected to the outer wall of the flashlight body, and one end of the pusher plate is fixed to the arc telescopic spring. One end of the arc telescopic spring is fixed inside the flashlight body, and the ignition coil is fixed inside the pusher plate. By moving the pusher plate to overcome the force of the arc telescopic spring, the ignition coil and the ceramic head move. After the ignition coil moves, it connects with the battery module and enters the arc mode. After the ceramic head moves, it extends outside the zinc alloy ignition head and generates an arc, giving the flashlight a self-defense function.

[0014] Preferably, the battery module is a rechargeable battery, and a charging port is embedded in the side wall of the flashlight body for charging the battery module; the charging port is also equipped with a waterproof plug for the charging interface. Using a rechargeable battery can avoid environmental pollution caused by repeated battery replacements, and the waterproof plug for the charging interface can prevent short circuits caused by water ingress.

[0015] The alarm switch, microcontroller unit, wireless communication module, vibration switch, and buzzer of this utility model can all be selected from mature solutions available on the market. Under the guidance of this application specification, each module can be connected and perform the required functions by those skilled in the art according to the signal transmission needs.

[0016] The function buttons and alarm switches can be one or more of the following: KCD1 push-button switches, STI series miniature contact sensors, and MK series miniature pressure sensors.

[0017] The microcontroller unit (MCU) can be selected from chips or control boards such as the TW2305 control PCB board, Nordic nRF52832 chip, STC8G1K08A control board, SIM7000E module, and TW2305 chip.

[0018] The Bluetooth module can be selected from chips such as the AK198 low-power 5.2GHz SoC Bluetooth chip, Creative ME54BS11, CSR8510 (Qualcomm), nRF52832 (Nordic Semiconductor), TLSR8258 (Telink Microelectronics), and nRF5340 (Nordic Semiconductor). The Wi-Fi module can be selected from chips such as Espressif ESP32-C6, Qualcomm QCA9377, Broadcom BCM43438, and Lianrui Electronics LRIWF-BE200. The cellular network module can be selected from chips such as Quectel EC200U series, Fibocom SC151-GL, SimCom SIM7906E, and Quectel EC800M / K.

[0019] The vibration switch can be selected from modules such as Bosch BMA280, STMicroelectronics LIS3DH, Analog Devices ADXL345, and Z04A vibration switch.

[0020] The buzzer can be selected from modules such as Jixiangwei LW-1212S, Kyocera PZT series, and LTE-7115K.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0022] 1. The flashlight with alarm function involved in this utility model adds an alarm switch and a wireless communication module to the flashlight body. The alarm switch triggers the wireless communication module to send a wireless alarm signal to an external communication device. The external communication device sends a distress text message, location information and recording to emergency contacts. It can not only obtain the location of the person in distress, but also provide information such as the surrounding environment and the needs of the person in distress, so that the rescuer can accurately formulate a rescue plan to ensure the safety of the person in distress. It can achieve concealed alarm, with good concealment, making it difficult to be discovered. It is also suitable for scenarios such as kidnapping and illegal detention.

[0023] 2. The flashlight with alarm function involved in this utility model is also equipped with a buzzer, which, together with a wireless communication module, enables alarms at both long and short distances, making it easier for people in distress to be found and increasing the possibility and efficiency of rescue.

[0024] 3. The flashlight with alarm function involved in this utility model is also equipped with an electric arc component. When the user encounters dangers such as kidnapping or vicious dog attacks, he / she can protect himself / her safety by activating the electric arc component. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A 3D diagram of a flashlight with an alarm function;

[0026] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a flashlight with an alarm function;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram for a flashlight with an alarm function.

[0028] Reference numerals: 1-Flashlight body; 2-Zinc alloy ignition head; 3-LED red and white light; 4-Function button; 5-Buzzer; 6-Charging port; 7-Battery module; 8-Micro control unit; 9-Arc telescopic spring; 10-Ignition coil; 11-Push plate; 12-Ceramic head; 13-Waterproof plug for charging interface; 14-Alarm switch; 15-Wireless communication module; 16-Vibration switch. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To further understand the content of this utility model, the following embodiments are described in detail. The embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this utility model relates to a flashlight with an alarm function, comprising a flashlight body 1, a battery module 7, a microcontroller unit 8, an alarm switch 14, and a wireless communication module 15.

