JP5647150B2 - Portable lighting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable lighting device including, for example, a flashlight, a lantern, and a hand lamp, and a circuit thereof.

  This application claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 61/145120 filed Jan. 16, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference if expressly stated. This application is a continuation-in-part of US Application No. 12/505555, filed July 20, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of US Application No. 12/502237, filed July 14, 2009. Claiming priority based thereon and, if expressly stated herein, incorporate that disclosure by reference.

  Various hand-held or portable lighting devices are known, including flashlights. Such lighting devices typically include one or more dry cells having positive and negative electrodes. The batteries are electrically arranged in series or in parallel in the battery chamber or housing. The battery compartment also serves as a handle for the lighting device and is sometimes used to hold the flashlight, particularly when the trunk is a flashlight that houses the battery. An electrical circuit is formed from the electrode of the battery through conductive means connected to the electrode of a light source such as a light bulb or light emitting diode (LED). After passing through the power supply, the electrical circuit extends through the second electrode of the light source, which is in electrical contact with the conductive means, which is in electrical contact with the other electrode of the battery. The circuit includes a switch that opens and closes the circuit. Driving the switch that closes the electrical circuit allows current to flow through the bulb, LED or other light source—and in the case of an incandescent bulb, the filament, thereby generating light.

  Some advanced portable lighting devices provide multiple modes of operation for different requirements. For example, in addition to the normal “maximum power” or “standard power” mode, a power saving mode, a flashing mode and / or a SOS mode are implemented in a portable lighting device such as a flashlight. In such portable lighting devices, the user typically selects a desired operating mode by operating a user interface, typically a main switch. For example, when the portable lighting device is operating in the normal mode or the power saving mode, the portable lighting device operates the main switch to “turn off” the portable lighting device and then “turn on” again. You may transfer to other operation modes, such as SOS mode. In other devices, the main switch may need to be held for a certain amount of time to push the lighting device forward to the next mode of operation. A portable lighting device that includes advantageous functions may include an electronic power switch that is controlled by a microcontroller or microprocessor to provide the desired functions.

  One possible problem with portable lighting devices having multiple functions as described above is that the user must operate the main switch in some way in order to switch to a new operating mode. If the main switch is located, for example, in the body of a flashlight, the procedure of pushing and releasing the main switch may cause the active flashlight to be directed away from the intended illumination area.

  Another problem associated with the use of the main switch, the user interface to switch to the new mode, is that the required operating procedure is often complicated or simply too long to move forward through the different operating modes. . A further problem with the main switch is that frequent operation of the main switch to move forward through the different modes of operation may quickly wear the mechanical parts of the switch and shorten the usable life of the portable lighting device.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a portable lighting device with an improved user interface that does not require repeated or complex operation of mechanical switches to cycle through and switch between the various modes of operation that the portable lighting device may provide. Exists.

  Flashlights or other portable lighting devices have traditionally employed mechanical power switches in the main power circuit of the flashlight to “turn on” and “turn off” the portable lighting device. When the user “lights” the portable lighting device, the user typically presses or otherwise operates a mechanical power switch to mechanically connect the two contacts, close the switch, and power circuit Thereby allowing current to flow from the positive electrode of the battery through the light source to the negative electrode of the battery. When the user “turns off” the portable lighting device, the user again operates the mechanical switch to disconnect the two contacts, thereby opening the switch and interrupting the power circuit. Thus, the mechanical power circuit in such a device functions as a conductive component that completes the power circuit, and therefore conducts current through the operation of the portable lighting device.

  Since mechanical power switches form part of the circuit of the lighting device, the contacts of such switches tend to be extremely high load endurance. Therefore, such switches often require a considerable force to open and close their contacts. As a result, it may be difficult to use a portable lighting device with a mechanical power switch for a long time as a signaling device. For example, the force required to operate the switch between “on” and “off” may fatigue the user after prolonged use of the portable lighting device in signaling applications. In addition, with a mechanical power switch, it simply takes a long time to open and close the mechanical power switch to “turn on” and “turn off” the portable lighting device to perform certain signal applications. It may take.

  Another problem with the use of the portable lighting device main switch for the execution of the signal mode performed by the user is that frequent operation of the main switch to “turn on” and “turn off” the lighting device is It may cause premature wear and shorten the life of the lighting device.

  Certain switches employed in portable electronic lighting devices require less force for operation because they do not form part of the lighting device main power circuit and are therefore not high load durability. While this is beneficial from the point of view of user fatigue in signal applications, multi-mode portable lighting devices have problems with the signal mode performed by the user.

  For example, in a multi-mode portable electronic lighting device, the various operating modes are that the user turns off the lighting device for a shorter time than a predetermined time, such as 1 to 2 seconds, and turns the lighting device on again. May be selected by.

  Therefore, it will be difficult to use the multi-mode portable electronic lighting device having such a configuration for the signal mode executed by the user. This means that the user has to wait longer than a predetermined time before re-lighting the lighting device, otherwise it is automatically changed to the next operating mode, thereby the user intends This is because it interferes with the operation of the signal. In other words, the user cannot change the lighting and extinction in a short time to communicate through it, such as a Morse code.

  Accordingly, there is a need for an improved portable electronic lighting device that can be used in a signal mode performed by a user without operating a mechanical switch to frequently “turn off” and “light on” the lighting device.

  For example, a compass is useful in a variety of outdoor sports and hobbies including backpack travel, hiking, mountain climbing, boating and the like. A conventional magnetic compass includes a magnetic needle to indicate the orientation of the north magnetic north. However, in the dark, it may be difficult to visually recognize the direction the magnetic needle points without the help of a light source. In one compass, the needle and compass surface are coated with a fluorescent material to improve nighttime visibility and usability. However, in very dark conditions, such fluorescent coating is powerless. One advanced compass includes an embedded light source that can be turned on when desired. However, such compass tends to be expensive and can only be owned by a small number of true outdoor fans. In addition, there are many situations in which an individual has a compass, but has a flashlight or other portable lighting device as possession, but simply does not have a compass for various reasons. .

  Therefore, there is a need for a portable lighting device such as a flashlight or handheld lamp with a compass function. It is an advantage if the device can be used both day and night. Such a device is useful for a wide variety of people, including not only outdoor fans but also outdoor beginners.

  A nightlight embedded in a wall is conventionally known. These lights are not portable, but they form the night lights necessary to provide adequate safety for multiple rooms. Some people use flashlights or other portable lighting devices in place of, or in addition to, nightlights embedded in conventional walls. However, if a conventional flashlight or other portable lighting device is lit overnight to provide a constant light, the portable lighting device's battery will soon be empty.

  As an alternative, if the portable lighting device is turned off to save battery power, it is difficult to identify the position of the lighting device in the dark. In some situations, particularly in an emergency, it can cause injury while the user is looking for a portable lighting device.

  Therefore, there is a need for a portable lighting device having an improved function as a nightlight.

  In a multimode portable electronic lighting device, the electronics of the lighting device may include a number of programmed functions. Such modes may include a “normal power” mode, a power saving mode, a blinking mode, and an SOS mode. However, the various individual modes of such a multi-mode lighting device cannot be adjusted. As a result, the user of the portable lighting device simply has to select a specific operating mode that best suits his or her requirements.

  One way to solve this problem is to program further operating modes in the lighting device. For example, instead of having one power saving mode, the lighting device may include two separate power saving modes, such as a 75% power saving mode and a 50% power saving mode. However, a separate approach to this problem requires longer time as each new operating mode is added to the portable lighting device and must be forwarded through different individual operating modes, yet lighting is still Since it is unlikely that the user will use different advanced features of the device, it is not very practical. A user interface such as a single switch also does not provide a practical option including multiple modes of operation. In some designs, trying to switch through, for example, four or more individual modes of operation would be too cumbersome.

  Therefore, there is a need for a multi-mode portable lighting device that allows the user to adjust the operation mode.

  When a portable lighting device such as a flashlight or a handheld lamp is turned on, battery power is consumed. As a result, if the lighting device is inadvertently left “lit”, battery power or battery life in the case of dry cells may be wasted. Unfortunately, this may lead to the unavailability or reduced capacity of the portable lighting device when it is actually needed. In order to alleviate this problem, a portable lighting device has an automatic turn-off function that automatically turns off the lighting device after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, implementing this function can be dangerous because the portable lighting device may be automatically turned off when the light from the portable lighting device is still needed.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a portable lighting device that has an improved automatic turn-off function.

  New portable electronic lighting devices employ switches that require less power to operate than flashlights that employ conventional mechanical power switches. Such an electronic lighting device is easily lit without being noticed during storage. This can lead to a complete discharge of the battery. Some portable electronic lighting devices have the automatic turn-off feature described above, which is a completely satisfactory solution to the previous problem because some power is lost before the lighting device is automatically turned off. is not. In addition, if the portable lighting device is pressed again in such a way that the main switch operates the lighting device, the lighting device will “turn on” again until the automatic turn-off function turns off the device again, and wastes more batteries. To do.

  Accordingly, there is a need for an improved portable lighting device that can reduce the likelihood that the lighting device will “light” without being noticed.

  In many existing portable lighting devices, the battery is housed in the housing of the device, such as a flashlight barrel. In the case of a rechargeable flashlight, the rechargeable battery may be accommodated in a battery pack. Other attempts have been made to form a battery pack or cassette that contains all the batteries used to power the lighting device so that all batteries can be easily inserted or removed at once. I came. However, such battery packs and cassettes often include a housing. A fastener having a plurality of screws is required for assembly, resulting in a complicated and expensive battery pack or cassette. Further, in the case of a rechargeable battery pack, if an electronic component is used in connection with charging, the electronic component may not be accommodated in the battery pack. Therefore, there is typically a need for an external connector that increases manufacturing costs and complicates the design.

  Accordingly, there is a need for improved battery packs related to both non-rechargeable batteries and rechargeable batteries.

  Many portable lighting devices and methods of operation thereof are provided. In general, the portable lighting device may be any type of portable lighting device including, for example, a flashlight, a headlamp, a lantern, and the like.

  By way of example, a portable lighting device is provided that is configured to operate using a portable power source, the portable lighting device including a main power circuit, an inertial sensor, and a controller. The main power circuit includes a light source and an electronic power switch, and is configured to electrically connect the light source to a portable power source. The inertial sensor includes at least one signal output. The controller is electrically connected to the electronic power switch so that the controller can control the flow of power through the electronic power switch and the light source in the main power circuit. The controller is also electrically connected to at least one output of the inertial sensor. The controller is programmed to control the flow of power through the light source based on one or more signals received from at least one output of the inertial sensor. In addition, for example, the controller may be programmed to enter a new mode of operation based on an input received from at least one output of the inertial sensor.

  One possible method of operation of a portable lighting device, such as a flashlight or headlamp, includes moving the lighting device in a first predetermined manner that causes the lighting device to transition to a new mode of operation. The method further includes moving the lighting device in a second predetermined direction to adjust the operating mode. For example, it may be rotated in a first direction about the main axis of projection of the light source to cause a transition to a new mode of operation. Furthermore, rotation in the opposite direction about the main axis of light source projection may be used to adjust the selected mode. The above method has the advantage that a new operating mode may be selected without a series of steps for releasing the main switch. Further, this method can adjust the selected mode without executing a series of complicated procedures for releasing the main switch. The operations in the first and second predetermined methods may include operations other than rotation around the principal axis of light projection. For example, they may include some shaking procedure.

  As an example, a portable lighting device configured to operate using a portable power source may be provided with the portable lighting device including a main power circuit, a magnetic sensor, and a controller. The main power circuit includes a light source and an electronic switch, and is configured to electrically connect the light source to a portable power source. The magnetic sensor has at least one signal output. The controller is also electrically connected to the electronic power switch so that the controller can control the flow of power through the electronic power switch and light source of the main power circuit. The controller is also electrically connected to the output from at least one magnetic sensor. The controller is configured to output a control signal based on an input received from at least one output of the magnetic sensor. In one embodiment, the control signal is sent to the electronic switch to control the flow of power through the light source and generate a predetermined visual response. In other embodiments, the control signal is transmitted to the acoustic device to generate a predetermined acoustic response. In yet another embodiment, the control signal is sent to the electric motor to generate a predetermined vibration response. As a coordinate indicator to line up along different main coordinates so that different command signals can cause different visual, acoustic or vibrational responses by the light source or the acoustic device, respectively, when the lighting device is rotated May be generated. In one embodiment, the coordinate marker includes a principal axis of projection of the light source of the portable lighting device. In other embodiments, the coordinate sign may include a physical indication of the outer portion of the portable lighting device.

  One possible method of operating a portable lighting device, such as a flashlight with a compass function, is to rotate the portable lighting device about a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the coordinate marking of the lighting device so that the coordinate marking of the lighting device is It may include causing a flashlight or portable lighting device to output a visual, acoustic and / or vibration response when directed to the Earth's magnetic north pole. In other embodiments, the coordinate marker includes a principal axis of light source projection. In other embodiments, the coordinate sign includes a physical landmark on the outer portion of the portable lighting device.

  In some embodiments, the lighting device gradually becomes brighter when the coordinate sign is rotated toward the earth's magnetic north pole, and gradually when the coordinate sign is rotated away from the earth's magnetic north pole and toward the earth's magnetic south pole. It becomes darker. Thus, the portable lighting device can provide a compass function by providing different visual responses based on the light source when the flashlight or the portable lighting device is pointing in different directions.

  As an example, the brightness of the light source is increased when the flashlight or portable lighting device is toward the Earth's magnetic north pole, and the light source is increased when the flashlight or portable lighting device is facing the earth's magnetic north pole. Provides the brightest light.

  As an example, the light source generates a flashing signal when the main axis of flashlight or portable lighting device projection is at an angle within 5 ° of one of the directions of the earth's magnetic axis.

  As an example, the portable lighting device may be configured to operate using a portable power source. The portable lighting device has a main power circuit including a light source, an inertial sensor, and a controller. The main power circuit may be configured to electrically connect the light source to a portable power source. The inertial sensor can have multiple signal outputs. The controller can be electrically connected to the main power circuit in such a way that the controller can control the flow of power through the light source of the main power circuit. The controller can also be electrically connected to the output of the inertial sensor, where the controller is programmed to control the flow of power through the light source to various levels based on signals received from the output of the inertial sensor. Has been.

  One possible method of a flashlight or portable lighting device is to turn the flashlight or portable lighting device to the right (or left depending on the user's settings) about the main axis of light source projection. Is turned off, and the flashlight or portable illumination device is turned off by turning the flashlight or portable illumination device to the left (or right according to the user's setting) about the main axis of light projection of the light source. Therefore, no push button is required when turning on or off the flashlight or portable lighting device.

  As another example, one possible method of a flashlight or portable lighting device is to turn the flashlight or portable lighting device to the right (or left depending on user settings) about the main axis of light source projection. Or brighten the portable lighting device and dimming the flashlight or portable lighting device by turning the flashlight or portable lighting device to the left (or right, depending on user settings) about the main axis of light source projection . Therefore, no push button is required when changing the flashlight or portable lighting device to various brightnesses.

  As another example, one possible method of a flashlight or portable lighting device is to turn the flashlight or portable lighting device to the right (or left depending on user settings) about the main axis of light source projection. Or change the portable lighting device to a high blinking ratio and turn the flashlight or portable lighting device to the left (or right depending on the user setting) about the main axis of the light source's light projection to lower the flashlight or portable lighting device It is to change to blink ratio. Therefore, no push button is required when changing the flashlight or portable lighting device to various flashing ratios.

  As an example, the portable lighting device may be configured to operate using a portable power source, the portable lighting device having a main power circuit including a light source, an inertial sensor, and a controller. The main power circuit may be configured to electrically connect the light source to a portable power source. The inertial sensor can have multiple outputs. The controller can be electrically connected to the main power circuit in such a way that the controller can control the flow of power through the light source of the main power circuit. The controller is programmed to initiate the flow of power through the light source based on the signal received from the inertial sensor output.

  One possible method of operating the flashlight or portable lighting device is to set the flashlight or portable lighting in a nightlight mode that automatically brightens when the flashlight or portable lighting device detects motion It is.

  As an example, the portable lighting device may be configured to operate using a portable power source, the portable lighting device having a main power circuit including a light source, an inertial sensor, and a controller. The main power circuit may be configured to electrically connect the light source to a portable power source. The inertial sensor can have multiple outputs. The controller can be electrically connected to the main power circuit in such a way that the controller can control the flow of power through the light source of the main power circuit. The controller may also be electrically connected to the output of the inertial sensor, where the controller stores an adjustable parameter in memory based on a signal received from the output of the inertial sensor.

  One possible setting method for a flashlight or portable lighting device is to turn the flashlight or portable lighting device to the right along the main axis of light source projection with the flashlight or portable lighting device facing up To set the flashlight or portable lighting device to be right-handed, turn the flashlight or portable lighting device up, and rotate the flashlight or portable lighting device to the left along the light projection main axis To set the flashlight or portable lighting device to a left-handed setting. Thus, the flashlight or portable lighting device may be suitable for use by both right-handed users and left-handed users based on the setting process performed by the user.

  As an example, the portable lighting device may be configured to operate using a portable power source, the portable lighting device having a main power circuit including a light source, an inertial sensor, and a controller. The main power circuit may be configured to electrically connect the light source to a portable power source. The inertial sensor can have multiple outputs. The controller can be electrically connected to the main power circuit in such a way that the controller can control the flow of power through the light source of the main power circuit. The controller can also be electrically connected to the output of the inertial sensor, where the controller is programmed to stop the flow of power through the light source based on a signal received from the output of the inertial sensor. Yes.

  One possible method of operation of the flashlight or portable lighting device is to turn off automatically when the flashlight or portable lighting device has not moved for a preset time. As another example, the automatic turn-off function may be enabled or disabled by the user.

  In a further aspect, a rechargeable battery pack is provided. The rechargeable battery pack includes a housing having a front end and a rear end, a rechargeable battery located in the housing, a circuit board located in the housing and having a front circuit board electrical contact, and a front portion attached to the front end of the housing. A front end cap assembly including a plurality of front end cap contacts connected to the circuit board electrical contacts and a rear end including a plurality of rear end cap contacts attached to the rear end of the housing and electrically connected to the rear circuit board electrical contacts A cap assembly.

  According to yet another aspect, a rechargeable battery pack is provided that includes a housing, a rechargeable battery, and an acceleration watch.

  According to yet another aspect, a portable lighting device is provided that includes a rechargeable battery pack of the type described above.

  According to a further aspect, a rechargeable battery pack is provided that includes a housing, a rechargeable battery, and a magnetron, and provides a compass function.

  According to a further aspect, a battery cassette is provided, the battery cassette including a front housing, a rear housing, at least one rear housing electrical contact, and a central connector connecting the front housing and the rear housing; A positive electrode is provided at both ends of the battery cassette. When the front housing and the rear housing are joined, a plurality of bays are formed.

  According to another aspect, a portable lighting device including a battery cassette is provided.

  Further aspects, problems and preferred features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments of the disclosed invention are illustrated by way of example. . However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention.

1 is a plan view of an exemplary flashlight. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flashlight of FIG. 1 taken along the plane 102-102. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the 102-102 plane in front of the flashlight of FIG. It is. Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the 102-102 plane behind the flashlight of Fig. 1. It is. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a head assembly and a body portion of the flashlight of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly part of a switch and a tail cap of the flashlight of FIG. 1. It is a disassembled perspective view of a rechargeable battery pack. It is the schematic which shows the internal and external electrical connection of the battery pack of FIG. It is a circuit diagram showing the relation between electronic circuits concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic circuit diagram of the component of the circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of different components of the circuit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of different components of the circuit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of different components of the circuit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of different components of the circuit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of different components of the circuit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of different components of the circuit shown in FIG. 8. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to the aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of another exemplary flashlight. It is sectional drawing along the 302-302 plane of the flashlight of FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the plane 302-302 in front of the flashlight of FIG. It is. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the plane 302-302 behind the flashlight of FIG. It is. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a head assembly and a body portion of the flashlight of FIG. 11. It is a disassembled perspective view of the assembly part of the switch and tail cap of the flashlight of FIG. It is a perspective view of a battery cassette. It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery cassette of FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing internal and external electrical connections of the battery cassette of FIG. 16. It is a circuit diagram which shows the relationship between the electronic circuits which concern on other embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic circuit diagram of the component of the circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a schematic circuit diagram of another component of the circuit shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 is a schematic circuit diagram of another component of the circuit shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 is a schematic circuit diagram of another component of the circuit shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp module of the flashlight of FIG. 1 with a 90 ° plane from the cross-section included in FIG. 3. It is a side view of a holding collar. It is longitudinal direction sectional drawing of a holding | maintenance collar. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary flashlight. FIG. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the flashlight of FIG. 21 taken along the plane 102-102. FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the 102-102 plane in front of the flashlight of FIG. It is. FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the 102-102 plane behind the flashlight of FIG. It is. It is a disassembled perspective view of the head assembly and trunk | drum part of the flashlight of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the assembly part of the switch and tail cap of the flashlight of FIG. It is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery pack. FIG. 6 is a plan view of another exemplary flashlight. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the flashlight of FIG. 26 taken along the plane 302-302. FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the plane 302-302 in front of the flashlight of FIG. 26; It is. FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the plane 302-302 behind the flashlight of FIG. 26; It is. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a head assembly and a body portion of the flashlight of FIG. 26. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly portion of the switch and tail cap of the flashlight of FIG. 26. It is a perspective view of a battery cassette. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tail cap assembly. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the tail cap assembly showing the icon. FIG. 9 is a rear view of an alternative end cap assembly showing icons. FIG. 6 is a tail cap assembly showing the irregularities of the switch. It is a circuit diagram which shows the relationship between the electronic circuits which concern on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 33 is a schematic circuit diagram of components of the circuit shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is a schematic circuit diagram of another component of the circuit shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is a schematic circuit diagram of another component of the circuit shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is a schematic circuit diagram of another component of the circuit shown in FIG. 32. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flashlight according to a different aspect of the present invention.

  The embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. To assist in the description, any number indicating a component in one figure indicates the same component in another figure. Furthermore, in the following description, the front, front or front facing surface of a component generally means the side of the component that is the surface facing the front end of the flashlight or portable lighting device. Similarly, the back-facing or rear-facing surface after the component is generally behind the portable lighting device, for example, the side of the component facing in the direction in which the tail cap is located in the case of a flashlight Means.

  Exemplary flashlights 100, 300 are disclosed in connection with FIGS. 1-10I and 11-19D. Each exemplary flashlight 100, 300 includes a number of unique features. Although these unique features are all incorporated into the flashlight 100, 300 in various combinations, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the flashlight 100, 300 described herein. Rather, the present invention is directed to both individual and diverse combinations of the inventive features of each of the flashlights 100, 300 described below. Further, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art who have reviewed the present disclosure, one or more aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into other portable lighting devices including, for example, hand lamps and lanterns.

  FIG. 1 shows an exemplary flashlight 100. The exemplary flashlight 100 typically includes a barrel 124, a head assembly 104 disposed at the front end of the barrel 124, and a switch and tail cap assembly 106 disposed at the rear end of the barrel 124. The head assembly 104 is positioned approximately at the front end of the barrel 124 and the switch and tail cap assembly 106 seals the rear end of the barrel 124.

  2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by 102-102 of the flashlight 100 of FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by 102-102 in the front portion of the flashlight 100 of FIG. 1 (part of FIG. 2-4 relating to the battery pack 130 is not shown in cross section). .

  With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a light source 101 is attached to the front end of the barrel 124. In the present embodiment, the light source 101 is attached so as to be disposed at the rear end of the reflection plate 118. In other embodiments, the reflector 118 may be omitted or changed in shape.

  The body 124 is a hollow, cylindrical structure suitable for accommodating a portable power source such as the rechargeable battery pack 130. Accordingly, the barrel 124 serves as a housing for receiving a portable power source having a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 124 is sized to accommodate the battery pack 13 that accommodates one lithium ion battery. However, in other embodiments, one or more alkaline dry batteries or other types of rechargeable batteries of various sizes may be used in place of the rechargeable battery pack 130. Thus, the barrel 124 may be sized to accommodate a desired size battery pack or other power source. Furthermore, if a plurality of batteries are employed, the batteries may be electrically connected in parallel or in series depending on the implementation. Furthermore, for example, other preferable portable power sources including a high-capacity storage capacitor may be used.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder 124 includes a front 125 that extends below the integrated head and front cap 112 such that the outer surface of the head assembly 104 is substantially flat with the outer surface of the cylinder 124. The inner diameter of the front portion 125 of the trunk 124 is smaller than the inner diameter of other portions. In addition, the outer shape of the front portion 125 of the body 124 also has a cylindrical surface in which the outer portion of the integrated head and front cap 112 and the outer portion of the body 124 are substantially uniform when the flashlight 100 is assembled. As formed, it may be smaller than the outer shape of the other part. As an alternative, the integrated head and front cap 112 may have different shapes.

  The barrel 124 is made of aluminum, but other suitable materials may be used. In certain embodiments in which the barrel forms part of the flashlight conductive path, the barrel 124 and other components are preferably made of a conductive material or include a conductive path. In other embodiments, the torso 124 need not form part of the main power circuit, as described below with the flashlight 100. In this embodiment, the barrel 124 may be made of a non-metallic material (eg, plastic).

  In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 124 includes an outer thread 174 at the outer diameter of its front portion 125 and an inner thread 131 (best shown in FIG. 4) at the inner diameter of its rear end. The barrel 124 of this embodiment also includes an annular shoulder 182 formed at the rear end of the front portion 125. The annular shoulder 182 acts to restrain the shoulder ring 126 disposed at the front end of the trunk 124.

  The barrel 124 may include a roughened surface 108 or a surface along a portion of its length. In the present embodiment, the uneven surface 108 may be provided by broaching, or alternatively, may be formed by knurling or other processing. Any desired pattern may be used for the roughened surface 108.

  FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly 104, barrel 124 and other components of the flashlight 100 of FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5A, the head assembly 104 of this embodiment includes an integrated head and front cap 112, a lens 116, and a reflector 118.

  The integrated head and inner surface of the front cap 112 may be used to accommodate certain components including, for example, the lens 116 and the reflector 118. The reflector 118 and the lens 116 are operably attached to the integrated head and inner diameter of the front cap 112. In the present embodiment, the reflector 118 includes a spring clip 177 extending from its front end so as to snap into a corresponding annular recess 117 formed near the front end inside the integrated head and front cap 112. . An annular shoulder 119 is provided at the rear end of the annular recess 117, and once the spring clip 177 has expanded into the annular recess 117, the reflector 118 is attached to the integrated head and front cap 112. The lens 116 is interposed between the head integrated with the forward flange of the reflector 118 and the inward bending lip of the front cap 112.

  The reflector 118 is distributed around the reflector 118 to provide structural integrity of the reflector 118 and to help the reflector 118 be properly aligned within the inner surface of the front 125 of the barrel 124. Fins 176 may be included.

  The integrated head and front cap 112 may include an internal thread 172 that is configured to engage an external thread 174 at the front end of the barrel 124. However, in other implementations, other shapes of attachment may be applied. The integrated head and front cap 112 is made of anodized aluminum, which is a comma, but other suitable materials may be used.

  A seal member, such as an O-ring 114, may be disposed on the contact surface between the integrated head and front cap 112 and the lens 116 to provide a waterproof seal. Further, other water-resistant means such as a one-way valve may be used. O-ring 114 may include rubber or other suitable material.

  As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A, the reflective shape 121 of the reflector 118 is preferably one of a parabolic surface metallized to ensure optimal, computer generated, high optical accuracy. Part. In one embodiment, shape 121 may be defined by a paraboloid having a focal length of less than 0.080 inches, preferably between 0.020-0.050 inches. Further, the distance between the apex of the paraboloid defining the shape 121 and the rear opening of the reflector 121 may be 0.080-0.130 inches, more preferably 0.105-0.115 inches. Good. The opening at the front end of the reflector 118 may have a diameter of 0.7-0.8 inches, preferably 0.741-0.743 inches, and the opening at the rear end of the reflector is 0.2- It may have a diameter of 0.3 inches, more preferably 0.240 to 0.250 inches. Furthermore, the ratio of the distance from the apex to the opening at the rear end of the reflector 118 and the focal length is 1.5: 1 to 6.5: 1, more preferably 3.0: 1 to 3.4: 1. It may be a range. Furthermore, the ratio of the distance from the apex to the opening at the front end of the reflector 118 and the focal length may be in the range of 20: 1 to 40: 1, more preferably 26: 1 to 31: 1. Note that these are merely examples and other values are given below.

  The reflector 118 is preferably made of injection molded plastic, but other materials may be used.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the disclosed embodiment illustrates a substantially flat lens 116, but the flashlight 100 is instead a lens with a curved surface to further improve the optical performance of the flashlight 100. May be included. For example, the lens may include a biconvex shape or a plano-convex shape on the whole or a part of the lens surface.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5A, the O-ring 122 is in an annular groove 123 provided in the outer surface of the barrel 124 at the contact surface between the integrated head and front cap 112 and the front portion 125 of the barrel 124. It may be arranged to provide a waterproof seal. Other water-resistant means such as one-way valves or lip seals may be used.

  The flashlight 100 according to this embodiment includes a lamp module 128 installed in a shoulder ring 126 at the front end of the trunk 124 so that the light source 101 is disposed at the rear end of the reflector 118. The lamp module 128 may have a main projection axis 110 that coincides with the axis of the reflector 118 and / or the longitudinal axis of the flashlight 100. From the above configuration, the focus of light emitted from the lamp module 128 may be adjusted by rotation relative to the barrel 124 of the head assembly 104 provided by screwing screws 172 and 174. The light source 101 of the lamp module 128 includes, firstly, a positive electrode electrically connected to a compressible positive contact 133 (see FIGS. 3 and 20) via a second circuit board 135, and secondly, a lamp module. It includes a heat sink housing 188 that also acts as a negative contact of 128 and a negative electrode electrically connected.

  The light source 101 can be any suitable device that produces light. For example, the light source 101 can be an LED lamp, an incandescent bulb, or an arc bulb. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 101 is an LED lamp and the lamp module 128 is an LED module. The LED 137 (FIG. 20) of the lamp module 128 preferably emits light at a spherical angle substantially less than 180 °. In other embodiments, LEDs that emit at other angles may be used, including LEDs that emit at angles greater than 180 °.

  The structure of the LED module used in the lamp module 128 is described in detail in pending US patent application Ser. No. 12/188201 by Anthony Maglica, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a separated lamp or LED module 128. The cross section shown in FIG. 20 is taken at 90 ° with the cross section shown in FIG. The lamp module 128 of the present embodiment includes an LED 137 as the light source 101, a first circuit board 139, a compressible positive contact 133, a lower insulator 129, an upper positive contact 147, and an upper negative contact 155 (see FIG. 3). And a heat sink 149 formed by an outer heat sink housing 188 and a contact ring 151, preferably made of metal.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 20, for redundancy, the compressible positive contact 133 preferably includes two clips 153 to form electrical contact with the second circuit board 135. One of them is arranged in front of the paper surface in the cross-sectional view provided in FIG. Second circuit board 135 is in electrical contact with upper positive contact 147 and upper negative or ground contact 155 (see FIG. 3), preferably soldered to the bottom surface of first circuit board 139. For redundancy, the upper positive contact 147 preferably includes two clips 157, one of which is located in front of the drawing provided in FIG. The upper ground contact also includes two clips 157 that are in electrical contact with the second circuit board 135, one of which is located behind the upper positive contact clip 157 shown in FIG. 20, and the other is shown in FIG. It is arranged in front of the page of the figure provided in FIG. The upper positive contact 147 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the LED 137 through the first circuit board 139, and the upper ground contact is electrically connected to the heat sink 149 through the first circuit board 139.

  The LED 137 and the heat sink 149 are attached to the first circuit board 139, preferably by soldering. Preferably, the first circuit board 139, which is a metallized circuit board having a plurality of thermally conductive layers connected by thermal vias (through holes), facilitates rapid and effective heat transfer.

  The LED 137 can be any light emitting diode that can be soldered to the printed circuit board. Preferably, the LED 137 can be soldered to the first circuit board 139 using a screen-applied solder paste and a reflow oven. More preferably, the LED 137 is a product available from Philips Lumileds, registered trademark LUXEON level (Rebel).

  The second circuit board 135 includes a circuit for driving the LED 137. In this embodiment, since the voltage supplied by the embedded circuit board 240 is significantly higher than the operating voltage of the LED 137, the second circuit board 135 includes a linear step-down voltage regulator that reduces the driving voltage of the lamp module. However, in other implementations, when the driving voltage of the lamp module 128 is lower than the operating voltage of the one or more LEDs 137 to be driven, the second circuit board 135 may boost and regulate to provide the proper voltage to the LEDs 137. A circuit may be included. In other words, the second circuit board 135 may provide a step-down or step-up operation according to the load and battery voltage requirements. If the battery voltage is high, the step-down operation is executed. On the contrary, if the battery voltage is low, the boosting operation is executed. In some implementations, a step-down operation may be performed first, but provides a step-up operation after the battery voltage falls below a certain level.

  The lower assembly 141 is preferably formed by integrally molding (commolding) a compressible positive contact 133 and a lower insulator 129. Similarly, the upper assembly 70 is preferably formed by integrally molding the upper insulator 145, the upper positive contact 147, and the upper negative contact 155. Thereby, the upper and lower insulators are preferably made of injection moldable plastic with the structural and thermal qualities preferred for the application.

  The upper positive contact and the negative contact of the upper assembly 143 are soldered to the bottom of the first circuit board 139, the front side of the first circuit board 139 is soldered to the contact ring 151, and the contact ring 151 is the heat sink housing. 188 may be an interference fit and / or soldered. Thereby, the upper assembly 143 is firmly held in the heat sink housing 188 of the present embodiment. Further, the outer periphery of the heat sink housing 188 is crimped into the annular recess 161 of the lower insulator 129. The crimping of the heat sink housing 188 to the annular recess holds the lower insulator 129 and thus the lower assembly 141 within the heat sink housing 188.

  When the flashlight 100 is in the ON state, the heat sink housing 188 connects the light source 101 and the shoulder ring 126 thermally and electrically. In addition, the heat sink housing 188 connects the ground path of the first circuit board to the shoulder ring 126. The heat sink housing 188 therefore serves as a negative or ground contact for the lamp module 128. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the heat sink housing 188 is in thermal contact with the shoulder ring 126 when the flashlight 100 is on, and thus with the torso 124 and the thermal as described more fully below. The heat generated by the light source 101 is efficiently absorbed by the first circuit board 139 that contacts the contact ring 151, the heat sink housing 188, the shoulder ring 126, and finally the body 124. And / or dissipate. Thereby, the flashlight 101 can effectively protect the light source 101 from being damaged by heat. Preferably, the heat sink housing 188 comprises an electrical and thermal conductor such as aluminum.

  The heat sink housing 188 extends in a portion 169 toward the back or bottom of the LED module 128 from a first portion 163 having a first diameter to a second portion 167 having a larger second diameter. The diameter of the first portion 163 is sized so that it can be inserted into the annular lip 186 without contacting the annular lip 186 of the shoulder ring 126. The rear facing surface of the annular lip 186 forms a contact surface 187. The outer diameter of the lower insulator 129 is such that there is little or no radial play between the inner diameter of the shoulder ring 126 and the lower insulator 129 and the heat sink housing 188. Thus, when the lamp module 128 is pushed sufficiently forward in the shoulder ring 126 so that the enlarged portion 169 of the heat sink housing 188 contacts the contact surface 187 of the annular lip 186 of the barrel 124, the first and second And the enlarged diameter portions 163, 167, and 169 are in thermal and electrical contact with the shoulder ring 126, respectively.

  The outer surface of the heat sink housing 188 also includes an annular recess 171 in the first diameter portion 163. The annular recess 171 is substantially perpendicular to the heat sink and barrel 124. In addition, the annular recess 171 is arranged to receive the locking tab 120 (see FIG. 20) of the retaining collar 120 when the lamp module 128 is mounted in the shoulder ring 126 and into the front end of the barrel 124. Yes.

  The enlarged portion 169 of the heat sink housing 188 is preferably shaped to mate with the contact surface 187 to increase the surface area so as to facilitate electrical and thermal conduction between the lamp module 128 and the shoulder ring 126. . If the enlarged portion 169 of the heat sink housing 188 is also disposed within the shoulder ring 126, the axial movement of the heat sink housing 188, and consequently the lamp module 128, causes the annular lip of the shoulder ring 126 in the forward direction. The size is limited by 186.

  The lower insulator 129 includes a recess 178 on its back surface 175 surrounded by an annular shoulder 179 so that the recess is centered. The recess 178 has a dimension deeper than the height of the top contact 214 b of the battery 160. However, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the foremost battery pack 130 is biased forward toward the back surface 175 of the lower insulator 129, the positive electrode top contact 214b of the battery pack 130 can be compressed positively. Engage with contact 133. In this way, the lamp module 128 facilitates electrical connection between components even in the event of flashlight vibration or dropping that may cause the battery pack 130 to suddenly move axially within the barrel 124. Provide structure. Further, the compressible positive contact 133 may absorb impact stress due to mishandling, for example, and the recess 178 is deeper than the positive electrode top contact 124b of the battery pack 130, and so on. The electronic components described in Section 1 are protected from physical damage during use of the flashlight 100.

  In addition, since the compressible positive contact 133 is disposed in front of the shoulder 179 of the back surface 175, even if the battery pack 130 is inserted into the body 124 in the reverse direction, the compressible positive contact 133 is provided. No electrical contact is formed with. Thus, the structure of the lamp module 128 and its placement within the torso 124 helps to protect the flashlight electronics from adverse effects or damage due to reverse current.

  The retaining collar 120 is attached to the heat sink housing 188 of the lamp module 128 and, among other components, when the lamp module 128 is removed from the flashlight 100, the axial movement of the lamp module 128 is in a backward direction. Restrict to. The retaining collar 120 is attached to the lamp module 128 in the annular recess 171 of the heat sink housing 188.

  Referring to FIGS. 3, 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B, the holding collar 120 includes an outer peripheral fixing tab 173 that protrudes inward from the back surface of the holding collar 120 and a rib 181 that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the holding collar 120. Referring to FIG. 3, the securing tabs 173 each fit into an annular recess 171 on the outside of the heat sink housing 188. The plurality of ribs 181 are preferably spaced at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the holding collar 120 so as to extend substantially in the axial direction of the holding collar 120. The ribs 181 preferably extend slightly longer from the front of the retaining collar than half the axial length of the retaining collar 120. Ribs 181 are dimensioned to limit the amount of radial play between the tip of lamp module 128 and the inner diameter of shoulder ring 126 to a desired amount. The rib 181 preferably has a dimension that protrudes outward from the holding collar 120 by a distance longer than the fixing tab 173 protrudes inward. The rear end 183 of the retaining collar 120 only has a rib that extends to about the middle of the retaining collar 120, and the heat sink housing within the shoulder ring 126 until the outer periphery of the securing tab 173 fits into the annular recess 171. It can be sufficiently enlarged beyond the outer surface of 188 (see FIG. 3). Once the outer peripheral securing tab 173 is fitted in the annular recess 171, the backward movement of the lamp module 128 is restricted by the annular lip 186. Thus, by securing the retaining collar 120 to the lamp module 128 disposed in the shoulder ring 126, the retaining collar 120 prevents the lamp module 128 from being detached from the rear of the torso 12, and the flashlight 100 has a battery pack. It is maintained so that it does not come off from the rear end of the flashlight 100 when 130 is not inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining collar 120 is made of an insulator such as plastic.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the shoulder ring 126 forms a large heat sink. In addition, it has a mass that is substantially greater than the lamp module 128, so it quickly removes heat from the heat sink 149 of the lamp module 128. Since the torso 124 and shoulder ring 126 are preferably in intimate metal-to-metal contact at the reduced diameter front 189 of the shoulder ring 126, eventually the heat removed to the shoulder ring 126 is transferred to the torso 124. Efficiently removed. Shoulder ring 126 may be formed of a metal, more preferably nickel-plated aluminum, to improve thermal, electrical, and corrosion resistance.

  The shoulder ring 126 includes a shoulder 180 formed at the interface between the reduced diameter front portion 189 and the expanded diameter rear portion 191. The front portion 189 includes a plurality of splines 193 as best shown in FIG. 5A. The splines 193 are preferably equally spaced around the front 189 portion of the shoulder ring 126 so as to extend generally in the axial direction of the shoulder ring 126. The outer diameter of the front portion 189 of the shoulder ring 126 is in mating contact with the inner wall of the front portion 125 of the torso 124 so that when the shoulder ring 126 is press fit into the front portion 125 of the torso 124, the spline 193 The dimension is such that it cuts into the inner wall of the front portion of the barrel 124.

  When the shoulder ring 126 is press-fitted into the front portion 125 of the barrel 124, the spline 193 opens out and cuts into the metal of the inner diameter of the front portion of the barrel 124. Annular relief grooves are provided adjacent the front and rear ends of the spline 193 of the shoulder 126 to receive metal from the barrel 124 that is moved during the press-fit process. In this way, the shoulder ring 126 is permanently fixed in a state where the metal is in contact with the front portion 125 of the trunk 124.

  The diameter of the rear 191 of the shoulder ring 126 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the rear of the barrel 124 so that it can be pre-inserted into the barrel 124 without damaging any protective coating such as by anodizing.

  The above arrangement also causes the spline 193 to cut through the anode coating provided on the inner surface of the barrel 124, so that, for example, as described with respect to the flashlight 300 described below, an aluminum flash This is desirable because it eliminates the need to cut the skin to remove the contact area anode or coating, as previously required for electric lamps, and provides the possibility of using the barrel as a ground path.

  Shoulder ring 126, lamp module 128 and head assembly 104 do not form part of the mechanical switch of flashlight 100 in this embodiment, but in other embodiments, for example, the contents of which are referred to herein. They may form part of a mechanical switch as described in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 353,396 filed by Stacy West on Jan. 14, 2009, which is incorporated.

  The lamp module 128 is electrically connected to the flashlight as follows. The flashlight 100 may include a rechargeable battery pack 130 that includes a positive electrode top contact 214 b that is electrically connected to a compressible positive contact 133 of the lamp module 128. After the current passes through the light source, the ground connection is further electrically connected from the negative electrode of the light source to the heat sink housing 188 functioning as the negative contact of the lamp module 128 and the top contact 212, and the negative electrode of the battery pack 130 Stretching through a shoulder ring 126 that functions as

  4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view through the plane indicated by 102-102 in the rear part of the flashlight 100 of FIG. 1 (however, the battery pack 130 is not shown in cross section in FIG. 4). The rear of the flashlight 10 generally includes a switch and tail cap assembly 106. FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the switch and tail cap assembly 106.

  4 and 5B, the switch and tail cap assembly 106 of this embodiment preferably includes a snap ring 132, a lower switch housing 134, contact pins 136, 138, 140, contact pin springs 142, 144, 146. 156, 158, circuit board 148, wave spring 150, snap dome 152, actuator 154, upper switch housing 160, lip seal 162, inner tail cap 164, charging ring 166, switch port seal 168, and outer tail cap. 170 is included.

  The lower switch housing 134 preferably includes three cylindrical holes that open at the front end of the lower housing 134 and receive and hold one of the contact pins 136, 138, 140. Each hole is connected to a cylindrical chamber 195 aligned with the hole 193 in the axial direction. The diameter of each cylindrical chamber 195 is such that, as shown, each chamber receives one of the contact pin springs 142, 144, 146 and between the shoulder of the contact pins 136, 138, 140 and the circuit board 148. It is larger than the diameter of the hole so as to be compressed and accommodated. The springs 142, 144, 146 serve to press the contact pins 136, 138, 140 forward until their shoulders abut against the end walls of the respective chambers 195. In this embodiment, the lower switch housing 134 is preferably made of a non-conductive material such as plastic, although other suitable materials may be used. Contact pins 136, 138, 140 and contact pin springs 142, 144, 146 are preferably formed of metal so as to form part of the electrical path of flashlight 100, described below. In this embodiment, the contact pins 136, 138, and 140 may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, but the contact pin springs 142, 144, and 146 are appropriately conductive spring properties such as piano wire. It may be made of metal.

  The hole 193 of the lower switch housing 134 is disposed so as to be aligned with the contact on the bottom of the battery pack 130. When the battery pack 130 is installed, the contact pin 136 may be aligned with the bottom center contact 274b (FIG. 6) of the battery pack 130, and the contact pin 138 is positioned at the bottom middle ring contact 276 of the battery pack 130 (FIG. 6) may be aligned, and the contact pin 140 may be aligned with the bottom outer ring contact 278 (FIG. 6) of the battery pack 130. In this configuration, as best shown in FIG. 5B, the contact pin 136 is electrically connected to a GND connection on the printed circuit board 240 in the battery pack 130 as described below. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5B, the contact pin 138 is electrically connected to the MOM contact, and the contact pin 140 is electrically connected to the +5 VDC contact of the printed circuit board 240 of the battery pack 130.

  The circuit board 148 preferably includes contacts on both sides thereof. The circuit board 148 may also include conductive vias that are drilled through the board 148 to connect the contacts on both sides. The front side of circuit board 148 (facing the lower switch housing 134) has three contact pads (designated GND, MOM and +5 VDC in FIG. 7) electrically connected to contact pin springs 142, 144 and 146, respectively. including. The back side of the circuit board 148 (facing the upper switch housing 160) includes three corresponding contact pads arranged in place, corresponding to GND, MOM and +5 VDC, respectively. Corresponding contact pairs on the front and back sides of the circuit board 148 are electrically connected through conductive vias or alternative routing wires provided on the circuit board 148, respectively.

  Upper switch housing 160 includes a cylindrical hole 197 into which actuator 154 can be inserted. The annular rim of the switch port seal 168 is held between the annular lip 199 of the outer tail cap 170 located at the rear end of the flashlight 100 and the charging ring 166. When the user presses the switch port seal 168, the actuator 154 moves forward in the hole 197 and contacts the snap dome 152 so that the MOM contact pad and the GND contact pad on the back side of the circuit board 148 are snapped. It is electrically connected through the dome 152. When the user releases the switch port seal 168, the MOM contact pads and GND contact pads on the back side of the circuit board 148 are no longer electrically connected through the snap dome 152.

  In the present embodiment, the upper switch housing 160 and the actuator 154 are preferably made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Switch port seal 168 is preferably made of a flexible non-conductive material such as rubber. The snap dome 152 is preferably made of a conductive spring metal. Other suitable materials may be used.

  Charging ring 166 is configured to include an exposed charging contact 190 formed of metal, preferably nickel-plated, for contacting the positive contact of an external charging device such as a charging cradle. The metal charging contact 190 may be electrically connected to two ears 196 that extend radially in the slot 198 of the inner tail cap portion 164. The ear 196 is preferably made of metal so as to form part of the conductive path of the charging circuit.