[0031] The microcontroller unit 8 and wireless communication module 15 are both electrically connected to the battery module 7. The battery module 7 provides power to the microcontroller unit 8, wireless communication module 15, and flashlight body 1. The battery module 7 can use any type of button battery, lithium battery, flexible battery, etc., preferably rechargeable batteries such as lithium batteries to avoid environmental pollution caused by repeated battery replacements. If rechargeable batteries are selected, a charging port 6 needs to be embedded in the side wall of the flashlight body 1, and a charging management module needs to be configured. This module is equipped with a charging management chip U1. When the charging port 6 is connected to an external power source, a 5V voltage is introduced, and the battery is charged through the charging management chip U1 (TP4056). This charging management chip has functions such as charging current control, overcharge protection, and charging status indication. The charging port 6 is a Type-C charging port used to charge the battery module 7. The charging port 6 is also equipped with a waterproof plug 13 to prevent short circuits caused by water ingress. The microcontroller unit 8 is also equipped with a battery protection circuit, which has overcharge, over-discharge protection, overcurrent, and short circuit protection functions to ensure safe use.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the alarm switch SW2 is connected to the microcontroller unit (MCU) chip TW2305 and is used to input instructions to the MCU 8 to turn the alarm mode on or off. The MCU 8 activates the wireless communication module 15 upon receiving an instruction to turn the alarm mode on, and deactivates the wireless communication module 15 upon receiving an instruction to deactivate the alarm mode. The wireless communication module 15 is connected to the MCU 8 and is used to connect to external communication devices and send alarm signals to these devices, typically smartphones, tablets, etc. Specific alarm methods are varied, such as: pressing and holding the alarm switch SW2 to turn on the wireless communication module 15 and connect it to the smartphone; after the wireless communication module 15 and the phone are connected, pressing the alarm switch 14 twice briefly to send an alarm signal; and then pressing and holding the alarm switch 14 again to turn off the wireless communication module 15. When activated, the wireless communication module 15 connects to external communication devices (smartphones, etc.) and sends alarm signals to them. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the smartphone app immediately activates location and recording functions to generate a distress signal. The app sends the distress signal to the cloud, which then sends a distress message, location information, and recordings to pre-set emergency contacts or dials a preset number to trigger the alarm. The communication between the wireless communication module 15 and the external communication device is a conventional method, and the sending of distress text messages, location information and recordings by the external communication device are not within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0033] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the microcontroller unit uses a TW2305 chip, and the wireless communication module 15 uses a Bluetooth module AK198.

[0034] See attached document Figure 2 and attached Figure 3As shown, the flashlight body 1 includes an illumination module and a function button 4. The illumination module uses an LED red and white light 3, which is located at the front end of the flashlight body 1 and connected to a microcontroller unit 8. The function button SW1 is located on the side wall of the flashlight body 1 and connected to the microcontroller unit 8. Different light commands are sent to the microcontroller unit 8 via the function button 4, causing the microcontroller unit 8 to send control signals to the LED red and white light 3. These signals are amplified by amplifiers Q3 and Q5 to control the LED red and white light 3, thereby emitting light of corresponding color, brightness, and illumination mode. When the flashlight is off, pressing and holding the function button SW1 for 2 seconds puts the microcontroller unit 8 into illumination mode. Short presses of the function button SW1 sequentially cycle through three states: strong white light, weak white light, and red light. Pressing and holding the function button SW1 again turns off the LED red and white light 3. This control method is merely an example; the switching order of the different modes of the LED red and white light 3, and the pressing duration of the function button 4 during each mode switch, can be arbitrarily adjusted. Furthermore, the control method of the LED red and white light 3 is conventional technology and is not the subject of this application.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the flashlight body 1 is internally equipped with a vibration switch 16 and a buzzer 5. Both the vibration switch 16 and the buzzer 5 are connected to the microcontroller unit 8. The function button 4 and the vibration switch 16 are also used to input commands to the microcontroller unit 8 to turn the buzzer 5 on or off. After receiving the command, the microcontroller unit 8 sends a control signal to the buzzer 5. This signal is amplified by amplifier Q4 and boosted by inductor L1 to drive the buzzer 5, which then enters the corresponding state (alarm state, pre-alarm state, and off state). For example, pressing and holding the function button SW1 for 3 seconds directly turns on the buzzer 5, and the white light in the LED red and white light 3 starts flashing. Double-clicking the function button SW1 enters the pre-alarm state, and the buzzer 5 does not emit an alarm sound. At this time, if the flashlight body 1 is subjected to strong vibration, the vibration switch SW3 is triggered, the buzzer 5 emits an alarm sound, and the white light in the LED red and white light 3 starts flashing. When the buzzer 5 is in the alarm or pre-alarm state, pressing and holding the function button SW1 turns off the buzzer 5 and cancels the alarm or pre-alarm state.