  Two insulating rings 194, preferably made of a non-conductive material, or provided with a non-conductive coating on the conductive material, are disposed on either side of the metal charging contact 190 to provide a conductive property for the charging ring 166. The portions, ie, the metal charging contacts 190 and the ears 196, may be prevented from making electrical contact with the inner tail cap portion 164 or the outer tail cap 170. In this embodiment, the insulating ring 194 is a molded plastic, and is preferably molded integrally with the charging contact 190.

  The ear 196 makes electrical contact with the rear ends of coil springs 156 and 158 held in holes formed in the upper switch housing 160. The front ends of the coil springs 156 and 158 are electrically connected to the +5 VDC contact pad on the back surface of the circuit board 148. As described above, the +5 VDC contact on the back surface of the circuit board 148 is further connected to the +5 VDC contact pad on the front surface of the circuit board 148. The +5 VDC contact pad on the surface of the circuit board 148 is in contact with the contact pin spring 146 held by the lower switch housing 148. For this reason, the charging contact 190 is electrically connected to the +5 VDC outer ring contact 212 at the bottom of the battery pack 130 via the contact pin spring 146 and the contact pin 140.

  In this embodiment, the negative contact of the charging circuit is provided by the charging contact 192 of the inner tail cap portion 164. The inner tail cap portion 164 including the charging contact 192 is preferably nickel plated. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the charging contact 192 provided on the inner tail cap portion 164 forms part of the outer surface of the flashlight 100. The inner tail cap portion 164 is electrically connected through a wave spring 150 to a GND contact pad on the back side of the circuit board 148. Therefore, the negative charging contact 192 is electrically connected to the GND center contact 274 b at the bottom of the battery pack 130 through the inner tail cap portion 164, the wave spring 150, the circuit board 148, the contact spring 142, and the contact pin 136.

  As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5B, the charging contacts 190, 192 serve as an interface between the external charging unit and the rechargeable battery pack 130 of the flashlight 100. Although not shown here, those skilled in the art will not be in an aspect where the cradle of the charging unit is in electrical contact with the external charging contacts 190, 192 and holds the flashlight 100 in place while charging. You will understand that you must not. Since the charging contacts 190 and 192 preferably extend over the entire outer periphery of the flashlight 100, a charging unit having a cradle with a simple design may be used. For example, a cradle design may be used that allows the flashlight 100 to be placed in the charging unit to contact the charging contacts of the charging unit while allowing any radial direction relative to the axis in the longitudinal direction. The flashlight 100 does not need to be pushed into the charging unit such that a hidden plug or tab is inserted into the flashlight to achieve contact with the charging contacts of the charging unit.

  The charging contact 190 of the present embodiment is preferably in the shape of a charging ring to simplify the charging procedure, i.e., so that the flashlight 100 can be placed in any orientation on the cradle. However, other shapes of charging contacts may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the snap ring 132 may be disposed between the front end of the lower switch housing 134 and the inner end cap portion 164 to prevent the lower switch housing 134 from moving forward.

  The wave spring 150 is disposed between the rear end of the circuit board 148 and the annular lip of the inner tail cap portion 164 to provide a compressible spring contact therebetween. The wave spring 150 also applies a biasing force to the circuit board 148 and the circuit board 148 applies a biasing force to the lower switch housing 134, thereby causing the cover switch housing 134 to move against the snap ring 132. Play the role of pressing.

  The inner cap portion 164 preferably includes a screw 165 on the front outer surface of the inner tail cap portion 164 for engagement with a screw 131 on the rear inner surface of the barrel 124.

  The outer diameter of the rear end 201 of the inner tail cap portion 164 and the inner diameter of the outer cap portion 170 are preferably such that the outer tail cap 170 is permanently press fit over the rear end 201 of the inner tail cap portion 164, thereby It is sized to form an integrated switch and tail cap assembly 106.

  The inner cap portion 164 is preferably made of a conductive material such as aluminum.

  A one-way valve, such as a lip seal 162, is provided at the contact surface between the barrel 124 and the switch and tail cap assembly 106 to provide a waterproof seal while simultaneously relieving excess pressure in the flashlight 100 to the atmosphere. May be possible. However, other forms of sealing members such as O-rings may be used in place of the one-way valve 162 to form a waterproof seal. The lip seal 162 is preferably made of a non-conductive material such as rubber.

  Other configurations of the switch and tail cap assembly 106 may be used. For example, a switch function such as a push button switch or an internal rotary head assembly switch employed in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 353,396 filed Jan. 14, 2009 may be included on the side.

  Here, the rechargeable battery pack 130 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 6 and 7. Typically, the battery pack 130 is a circuit board that includes electronic components such as rechargeable batteries, a charging circuit and / or circuitry for other functions, and the battery pack 130 is a flashlight 100 or other part of another lighting device. It is preferable to include a contact point for connecting to. Such a battery pack 130 may typically be a self-contained unit that may be inserted into the battery compartment of the barrel 124 along with the other components shown in FIG. It is also preferred that the battery pack 13 provide protection for the electronic components and other components therein.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the battery pack 130 includes a front or lamp end cap assembly 210, a battery housing 230, an integrated circuit board 240, a battery 260, and a rear or tail cap assembly 270. These components will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the front or lamp end cap assembly 210 includes a front end cap 211, an outer ring top contact 212, a universal top contact 214, a positive top contact 216, and a battery pack spring 218. Each contact 212, 214, 216 preferably includes a circuit board clip, shown as clips 212a, 214a, 216a. When assembled, the outer ring top contact 212 is located on the outside or front side of the front end cap 211, while the contacts 214, 216 and the battery spring 218 are located on the inside or rear side of the front end cap 211.

  The front end cap assembly 210 is preferably manufactured in a manner that reduces the number of steps required to assemble its components. Thus, the front end cap 21 may be formed by injection molding with plastic or other suitable material. This injection molding process preferably includes integrally molding one or more contacts 212, 214, 216 together with the end cap 211. That is, the contacts 212, 214, 216 may be placed in the injection molding machine such that they are contained or held in place with respect to each other by the cured injection material. Thereby, the contacts are preferably placed in the injection molding machine so as to settle in place to form part of the end cap assembly 210 and associated electrical circuit. The contacts 212, 214, 216 may include circuit board clips, similar to the contacts included in the front end cap 211. Although the one-piece molding process described above is preferred, the front end cap 211 and the contacts 212, 214, 216 may be assembled in other suitable ways. Therefore, the spring 218 may be press-fitted between a plurality of holding walls, such as the holding wall 271 of the rear end cap 279 illustrated in FIG.

  After the front end cap assembly 210 is assembled, it may be pressed into the front of the housing 230 or the lamp end. Preferably, the end cap 211 and the housing 230 are provided with a mutual cooperation function for fixing the end cap 211 to the housing 230. Such functions may include, for example, opposing tabs 290 and holes 291. Other embodiments may employ other suitable means.

  The rear or tail cap assembly 270 of this embodiment includes a battery pack spring 272, a bottom negative contact 274, an inner ring contact 276, an outer bottom ring contact 278, and a rear end cap 279. Each contact 274, 276, 278 may include a circuit board clip indicated by clips 274a, 276a, 278a. When assembled, the battery pack spring 272 and the bottom negative contact 274 may be disposed in front of or inside the end cap 279, while the inner ring contact 276 and the outer bottom ring contact 278 are located behind the end cap 279. It may be arranged on the side or outside.

  The rear end cap 279 and the one or more contacts 274, 276, 278 are as described above so that the contacts are properly positioned relative to each other and form part of the end cap assembly 270 and associated electrical circuit described below. It may be integrally molded. Alternatively, the contacts 274, 276, 278 may be assembled by other suitable means. Therefore, the spring 272 may be press-fitted between the plurality of holding walls 271 provided on the front side of the rear end cap 279.

  When the rear end cap assembly 270 is assembled, it may be press fit into the rear side or tail cap end of the housing 230. Preferably, the rear end cap 279 and the housing 230 are provided with mutual cooperation functions, such as opposing tabs 290 and holes 291, for securing the rear end cap 279 to the housing 230. This is caused by a tab at the rear end of the housing 270 corresponding to the hole in the housing 230 or other suitable means.

  The front end cap 211 and the rear end cap 279 may include electrical contact guides disposed inside each end cap 211, 279. FIG. 6 shows guides 281, 282, and 283 inside the rear end cap 279. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the front end cap 211 includes guides 281, 282, and 283 inside thereof. As will be described later, the three guides provide circuit board clips 212a, 214a, 116a, 274a, 276a for electrical contacts 212, 214, 216, 274, 276, 278 so as to pinch the embedded circuit board 240 accurately. And 278a structural support is provided and held in place. Guides 281, 282, 283 may be formed adjacent to end caps 211, 279 during the injection molding process, or may be attached to the end caps by other suitable means.

  The battery housing 230 preferably has an outer diameter that fits within the inner diameter of the flashlight barrel 124. The battery housing 230 and battery pack 130 shown in the figures are cylindrical for receipt in the flashlight barrel 124, but the battery pack 130 may have other shapes, such as square or rectangular, for accommodation in different types of lighting device housings. May be formed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 230 preferably includes a wall 231 of appropriate thickness that extends around or around its periphery. The thickness of the wall 231 is preferably sufficient to provide structural integrity throughout the battery pack 130, thereby protecting the electronic components and other components housed therein. Similarly, the housing 230 is preferably constructed of plastic or a sufficiently strong material to provide such protection.

  The wall 231 preferably includes a recess 232 that may extend axially along the length of the housing 230. The recess 232 may also include a groove or notch 233 that also extends axially along the length of the housing 230. The recess 232 and the notch 233 are preferably configured to receive the embedded circuit board 240, such as by sliding.

  Since the built-in circuit board 240 is accommodated in the housing 230, in the present embodiment, the embedded circuit board 240 is arranged so as to be shifted from the center in order to save space. This can be confirmed in FIG. 6 as a change in the thickness of the wall 231 of the housing 230. As shown, the thickness of the wall 231 increases near the position where the embedded circuit board 240 is disposed. The added thickness allows recess 232 and notch 233 to be formed in wall 231. This added thickness also allows the inner surface of the wall 231 to be cylindrical, corresponding to the outer surface of the battery 260, to fit snugly. Also, as shown, the outer surface of the housing 230 is cylindrical corresponding to the inner diameter of the flashlight barrel 124.

  As described above, in other embodiments, the battery pack 130 may be formed in a non-cylindrical shape for accommodation in a non-cylindrical lighting device. In that case, the housing 230 and its wall 321 may be configured differently to accommodate the battery circuit board 240, similar to the shape of such other lighting devices.

  The operating area of the embedded circuit board 240, that is, the portion of the embedded circuit board 240 that contains the normal electronic components, preferably does not extend to the area 241 at the edge of the board. When the embedded circuit board 240 fits into the bushing 230, the end region 241 preferably fits into the notch 233, thereby securing the circuit board 240 in the housing 230.

  The embedded circuit board 240 includes front electrical contacts 242a, 242b, 242c and rear electrical contacts 244a, 244b. 244c is included. When the battery pack 130 is assembled, these electrical contacts are electrically connected to circuit board clips that are included in the contacts of the front and rear end cap assemblies 210, 270 to form part of the conductive path of the battery pack 130. Connected. More specifically, the following circuit board clip / circuit pad connections: 214a / 242a, 216a / 242b, 214a / 242c, and 276a / 244a, 274a / 244b, 278a / 244c are the battery pack 230 of this embodiment. Formed in. As shown in FIG. 6, each circuit board clip includes a protrusion that grips the embedded circuit board 240. Guides 281, 282, and 283 (and similar guides inside the front end front end cap guide inside the front end cap 211) help to position and support the tabs to form these electrical connections so that the circuit board clip is It may be ensured that it is not damaged.

  The conductive path of the battery pack 130 will now be described with reference to FIGS. As shown, rechargeable battery 260 includes a positive terminal 262 and a negative terminal 264.

  Positive terminal 262 is connected to embedded circuit board 240 through battery pack spring 218, positive top contact 216, and circuit board clip 216 a that forms part of positive top contact 216. The circuit board clip 216a is preferably connected to the contact pads 242b of the embedded circuit board 240. (Note that in FIG. 7, reference numbers do not indicate physical components, but are used to schematically indicate the electrical connections provided thereby.)

  This positive electrical path leads to a contact pad 242c on the circuit board 240 formed as part of the universal positive top contact 214 connected to the circuit board clip 214a. This electrical circuit extends through the contact 214 to the top positive center contact 214b, in this embodiment a knob that may be formed as part of the contact 214. The knob 214b preferably extends to the outside of the battery pack 130 and forms a positive electrode that contacts the positive compressible contact 133 of the lamp module 128. This connection is shown in FIG. 7 as dashed line 215a.

  The heat sink housing 188 of the lamp module 128 is then grounded to the battery pack 130 through a shoulder ring 126 that further contacts the outer ring contact 212 that forms the negative electrode of the battery pack 130. This connection is shown as a dashed line 215b in FIG. The circuit board clip 212a is connected to the contact pad 242a of the embedded circuit board 240.

  The negative terminal 264 of the battery 260 may be electrically connected to the embedded circuit board 240 through a battery pack spring 272, a bottom negative contact 274, and a circuit board clip 274 a formed as part of the contact 274. The circuit board clip 274a preferably extends through the guide 282 and engages the contact pad 244b on the embedded circuit board 240.

  Further, the knob 274 of the bottom negative contact 274 extends outside the battery pack 130 and forms a negative electrode or knob 274b that forms an external contact with the ground contact pad of the circuit board 148 through the contact pin 136 and pin spring 142. . This connection is illustrated by the dashed line indicated by 289b in FIG.

  The electrical path for the momentary switch may also extend from the embedded circuit board 240 to the switch and tail cap assembly 106 as follows. Electrical contact pads 244c on the embedded circuit board 240 are formed as part of the outer bottom ring contact 278 and are connected to a circuit board clip 278a that extends through the guide 283. Outer ring contact 278 forms an external positive charging contact for battery pack 130. It is connected through contact pad 140 and pin spring 146 to a +5 VDC contact pad on circuit board 148 housed in switch and tail cap assembly 106. This connection is illustrated in FIG. 7 by the dashed line 289a.

  Another electrical circuit extends from the embedded circuit board 240 as follows. Electrical contact pads 244a on the embedded circuit board 240 are connected to a circuit board clip 276a formed as part of the inner ring contact 276. Inner ring contact 276 may be further connected through contact pins 138 and pin spring 144 to a MOM circuit pad on circuit board 148 housed in switch and tail cap assembly 106. This electrical circuit connects the instantaneous switch to the embedded circuit board 240.

  The electrical circuits of the flashlight 100 and their functions will now be further described. The electric circuit of the flashlight 100 includes a main power circuit for energizing the light source 101, a control circuit for energizing the controller and other electronic components on the built-in circuit board 240, and a rechargeable battery 260 for recharging. Charging circuit.

  The main power circuit for the light source is from the positive electrode 262, spring 218, top contact 216, circuit board clip 216a, contact pad 242b, embedded printed circuit board 240, contact pad 242c, circuit board clip 214b and universal positive contact. It extends through 214 to the LED or other light source through the circuit described above, indicated by dashed line 215a. The LED or other light source is grounded to the battery pack 130. Through the negative electrode formed by the outer ring top contact 212, it extends through the circuit described above, indicated by dashed line 215b. The circuit then extends to the negative electrode 264 of the rechargeable battery 260 through the circuit board clip 212a, the contact pad 242a, the embedded printed circuit board 240, the contact pad 244b, the circuit board clip 274a, the bottom negative contact 274 and the spring 272.

  This circuit differs from the circuit found in certain existing flashlights in that it is usually built in a battery pack. For example, some existing flashlights use a trunk that is part of a ground connection in a circuit that energizes the light source. However, the main power circuit of this embodiment does not rely on an electric circuit including a trunk, a head, or a tail cap that is a part of the main power circuit that supplies current to the light source 101. This is advantageous because if the cylinder is used to complete a circuit, the manufacturing process typically requires removing or machining the surface of the cylinder to provide a good conductive path. It is. However, the feature incorporating the power circuit of the present invention may avoid any such process and reduce manufacturing costs and complexity.

  The circuit that energizes the controller of the embedded circuit board 240 extends from the positive electrode 262 through the spring 218, the top contact 216, the circuit board clip 216a, and contact pads 242b of the embedded circuit board 240 that are routed as needed. The return ground circuit to the negative electrode of battery 260 includes contact pad 244b, circuit board clip 274a, bottom negative contact 274 and spring 272 to negative electrode 264. This circuit also has the advantage that the circuitry required to energize the embedded circuit board 240 is completely provided in the battery pack 130, eliminating the need for external circuitry that can add additional cost and manufacturing complexity. It is.

  The high voltage side of the circuit of the rechargeable battery 260 extends from the positive charging ring 190 to the coil springs 156, 158, the printed circuit board 148, the pin spring 146, into the battery pack 130 via the outer ring contact 216, and to the circuit board. The clip 278a, the contact pad 244c, the embedded circuit board 240, the contact pad 242c, the circuit board clip 216a, the top contact 216, the spring 218 and finally the battery 260 are extended through the positive electrode 262. This circuit further includes a contact pin 136, a pin spring 272, a circuit board 148, wave springs 150, 158, and a ground charging ring 192 from the negative electrode 264 of the battery 260 to the spring 272, bottom negative contact 274 via the knob 274b. Return to.

  When the battery pack 130 is inserted into the battery chamber 127 of the barrel 124, the completed electrical path to the light source 101 (or control load) is forced from the positive electrode of the rechargeable battery 260 to the gravity of the embedded circuit board 240 as described above. The pad 242b may be formed. The input pad 242b corresponding to V_CELL + in FIG. 7 is connected to load switches 558 and 572 (see FIGS. 9B and 9C) on the embedded circuit board 240. When the load switches 558 and 572 are closed (conducted), a voltage is applied to the output pad 242c on the embedded circuit board 240. Since the output pad 242 c is connected to the top positive center contact 214 b of the battery pack 130, current flows through the light source from the top positive center contact 214 b of the battery pack 130 to the positive contact 133 of the lamp module 128. This electrical circuit then extends from the heat sink housing 188 of the lamp module 128 to the outer ring top contact 212 of the battery pack 130. The outer ring top contact 212 of the battery pack 130 is electrically connected to the negative electrode 264 of the rechargeable battery 260 as described above.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical circuit relationships of a preferred embodiment of an integrated circuit board 240 for a portable lighting device such as the flashlight illustrated and described in FIGS. 1-7. However, the circuitry and motion sensing user interface provided thereby may be employed in flashlights other than the flashlight 100 and other portable lighting devices such as headlamps and lanterns. The embedded circuit board 240 preferably includes a charging system 502, a battery protection circuit 504, a MOSFET drive and load switch circuit 506, an LDO linear regulator circuit 508, a control circuit 510, an accelerometer circuit 512, and a magnetometer circuit 524. Including. In other embodiments, one or more of these components may be omitted if the function is not desired in a particular application of the invention.

  As shown, the embedded circuit board 240 includes electrical contacts, preferably in the form of I / O pads. As reflected in the detailed circuit diagram of the embedded circuit board 240 shown in FIGS. 9A-G, the I / O pads may include +5 VDC 244c, MOM 244a, bottom GND 244b, V_CELL + 242b, VLOAD 242c, and top GND 242a.

  FIG. 9A is a circuit diagram of charging system 502. The + 5VDC signal line 516 is electrically connected to the + 5VDC input pad 244c on the built-in circuit board 240 of the battery pack 130. As previously mentioned, the +5 VDC input pad 244c may be electrically connected to the charging ring 166. The + 5VDC signal line 516 is connected to a p-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (PMOS) 530.

  The gate of PMOS 530 may be connected to ground such that PMOS 530 is turned on when +5 VDC I / O pad 244c is connected to a positive voltage source such as a charging cradle. If +5 VDC I / O pad 244c is accidentally connected to a negative voltage source, such as when the flashlight 100 is placed in the charging cradle backwards, the PMOS 530 is turned off and other circuits on the embedded circuit board 240 are turned off. It will protect the parts from damage due to reverse polarity.

  The source 532 of the PMOS 530 may be connected to the charge protection circuit 536 to provide protection of the battery 260 in the battery pack 130 from damage due to the charging circuit 544 described in detail below.

  The signal line 532 may be connected to the collector of the bipolar transistor 534, but the base of the double polar transistor 534 may be connected to the signal line 1_WIRE 630 that is the output of the control circuit 510.

  The charge protection circuit 536 may include an output V_WALL_ADAPTER 538 connected to the charging circuit 544.

  The charge protection circuit 536 may be used to continuously monitor the input voltage +5 VDC 516, the input current and the battery voltage 540. If an excessive input voltage is detected, for example, when the flashlight 100 is placed in a charging cradle that provides +12 VDC input, the charge protection circuit 536 turns off the internal switch in the charge protection circuit 536, thereby turning the charging circuit The power from 536 may be removed. In the case of excessive current, the charge protection circuit 536 may limit the system current to a threshold value. If the overcurrent condition continues, the charge protection circuit 536 may switch the pass element OFF after the blank time.

  In a preferred embodiment, a commercially available device, such as Texas Instruments BQ24314, may be used for protection against excess voltage and current, and also for protection of the front end of the charger.

  Charging circuit 544 may be energized by V_WALL_ADAPTER 538, and may be used to charge received power value 260 located in battery pack 130. In the charging system 502, the charging circuit 544 may include a current detection circuit 544 and a soaking circuit that limits the charging current. Charging circuit 544 may have an output VCHARGE 538 that is ultimately connected to the positive electrode of rechargeable battery 260.

  In a preferred embodiment, a commercially available single charge manager controller, such as MCP73838 from Microchip Technology, may be used.

  A signal line DISAVLE_CHARGE 624 from the control circuit 510 may be used to stop the charging circuit 544. In this case, V_WALL_ADAPTER 538 shows a high impedance so that the flashlight 100 is connected to the external charging cradle through the signal line 1_WIRE and + 5VDC 516.

  The signal line CHG 630 may be used to indicate a state of charge, which is information that may be used by the control circuit 514. When an overpower condition is detected, the charge protection circuit 536 may be used to protect components on the embedded circuit board 240 from further damage, but it is advantageous to transfer this information to the charge cradle. It is.

  In this embodiment, when an excessive power condition is detected, the controller 602 may utilize the signal line 1_WIRE 630 to send a series of signals such as a warning signal to the charging cradle. The signal line 1_WIRE 630 may be pulled up by the controller so that the collector of the NON bipolar transistor 534 is pulled down. For this reason, the signal line 530 and +5 VDC 516 may be pulled down. Thus, +5 VDC 516 may be converted from a power input line to a signal output line from the point of view of a flashlight. When a high signal at +5 VDC is desired, signal line 1_WIRE 630 may be pulled down by controller 602 so that signal line 530 is no longer pulled down, as is the collector of NPN bipolar transistor 534. For this reason, the controller 602 may treat the +5 VDC 616 as a serial port for transmitting a series of high and low signals.

  The battery voltage may also be monitored on signal line 540 by charge protection circuit 536 in signal sine 540 fed back from VCHARGE 548.

  A charging system other than the above-described charging system 502 may be used.

  FIG. 9B shows a circuit diagram of the battery protection circuit 504. The battery protection circuit 504 may include an input VCHARGE 548 that extends from the charging system 502 in this embodiment. The input signal line VCHARGE 548 is connected to the source of the PMOS 548. The gate of the PMOS 550 is connected to the input signal line VCHARGE 548 through a resistor. Further, the gate of the PMOS 550 may be driven by the internal signal line CO564 through the inverter 568. The drain of the PMOS 550 may be connected to a signal line V_CELL + 522 further connected to the I / O pad V_CELL + 242b on the embedded circuit board 240. As described above, the I / O pad V_CELL + 242b is connected to the positive electrode of the rechargeable battery 260 in the battery pack 130. The signal line V_CELL + 522 may be driven by the signal line VCHARGE 548 via the diode 554.

  The signal line V_CELL + 522 is connected to the input of the load switch 558, but inside the output of the load switch 558 further connected to the positive contact 133 of the lamp module 128 through the signal line VLOAD 524 (shown in FIG. 9C) and the I / O pad VLOAD 242c. The voltage supply signal VBAT560 is connected. When a short circuit is detected in the load, eg, the lamp module 128, the load switch 558 is turned off to protect the circuit. In a preferred embodiment, a commercially available load switch, such as Fairchild FPF 2163 may be used.

  The voltage protection circuit 562 may be used to further protect the rechargeable battery 260 in the battery pack 130 from overcharging, overdischarging, or overcurrent. In one embodiment, a commercially available voltage protection circuit, such as S8241 ABSPG from Seiko Instruments Inc. may be used.

  A battery protection circuit other than the battery protection circuit 504 may be employed.

  FIG. 9C shows a circuit diagram of a preferred MOSFET driver and load switch circuit 506. In the embodiment of FIG. 9C, the load switch 506 is implemented by a PMOS 572 that may have a source connected to the internal voltage supply signal VBAT 560 from the battery protection circuit 504 and a drain connected to the signal line VLOAD 576. Yes. The signal line VLAOD 524 is connected to the I / O pad VLOAD 242c of the embedded circuit board 240. As previously described, the I / O pad VLOAD 242c may be connected to the top contact 214b of the battery pack 130 and may be connected to the compressible positive contact 133 of the lamp module 128.

  The gate of PMOS 572 may be connected to a MOSFET driver that may be realized by an NPM bipolar transistor. The gate of the PMOS 572 may be pulled down to the internal voltage supply signal 560 by a resistor. Therefore, when the base of the bipolar transistor 570 is driven to a high voltage by the signal LAMP_TRIVW 624, the bipolar transistor 570 conducts like a PMOS 572. Thereby, power may flow from the internal voltage supply VBAT 560 to the voltage output pad VLOAD 242c to form part of a complete loop of current that illuminates the lamp module 128.

  In other embodiments, the controller 510 may drive the load switch 572 directly. Furthermore, other types of circuits may be employed. Similarly, other types of load switches may be employed as the load switch 506. Typically, the load switch 506 must be some form of electronic switch such as a field effect transistor or a bipolar connection transistor.

  FIG. 9D is a circuit diagram of a preferred low dropout (LDO) linear regulator circuit 508. The LDO linear regulator circuit 508 may include a low dropout regulator 588 implemented with a DC linear regulator that operates with a small input-output voltage difference. Signal line 586 forms the output from two diodes 582 and 584 driven by signal lines V_WALL_ADAPTER 538 and VBAT 560, respectively. This configuration preferably allows a high voltage to be supplied from the signal line V_WALL_ADAPTER or VBAT 560 to the low dropout regulator 588.

  In a preferred embodiment, the low dropout regulator 588 sets the output line 590 to + 2.8V and is used as a power source for other components such as the control circuit 514, accelerometer 512 and magnetometer 514. May be. In a preferred embodiment, a commercially available LDO linear regulator 508 supercompressor, such as NCP700 from ON Semiconductor, may be used.

  A linear regulator circuit other than the above-described linear regulator circuit 508 may be employed.

  FIG. 9E is a circuit diagram of a preferred control circuit 510. The control circuit 510 may include a controller 602 having an input / output connection. The controller 602 may receive input signals through signal lines ADC_DC_XOUT 608, ADC_DC_YOUT 606, ADC_DC_ZOUT 604, ADC_X-G612, ADC_Y-G614, ADC_Z-G616, CHG628 and RESET 634. In addition, the controller 602 may distribute output signals through the signal lines PD 610, ST 618, SW_ON 630, S / R / MOSI 620, LAMP_DRIVE_MISO 622, DISABLE_COMPASS 624, CHARGE_DISABLE 626 and 1_WIRE 630. The power supply VCC (not shown) of the controller 602 is supported by a + 2.8V power supply signal provided by the output line 590 of the LDO supercompressor 508.

  In a preferred embodiment, the controller 602 is a microcontroller with built-in memory, such as ATtiny861, an Atmel 8-bit microcontroller. In other embodiments, the controller 602 may be a microprocessor. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the controller 602 may be a separate circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of control circuits may be employed.

  FIG. 9F shows a circuit diagram of a preferred example acceleration clock circuit 512. The accelerometer circuit 512 is preferably a triaxial acceleration watch. However, in other embodiments, a 1-axis or 2-axis acceleration watch may be used. The accelerometer circuit 512 of the preferred embodiment includes corresponding outputs ADC_X-G616, ADC_Y-G614, and ADC_Z-G612 to signal the corresponding motion in the x and z directions. These three signals are connected to the control circuit 510 for further processing.

  Accelerating clock circuit 512 preferably includes an inertial sensor 640 that receives information from the internal sensing element and provides an analog signal. In other embodiments, inertial sensor 640 may convert the analog signal it generates into a digital signal. Inertial sensor 640 is used in this embodiment to measure the earth's static gravitational field by providing acceleration information in three axes, eg, mutually orthogonal axes, ie, X, Y and Z axes. Is done. The power supply VDD of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512 may be supported by a + 2.8V power supply signal on the output line 590 from the LDO regulator 508.

  If the Z axis of the inertial sensor is pointing toward the center of the earth, X and Y have zero acceleration. However, Z receives a −1 G acceleration due to the gravity of the earth. When inertial sensor 640 is rotated 180 °, Z points far from the earth and X and Y remain zero, but Z has an acceleration of + 1G.

  Inertial sensor 640 is attached to built-in circuit board 240 such that the X, Y, and Z axes are fixed with respect to flashlight 100. In a preferred embodiment, inertial sensor 640 is positioned such that the Y axis extends along the long axis of flashlight 100. When such a flashlight 100 is placed horizontally, the Y axis also extends horizontally. In this arrangement, X and Z are rotated left or right about the long axis of the flashlight 100. Corresponding gravity information in X and Z corresponding to changes in the magnitude of acceleration in the X and Z axes during rotation is sent to the controller 602 through ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612, respectively. Thereby, the relative rotation angle is calculated by the controller 602. The controller 602 may use the ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 information to determine if there is a rotation about the major axis of the flashlight 100 and its direction.

In the preferred embodiment, the switch for the flashlight 100 is located in the switch and tail cap assembly 106. When the switch is first operated, the initial orientation of the X and Z axes is not known to the controller 602. Thus, the controller 602 calculates an initial angle or position based on measurements of the Earth's gravitational field in the X and Z directions in the initial orientation. Once their initial orientation has been determined, measurements may then be taken to track the rotation of the flashlight 100. Thus, measurements may be made to determine an increase or decrease in angle with respect to the initial orientation so as to calculate a rotational change.

  In other embodiments, the two axes of the portable lighting device may be known. For example, in a flashlight with a push button, the initial position of the X-axis and Z-axis is assumed to be on the switch so that the switch is determined by the shape of the user's hand placing the thumb on the switch. I know. In this case, only one axis (X or Z) may be used to calculate the rotational change, thereby enabling a single axis acceleration watch.

  In both of the above embodiments, the flashlight 100 is arranged substantially horizontally for the user in order to obtain a high resolution during rotation, i.e. to obtain better detection of the rotation of the X and Y axes. It is preferable. If the Y-axis is greatly inclined from the horizontal, a rotation error may occur. Therefore, in this operation, the flashlight is preferably held at ± 30 ° from the horizontal. If the tilt is greater than 30 °, it is preferable to monitor the Y axis and ignore the rotational input until the flashlight 100 returns the tilt to a range of ± 30 °. However, other implementations may employ more complex vector operations such as combining three axes to determine the user's intent regardless of horizontal.

Inertial sensor 640 may include an input PD 628 that may be an output from control circuit 514. The PD 610 may be used to indicate that an inertial sensor 640 for operation by pulling down the PD 610 is not required. When PD 610 is pulled down, inertial sensor 640 may remain in a reduced power state. This configuration may be used to save battery power. Inertial sensor 640 may also include an input ST618 that may be an output from control circuit 514 indicating that a self-test is desired.

  In a preferred embodiment, inertial sensor 640 may be a commercially available microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such as LIS394AL, a three-axis acceleration watch manufactured by STMicroelectronics. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of acceleration watches may be employed.

  FIG. 9G shows a circuit diagram of the magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514. The magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514 may include inputs COMPASS_DISABLE 624 and S / R / MOSI 620 that may be output from the control circuit 512. The exemplary magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514 may also include outputs ADC_DC_XOUT 608, ADC_DC_YOUT 606, and ADC_DC_ZOUT 604 that may be connected to the control circuit 512 for further processing.

  A + 2.8V power supply may be used to support the magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514 when the input signal COMPASS_DISABLE 624 is lowered. Controller 602 determines that it is not necessary to operate magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514, and input signal COMPASS_DISABLE 624 is pulled down by controller 602. The +2.8 V power supply is cut off from the supporting magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514. This configuration may be used to save battery power.

  The main component of the magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514 is a magnetometer 660. The magnetometer 660 includes three sets of Wheatstone bridges arranged about orthogonal axes to measure the direction and magnitude of the earth's magnetic field on each axis, and convert these detected values to operating voltage outputs. Good. In other embodiments, a 1-axis or 2-axis magnetometer may be used.

  In the preferred embodiment, the Y axis is set to the long axis 110 of the flashlight 100. In other words, the output ADC_DC_YOUT 606 may be interpreted as a change in the direction of the major axis of the flashlight 100.

  The magnetometer 660 may be a commercially available magnetometer, for example, HMC1043, which is a three-axis magnetometer manufactured by Honeywell.

  Power supply to the Wheatstone bridge of magnetometer 660 (shown as VB) may be supported by a single line + VCOMPASS 644 further provided from the + 2.8V power supply signal provided at output 590 of LDO regulator 508. . The emitter of PNP bipolar transistor 642 is connected to a + 2.8V590 power supply, while the collector of bipolar transistor 642 is connected to a single line + VCOMPASS 644. The base of the bipolar transistor 642 may be connected to a single line COMPASS_DISABLE 624 that may be the output from the control circuit 512.

  The set / reset (SR) input of the magnetometer 660 may be provided by two sources. The first source may be a single line + VCOMPASS 644. The second source may be supplied from a single line S / R / MOSI 620 that may be the output from the control circuit 510. A single line S / R / MOSI 620 may be connected to the base of an NPN bipolar transistor 654 having an emitter connected to ground. A single line 652 that may be connected to the collector of bipolar transistor 654 may be the second source to the set / reset (SR) input of magnetometer 660.

  The output of the magnetometer 660 may be classified into three sets of operating voltage outputs: OUTX + 662 and OUTX−664, OUTY + 666 and OUTY−668, and OUTZ + 670 and OUTZ−672. OUTX + 662, OUTX-664 are respectively connected to the positive and negative inputs of an operational amplifier 682 that may generate an output ADC_DC_XOUT 608 that may be connected to the control circuit 510 for further processing. The output ADC_DC_XOUT60 is fed back to the negative input 678 of the operational amplifier 682 through a resistor 686 and a capacitor 688 connected in parallel. Further, the positive input of the operational amplifier 682 may be connected to a reference voltage REF_COMPASS 646 that may be generated by dividing from + VCOMPASS 644.

  Similarly, other settings of the operating voltage output may be used to generate ADC_DC_YPUT 606 and ADC_DC_ZPUT 604, which may have a configuration similar to ADC_DC_XPUT 608 described above.

  In the above-described embodiment, the flashlight 100 may operate as an electronic compass. In this mode of operation, a visual, acoustic or tactile response may be provided depending on the direction that the flashlight 100 points. For example, the illumination intensity (or brightness) of the lamp module 128 of the flashlight 100 may vary depending on the direction that the flashlight 100 points. In one embodiment, when the flashlight 100 points to magnetic north, the subtotal intensity may be brighter, for example, maximum brightness. The more the user rotates the flashlight 100 clockwise or counterclockwise toward magnetic south, the illumination intensity decreases and is set to a lower level, eg, minimum brightness, when pointing south. In alternative embodiments, the brightness level may be reversed. It is preferable that the flashlight 100 is held substantially horizontally, that is, the rotation of the flashlight 100 occurs about an axis substantially perpendicular to the ground. Thus, the flashlight 100 may be used as a compass, and the user may determine true north, true south, and the middle direction north based on the intensity change of the lamp module 128.

  In addition to the brightness change, the lamp module 128 may flash to provide further direction information to the user when the flashlight 100 points near one or more of east, west, south, and north. For example, the flashing may be programmed to occur when the flashlight 100 is pointing in a direction within an angle from the east, west, south, and north, for example, an angle of ± 5 °.

  In addition to the visual response described above, the flashlight 100 may be configured to provide an audible or tactile response in addition to or in place of the visual response. For example, the controller 510 may output a certain number of beeps or provide different pitches depending on the direction in which the flashlight is pointing. A flashlight may speak their direction when the flashlight points to “north”, “south”, “east” or “west”. Such an acoustic response would be provided through an audio interface and speaker 518 (see FIG. 8) connected to the controller 510.

  Alternatively, the controller 510 may be connected to a vibrator instead of the audio interface and speaker 518 to provide a tactile response that changes depending on the orientation that the flashlight 100 points to. The vibrator may be, for example, a simple electric motor and an eccentric weight.

  As described above, it is preferable that the user keeps the flashlight 100 in a substantially horizontal posture while using the flashlight 100 as a magnetic compass. If the flashlight 100 is not so held, errors may occur in the compass operation. This error is corrected by using the Y-axis of the accelerometer circuit 512 described above in connection with FIG. 9F and measuring the flashlight tilt angle using accurate information on this compass operation. May be. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of magnetoresistive sensor circuits may be employed.

  As noted above, the flashlight preferably operates in multiple modes. Consider further the operation and use of these modes. FIG. 10A is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method of operation 702 that the flashlight 100 performs using various modes.

  In step 704, the user may first activate the switch 168 of the flashlight 100 in a pressing and releasing procedure. The flashlight 100 may illuminate in step 706, begin to produce light, and transition to the first mode of operation or mode 1 in step 708. In a preferred embodiment, the first mode of operation (708) may be a normal or standard mode of operation in which the lamp module 128 provides a steady light beam.

  At this stage, if the user performs another pressing and releasing procedure of the switch 168, the flashlight 100 recognizes that the procedure is a switch-off command (710), and the flashlight 100 is turned off in step 712. To do. If there is no switch-off command, the user may transition to a second mode of operation (718). This may be accomplished by the user rotating the flashlight 100 to the right about the main axis of projection while continuing to press the switch 168 continuously (716).

  While the flashlight 100 is in the first operating mode (not extinguished 710) (708), no right rotation around the projection main axis 110 is detected (714), or around the projection main axis 110 If rotation to the right is detected (714) but the switch 168 is not continuously depressed (716), the flashlight 100 remains in the second mode of operation (708).

  Once the flashlight 100 is in the second operating mode (718), it is turned off by the switch by another pressing and releasing procedure as in step 720. Although the flashlight 100 is not turned off, instead, when the switch 168 is continuously depressed (724) and is rotated right around the main axis 110 of the floodlight (722), the flashlight 100 is Transition to the operation mode. In FIG. 10A this is indicated by mode N (726). This indicates that the flashlight 100 may have any number of operating modes, preferably after the procedure described above. However, in the preferred embodiment, there are five modes of operation.

  While the flashlight 100 is in the second operation mode (not extinguished 720) (718), no right rotation around the projection main axis 110 is detected (722), or around the projection main axis 110 If rotation to the right is detected (722), but the switch 168 is not continuously depressed (724), the flashlight 100 remains in the second operating mode (718).

  When the flashlight 100 is in the last operation mode (726), the flashlight 100 is turned off by a pressing and releasing procedure (728). When the flashlight 100 is in the last mode of operation (not extinguished 728) (726), while the switch 168 is continuously depressed (732), it is rotated to the right about the light projection axis 110 ( 730), the flashlight 100 returns to the first operating mode (708).

  When the flashlight 100 is in the last mode of operation (not extinguished 728) (726), does not detect the right rotation of the projection around the main axis 110 (730) or to the right around the main axis 110 of the projection Is detected (730), but the switch 168 is not continuously depressed (732), the flashlight 100 remains in the last operating mode (726).

  Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the flashlight 100 transitions to a further mode of operation by rotating to the right about the main projection axis 110 while continuously pressing and holding the switch 168. This operation allows the flashlight 100 to transition to a new mode of operation without using a series of switch button press and release procedures.

  Although there are a variety of operating modes within the scope of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, variable brightness steady illumination may be set as the first operating mode (708). The variable brightness flashing illumination may be set as the second operation mode (718). Other operating modes may include variable brightness SOS mode, motion sensing signal mode, electronic compass mode, and nightlight mode. These operating modes may be assigned in any order or as desired by the user. So if the user uses one or more modes he or she more frequently than other modes, the user may set the first 2 or 3 accordingly.

  As described above in connection with FIG. 9F, the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512 may include outputs ADC_X-G616, ADC_Y-G614, and ADC_Z-G612 that may be connected to the control circuit 510. The acceleration clock circuit 512 may be mounted on the built-in circuit board 240 so that the Y axis thereof is oriented along the long axis of the flashlight 100. For this reason, when the flashlight 100 is horizontally disposed, the magnitude of the acceleration of the X-axis and the Z-axis changes when the flashlight 100 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the long axis of the flashlight 100. Then, gravity information of the X axis and the Z axis is sent to the controller 602 through ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612, respectively. The controller 602 may use the ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 information to determine whether there has been a rotation around the long axis of the flashlight 100. Thereby, the flashlight 100 may be used as an instruction determination point so as to determine whether or not rotation around the long axis (or information change of ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612) is shifted to a new operation mode. Good.

  The operation flow 702 illustrated in FIG. 10A may be realized by software stored in the controller 602. Thus, the controller 602 may be programmed to control the operating procedure based on the signal received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. In other words, when the controller 602 receives information from the ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612, the controller 602 may change the execution procedure based on the information received from the output of the three-axis accelerometer circuit 512.

  Controller 602 may also be programmed to control the flow of power through lamp module 128 based on signals received from the output of triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. That is, when the controller 602 receives information from the ADC_X-G616 and the ADC_Z-G612, the controller 602 may change some of its output signals based on the execution of software stored in the controller 602. For example, the controller 602 may pull up the output signal LAMP_DRIVE 624 to a high voltage state to make the bipolar transistor 570 and the PMOS 572 conductive. In this way, power may flow from the internal voltage supply VBAT 560 to the voltage output pad VLOAD 576 to form part of a current loop used to light the lamp module 128.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flow diagram of FIG. 10A is exemplary only, and that other types of operations may be employed. For example, a command to transition to a new mode of operation may be addressed when the flashlight 100 is rotated to the left about the main projection axis 110 while pressing and holding the switch 168.

  As an alternative, the movement of the flashlight 10 by the user causing a change in the output ADC_X-G616, ADC_Y-G614 or ADC_Z-G612 of another mode of the three-axis acceleration clock circuit 512 causes the flashlight 100 to enter a new operating mode. May be used for

  Examples of different modes of operation anticipated by the present invention and how to adjust each mode will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10B-10I. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modes of operation beyond those described above are within the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 10B is a flow diagram illustrating an electronic compass operation 740 that may be performed by the flashlight 100. As described above in connection with FIG. 10A, the flashlight 100 may perform multiple modes of operation. It is preferable that the flashlight 100 may be switched from one operation mode to another operation mode by rotating the flashlight 100 around the projection main axis 110 while the switch 168 is continuously pressed. . When the flashlight 100 transitions to the electronic compass mode, the light source of the flashlight 100 first generates a stationary standard beam.

  After the step of operation 740, the flashlight 100 may be turned off (712) by a specified method, for example, by a user executing a switch-off command such as pressing and releasing the switch 168.

  While the flashlight 100 is in the electronic compass mode (not extinguishing 744) (742), and while the switch 168 is continuously pressed (748), the flashlight 100 is rotated clockwise around the main axis 110 of the floodlight. And (746), the flashlight 100 may transition to the next operation mode (750).

  The next operation mode may be specified as any one of the following examples: variable brightness steady illumination, variable brightness blinking illumination, variable brightness SOS mode, motion detection signal mode or nightlight mode. Alternatively, the next mode 750 may be different from those listed above.

  The user may remain in the electronic compass mode as follows (742). If no right rotation around the projection main axis 110 is detected (746), or a right turn around the projection main axis 110 is detected (746), but the switch 168 is not pressed continuously. (748) The flashlight 100 remains in the electronic compass mode (742).

  In step 752, the compass mode provides a flashing capability to alert the user that the flashlight is pointing to or near four orthogonal magnetic coordinates, ie, north, south, east or west. Also good. To help explain this function, it should be noted that the flashlight 100 typically notes a midpoint or center point along its long axis. And if the vertical axis extends through the midpoint of the individual, the flashlight may be rotated by the user around this midpoint. In other words, the flashlight 100 may have a center of rotation. Here, the flashlight 100 is rotated around this midpoint so that its long axis is within a 10 ° angle with one of the orthogonal magnetic coordinates (752), or the center of rotation is If turned around, the flashlight 100 will flash. In other embodiments, blinking may occur if the flashlight 100 points in a direction within 5 ° from either side of the orthogonal magnetic coordinates. Thus, the user is warned that he or she will face approximately orthogonal magnetic coordinates. The angular range to which blinking is added may include angular ranges other than ± 5 °.

  Other functions of the compass mode (742) are also possible with the present invention. If the tip of the flashlight 100 faces the magnetic north of the earth as in step 756 while the flashlight 100 is rotated about its center, the lamp module 128 will become bright as in step 758, eg, its brightest May reach the setting. On the other hand, if the tip of the flashlight 100 faces the magnetic south of the earth as in step 756 while the flashlight 100 is rotated about its center, the lamp module 128 becomes dark as in step 760, for example, The brightest setting may be reached.

  In other embodiments, the flashlight 100 may be programmed in reverse. That is, while the flashlight 100 is rotated about its center, the lamp module 128 may be brightened if the tip of the flashlight 100 faces the magnetic south of the earth. The lamp module 128 may be set dark if the tip of the flashlight 100 faces the magnetic north of the earth while the flashlight 100 is rotated around its center.

  As described above in connection with FIG. 9G, a preferred magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514 may include a magnetometer 660 that generates output signals ADC_XOUT 608, ADC_YOUT 606 and ADC_ZOUT 604 that may be connected to the control circuit 510.

  Since the Y axis is set to coincide with the long axis 110 of the flashlight 100, when the long axis of the flashlight 100 is horizontal and rotated around its center, the value of ADC_YOUT 606 is the length of the flashlight 100. It depends on whether the axis has changed.