[0036] In this embodiment, the buzzer 5 is an LTE-7115K LED sound and light alarm, and the vibration switch 16 is a Z04A vibration switch 16, but it is not limited to this model of microcontroller 8, vibration switch 16 and buzzer 5.

[0037] For different application scenarios, the wireless communication module 15 can be activated by the alarm switch 14 for long-distance alarm or / and the buzzer 5 can be activated by the function button 4 and vibration switch 16 for short-distance alarm, so as to better transmit distress information and enable rescuers to better locate and formulate rescue plans.

[0038] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the flashlight body has an arc assembly at its end, which includes a zinc alloy ignition head 2, an arc telescopic spring 9, an ignition coil 10, a pusher plate 11, and a ceramic head 12. The zinc alloy ignition head 2 is fixed to the end of the flashlight body, and the ceramic head 12 is disposed inside the zinc alloy ignition head 2, with one side fixed to the end of the pusher plate 11. The pusher plate 11 is exposed and slidably connected to the outer wall of the flashlight body 1, and one end of the pusher plate 11 is fixed to the arc telescopic spring 9. One end of the arc telescopic spring 9 is fixed inside the flashlight body 1, and the ignition coil 10 is fixed inside the pusher plate 11. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, by moving the push plate 11 to overcome the force of the arc extension spring 9, the ignition coil 10 and ceramic head 12 move. After the ignition coil 10 moves, it is energized and enters the arc mode, triggering the ignition switch SW4. The microcontroller unit 8 sends a PWM pulse signal, which is amplified by amplifiers Q1 and Q2 and drives the high-voltage transformer to generate a high voltage of about 6KV. The ceramic head 12 extends out of the zinc alloy ignition head 2 to generate an arc, which can achieve electric shock and ignition of objects. After five seconds, the microcontroller unit 8 automatically cuts off the power, causing the arc to extinguish automatically. Alternatively, the push plate 11 retracts under the pull force of the arc extension spring 9, and the ignition coil 10 is disconnected from the microcontroller unit 8, causing the arc to extinguish. In case of danger, the arc assembly can also be activated for self-protection.

[0039] After purchasing the aforementioned flashlight with alarm function, users can download an alarm app and bind it to an external communication device (smartphone, tablet, etc.). The alarm app can then be used to set up emergency contacts' phone numbers, WeChat accounts, and distress messages.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the alarm method for a flashlight with alarm function includes the following steps:

[0041] S1. Input the command to activate the alarm mode to the microcontroller unit 8 via the alarm switch 14, i.e., press and hold the alarm switch 14 to request the activation of the wireless communication module 15. Activate the buzzer 5 or put the buzzer 5 into a pre-alarm state via the function button 4, i.e., press and hold the function button for 3 seconds to directly activate the buzzer 5, emitting a piercing alarm sound while the white light flashes; or double-click the function button 4 to activate the buzzer 5 and put it into the pre-alarm state. The alarm switch 14 and the function button 4 can be operated simultaneously or individually.

[0042] S2. After receiving the command to activate the alarm mode, the microcontroller unit 8 activates the wireless communication module 15 and / or the buzzer 5 accordingly.

[0043] S3. When the wireless communication module 15 is activated, it connects to an external communication device and sends an alarm signal to the device. The external communication device is typically a smartphone. The smartphone's alarm app is set to auto-start and run in the background, residing in the phone's memory. Specifically, it can be configured such that upon activation, the wireless communication module 15 immediately sends an alarm signal; upon receiving the alarm signal, the alarm app immediately activates the recording and location functions of the external communication device and sends the recording and location information to a designated contact or dials the contact's phone number. At this time, the emergency contact can choose an appropriate method of seeking help or call the alarm based on the location of the person in need, the recording information, environmental information, and their needs. Alternatively, it can be configured such that upon activation, the wireless communication module 15 does not immediately send an alarm signal, but waits for the user to briefly press the alarm switch 14 twice before sending the alarm signal; upon receiving the alarm signal, the alarm app immediately activates the recording and location functions of the external communication device and sends the recording and location information to a designated contact or dials the contact's phone number.