  The other two outputs ADC_XOUT 608 and ADC_ZOUT 604 may change according to vector components protruding from their horizontal plane when the major axis 100 of the flashlight 100 changes. Since the flashlight 100 may rotate about its long axis, either the X-axis or the Z-axis may face the earth. At this time, the vector component protruding from the horizontal plane of the axis is zero, and the output of the axis does not change when the flashlight 100 is horizontally arranged and rotated around the rotation center. If neither the X-axis nor the Z-axis is oriented toward the earth, when the flashlight 100 is placed horizontally and rotated around the center of rotation, both X-axis and Y-axis outputs will be on the horizontal plane. It can vary depending on those vector components that protrude. Magnetic information is sent to the controller 602 through ADC_XOUT 608, ADC_YOUT 606 and ADC_ZOUT 604.

  Controller 602 may use ADC_DC_YOUT 606, ADC_DC_XOUT 608, and ADC_DC_ZOUT 604 to determine whether and how much the flashlight 100 has rotated about its center. For this reason, the flashlight 100 determines whether the brightness of the lamp module 128 or the blinking of the lamp module 128 is necessary using the rotation around the rotation center (or information of ADC_DC_YOUT 606, ADC_DC_XOUT 608, and ADC_DC_ZOUT 604). May be.

  The brightness of the lamp module 128 may be determined by changing the duty cycle of the lamp module 128 having a higher frequency than can be detected by the human eye. The duty cycle of the lamp module 128 may be generated by a series of high and low pressure states of the signal LAMP_DRIVER 624 driven by the controller 602. This continuation of the high and low voltage states of signal LAMP_DRIVER 624, along with other components of the load circuit, alternately turns bipolar transistor 570 and PMOC 572 on and off. The lamp module 128 becomes brighter as the ratio of cycle times that the switch conducts increases. On the other hand, the lamp module 128 becomes darker as the ratio of the cycle time during which the switch conducts decreases. Methods of adjusting the brightness of the light source other than changing the duty cycle may be used, for example, adjusting the voltage, current and / or power supplied to the light source.

  The operation flow 740 illustrated in FIG. 10B may be realized by software recorded in the memory of the controller 602. The controller 602 may be programmed to control the direct flow through the lamp module 128 based on the signal received from the output of the magnetoresistive sensor circuit 524. When the controller 602 receives ADC_DC_YOUT 606, ADC_DC_XOUT 608 and ADC_DC_ZOUT 604 information, the controller 602 may change some of its output signals, eg, LAMP_DRIVE 624, based on the execution of the software recorded in the controller 602.

  FIG. 10C is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a motion detection operation 770 of the preferred flashlight 100.

  When the flashlight transitions to the motion detection signal mode (772), the initial intensity information is loaded from the memory of the controller 602 (774) to provide a control signal for controlling the brightness of the lamp module 128. Good. In the present embodiment, the memory may be an EEPROM incorporated in the controller 602. The initial intensity information may be a predetermined setting, for example, a minimum intensity. As an alternative, the initial intensity information may be the intensity of the last use before the flashlight 100 is turned off. Other strengths may be predetermined.

  As described above in connection with FIG. 10A, the flashlight 100 may perform multiple modes of operation. The flashlight 100 may be switched from one operation mode to another operation mode by rotating the flashlight 100 about the main axis 110 of the projection while the switch 168 is continuously pressed. After the initial intensity information has been loaded from memory (774), if the flashlight 100 is rotated about its main axis 110 while the switch 168 is continuously depressed, the flashlight 100 will The operation mode may be shifted (780).

  The next mode of operation can specify one of the following examples: variable brightness steady illumination, variable brightness blinking illumination, variable brightness SOS mode, electronic compass mode or nightlight mode.

  On the other hand, if the switch 168 is released (782), the motion detection signal operation may be performed by detecting if there is a left rotation about the main axis 110 of the flashlight 100 projection (784). . If left rotation is detected (784), the flashlight 100 can be lit (786). If the flashlight 100 is returned to the original position, the flashlight 100 can be turned off (788). In other words, the flashlight 100 can be switched between lighting and extinguishing by turning counterclockwise and then turning back.

  The flashlight 100 may be turned off in a designated manner (712). For example, if the switch 168 is pressed and then released, the flashlight 100 recognizes that this procedure is a switch-off command (790) and the flashlight 100 is turned off (712).

  FIG. 10D is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred variable brightness mode of operation 802 for the flashlight 100.

  When the flashlight 100 enters the variable brightness mode of operation (804), it may be loaded from the memory of the controller 602 (806) to provide a control signal for controlling the brightness of the lamp module 128. In a preferred embodiment, the memory may be in an EEPRO high state built into the controller 602. The initial intensity information may be a predetermined setting, for example, maximum intensity. As an alternative, the initial intensity information may be the intensity of the last use before turning off the flashlight. Other strengths may be predetermined.

  After the initial intensity information is loaded from the memory (806), the flashlight 100 is moved to the next operation when the flashlight 100 is rotated around the main axis 110 of the projection while the switch 168 is continuously pressed. A mode may be entered (812).

  The next mode of operation can specify one of the following examples: motion detection signal mode, variable brightness blinking illumination, variable brightness SOS mode, electronic compass mode or nightlight mode.

  If the flashlight 100 is rotated about the main axis 110 of the light projection while the switch 168 is continuously pressed (808), the amount of rotation is calculated by the controller 602, and the brightness of the flashlight is calculated. May be varied based on the amount of rotation performed (816). In a preferred embodiment, the brightness of the flashlight is set to the maximum before the flashlight 100 is rotated, but when the flashlight 100 is rotated more than 45 ° to the left, the brightness of the flashlight is obstructed. Is set. In other words, when the flashlight 100 is rotated from 0 ° to 45 ° to the left, the brightness of the flashlight can change linearly from minimum to maximum.

  If the preferred brightness is found while the flashlight 100 is rotated to the left (814), the switch 168 is released (818) and the current brightness may be stored in memory (820). The flashlight 100 may maintain its brightness level until it is turned off.

  The flashlight 100 may be turned off by a designated method. For example, if the switch 168 is pressed and then released, the flashlight 100 recognizes that this procedure is a switch-off command (822), and the flashlight 100 is turned off (712).

  FIG. 10E is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred SOS mode of operation 832 of the exemplary flashlight 100. The exemplary SOS mode of operation 832 is similar to the preferred variable brightness mode of operation 802 shown in FIG. 10D. The difference between the two is that in the SOS operation mode 832, the SOS code may be generated instead of a stable brightness.

  FIG. 10F is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary variable blink ratio operation mode 862 of the exemplary flashlight 100.

  When the flashlight 100 enters the variable flashing ratio mode (864), initial flashing ratio information is loaded from the memory of the controller 602 (866) and may provide a control signal for controlling the flashing ratio of the lamp module 128. Good. In the preferred embodiment, the memory may be an EEPROM embedded in the controller 602. The initial blink ratio information may be a predetermined setting, for example, a maximum blink ratio. As an alternative, the initial intensity information may be the last used flashing ratio before the flashlight 100 is turned off. Other predetermined settings may be used.

  After the initial blink ratio information is loaded from memory (866), while the switch 168 continues to be depressed (868), the flashlight 100 is rotated to the right about the main axis 110 of the floodlight ( 870), the flashlight 100 may transition to the next operating mode (872).

  The next mode of operation can specify one of the following examples: motion detection signal mode, variable brightness steady illumination, variable brightness SOS mode, electronic compass mode or nightlight mode.

  When the flashlight 100 is rotated around the main axis 110 of the projection while the switch 168 is continuously pressed 808, the rotation amount is calculated by the controller 602, and the rotation amount 816 in which the flashlight blinking ratio is calculated. Is set based on In a preferred embodiment, the flashlight blink ratio is set to the maximum before the flashlight 100 is rotated, but the flashlight blink ratio is set to the minimum when the flashlight 100 is rotated more than 45 °. In other words, when the flashlight 100 is rotated to the left from 0 ° to 45 °, the flashlight flashing ratio may change linearly from the minimum to the maximum.

  The maximum blinking ratio is set to a value that can be detected by the human eye. For example, the ratio of blinking four times per second can be set in advance as the maximum blinking ratio, while the ratio of blinking 0.5 times per second is the minimum blinking It can be predetermined as a ratio. Other blink ratios may be set.

  If the preferred flash ratio is determined while the flashlight 100 is rotated to the left (874), the switch 168 is released (878) and the determined flash ratio may be stored in memory (880). ). The flashlight 100 holds a predetermined blinking ratio until it is turned off.

  The flashlight 100 may be turned off in a designated manner (712). For example, if the switch 168 is pressed and then released, the flashlight 100 recognizes this procedure as a switch-off command (882), and the flashlight 10 is turned off (712).

  As described above in connection with FIG. 9F, the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512 has outputs ADC_X-G616, ADC_Y-G614, and ADC_Z-G612 that are also connected to the control circuit 510. The accelerometer circuit 512 may be mounted on the built-in circuit board 240 such that its Y axis extends along the long axis of the flashlight 100. Therefore, when the flashlight 100 is disposed horizontally, if the flashlight 100 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the long axis of the flashlight 100, the magnitude of the X-axis and Z-axis acceleration changes, X and Z gravity information may then be sent to the controller 602 through ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612, respectively. The controller 602 uses the ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 information to determine whether there is rotation about the long axis 110 of the flashlight 100. The flashlight 100 is used to determine whether there is a state in which rotation about its major axis (or information change of ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612) should be changed to different functions in the same operation mode. It may be used as a status.

  The brightness that can be changed in the lamp module 128 may be determined by changing the duty cycle of the lamp module 128 having a frequency that cannot be detected by the human eye. The duty cycle of the lamp module 128 may be generated by a series of high and low states on the LAMP_DRIVE 624 driven by the controller 602. This sequence of high and low pressure conditions on LAMP_DRIVE 624, along with other components on the electrical load path, may cause alternating conduction and non-conduction of bipolar transistor 570 and PMOS 572. When the conduction time is long, the lamp module 128 is bright, and conversely, when the conduction time is short, the lamp module 128 is dark.

  The variable flashing ratio of the lamp module 128 can be determined by changing the duty cycle of the lamp module 128, but the frequency is a frequency that can be detected by the human eye. The circuit that supports the changeable blinking ratio is the same as the circuit that supports the changeable brightness described above.

  The variable brightness SOS mode or variable brightness flashing illumination of the lamp module 128 may be generated by setting the duty cycle of the lamp module 128 to a frequency that can be detected by the human eye. During the low pressure cycle, the lamp module 128 is turned off, but during the high pressure cycle, the lamp module 128 may have a duty cycle with a frequency that is higher than a frequency that can be detected by the human eye. In other words, there is a high frequency duty cycle in the high period of the low frequency duty cycle. This function can be performed by the controller 602.

  The operation flow 770 illustrated in FIGS. 10C to 10F may be realized by software stored in the memory of the controller 602. Thus, the controller 602 can be programmed to control the operating procedure based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. When controller 602 receives information from ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 of triaxial accelerometer circuit 512, controller 602 may change the procedure to be performed based on such information.

  The controller 602 may also be programmed to control the flow of power through the lamp module based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. When controller 602 receives information from ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 of triaxial accelerometer circuit 512, controller 602 may change some of its output signals based on the execution of software stored in controller 602. Good.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10C-10F are examples and other aspects of operation may be employed. For example, the condition for turning off the flashlight 100 may occur when the flashlight 100 is rotated to the left around the projection main axis 110 while the switch 168 is pressed and held. The lighting condition of the flashlight 100 may occur when the flashlight 100 is rotated to the right around the projection main axis 110 while the switch 168 is pressed and held. Also, various functions may be obtained by rotating the flashlight 100 in the opposite direction to that shown in FIGS. 10C-10F in the variable brightness mode, variable brightness variable flashing ratio mode, or SOS mode.

  Other types of movement of the flashlight 100 that may cause a change in the three-axis accelerometer circuit 512 may be used as an instruction to change the function of the flashlight 100. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the operation described here in connection with the controller 602.

  FIG. 10G is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred nightlight operation 900 of the flashlight 100. As described above in connection with FIG. 9, the flashlight 100 preferably operates in multiple modes, and the flashlight 100 is the main axis of its projection while the switch 168 is continuously depressed. By rotating around 110, the flashlight 100 switches from one operation mode to another operation mode. When the flashlight 1000 transitions to the nightlight mode (902), the light source of the flashlight 100 may be set to steady illumination.

  The flashlight 100 may be turned off in a designated manner (712). For example, if the switch 168 is pressed and then released, the flashlight 100 will recognize this procedure as a switch-off command (904) and the flashlight 100 may be turned off (712).

  While the flashlight 100 is in the nightlight mode (not extinguished 904) (900), and while the switch 168 is continuously pressed (908), the flashlight 100 is rotated clockwise around the main axis 110 of the floodlight. (906) The flashlight 100 may transition to the next operation mode (910).

  The next operation mode can specify one of the following examples: variable brightness steady illumination, variable brightness flashing illumination, variable brightness SOS mode, electronic compass mode or motion detection signal mode.

  The flashlight 100 is not switched off (904), while in the nightlight mode (900), if no right-turning around the projection 110 is detected (906), or the projection spindle If rotation to the right around 110 is detected (906), but the switch 168 has not been depressed continuously (908), the flashlight 100 remains in the nightlight mode (900). The timer is reset (912) to allow the user to change to a new mode of operation if desired. Before the timer expires (914), if there is no indication to change to a new mode of operation, the flashlight 100 starts the nightlight mode function by setting the flashlight 100 to the arbitrage brightness (916). ). In a preferred embodiment, the timer may be set to expire in 30 seconds, from which point the flashlight 100 may gradually diminish until it reaches arbitrage brightness. In other embodiments, the flashlight may go dark and eventually turn off completely. Once the flashlight has entered nightlight mode, the flashlight 100 will continue to provide the lowest (or preset) brightness until it detects a shake, and the flashlight 100 will detect when the shake is detected. The operation may return to step 904 with the highest (or other) brightness set (920).

  In operation, when the user plans to use sleep in a dark atmosphere, he / she may set the flashlight 100 to nightlight mode (902). In response, the flashlight 100 will darken to a predetermined brightness level after a set time such as 30 seconds. Preferably, the brightness level is a very low level, such as 5% to 10% of its normal duty cycle, so that the battery power drop is very low. Despite the low power output, the flashlight remains visible so that the user can easily locate it in a dark atmosphere. When the user needs the flashlight 100, he or she moves the flashlight 100 and detection of this action by the flashlight 100 immediately changes the flashlight 100 to the maximum (or other set) brightness. To do. The user is given a preset time, such as 30 seconds, to turn off the flashlight 100 or transition the flashlight to a new mode of operation.

  The time of 30 seconds may be adjusted and other times, for example 1 minute, may be employed.

  As described above in connection with FIG. 9F, the axial accelerometer circuit 512 has outputs ADC_X-G616, ADC_Y-G614, and ADC_Z-G612 that are also connected to the control circuit 510. The accelerometer circuit 512 may be mounted on the built-in circuit board 240 such that its Y axis extends along the long axis of the flashlight 100. When the flashlight 100 is placed horizontally, if the flashlight 100 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise around its long axis 110, the magnitude of the X-axis and Z-axis acceleration changes, and X and Z gravity information may be sent to the controller 602 through ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612, respectively. The controller 602 uses the ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 information to determine whether there is rotation about the long axis 110 of the flashlight 100. The flashlight 100 detects shaking or rotation (or information change of ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612), and uses this information as information for determining whether or not the nightlight should be left.

  The brightness of the lamp module 128 may be determined by changing the duty cycle of the lamp module 128 to a higher frequency than can be detected by the human eye. The duty cycle of the lamp module 128 may be generated by a series of high and low states of the LAMP_DRIVE 624 signal driven by the controller 602. This series of high and low voltage states of signal LAMP_DRIVE 624, along with other components of the load circuit, may cause alternating conduction and non-conduction of bipolar transistor 570 and PMOS 572. The lamp module 128 is brightest when the percentage of conduction time in each cycle is 100%. Conversely, when the percentage of conduction time in each cycle is 0%, the lamp module 128 is darkest.

  The operation flow 900 illustrated in FIG. 10G may be executed by software stored in the controller 602. The controller 602 may be programmed to control the operating procedure based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. When controller 602 receives information from ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 of triaxial accelerometer circuit 512, controller 602 may change the procedure to be performed based on such information.

  The controller 602 may also be programmed to control the flow of power through the lamp module based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. When controller 602 receives information from ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 of triaxial accelerometer circuit 512, controller 602 may change some of its output signals based on the execution of software stored in controller 602. Good.

  FIG. 10H is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred adjustment mode of operation 922 for the flashlight 100. As described above in connection with FIG. 10A, the flashlight 100 preferably operates in multiple modes, and the flashlight 100 is flooded while the switch 168 is continuously depressed. By rotating the flashlight 100 around the main shaft 110, one operation mode may be switched to another operation mode. However, some users are right-handed, but some users are left-handed. Therefore, it is desirable that the rotation direction of the flashlight 100 around the projection main axis 110 may be set by the user according to the procedure 922 shown in FIG. 10H.

  After the flashlight 100 is turned on by the depression and release procedure of the switch 168 (924), the light source of the flashlight 100 may begin generating light (926), and the flashlight 100 (708).

  While the switch 168 is continuously depressed (930), the flashlight 100 may be set to the right-hand mode (932) if the light projection axis 110 is oriented substantially vertically upward (928). ). While the switch 168 is continuously depressed (930), the flashlight 100 may be set to the left-hand mode (932) if the light projection axis 110 is directed substantially vertically downward (928). ). When the controller receives a pre-determined command, either through the tail cap switch or via the motion sensing user interface, the controller is returned to the default settings provided during manufacture.

  The adjustment may be achieved by other methods. For example, the right-hand mode can be achieved by turning the flashlight 100 down while continuously pressing the switch 168, or while the flashlight 100 is rotating about the main axis 110 of its floodlight. It may be set by pointing 100 up.

  In a preferred embodiment, when in right-hand mode (932), a transition to a new mode of operation is made by rotating the flashlight 100 to the right about the projection axis 110 while the switch 168 is continuously depressed. May be. In the right-hand mode, the brightness may be changed by rotating the flashlight 100 to the left around the projection main axis 110 in a different mode. This may be done, for example, to change the brightness in the steady illumination mode, the blinking illumination mode or the SOS mode. When in right hand mode (932), the above results may be achieved by rotating the flashlight 100 about the main projection axis 110 in the opposite direction to the right hand mode (932).

  Alternatively, other types of movements of the flashlight 100 that cause a change in the outputs ADC_X-G616, ADC_Y-G614 and ADC_Z-G612 of the three-axis acceleration clock circuit 512 as instructions for causing the flashlight 100 to adjust the user mode. May be used.

  As described above in connection with FIG. 9F, the axial accelerometer circuit 512 has outputs ADC_X-G616, ADC_Y-G614, and ADC_Z-G612 that are also connected to the control circuit 510. The accelerometer circuit 512 may be mounted on the built-in circuit board 240 such that its Y axis extends along the long axis of the flashlight 100. When the flashlight 100 is directed vertically upward, the magnitude of the Y-axis acceleration is −1G. When the flashlight 100 is directed vertically downward, the magnitude of the Y-axis acceleration is + 1G. The gravity information of Y may be sent to the controller 602 through ADC_Y-G614.

  The controller 602 may determine whether the flashlight 100 is directed upward or downward through the information of ADC_Y-G 614 and determine whether a right-handed or left-handed user mode is required. .

  The operation flow 922 illustrated in FIG. 10H may be executed by software stored in the controller 602. The controller 602 may be programmed to control the operating procedure based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. When controller 602 receives information from ADC_Y-G164 of triaxial accelerometer circuit 512, controller 602 may change user preferences (or parameter settings) based on this information.

  The previous description of determining whether the flashlight 100 is vertical includes information from the outputs ADC_X-G166, ADC_Y-G164 and ADC_Z-G162 from the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512, but the magnetoresistive sensor It is expected that the outputs ADC_DC_XOUT 608, ADC_DC_YOUT 606, and ADC_DC_ZOUT 604 from circuit 514 may be used to determine whether flashlight 100 is vertical.

  As described above in connection with FIG. 9G, a preferred magnetoresistive sensor circuit 514 may include a magnetometer 660 that generates output signals ADC_XOUT 608, ADC_YOUT 606 and ADC_ZOUT 604 that may be connected to the control circuit 510. In this embodiment, the Y axis is set to coincide with the long axis 110 of the flashlight 100, so the value of ADC_YOUT 606 may be zero when the flashlight is placed vertically. This information may be combined with other conditions to determine which user mode is sought.

  FIG. 10I is a flowchart illustrating a preferred automatic extinguishing operation 942 of the flashlight 100. As described above in connection with FIG. 10A, the flashlight 100 preferably performs multiple modes of operation. Whatever mode of operation the flashlight 100 is in, if the automatic turn-off function is enabled (944), the flashlight 100 may access the automatic turn-off operation (942).

  The flashlight 100 may be turned off in a designated manner (712). For example, if the switch 168 is pressed and then released, the flashlight 100 recognizes that this procedure is a switch-off command 946 and the flashlight 100 is turned off (712).

  The auto-off function is enabled without switching off (946) (944), but if the flashlight 100 is not moved (948), it will automatically turn off the flashlight 100 after a certain time. The timer may be reset (950). When this timer expires (952), the flashlight 100 may be automatically turned off (954). However, any movement of the flashlight 100 before the timer expires will cause the timer to reset.

  In a preferred embodiment, the timer may be set to expire in 5 minutes. However, the timer may be set to expire at other times, for example 10 minutes.

  The expiration timer may comprise a software timer implemented by a software program, for example, a count routine executed by the controller 602. As an alternative, the timer may comprise a hardware timer implemented by an electronic circuit.

  The flashlight 100 may be automatically turned off when not in use, for example, when there is no time for the flashlight to move. Therefore, battery power is saved by this automatic extinguishing function. In a preferred embodiment, the automatic turn-off function may be enabled or disabled by the user.

  As described above in connection with FIG. 9F, the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512 may include outputs ADC_X-G616, ADC_Y-G614, and ADC_Z-G612 that may be connected to the control circuit 510. The acceleration clock circuit 512 may be mounted on the built-in circuit board 240 so that the Y axis thereof is oriented along the long axis of the flashlight 100. When the flashlight 100 is placed horizontally, when the flashlight 100 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the major axis of the flashlight 100, the magnitude of the X-axis and Z-axis acceleration changes, and X Axis and Z-axis gravity information is sent to the controller 602 through ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612, respectively. The controller 602 may use the ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 information to determine whether there has been a rotation around the long axis of the flashlight 100. Thus, the flashlight 100 may detect movement (or information change of ADC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612) and determine whether to reset the timer.

  The operation flow illustrated in FIG. 10I may be executed by software stored in the controller 602. The controller 602 may be programmed to control the operating procedure based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. That is, when the controller 602 receives information from the DC_X-G616 and ADC_Z-G612 of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512, the controller 602 may change the execution procedure based on this information.

  The controller 602 may be programmed to control the flow of power through the lamp module 128 based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 512. That is, when the controller 602 receives information from the ADC_X-G616 and the ADC_Z-G612, the controller 602 may change some of its output signals based on the execution of software stored in the controller 602. For example, the controller 602 may pull up the output signal LAMP_DRIVE 624 to a high voltage state to make the bipolar transistor 570 and the PMOS 572 conductive.

  FIG. 10J is a flow diagram illustrating the preferred nightlight mode of the flashlight 100. The flashlight 100 may operate in a plurality of modes, and may transition to the nightlight mode as described above. The flashlight may be turned off in a designated manner (712). For example, if the switch 168 is pressed and then released, the flashlight 100 recognizes that this procedure is a switch-off command (904), and the flashlight 100 is turned off (712).

  While the flashlight 100 is not switched off (904), while in the nightlight mode (1110), and while the switch 168 is continuously pressed (908), the flashlight 100 is rotated around the projection main axis 110. When rotated to the right (906), the flashlight 100 transitions to the next operating mode (910). The next operating mode may be the mode described above or another mode.

  While the flashlight 100 is not switched off (904), while in the nightlight mode (1110), a right turn is not detected (906), or a right turn is detected, but the switch 168 is pressed continuously. If not (908), the flashlight 100 remains in the nightlight mode. A timer reset function (912, 1112) is provided. If the timer is reset (1112), if the flashlight is tilted 45 ° up and back (1116), and the instant switch is pressed continuously (1118), the timer will increase slightly. Also good. Otherwise, the timer expires (914) and the flashlight may gradually dim to the lowest brightness (916). Thereafter, if a swing is detected (918), the flashlight may be set to maximum brightness or other brightness (920).

  FIG. 10K is a flowchart (1132) of the start of the left / right setting, ie, left or right handed operation. Individually, the flashlight 100 is turned off (1134), the flashlight 100 is tilted down, then tilted up and then tilted down, and the instantaneous switch is continuously depressed (1138), and then When the instantaneous switch is released (1138), the flashlight 100 is switched between a right-handed user mode and a left-handed user mode (1142) and set (1144). In other embodiments, the flashlight 100 may be ambidextrous.

  Thus, another preferred flashlight embodiment 300 is described with reference to FIG. As shown, the flashlight 300 typically includes a barrel 324, a head assembly 104 disposed at the front end of the barrel 324, and a switch and tail cap assembly 306 disposed at the rear end of the barrel 324. The head assembly 304 is positioned approximately at the front end of the barrel 324, and the switch and tail cap assembly 306 seals the rear end of the barrel 324.

  FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view along the plane indicated by 302-302 of the flashlight 300 of FIG. FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view along the plane indicated by 302-302 of the front portion of the flashlight 300 of FIG. FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly 104, barrel 324, and other components of the flashlight 300 of FIG. 11 (parts of FIGS. 12 and 13 relating to the battery cassette 330 are not shown in cross section).

  Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15A, the head assembly 104 typically includes an integrated head and front cap 112, lens 116, reflector 118, retaining collar 120, shoulder ring 126, lamp module 128, lower insulator 129 and O. Rings 114 and 122 may be included. The components including head assembly 104 and integrated head and front cap 112 lens 116, reflector 118, retaining collar 120, shoulder ring 126, lamp module 128, lower insulator 129 and O-rings 114, 122 are shown in FIG. , 5A, 20, 21A and 21B.

,
Other configurations of the head assembly 104 may be used. For example, in other embodiments, the head assembly 104 may form part of a mechanical switch means that provides a user interface.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the lamp module 128 is electrically connected to the flashlight 300 as follows. The flashlight 300 of this embodiment includes a battery cassette 330 that includes a positive electrode 454 that is electrically connected to a compressible positive contact 133 of the lamp module 128. After an electrical path through the light source, a ground connection extends from the negative electrode of the light source through a heat sink housing 188 that serves as the negative contact of the lamp module 128 and a shoulder ring 126 that is further electrically connected to the barrel 324. The grounding circuit continues to the circuit board 348 including the inner end cap 364, the wave spring 150, and the negative contact connected to the negative electrode of the battery cassette 330 thereby completing the circuit.

  In this embodiment, the barrel 324 is used as part of the ground circuit from the negative contact of the lamp module 128 to the negative electrode of the battery cassette 330 as described above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 5A.

  Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15A, the front portion 189 of the shoulder ring 126 is preferably equally spaced around the portion of the front portion 189 of the shoulder ring 126 so as to extend generally in the axial direction of the shoulder ring 126. It includes a plurality of arranged splines 193 (shown better in FIG. 15A). The outer diameter of the front portion 189 of the shoulder ring 126 is in mating contact with the inner wall of the front portion 125 of the barrel 324 so that when the shoulder ring 126 is press fit into the front portion 325 of the barrel 324, the spline 193 The dimension is such that it cuts into the inner wall of the front portion 325 of the barrel 324.

  When the shoulder ring 126 is press-fitted into the front 325 of the barrel 324, the spline 193 opens out and cuts into the metal on the inner diameter of the front of the barrel 324. Annular relief grooves are provided adjacent the front and rear ends of the splines 193 of the shoulder 126 to receive metal from the barrel 324 that is moved during the press-fit process. In this way, the shoulder ring 126 is permanently fixed in a state where the metal is in contact with the front portion 125 of the trunk 324.

  Spline 193 cuts the anode coating on the inner surface of barrel 324, thereby removing the contact area anode or coating as previously required for aluminum flashlights prior to anodization. The possibility of using the torso as a grounding path can be provided without having to cut the skin.

  14 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view through the plane indicated by 302-302 in the rear portion of the flashlight 300 in FIG. 1 (however, the battery pack 330 is not shown in cross section in FIG. 14). The rear of the flashlight 300 typically includes a switch and tail cap assembly 306. FIG. 15B is an exploded perspective view of the switch and tail cap assembly 306.

  14 and 51B, the switch and tail cap assembly 306 of this embodiment preferably includes a snap ring 132, a lower switch housing 334, contact pins 338 and 340, contact pin springs 344 and 346, and a circuit board 348. , Wave spring 150, snap dome 152, actuator 354, upper switch housing 360, lip seal 162, inner tail cap portion 364, switch port seal 168, and outer tail cap portion 170.

  The lower switch housing 334 may be similar to the lower switch housing 134 described above with respect to FIG. Thus, the lower housing 334 may also include three cylindrical holes and chambers. However, in this embodiment, only two inner holes having contact pins 338 and 340 that enter and exit from the front surface of the lower housing 334 are provided. Contact pins 338, 340 are disposed in the two chambers and may further engage the shoulders of contact pins 338, 340 as shown. The springs 344, 346 push the contact pins 338, 340 forward until their corresponding shoulders abut against the end walls of the respective chambers. Contact pins 338, 340 and contact pin springs 344, 346 are preferably formed of metal so as to form part of the electrical path of flashlight 100, described below. Preferably, in the present embodiment, the contact pins 338 and 340 may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, but the contact pin springs 344 and 346 may be a suitable conductive spring metal such as a piano wire. It may consist of.

  The hole of the lower switch housing 334 is disposed so as to be aligned with the contact on the bottom of the battery cassette 330. When the battery cassette 330 is installed, the contact pin 338 may contact and contact the bottom center contact (4.5 VDC) of the battery cassette 330, and the contact pin 340 may contact the bottom outer ring ( GND) may be in contact with the position. Both contacts are illustrated in FIG.

  The circuit board 348 preferably includes contacts on both sides thereof. The circuit board 348 may also include conductive vias that are drilled through the board 348 to connect the contacts on both sides. Alternatively, a wire may connect both sides through the perimeter of the circuit board 328. The circuit board 348 may have electronic components mounted thereon. The front side of circuit board 348 (opposite lower switch housing 334) includes two contacts (shown as GND and 4.5 VDC in FIG. 17) that are electrically connected to contact pins 344 and 346, respectively. The rear side of the circuit board 348 (opposite the upper switch housing 360) includes three contact pads arranged in place corresponding to GND, MOM and +5 VDC, respectively. Includes three corresponding contact pads. Corresponding contact pairs on the front and back sides of the circuit board 348 may be electrically connected through conductive vias or alternative routing wires provided in the circuit board 348, respectively. The electronic components incorporated in the circuit board 348 and their functions will be described later in this specification.

  Upper switch housing 360 includes a cylindrical hole into which actuator 354 can be inserted. The annular rim of the switch port seal 168 is held between the annular lip 399 and the inner cap portion 364 of the outer tail cap 170 located at the rear end of the flashlight 300. When the user presses the switch port seal 168, the actuator 354 moves forward to abut against the snap dome 152 and closes the switch formed by the two contact pads of the snap dome 152 and the circuit board 348. When the user releases the switch port seal 168, the switch opens.

  In this embodiment, the upper switch housing 360 and actuator 354 are preferably made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Switch port seal 168 is preferably made of a flexible non-conductive material such as rubber. The snap dome 152 is preferably made of a conductive spring metal. Other suitable materials may be used.

  In this embodiment, the snap ring 132 is disposed between the front end of the lower switch housing 334 and the inner tail cap portion 364 to prevent the lower switch housing 334 from moving forward.

  A wave spring 150 may be disposed between the rear end of the circuit board 348 and the annular lip of the inner tail cap 164 to provide a compressible spring contact therebetween. The wave spring 150 also applies a biasing force to the circuit board 348, and the circuit board 348 applies a biasing force to the lower switch housing 334, thereby causing the cover switch housing 334 to move against the snap ring 132. Play the role of pressing.

  The inner tail cap portion 364 preferably includes a screw 365 for engaging a screw 329 on the rear inner surface of the barrel 324 on the front outer surface of the inner tail cap portion 364.

  In this embodiment, the outer shape of the rear end of the inner tail cap portion 364 and the inner diameter of the outer tail cap portion 170 are preferably such that the tail cap 170 is permanently press-fitted onto the rear end of the inner tail cap portion 364, Thereby, it is sized to form an integrated switch and tail cap assembly 306.

  The inner cap portion 364 is preferably made of a conductive material such as aluminum. The inner end cap portion 364 may also be nickel plated.

  A one-way valve, such as a lip seal 162, is provided at the contact surface between the barrel 324 and the switch and tail cap assembly 306 to provide a waterproof seal while allowing excess pressure in the flashlight 300 to escape to the atmosphere. May be possible. However, other forms of sealing members such as O-rings may be used in place of the one-way valve 162 to form a waterproof seal. The lip seal 162 is preferably made of a non-conductive material such as rubber.

  Other configurations of the switch and tail cap assembly 306 may be used. For example, a switch function such as a push button switch or an internal rotary head assembly switch employed in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 353,396 filed Jan. 14, 2009 may be included on the side.

  With reference to FIGS. 15A, 16A, 16B and 17, the rechargeable battery cassette 330 will be further described. For the above, the battery cassette 330 contains batteries that are used to power the flashlight 300 or other lighting device. After the battery is inserted into the battery cassette 330, it may be inserted into the flashlight barrel 324 along with other components of the flashlight 300, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the battery cassette 330 includes a front or lamp end cap assembly 410 and a rear or end housing assembly 430. These two housings, shown in FIG. 16B, both of which are exploded views of the components that include the cassette 330, may be held together by a central connector 450.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, the front or lamp end cap assembly 410 may include a front housing 411 that may be shaped to include protrusions 411a, 411b, 411c. The front housing assembly 410 may also include a lamp positive contact 412 that itself includes a tab 415 that further includes flaps 413a, 413b, 413c, 413d. The flap 413 is preferably sized such that a hole 414 is present in the center thereof. As will be described later, these tabs are in electrical contact with the central connector 450. The front housing assembly 410 may also include overlapping contacts 414 and springs 416. Contacts 412 and 414 and spring 416 are preferably made of a conductive material.

  The front housing assembly 410 is preferably manufactured in a manner that reduces the number of steps required to assemble its components. Thus, the front housing 411 may be injection molded from plastic or other preferred material. This injection molding process preferably includes integral molding of the lamp tangent contact 412 and the front overlapping contact 414 and the housing 411. That is, the contacts 412 and 414 are preferably disposed in the injection molding machine so that they are captured or held by the cured material being cured. They are placed in the injection molding machine so as to settle in an appropriate position for forming a part of an electric circuit described later. In this way, separate manufacturing steps in which the contacts 412 and 414 are attached to the housing 411 may be avoided.

  Although integral molding is preferred, other means may be used to assemble the contacts 412, 414 to the housing 411. After the housing 411 and contacts 412 and 414 are integrally molded or assembled, the spring 416 may be press fit into the housing 411 such that it contacts the front overlapping contact 414. For example, the spring 416 may be press-fitted into a recess between the housing protrusions 411a and 411b. Although this recess is not shown in FIG. 16B, a similar recess 439 is shown in the rear housing 431. In any case, other means may be used to assemble the spring 416 with the housing 411.

  The rear or terminal housing assembly 430 is formed to include a protrusion 431a, 431b, 431c corresponding to the front housing protrusion 411a, 411b, 411c when the two housings 410, 430 are connected together. A rear housing 431 may also be included. The rear housing 430 may include a rear tolerance contact 432, an outer ring contact 434 and springs 417, 418. Contacts 432 and 434 and springs 437 and 438 are preferably made of a conductive material.

  The rear housing assembly 430, like the front housing assembly 410, is manufactured in a manner that reduces the number of processes. That is, the rear overlapping contact 432 and the outer ring contact 434, together with the rear housing 431, may be integrally molded during the injection molding process so that they are properly positioned to form part of the electrical path described below. . Although integral molding is preferred, other means may be used to assemble the contacts 432, 434 with the housing 431.

  The springs 437 and 438 may be press fit into the rear housing 431 such that they are in electrical contact with the contacts 432 and 434, respectively. For example, the springs 437 and 438 may be press-fitted into the recess 439 of the housing 431. Other means may be used to assemble the springs 437, 438 with the housing 431.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the front and rear housing assemblies 410, 430 are connected together to form a cassette 330. To assist in this connection, as shown in FIG. 16B, the front housing 411 may include a pin 419 that engages a hole 436 formed in the protrusion 431 c of the rear housing 421 on the protrusion 411 c. Similarly, the rear housing 431 may have pins 437 that engage with holes (not shown) of the protrusions 411a and 411b of the front housing 411 on the protrusions 431a and 431b.

  Both housings 411, 431 preferably include a central hole 452 through which a central connector 450 extends. The central connector 450 preferably holds the housings 411 and 431 together and forms part of the electrical path. The central connector may include a rear disk or contact 451. To combine the housings 411, 431, they are first placed with corresponding pins and holes, and a central connector 412 may be inserted into the central hole 452. The tab 413 of the lamp positive contact 412 may be attached to the front end of the central hole 452 of the front housing 411. Tab 413 may include flaps 413a, b, c, d. The flap 413 is preferably flexible. The front end 454 of the central connector protrudes through the hole 415 so that when the central connector is pushed into the housings 411 and 431 through the hole 415, the flap 413 is pushed forward until the rear contact 451 contacts the rear surface of the rear housing 413. To do. The central connector 450 is held so as to be in contact with the flaps 413a, b, c, d whose front portions are bent by friction.

  The use of pins and holes to easily connect the housing assemblies 410, 430 by pushing the central connector 450 through the central hole 452 of the present invention is as a means of assembling different parts of the device intended to house the battery. It presents advantages over conventional systems that use screws. That is, the housing assemblies 410 and 430 simply press each other and are held in place by the inner connector 450 without having to be screwed together.

  Although the figure shows correspondingly projecting housing assemblies 410, 430, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Other configurations may be used for the housing assembly. For this reason, other housing configurations for the front and rear housings 410, 430 may be used, but any deformed housings are connected together to form a cassette 330 in which they house the batteries. It is preferred to have a corresponding shape so that it may be.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, when the housings 410 and 430 are connected together to form the cassette 330, the housing protrusions 411 and 431 together form the battery chambers 462, 464, and 466. More specifically, the battery chamber 462 is formed between the protrusions 411c / 431c and 411a / 431a, the battery chamber 464 is formed between the protrusions 411a / 431a and 411b / 431b, and the battery chamber 466 is , Formed between the protrusions 411b / 431b and 411c / 431c. These rooms are preferably sized to accept a battery of the desired size, such as an AA battery or other size. As shown in FIG. 16B, the cross section of the protrusion is preferably curved so that the battery fits snugly into each room. FIG. 16A shows a battery 426 a in the room 462 and a battery 426 a in the room 466.

  Each chamber preferably includes electrical contacts that engage the positive and negative electrodes of the battery. For example, the battery chamber 462 may include a lamp positive contact 412 that engages the positive electrode of the battery 462a, a spring 437 and a rear overlapping contact 432 that engages the negative electrode of the battery 462a. In the room 462, the positive electrode of the battery 462a is directed to the front of the cassette 330.

  The rear overlapping contact 432 preferably includes a tab 432 a that extends into the battery chamber 462 and may serve to contact the positive electrode of the battery disposed in the battery chamber 462. Front overlapping contact 414 and spring 416 may engage the negative electrode of the battery in chamber 464. The positive electrode of the battery 464a is directed to the rear of the cassette 330.

  The front overlap contact 414 may include a tab 414a that extends into the chamber 466 and may engage the positive electrode of the battery 466a disposed therein. The negative electrode of battery 466a in chamber 466 may be engaged with spring 438 connected to outer ring contact 343. Therefore, the positive electrode of the battery 466a is directed to the front of the cassette 330.

  The manner in which the cassette 330 contains batteries will now be further described. As shown in FIG. 16A, the battery 462a is housed in the room 462, the battery 464a is housed in the room 464, and the battery 466a is housed in the room 466. As shown in FIG. 17, the batteries 462a, 464a, 466a are electrically connected in series. However, as shown in FIG. 16A, the batteries are physically arranged side by side or parallel to each other in each room. (Note that FIG. 17 is shown to show the conductive path between the batteries, and not to show the expected physical placement of the battery.)

  This battery arrangement has the advantage that it can be powered by three batteries without the need to physically place the batteries end to end as in many other flashlights with series electrical connections It is. This has the advantage that the flashlight barrel or other lighting device housing does not have to be determined by the number of batteries mounted end to end. More specifically, for example, a flashlight with a certain number of batteries may be short and may be advantageous in certain applications.

  The conductive path of the battery in the cassette 330 will be further described for the first time from the battery 462a. The negative electrode of battery 462a is connected to the positive electrode of battery 464a through spring 437 and rear overlapping contact 432 and tab 432a (in FIG. 17, reference numerals 437, 432, and 432a represent physical shapes, respectively). (In contrast, the electrical circuit provided by these components is shown.) The negative electrode of battery 464a is connected to the positive electrode of battery 466a through spring 416 and front overlapping contact 414 and tab 414b. The negative electrode of battery 466a is connected to spring 438 and to outer ring contact 434.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the positive electrode of the battery 462a is electrically connected to the central connector 45 via a lamp positive contact 412 having a tab 413 and flaps 413a-d. The conductive path is connected to the front end 454 through the central connector 450 and to the positive electrode of the lamp module 128 as indicated by a broken line 461. (Note that light bulbs are also used.) And from the lamp module 128 or other lighting device, the conductive path is a pocket that forms part of the conductive path, as shown by the dashed line 463 in FIG. It is connected through the components of the light. In one embodiment, the dashed line consists of a flashlight barrel 324. From there, the conductive path may extend to the end cap 364 and the circuit board 348.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the circuit board 348 may be connected to two contact pins 338 and 340 electrically connected to the battery cassette 330 as indicated by broken lines 465 and 467. Positive contact between the battery cassette 330 and the circuit board 348 occurs through the contacts 451 of the central connector 450.

  The central connector 450 provides positive contact to both ends of the cassette 330, that is, positive contact to the lamp module 128 at its front end 454 and positive contact to the circuit board 348 at the contacts 451. A negative connection between the battery cassette 330 and the circuit board 348 occurs through the outer ring contact 434.

  In this embodiment, when the battery cassette 330 is mounted in the battery chamber 327, the electrical path to the light source (or electrical load) is compressed from the central electrode or tip 454 of the central connector 450 of the battery cassette 330. Possible positive contacts 133 and from the heat sink 188 of the lamp module 128 to the conductive inner surface of the barrel 324, and from the rear screw 329 of the barrel 324 to the screw 365 and the conductive inner tail cap portion of the conductive end cap portion 364. 364 itself and through the wave spring 150 to the ground pad on the back of the circuit board 348, and the load switch on the circuit board 348, the ground pad on the front of the circuit board 348, the contact pin spring 346, the contact pin 340, and the final Alternatively, the negative electrode 434 of the battery cassette 330 may be formed.

  As described above, the positive electrode of battery 462a may be electrically connected to the front of cassette 330. However, the positive electrode of the battery 462 may be connected again to the rear of the cassette through the connection of the central connector 450. That is, the central connector extends to the rear contact 451 at the rear of the cassette 330.

  18 is a block diagram illustrating electronic components of an exemplary circuit board of a flashlight as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 11-17. The circuit board 348 may include a voltage regulation circuit 1004, a load switch circuit 1006, a control circuit 1008, and a triaxial acceleration clock circuit 1010.

  The circuit board 348 may include an I / O pad for supplying power to an external device. The I / O pad may include a top +4.5 VDC 1012, a bottom +4.5 VDC 1014, a GND 1016, an LED_OUT 1018, and a SWITCH 1020.

  I / O pad top +4.5 VDC 1012 and GND 1016 may be connected to center contact 451 and outer ring contact 434 of battery cassette 330, respectively. The I / O pad bottom +4.5 VDC 1014 and SWITCH 1020 may be connected to the snap dome 152. When the user presses the switch port seal 168, the actuator 354 is pressed forward to abut the snap dome 152 and close the switch between SWITCH 1020 and +4.5 VDC. When the user releases switch port seal 168, the switch opens and SWITCH 1020 is no longer connected to +4.5 VDC.

  A detailed circuit diagram of an embodiment of circuit board 348 is shown in FIGS. 19A-D.

  FIG. 19A shows a circuit diagram of a preferred voltage regulator circuit 1004. The regulator circuit 1004 may include a low dropout regulator 1020 that operates with a small input-output voltage difference realized by a DC linear regulator. The signal line 1022 is an output from the two diodes 1024 and 1026 driven by the signal lines SWITCH1020 and SW_ON 1046, respectively. This configuration preferably allows a high voltage from signal line SWITCH 1014 or SW_ON 1046 to enable low dropout regulator 1020.

  In a preferred embodiment, the output of the low dropout regulator 1020 may be set to + 3.3V1028 for use as a power source to other components, such as the control circuit 1008. In one embodiment, a commercially available unitary LDO regulator, such as Intersil ISL9003AIRUNZ, may be used. It should be understood that other types of linear regulator circuits may be employed.

  The voltage supply level from the battery (ie, +4.5 VDC 1012) may be monitored by the control circuit 1008 through the signal line ADC_VBAT 1032. The signal line ADC_VBAT 1032 may be generated by a voltage divider from +4.5 VDC 1012.

  I / O pad SWITCH 104 may be used to generate signal MOM 1048 for transmission to control circuit 1008. When signal MOM 1048 is low, it indicates that the user is pressing switch port seal 168. MOM 1048 may be generated by NPN bipolar transistor 1052

  FIG. 19B is a circuit diagram of a preferred control circuit 1008. The control circuit 1008 may include a controller 1030 having an input / output connection. The controller 1030 receives an input signal through the signal lines ADC_VBAT 1032, Z-VOUT 1034, Y-VOUT 1036, X-VOUT 1038, SCK 1040, MISO 1042, MOM 1048, and RESET 1050. In addition, the controller 1030 supplies an output signal through the signal lines LOAD_ENABLE 1044 and SW_ON 1046. The power supply of the controller 1030 may be supported by a + 3.3V1028 power supply.

  In one embodiment, the controller 1030 is a commercially available controller with embedded memory, such as ATtiny 24, an Atmel 8-bit controller. In other embodiments, the controller 1030 may be a microprocessor. Further, in other embodiments, the controller 1030 may be a separate circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of control circuits may be employed.