[0044] When buzzer 5 is activated, the flashlight body 1 emits a buzzing sound to alert nearby rescuers. When buzzer 5 is in pre-alarm mode, if vibration switch 16 senses that the flashlight body 1 generates a vibration amplitude or frequency greater than a set threshold, it will also emit a buzzing sound. Users can choose the appropriate alarm method according to the type of danger they are in. For example, when encountering dangers caused by human factors such as kidnapping or illegal detention, to avoid the perpetrators discovering the victim's alarm and causing more serious harm, generally only the wireless communication module 15 is activated. This allows the device to be secretly transmitted as quickly as possible before the perpetrators take away the communication equipment, or even if they do, before the victim leaves the effective range of the wireless connection (for most Bluetooth 5.x version modules, the stable connection range is 5-12 meters), so that rescuers can narrow down the search area and carry out rescues more quickly and accurately. When encountering dangers caused by non-human factors such as earthquakes or being trapped in elevators, the wireless communication module 15 and buzzer 5 can be activated alternately. This not only provides location information and surrounding environmental information, but also allows the user to be found by nearby search and rescue personnel more quickly.

[0045] S4. After the danger is eliminated, input the command to turn off the alarm mode to the microcontroller unit 8 through the alarm switch 14 and function button 4.

[0046] S5. After receiving the command to turn off the alarm mode, the microcontroller 8 turns off the wireless communication module 15 and the buzzer 5.

[0047] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the embodiments. However, the description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and improvements made in accordance with the claims of the present invention should still fall within the patent coverage of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flashlight with an alarm function, comprising a flashlight body, a battery module, and a microcontroller unit, characterized in that: It also includes an alarm switch and a wireless communication module. Both the microcontroller and the wireless communication module are electrically connected to the battery module. The alarm switch is connected to the microcontroller and is used to input instructions to the microcontroller to turn the alarm mode on or off. The microcontroller is used to activate the wireless communication module after receiving an instruction to turn the alarm mode on, and to deactivate the wireless communication module after receiving an instruction to turn the alarm mode off. The wireless communication module is connected to the microcontroller and is used to connect to external communication devices and send alarm signals to the external communication devices.

2. The flashlight with alarm function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, or a cellular network module.

3. The flashlight with alarm function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alarm switch is located on the side wall of the flashlight body, and the alarm switch adopts any one or more combinations of buttons, contact sensors, and pressure sensors.

4. The flashlight with alarm function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flashlight body includes an illumination module and function buttons. The illumination module uses LED red and white lights, which are located at the front end of the flashlight body and connected to the microcontroller unit. The function buttons are located on the side wall of the flashlight body and connected to the microcontroller unit. Different light commands are sent to the microcontroller unit through the function buttons, so that the microcontroller unit controls the LED red and white lights to emit light of corresponding colors, brightness and light emission modes.

5. The flashlight with alarm function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flashlight body is also equipped with a buzzer, which is connected to the microcontroller unit. The function button is also used to input commands to the microcontroller unit to turn the buzzer on or off.

6. The flashlight with alarm function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flashlight body is also equipped with a vibration switch inside. The vibration switch is connected to the microcontroller unit and is used to input the command to turn on the buzzer to the control unit in conjunction with the function button.

7. The flashlight with alarm function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flashlight body has an arc assembly at its end, which includes a zinc alloy ignition head, an arc telescopic spring, an ignition coil, a pusher plate, and a ceramic head. The zinc alloy ignition head is fixed to the end of the flashlight body, and the ceramic head is located inside the zinc alloy ignition head, with one side of it fixed to the end of the pusher plate. The pusher plate is exposed and slidably connected to the outer wall of the flashlight body, and one end of the pusher plate is fixed to the arc telescopic spring. One end of the arc telescopic spring is fixed inside the flashlight body, and the ignition coil is fixed inside the pusher plate. By moving the pusher plate to overcome the force of the arc telescopic spring, the ignition coil and the ceramic head move. After the ignition coil moves, it connects with the battery module and enters the arc mode. After the ceramic head moves, it extends outside the zinc alloy ignition head and generates an arc.

8. The flashlight with alarm function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery module is a rechargeable battery, and a charging port is embedded in the side wall of the flashlight body for charging the battery module; the charging port is also equipped with a waterproof plug for the charging interface.

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