  FIG. 19C shows a circuit diagram of a preferred load switch circuit 1006. In the embodiment of FIG. 19B, the load switch 1006 may be implemented by an NMOS 1054. The source of the NMOS 1054 may be connected to the top GND 1016, but the drain of the NMOS 1054 may be connected to LED_OUT. Power may flow from LED_OUT 1018 to GND 1016 to connection 1016 to form part of the lamp module 128 current loop.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of drivers and load switch circuits may be employed.

  FIG. 19D shows a circuit diagram of a preferred three-axis accelerometer circuit 1010. The triaxial accelerometer circuit 1010 may include a Z-OUT 1034, a Y-OUT 1036, and an X-OUT 1038 that may also be connected to the control circuit 1008 for further processing.

  The triaxial accelerometer circuit 1010 preferably includes an inertial sensor 1058 that receives information from the internal sensing element and provides an analog signal. Inertial sensor 1058 may be used to measure the earth's static gravitational field by providing acceleration information in three axes, eg, mutually orthogonal axes, ie, the X, Y, and Z axes. The power supply VDD of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 1010 may be supported by a power supply of + 3.3V1028.

  If the Z-axis of the inertial sensor 1058 faces the center of the earth, X and Y have zero acceleration. However, Z receives a −1 G acceleration due to the gravity of the earth. If inertial sensor 1058 is rotated 180 ° so that Z points far from the earth, X and Y remain zero, but Z has an acceleration of + 1G.

  Inertial sensor 1058 is attached to built-in circuit board 348 such that the X, Y and Z axes are fixed relative to flashlight 300. In a preferred embodiment, inertial sensor 1058 is positioned so that the Z-axis extends along the long axis of flashlight 300. When such a flashlight 300 is placed horizontally, the Z-axis also extends horizontally. In this arrangement, X and Y are rotated left or right about the long axis of the flashlight 300. Corresponding X and Y gravity information corresponding to changes in the magnitude of acceleration in the X and Y axes during rotation is sent to the controller 1030 through X-OUT 1038 and Y-OUT 1036, respectively. Thereby, the relative rotation angle is calculated by the controller 1030. The controller 1030 may use the X-OUT 1038 and Y-OUT 1036 information to determine if there is a rotation about the major axis of the flashlight 300 and its direction.

  In the preferred embodiment, the switch for the flashlight 300 is located in the switch and tail cap assembly 106. In this configuration, when the switch is first actuated, the initial orientation of the X and Y axes is not known to the controller 1030, so the initial orientation is the earth's gravitational field in the X and Y directions in the initial orientation. Calculated based on the measurement of Once their initial orientation has been determined, measurements may then be made to track the rotation of the flashlight 300.

  In other embodiments, a switch is disposed on the barrel. In this configuration, the initial position of the X and Y axes is known, assuming that the switch is placed on top as determined by the shape of the user's hand placing the thumb on the switch. In this case, only one axis (X or Y) may be used to calculate the rotation change.

  In both the above embodiments, the flashlight 300 is arranged substantially horizontally for the user in order to obtain a high resolution during rotation, i.e. to obtain better detection of the rotation of the X and Y axes. It is preferable. If the Z-axis is greatly inclined from the horizontal, a rotation error may occur. In this operation, the flashlight 300 is preferably held at ± 30 ° from the horizontal. If the tilt is greater than 30 °, the Z axis is monitored and it is preferable to ignore the rotational input until the flashlight 300 returns the tilt to within ± 30 °.

  In a preferred embodiment, inertial sensor 1058 may be a commercially available microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such as LIS394AL, a three-axis acceleration watch manufactured by STMicroelectronics. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of acceleration watches may be employed.

  The functional operation provided by the exemplary flashlight 300 may be similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10C-10I. Therefore, detailed description will not be given here.

  An alternative preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 21-37. The embodiments described below share the same features as the embodiments described above. As mentioned above, to aid the description, any reference number corresponding to one component in one figure refers to the same element in the other figures.

  Exemplary flashlights 2100, 2300 are described in connection with FIGS. 21-25B and 26-33, respectively. Each exemplary flashlight 2100, 2300 includes many unique features. All of these unique features are included in the flashlight 2100, 2300, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the flashlight 2100, 2300. Rather, the present invention makes symmetric the individual and various combinations of the inventive features of the flashlights 2100, 2300 described below. Further, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the present disclosure, one or more features of the present invention may be incorporated into other portable lighting devices including, for example, headlamps and lanterns.

  FIG. 21 shows an exemplary flashlight 2100. The exemplary flashlight 2100 typically includes a barrel 2124, a head assembly 2104 disposed at the front end of the barrel 2124, and a switch and tail cap assembly 2106 disposed at the rear end of the barrel 2124. The head assembly 2104 is positioned at the front end of the barrel 2124 and the switch and tail cap assembly 2104 seals the rear end of the barrel 2124.

  The torso 2124 may include a rough surface 2108 for a user to grip on a portion of its length. In this embodiment, the rough surface 2108 may be provided by broaching. As an alternative, the rough surface 2108 may comprise a knurled or machined surface. A desired pattern may be used for the rough surface 2108.

  22 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by line 102-102 of the flashlight 2100 of FIG. FIG. 23 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the front of the flashlight 2100 taken along the plane indicated by line 102-102 in FIG. (Parts relating to the battery pack 3130 of FIGS. 22-24 are not shown in cross section.)

  Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the light source 101 is disposed at the front end of the body 2124. In a preferred embodiment, the light source 101 is disposed so as to be disposed at the rear end of the reflector 2118. In other embodiments, the reflector 2118 may be omitted or reshaped.

  The barrel 2124 has a hollow, cylindrical structure to accommodate a portable power source such as a rechargeable battery pack 2130, for example. Thus, battery pack 2130 serves as a housing for receiving a portable power source having positive and negative electrodes or terminals.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 2124 is sized to accommodate a battery pack 2130 that accommodates one lithium ion battery cell. However, in other embodiments, the battery pack 2130 is omitted and the barrel 2124 may be sized to accommodate one or more alkaline batteries or a rechargeable battery of a desired size and capacity. Furthermore, if a plurality of batteries are employed, the batteries may be electrically connected in parallel or in series depending on the implementation. For example, other suitable portable power sources including large capacitors may be used.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 2124 includes an integrated head and front portion 2125 that extends below the front cap 2112 such that the outer surface of the head assembly 2104 is substantially flat with the outer surface of the barrel 2124. The inner diameter of the front part 2125 is smaller than the inner diameter of the other part of the body 2124. The outer diameter of at least the front portion 2125 is such that when the flashlight 2100 is assembled, the outer portion of the integrated head and front cap 2112 and the outer portion of the body 2124 form a substantially uniform cylindrical surface. Further, it may be smaller than the outer diameter of the other part of the body 2124. As an alternative, the integrated head and front cap 2112 and barrel 2124 may have different shapes.

  The barrel 2124 is preferably formed of aluminum, although other metallic or non-metallic (eg plastic) materials may be used. Although the barrel 2124 is preferably made of aluminum, in the embodiment of the flashlight 2100 described below, the barrel 2124 is not used as an electrical path for connecting either the light source 101 or the circuit board 2148 to the battery pack 2130. As a result, the barrel 2124 does not form part of either the main power circuit of the light source 101 or the circuit board 2148. However, in other embodiments, the barrel 2124 may include a portion of the main power circuit such that one or more batteries are used in place of the battery pack 2130 for the light source 101 and / or the circuit board 2148. In such embodiments, the barrel 2124 and other components are preferably made of a conductive material that forms a conductive path.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 2124 includes an outer screw 174 formed on the outer diameter of the front portion 2125, an inner screw 2139 formed on the inner diameter of the front portion 125, and an inner screw 131 formed on the inner diameter of the rear end. (Best illustrated in FIG. 24). The barrel 2124 of this embodiment also includes an annular shoulder 182 formed at the rear end of the front portion 125. The annular shoulder 182 acts as a stopper for a shoulder ring 2126 disposed at the front end of the trunk 2124.

  FIG. 25A is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly 2104, the body 2124, the lamp module 2128, and the battery pack 2130 of the flashlight 2100 of FIG. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 25A, the head assembly 2104 of this embodiment includes an integrated head and front cap 2112, a lens 116 and a reflector 2118. However, in other embodiments, the head and front cap 2112 may consist of two or more separate components that are assembled together, for example by screws.

  The integrated head and inner surface of the front cap 2112 may be used to house certain components including, for example, the lens 116 and the reflector 2118. The reflector 2118 and the lens 116 are operably attached to the inner diameter of the integrated head and front cap 2112. In the present embodiment, the reflector 2118 is disposed from the front end so that the reflector 2118 snaps into the corresponding annular recess 2117 formed near the front end of the inner portion of the integrated head and front cap 2112. It includes spring clips 2177 that are stretched and evenly distributed around the outer periphery of the reflector 2118. In this embodiment, six spring clips 2177 are employed. However, other embodiments may employ a different number of spring clips 2177 or eventually other means for attaching the reflector 2118 to the integrated head and front cap 2112.

  The annular shoulder 119 is provided at the rear end of the annular recess 2117, and once the spring clip 2177 expands into the annular recess 2117, the reflector 2118 is attached to the integrated head and front cap 2112.

The lens 116 is interposed between the forward flange of the reflector 2118 and the lip 113 . As described above, the reflector 2118 and the lens 116 are fixed in the integrated head and front cap 2112. In one embodiment, a sealing member such as an O-ring 114 may be disposed at the interface between the lens 116 and the lip 113 . On the other hand, other waterproof means such as a valve may be used. The O-ring 114 may be made of rubber or other suitable material.

  An annular groove 115 may be provided in the head and front cap 2112 so as to be disposed between the lens 116 and the lip 113. The annular groove 115 is preferably sized to partially receive the O-ring 114, thereby properly positioning the O-ring 114 during the assembly process.

  To provide structural integrity to the reflector 2118 and to help the reflector 2118 be accurately positioned within the inner surface of the head and front cap 2112 and the front 2125 of the barrel 2124, the reflector 2118 is reflective. Fins 2176 distributed around the outer periphery of plate 2118 may be included. In the present embodiment, three fins 2176 are employed. In other embodiments, a different number of fins 2176 may or may not be used.

  The integrated head and front cap 2112 may include an internal thread 172 configured to engage an external thread 174 in the front 2125 of the barrel 2124. However, other forms of attachment may be applied in other implementations. Further, the integrated head and front cap 2112 are preferably made of anodized aluminum, although other suitable materials may be used.

  As best shown in FIGS. 23 and 25A, the reflective shape 2121 of the reflector 118 is preferably part of an optimal paraboloid refined by a computer to ensure reflectivity and high optical properties. Has been metallized. Preferably, shape 2121 is defined by a paraboloid having a focal length of less than 0.080 inches, preferably between 0.040-0.050 inches. Further, the distance between the apex of the paraboloid defining the shape 2121 and the rear opening of the reflector 121 is 0.070-0.120 inches, more preferably 0.075-0.085 inches. The opening at the front end of the reflector 2118 has a diameter of 0.8-0.9 inches, preferably 0.850-0.852 inches, and the opening at the rear end of the reflector 2118 is 0.2-0. It has a diameter of 3 inches, more preferably 0.240 to 0.250 inches. Furthermore, the ratio of the distance from the apex to the rear end opening of the reflector 2118 and the focal length is 1.5: 1 to 6.5: 1, more preferably 1.6: 1 to 1.8: 1. It is a range. Furthermore, the ratio of the distance from the apex to the opening at the front end of the reflector 2118 and the focal length is in the range of 20: 1 to 35: 1, more preferably 20: 1 to 21: 1.

  The reflector 2118 is preferably made of injection molded plastic, although other suitable materials may be used.

  Returning to FIG. 23, the disclosed embodiment illustrates a substantially flat lens 116, but to further improve the optical performance of the flashlight 2100, the flashlight 2100 is instead a curved surface. A lens having For example, the lens may include a biconvex shape or a plano-convex shape on the whole or a part of the lens surface.

  Referring to FIGS. 23 and 25A, a seal member 2122 may be provided at the interface between the integrated head and front cap 2112 and the front 2115 of the barrel 2124. Preferably, the seal member 2122 is disposed in an annular groove 123 provided on the outer surface of the body 2124. Seal member 2122 may be an O-ring or other suitable sealing device. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal member 2122 is formed by a lip seal that is oriented so that excess pressure in the flashlight can escape or be released, while preventing flow from the outside into the flashlight 2100. One-way valve.

  The design and use of a one-way valve in a flashlight is described in more detail in US Pat. No. 5,0034,340 to Anthony Maglica, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The flashlight 2100 of this embodiment includes a lamp module 2128 mounted in a shoulder ring 2126 at the front end of the body 2124 so that the light source 101 is disposed at the rear end of the reflector 2118. The lamp module 2128 may have a projection main axis 110 that coincides with the axis of the reflector and / or the major axis of the flashlight 2100. According to the above configuration, the focal point of the light emitted from the lamp module is achieved through screws 172 and 174 that are screwed together by twisting the head assembly 2104 with respect to the barrel 2124 and spaced from the lamp module 2128 of the head assembly 2104. Or you may adjust by producing the approaching movement.

  The light source 101 of the lamp module 2128 includes a first positive electrode and a second negative electrode. The first positive electrode is in electrical communication with a compressible sex contact 133 (see FIG. 23). The second negative electrode is in electrical communication with a heat sink housing 188 that also acts as a negative contact for the lamp module 2128.

  The light source 101 may be any suitable device that generates light. For example, the light source 101 can be an LED lamp, a heating bulb or an arc bulb. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 101 is an LED lamp and the lamp module 2128 is an LED lamp module. The LEDs of the lamp module 1128 preferably emit light at a spherical angle substantially less than 180 °. In other embodiments, LEDs that emit at other angles may be used, including LEDs that emit at angles greater than 180 °.

  The structure of the LED module used in the lamp module 128 is described in pending US patent application Ser. No. 12/188201 filed Aug. 7, 2008 by Anthony Maglica and by Stacey West et al. This is described in detail in US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/145120, filed on the 16th, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  Referring to FIG. 23, the shoulder ring 2126 is configured to be in intimate contact with the barrel 2124. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of a part of the shoulder ring 2126 is provided with an outer screw 141 that is large enough to be screwed into the inner screw 139 of the front portion 2125 of the body 2124. In other embodiments, other means may be employed for attaching or securing the shoulder ring 2126 to the inner surface of the barrel 2124, including, for example, press fit.

  The lamp module 2128 is mounted in the shoulder ring 126, preferably by a press fit process. Further, the heat sink housing 188 is shaped to facilitate an electrical and thermal connection between the lamp module 2128 and the shoulder ring 2126 and an interference fit between the two. A jagged surface 129, preferably disposed around the lamp module 2128, may be provided to facilitate an interference fit between the lamp module 2128 and the shoulder ring 2126.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the shoulder ring 2126 forms a large heat sink. Furthermore, it has a larger mass than the lamp module, so it quickly removes heat from the lamp module 2128 via the heat sink 188. Eventually, the heat removed by the shoulder ring 2126 is efficiently removed to the barrel 2124 because the barrel 2124 and shoulder ring 2126 are in intimate contact with the shoulder ring 2126 at the front 189. Shoulder ring 2126 may be made of metal, more preferably nickel-plated aluminum, for better electrical, thermal and wear resistance properties.

  The outer diameter of the rear portion 191 of the shoulder ring 126 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the rear portion of the trunk 2124. Thus, during assembly, the shoulder ring 2126 can be easily inserted into the barrel 2124 without damaging the protective coating as formed by anodizing. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the rear portion 191 of the shoulder ring 2126 is larger than the inner diameter of the front portion 2125 of the trunk 2124. Therefore, the rear portion 191 of the shoulder ring 2126 functions as a stopper that limits the foremost position of the shoulder ring 2126 because the shoulder ring is screwed into the internal thread of the body 2124.

  Shoulder ring 2126, lamp module 2128 and head assembly 2104 do not form part of the mechanical switch of flashlight 2100 in this embodiment, but are incorporated herein by reference, for example, in other embodiments. May be described in connection with US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 353,396 dated Jan. 14, 2009 to Stacy West.

  The lamp module 2128 is electrically connected to the flashlight 2100 as follows. The flashlight 2100 may include a rechargeable battery pack 2130 that includes a top positive contact 214 that is electrically connected to a compressible positive contact 133 of the lamp module 2128. After the current passes through the light source 101, the ground connection is electrically connected from the negative electrode of the light source 101 to the heat sink housing 188 functioning as the negative contact of the lamp module 2128 and the negative contact 212 of the battery pack 2130. Stretch through ring 2126.

  24 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken through the plane indicated by the line 102-102 at the rear of the flashlight 2100 of FIG. (However, in FIG. 24, the battery pack 2140 is not shown in cross section.) The rear of the flashlight 2100 typically includes a switch and tail cap assembly 2106. FIG. 25B is an exploded perspective view of the switch and tail cap assembly 2106.

  Referring to FIGS. 24 and 35B, the switch and tail cap assembly 2106 of this embodiment is preferably a one-valve seal member 162, an inner tail cap portion 2164, conducting rings 190, 192, a lower switch housing. 2134, spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140, circuit board 2148, snap dome 152, upper switch housing 2160, lock nut 166, actuator 154, switch port seal 168 and outer tail cap portion 2170.

  Each spring probe assembly 2136, 2138, 2140 is disposed between a conductive plunger 144 slidably disposed within a conductive cylinder 2142, and between the plunger 2144 and the cylinder 2142, and the plunger 2144 is connected to the cylinder 2142. It comprises a spring (not shown) that urges away from the spring.

  Lower switch housing 2134 preferably includes three cylindrical holes 193 that open at the front end of lower housing 2134 and receive and retain at least a portion of plunger 144 of each spring probe assembly 2136, 2138, 2140. Each hole 193 is connected to a cylindrical chamber 195 aligned with the hole 193 in the axial direction. The diameter of each cylindrical chamber 195 is larger than the shape of each hole so that each chamber receives and accommodates the barrel 2142 of each spring probe assembly 2136, 2138, 2140. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical hole 193 of the lower switch housing 2134 is formed in the ear portion 135 that protrudes radially inward from the outer wall 137 of the lower switch housing 2134. In the present embodiment, the ear part 135 at least partially surrounds the recess 135 for receiving the engagement display mechanism 280 disposed on the rear end of the battery pack 2140. In other embodiments, a male display mechanism may be provided in the lower switch housing 2134 and a female display mechanism may be provided in the battery pack 2130.

  In this embodiment, the lower switch housing 2134 is preferably made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, although other suitable materials or material systems may be used.

  In this embodiment, the barrel 2124 and the plunger 2144 of the spring probe assembly 2136, 2138, 2140 are preferably made of a conductive metal such as a body alloy or aluminum.

  The hole 193 in the lower switch housing 2134 and thus the spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140 are configured to mate with the contacts at the bottom of the battery pack 2130. Referring to FIG. 25C, when the battery pack 2130 is installed, the spring probe assembly 2136 is aligned with the bottom center contact 274 of the battery pack 2130 and the spring probe assembly 2138 is aligned with the bottom middle ring contact 276 of the battery pack 2130; Spring probe assembly 2140 may be aligned with bottom outer ring contact 278 of battery pack 2130. In one embodiment, the spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140 may be electrically connected to the GND, MOM contact, and +5 VDC contact of the battery pack 2130, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the circuit board 2148 has a slot 148a (shown in FIG. 25B) for receiving the rear extension 201 of the inner tail cap portion 2164. On the other hand, the slot 198 formed by the rearward extending portion 201 of the inner tail cap portion 2164 receives the solid portion 148b of the circuit board 148, thereby holding the circuit board 148 and the inner tail cap portion 2164 in a desired position. Used to.

  The circuit board 2148 preferably includes contacts on both sides thereof. The circuit board 2148 may also include conductive vias that are drilled through the board 2148 to connect the contacts on both sides. In this embodiment, the front surface of circuit board 2148 (facing the lower switch housing 2134) includes three contact pads that are electrically connected to spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, and 2140, respectively. The back side of the circuit board 2148 (facing the upper switch housing 2160) includes three corresponding contact pads arranged in place. Corresponding contact pairs on the front and back sides of the circuit board 2148 are electrically connected through conductive vias or alternative routing wires provided on the circuit board 2148, respectively.

  Upper switch housing 2160 includes a cylindrical hole 197 into which actuator 154 can be inserted. The annular rim of the switch port seal 168 is held between the annular lip 199 of the outer tail cap 2170 located at the rear end of the flashlight 2100 and the charging ring 166. When the user presses the switch port seal 168, the actuator 154 moves forward in the hole 197 and abuts against the snap dome 152, and the MOM contact pad and the GND contact pad on the back side of the circuit board 2148 snap. It is electrically connected through the dome 152. When the user releases the switch port seal 168, the MOM and GND contact pads on the back side of the circuit board 2148 are no longer electrically connected through the snap dome 152. In other embodiments, non-mechanical switches such as capacitors may be used.

  Upper switch housing 2160 preferably includes keys 161a, 161b, 161c and 161d (see FIG. 25B). These keys 161a, 161b, 161c and 161d can be inserted into slots 149a, 149b, 149c and 149d on the circuit board 2148, respectively, to align the upper switch housing 2160 and the circuit board 2148 in a desired relative position. May be used.

  In this embodiment, upper switch housing 2160 and actuator 154 are preferably made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Switch port seal 168 is preferably made of a flexible non-conductive material such as rubber. The snap dome 152 is preferably made of a conductive spring metal. Other suitable materials may be used.

  A rectifying ring 190, 192 is provided in the middle of the switch and tail cap assembly 2106. In the present embodiment, the rectifying rings 190 and 192 are provided in the form of a charging ring to simplify the charging procedure. However, in other embodiments, the rectifying rings 190 and 192 may be in any form. In the present embodiment, the circuit board 2148 is interposed between the rectifying rings 190 and 192. The circuit board 2148 is configured to be electrically connected to the rectifying rings 190 and 192, but at the same time, the rectifying rings 190 and 192 are insulated so that they are not in electrical contact with each other due to a short circuit. The electrical connection between the circuit board 2148 and the rectifying rings 190 and 192 may be achieved by providing a conductive wiring at an interface formed between the circuit board 2148 and each rectifying ring. The rectifying rings 190 and 192 are preferably aluminum rings.

  As best shown in FIGS. 24 and 25B, the rectifying rings 190, 192 serve as an interface between the external charging unit and the rechargeable battery pack 2130 of the flashlight 2100. Although not shown here, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cradle of the charging unit should be in such a manner that it is in electrical contact with the rectifying rings 190, 192 to hold the flashlight 2100 in place during charging. Will do. Since the rectifying rings 190, 192 preferably extend across the entire outer periphery of the flashlight 2100, the charging unit may use a simple cradle design. For example, a cradle design may be used that allows the flashlight 2100 to be placed in the charging unit to contact the charging contacts of the charging unit while allowing any radial direction relative to the axis in the longitudinal direction. The flashlight 2100 need not be pushed into the charging unit such that a hidden plug or tab is inserted into the flashlight 2100 to achieve contact with the charging contacts of the charging unit.

  The inner tail cap assembly 2164 preferably includes a screw 165 on the front outer surface of the inner tail cap assembly 2164 that engages a screw 131 on the rear inner surface of the barrel 2124. In addition, the inner tail cap portion 2164 preferably includes a screw 167 that engages a screw 171 on the front inner surface of the outer tail cap portion 2170 on the rear outer surface of the inner tail cap portion 2164 including the screw.

  The inner end cap portion 2160 of the present embodiment also includes an annular shoulder 173 formed at the front end of the inner cap portion 2164. The annular shoulder 173 functions as a stopper that prevents the lower switch housing 2164 from moving forward.

  The lock nut 166 is preferably provided with a screw and is screwed into a screw on the inner surface of the rear portion of the inner end cap portion 2164. Thus, the lock nut 166, the annular shoulder 173 of the inner tail cap portion 2164, and the screws 165, 131, 167, 171, 169 function together and are integrated into the switch and tail cap assembly 2106.

  The configuration of the inner tail cap portion 2164 must be such that the rectifying rings 190, 192 maintain electrical isolation from each other. In other words, the inner tail cap portion 2164 should not short circuit the electrical path on the rectifying rings 190, 192. Thus, for example, the inner tail cap portion 2164 may be made of anodized aluminum or other electrically non-conductive material. The lock nut 166 may be formed of metal or plastic, and does not need to be conductive because it does not form part of any electrical path in this embodiment.

  The rear end of the outer cap portion 2170 preferably has a plurality of icons 2180 (best shown in FIG. 21B) that are used to indicate selection of a functional mode. The icons 2180 and their corresponding functional modes will be described later in conjunction with the description of the flashlight 2300, along with their operating procedures.

  A one-way valve, such as a lip seal 162, is provided between the barrel 2124 and the inner tail cap portion 2164 to provide a waterproof seal while allowing excess pressure in the flashlight 2100 to escape to the atmosphere. Also good. The design and use of a one-way valve in a flashlight is described in more detail in US Pat. No. 5,0034,340 to Anthony Maglica, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, other forms of sealing members such as O-rings may be used in place of the lip seal 162 to form a waterproof seal. The lip seal 162 is preferably made of a non-conductive material such as rubber.

  Other configurations of the switch and tail cap assembly 2106 may be used. For example, a switch function such as a push button switch or an internal rotary head assembly switch employed in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 353,396 filed Jan. 14, 2009 may be included on the side.

  Here, the rechargeable battery pack 2130 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 25A and 25C. Typically, the battery pack 2130 is a circuit board that includes electronic components such as rechargeable batteries, charging circuits and / or circuits for other functions, and the battery pack 2130 is a flashlight 2100 or other part of another lighting device. It is preferable to include a contact point for connecting to. Such a battery pack 2130 may typically be a self-contained unit that may be inserted into the battery chamber 127 of the barrel 2124 along with the other components shown in FIG. It is also preferred that battery pack 2130 provide protection for the electronic components and other components therein. In other embodiments, battery pack 230 does not have a circuit board on which components such as accelerating watch 1058 are mounted, so functionality may be provided by circuit board 2148 in switch and tail cap assembly 2106.

Referring to FIG. 25C, the rear end of the battery pack 2130 includes a bottom center contact 274, a bottom middle ring contact 276 and a bottom outer ring contact 278. A display mechanism 280 consisting of a wall extending rearward may be disposed at the rear end of the battery pack 2130, such as between the bottom flow tube ring contact 276 and the bottom outer ring contact 278. A slot 284 provided in the display mechanism 280 is positioned so that the display mechanism 280 is received in a recessed area 153 surrounding the ear 135 of the lower switch housing 2134, thereby forming a plug and socket-like connection. It is sized to receive the ear 135 of the side switch housing 134. As a result, when the switch and tail cap assembly 3106 is rotated to screw into the barrel 2124, if the display mechanism 280 is received in the recess 153, the battery pack 2130 is also rotated. For this reason, the assembly 2106 of the switch and tail cap and the assembly circuit board (not shown) in the battery pack 2130 are always aligned. This feature is beneficial when an acceleration clock 1058, described below, is placed on the assembly circuit board of the battery pack 2130 so that the orientation of the icon 2180 can be automatically detected based on the output of the acceleration clock 1058.

  The battery pack 2130 provided by the exemplary flashlight 2100 is described in detail in pending US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/145120 filed Jan. 16, 2009 by Stacy West et al. The contents are incorporated by reference above.

  The electrical circuits of the flashlight 2100 and their functions will now be further described. The electric circuit of the flashlight 2100 includes a load circuit for energizing the light source 101, a control circuit for energizing the controller and other electronic components on the built-in circuit board 2148, and a battery pack 2130 if possible. And a charging circuit for recharging the rechargeable battery in the pack 2130.

  When the battery pack 2130 is installed in the battery compartment 127, the electrical path to the light source (or electrical load) may be formed through the light source from the top positive contact 214 of the battery pack 2130 to the positive contact 133 of the lamp module 2128. Good. This electrical circuit then extends from the heat sink housing 188 of the lamp module 2128 to the shoulder ring 2126 and to the top outer ring contact of the battery pack 2130.

  The control circuit begins from the bottom outer ring contact of battery pack 2130 to circuit board 2148 and returns from the ground pad of circuit board 2148 to spring probe assembly 2136 and back to the center ground contact of battery pack 2130.

  The high voltage side of the charging circuit relative to the battery pack 2130 extends from the positive charging ring 190 to the circuit board 2148, spring probe assembly 2140 through the outer ring contact 270 of the battery pack 2130 and into the battery pack 2130. The charging circuit then returns from the bottom negative contact 274 of the battery pack 2130 to the spring probe assembly 2136, the circuit board 2148, and the ground charging ring 192.

Another preferred flashlight embodiment 2300 is now described with reference to FIG. The exemplary flashlight 2300 typically includes a barrel 2324, a head assembly 2104 disposed at the front end of the barrel 2324 , and a switch and tail cap assembly 2306 disposed at the rear end of the barrel 2324 . Head assembly 2104 is positioned at the front end of barrel 2324 and switch and tail cap assembly 2304 seals the rear end of barrel 2324.

The torso 2324 may include a rough surface 308 for a user to grip on a portion of its length. The rough surface 2308 may be provided by broaching. As an alternative, the rough surface 2308 may comprise a knurled or machined surface. A desired pattern may be used for the rough surface 2308.

  27 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by line 302-302 of the flashlight 2300 of FIG. FIG. 28 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the front of the flashlight 2300 taken along the plane indicated by line 302-302 in FIG. (Parts relating to the battery pack 3230 of FIGS. 27-29 are not shown in cross section.)

  The trunk 2324 is a hollow, cylindrical structure suitable for accommodating a portable power source such as a rechargeable battery cassette 2330, for example. Thus, the barrel 2324 serves as a housing for receiving a portable power source having positive and negative electrodes or terminals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 2324 is sized to accommodate the battery cassette 2330 . However, in other embodiments, the battery cassette 2330 may be omitted and may be sized to accommodate one or more alkaline dry batteries or rechargeable batteries of a desired size and capacity. Furthermore, if a plurality of batteries are employed, the batteries may be electrically connected in parallel or in series depending on the implementation. Furthermore, for example, other preferable portable power sources including a high-capacity storage capacitor may be used.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 2324 includes an integrated head and front portion 2125 that extends below the front cap 2112 such that the outer surface of the head assembly 2104 is substantially flat with the outer surface of the barrel 2324. The inner diameter of the front portion 2125 of the trunk 2324 is smaller than the inner diameter of other portions. In addition, the outer shape of the front portion 2125 of the barrel 2324 has a cylindrical surface in which the outer portion of the integrated head and front cap 2112 and the outer portion of the barrel 2324 are substantially uniform when the flashlight 2300 is assembled. As formed, it may be smaller than the outer shape of the other part. As an alternative, the integrated head and front cap 2112 and barrel 2324 may have different shapes.

  The barrel 2324 is preferably made of aluminum, but other suitable metallic or non-metallic materials (eg, plastic) may be used. In the flashlight 2300 embodiment described below, the barrel 2324 is preferably made of aluminum, but the barrel 2324 is not used as a conductive path for connecting the light source 101 or the circuit board 2348 to the battery cassette 2330. As a result, the barrel 2324 does not form part of the main power circuit for the light source 101 or the circuit board 2348. However, in other embodiments, the barrel 2324 such that one or more batteries are used instead of the battery cassette 2330 may comprise a portion of the main power circuit for the light source 101 and / or the circuit board 2348. . In such embodiments, the barrel 2324 and other components are preferably made of a conductive material or include conductive paths.

In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 2324 has an outer screw 174 formed on the outer diameter of the front portion 2125, an inner screw 2139 formed on the inner diameter of the front portion 2125, and an inner screw 331 formed on the inner diameter of the rear end. (Shown best in FIG. 29). The barrel 2324 of this embodiment also includes an annular shoulder 182 formed at the rear end of the front portion 2125. The annular shoulder 182 acts to restrain the shoulder ring 2126 disposed at the front end of the barrel 2324.

FIG. 30A is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly 2104, the barrel 2124, the lamp module 2128, and the battery cassette 2330 of the flashlight 2300 of FIG. Referring to FIGS. 28 and 30A, the head assembly 2104 includes an integrated head and front cap 2112, a lens 116 and a reflector 2118. Components including the head assembly 2104 and the integrated head and front cap 2112, shoulder ring 2126, lamp module 2128, O-ring 114 and lip seal 2122 . It is described in detail in connection with FIGS. 23 and 25A.

  Different configurations of the head assembly 2104 may be used. For example, in other embodiments, the head assembly 2104 may form part of a mechanical switch means to provide a user interface.

  Referring to FIG. 28, the lamp module 2128 is electrically connected to the flashlight 2300 as follows. The flashlight 2300 of this embodiment includes a battery cassette 2330 that includes a positive electrode 254 that is electrically connected to a compressible positive contact of a lamp module 2128. After current passes through the light source, the ground connection extends from the negative electrode of the light source through a heat sink housing 188 that functions as the negative contact of the lamp module 2128 and a ring 2126 that is further connected to the connector pin 424 of the battery cassette 2330. . The ground path is connected to the conductive ring 335 (best shown in FIG. 29) of the lower switch housing 2334, to the spring probe assembly 2140, and to the negative electrode of the battery cassette 2330, thereby completing the negative contact. Continue to circuit board 2348 including.

  29 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken at the plane indicated by the lines 302-302 at the rear of the flashlight 2300 of FIG. (However, in FIG. 29, the battery cassette 2330 is not shown in cross section.) The rear of the flashlight 2300 typically includes a switch and tail cap assembly 2306 as reflected in FIGS. FIG. 30B is an exploded perspective view of the switch and tail cap assembly 2306.

  24 and 35B, the switch and tail cap assembly 2306 of this embodiment includes a lower switch housing 2334, spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140, a circuit board 2348, a snap dome 152, an actuator 354, an upper switch. A housing 2360, a one-valve seal member 162, and a tail cap 2370 are included. The spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140 are described in detail in connection with FIGS. 24 and 25B.

Lower switch housing 2334 preferably includes three cylindrical holes 393 that open at the front end of lower housing 2334 and receive and retain at least a portion of plunger 2144 of each spring probe assembly 2136, 2138, 2140. Each hole 393 is connected to a cylindrical chamber 395 aligned with the hole 393 in the axial direction. The diameter of each cylindrical chamber 395 is larger than the shape of each hole so that each chamber receives and accommodates the barrel 2142 of each spring probe assembly 2136, 2138, 2140. In this embodiment, the lower switch housing 2134 is preferably made of a non-conductive material such as plastic, although other suitable materials or material systems may be used.

  Also, the spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140 push forward until their front ends abut the contacts described below. The hole 393 in the lower switch housing 2334, and therefore the spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140, are configured to mate with the contacts at the bottom of the battery cassette 2330. When the battery cassette 2330 is inserted, the spring probe assembly 2136 is aligned with the battery pack cassette 2330 bottom center contact 451 and the spring probe assembly 2138 is aligned with the bottom outer contact 434 of the battery cassette 2330. On the other hand, the spring probe assembly 2140 may be aligned with the conductive ring 335 of the lower switch housing 2334. Further, the conductive ring 335 may be aligned with the rear end of the connector pin 424 of the battery cassette 2330.

  In this embodiment, the lower switch housing 2334 is preferably made of a non-conductive material such as plastic, although other suitable materials may be used. The spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140 are preferably formed of metal so as to form part of the electrical path of the flashlight 2300 described below.

  A contact ring 335 (shown in FIGS. 29 and 30B), preferably formed of metal, is integrally molded with the lower housing 2334 and between the spring probe assembly 2140 and the rear end 429 of the connector pin 424 of the battery cassette 2330. An interface may be provided. This creates a negative or ground circuit for the lamp module 2128.

  The circuit board 2348 preferably includes contacts on both sides thereof. The circuit board 2348 may also include conductive vias that are drilled through the board 2348 to connect the contacts on both sides. As an alternative, a wire may pass around the circuit board 2348 and connect on both sides. The circuit board 2348 may have electronic components mounted thereon. In this embodiment, the front side of the circuit board 2348 (opposite the lower switch housing 2334) may include three contact pads that are electrically connected to the spring probe assemblies 2136, 2138, 2140, respectively. The rear side of the circuit board 2348 (opposite the upper switch housing 2360) corresponds to the SWITCH 1020 and 4.5VDC 1014, respectively, and includes contact pads arranged at predetermined positions. Corresponding contact pairs on the front and back sides of the circuit board 2348 are electrically connected through conductive vias or alternative routing wires provided on the circuit board 2348, respectively. The electronic components incorporated in the circuit board 2348 and their functions will be described later in this specification.

  Upper switch housing 2360 includes a cylindrical hole 397 into which actuator 354 can be inserted. An annular rim of the switch port seal 168 is held between the annular lip 399 and the inner cap portion 364 of the outer tail cap 2370 located at the rear end of the flashlight 2300. When the user presses the switch port seal 168, the actuator 354 moves forward in the hole 397 and contacts the snap dome 152, and the SWITCH contact pad 1020 and the 4.5VDC contact pad 1014 on the back surface of the circuit board 2348 It is electrically connected through the snap dome 152. When the user releases the switch port seal 168, the SWITCH contact pad 1020 and the 4.5VDC contact pad 1014 on the back side of the circuit board 2348 are no longer electrically connected through the snap dome 152. In other embodiments, non-mechanical switches such as capacitors may be used.

  Upper switch housing 2360 preferably has a set of keys 361a, 361b and 361c (shown in FIG. 30B). These keys 361a, 361b and 361c are inserted into slots 349a, 349b and 349c on the circuit board 2348, respectively, and are used to align the upper switch housing 2360 and the circuit board 2348 in the desired relative positions. Also good. The short key 361b on one side, the short key 361b on the opposite side, and the long key 361c form a halved key configuration.

  In this embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 30B, the upper switch housing 2360 preferably includes an alignment feature 360a that projects forward and is received in the engagement recess 334a of the lower switch housing 2334. These engaging functions 360a, 334a are formed by engaging keys 361a, 361b, 361c with slots 349a, 349b, 349c formed in the circuit board 2348 and engaging holes formed in the bottom of the lower switch housing 2334 during assembly. May be used to help align to the illustrated). The engagement holes formed in the bottom of the lower switch housing 2334 are preferably sized to receive corresponding keys to form an interference fit. In other embodiments, the engagement positioning function may be provided on the lower switch housing 2334 and the corresponding female function may be provided on the upper switch housing 2360.

  In this embodiment, upper switch housing 2360 and actuator 354 are preferably made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Switch port seal 168 is preferably made of a flexible non-conductive material such as rubber. The snap dome 152 is preferably made of a conductive spring metal. Other suitable materials may be used.

  A one-way valve, such as a lip seal 162, is provided at the contact surface between the barrel 2324 and the switch and tail cap assembly 2306 to provide a waterproof seal while simultaneously relieving excess pressure in the flashlight to the atmosphere. May be possible. However, other forms of sealing members such as O-rings may be used in place of the one-way valve 162 to form a waterproof seal. The lip seal 162 is preferably made of a non-conductive material such as rubber.

  The tail cap 2370 preferably includes a screw 331 (shown in FIGS. 29 and 31A) on the front outer surface of the tail cap 2370 that engages a screw 329 on the rear inner surface of the barrel 2324.

  Other configurations of the switch and tail cap assembly 106 may be used. For example, a switch function such as a push button switch or an internal rotary head assembly switch employed in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 353,396 filed Jan. 14, 2009 may be included on the side.

  Referring now to FIGS. 28, 29 and 30A, the battery cassette 2330 preferably contains batteries that are used to power the flashlight 2300 or other lighting device. After the batteries are inserted into the battery cassette 2330, the battery cassette may be inserted into the flashlight barrel 2324 along with other components of the flashlight 2300. In other embodiments, the central connect 450 is used to provide both positive poles of the battery cassette, ie, the positive contact at its top end 454 and the positive contact at its bottom central contact 451. In this embodiment, the spring probe 424 is used to provide negative contacts at both ends of the battery cassette 2330, that is, a negative contact at its top end 423 and a negative contact at its bottom 429.

  The battery cassette 2330 included in the exemplary flashlight 2300 is described in detail in pending US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/145120 filed Jan. 16, 2009 by Stacy West et al. Are incorporated by reference above.

In this embodiment, when the battery cassette 2330 is mounted in the battery chamber 327, the electrical path to the light source (or electrical load) is compressed from the central electrode or tip 454 of the central connector 450 of the battery cassette 2330 to the lamp module 2128. Up to possible positive contacts 133 may be formed through the light source 101. The electrical path from the light source 101 to the heat sink 188 of the lamp module 2128 to the conductive pins 424 of the battery cassette 2330, the contact ring 335 of the lower switch housing 2334, the spring probe assembly 2140 , the load switch 1006 on the circuit board 2348, the circuit board 2348 May be formed to the front ground pad, the spring probe assembly 138, and finally the negative electrode 434 of the battery cassette 2330.

  Functions and electrical circuits that support the function of the flashlight 2300 will now be described. Functions and electrical circuits that support the function of the flashlight 2300 may be used in the flashlight 2100.

  In the present embodiment, the flashlight 2300 has five predetermined function modes: variable brightness dimming (DIM), flashing light that can change the flashing frequency (STROBE), variable brightness SOS mode (SOS), and operation detection signal. Mode (SIGNAL) and nightlight mode (NITELITE). It is understood that the modes shown in the present invention can be deleted and / or other modes can be added to give the flashlight the desired functionality. In this description, blinking and strobe are used interchangeably. The nightlight mode and NITELITE are used interchangeably.

  The tail cap 2370 preferably has a plurality of icons 2180 that are used to indicate selection of a functional mode. As shown in FIG. 31B, tail cap 2370 has icons 2370a, 2370b, 2370c, 2370 and 2370e associated with the five modes at equal intervals around the rear perimeter 2371 of tail cap 2370. The icon 2370a relating to the DIM mode is arranged in the direction of 12:00, the icon 2370b relating to the STROBE mode is arranged in the direction between 12:00 and 3 o'clock, and the icon 2370c relating to the SOS mode is arranged in the direction between 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock. The icon 2370d relating to the SIGNAL mode is arranged in the direction between 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and the icon 2370e relating to the NITELITE mode is arranged in the direction between 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock. The distance between each pair of adjacent icons is 72 ° divided by 360 ° divided by 5. In other embodiments, the icons 2370a, 2370b, 2370c, 2370 and 2370e need not be evenly spaced around the rear perimeter 2371 of the tail cap 2370. In other embodiments, the order of the icons 2370a-e may be rearranged in FIG. 31C or in another order.

  The flashlight 2300 may be turned on by depressing the instant switch for a predetermined time while the flashlight is in a horizontal position to cause the flashlight to enter a new mode of operation. The new mode of operation is determined by the location of the flashlight. In other words, the new operation mode is determined by the icon pointing to a predetermined position. In the present embodiment, the mode associated with the particular icon 2180 facing the 12 o'clock direction is selected as the new operating mode of the flashlight 2300. This interface associated with icon 2180 simplifies the user's mode selection procedure. Any mode can be selected immediately without performing operations in sequence.

  In this embodiment, icon 2180 is preferably laser engraved to provide a high contrast that is easy to see. Other methods for displaying the icon 2180 can also be used. For example, the icon 2180 can be paint-painted, stuck, laminated, silk-screen printed, stamped, pad printed, machine engraved, or thermal transfer / sublimated printed.

  In addition, icon 2180 may be illuminated to cause icon 2180 to emit light in the dark by other techniques such as fluorescent ink or backlight. As a result, the icon 180 is visible in the dark. And as shown in FIG. 31D, the seal 168 of the tail cap 2370 can be used to help a user place a particular icon 2370 in the dark, with an irregularity or rib 2399 aligned with one of the icons 2180, eg, the DIM icon 2370a. May be included.

  The icon 2180 may be affixed to the flashlight 2300 after assembling the switch and tail cap assembly 2306. In this case, the tip of the spring probe assembly 2136, 2138, 2140 can be used to indicate position while the icon 2180 is attached.

  In other embodiments, the icon 2180 may be located other than the rear perimeter 2371 of the tail cap 2370. For example, the icon 2180 may be disposed on the center outer periphery of the tail cap 2370.

  In other embodiments, more or less than five icons may be used depending on the number of functions desired.

  The icon 2180 is preferably engraved on the rear perimeter 2371 of the tail cap 2370 so that in this embodiment, a key function is used between the lower switch housing 2370 and the circuit board 2348 to position the circuit board 2348. Is held for the laser engraved icon 2180.

  Alternatively, if the key function is not used, a calibration procedure can be performed to align the icon with the circuit board 2348. In this case, calibration can be performed during manufacturing. If an unintentional rotation occurs after manufacture, a calibration procedure may be performed by the circuit board 2348 to re-align the icon with the circuit board 2348.

  FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical circuit of the flashlight 2300. The electrical circuit includes a power source 2330, a light source 2128, and a circuit board 2348. The circuit board 2348 may include a voltage regulation circuit and interface 1004, a load switch circuit 1006, a control circuit 1008, and a three-axis acceleration timepiece circuit 1010.

  The circuit board 2348 may include an acoustic interface / speaker 518 and a vibrator 520. This may be preferred when an acoustic or tactile response is desired for input of commands such as, for example, selection of one or more modes described below. Instead of placing the acoustic interface and speaker 518 and the vibrator 520 on the circuit board 2348, one or both of them may be placed outside the board. In other words, the acoustic interface and speaker 518 and / or vibrator 520 need not be mounted on the circuit board 2348 and may be included anywhere in the flashlight 300.

  The circuit board 2348 may include an I / O pad for supplying power to an external device. The I / O pad may include a top +4.5 VDC 1012, a bottom +4.5 VDC 1014, a GND 1016, an LED_OUT 1018, and a SWITCH 1020.

Referring to FIG. 30C , I / O pad top +4.5 VDC 1012 and GND 1016 may be connected to center contact 451 and outer ring contact 434 of battery cassette 2330, respectively. The I / O pad bottom +4.5 VDC 1014 and SWITCH 1020 may be connected to the snap dome 152. When the user presses the switch port seal 168, the actuator 354 is pressed forward to abut the snap dome 152 and close the switch between SWITCH 1020 and +4.5 VDC. When the user releases switch port seal 168, the switch opens and SWITCH 1020 is no longer connected to +4.5 VDC.

  A detailed circuit diagram of an embodiment of circuit board 2348 is shown in FIGS. 33A-D.

  FIG. 33A shows a circuit diagram of a preferred voltage regulator circuit 1004. The regulator circuit 1004 may include a low dropout regulator 1020 that operates with a small input-output voltage difference realized by a DC linear regulator. The signal line 1022 is an output from the two diodes 1024 and 1026 driven by the signal lines SWITCH1020 and SW_ON 1046, respectively. This configuration preferably allows a high voltage from signal line SWITCH 1014 or SW_ON 1046 to enable low dropout regulator 1020.

  In a preferred embodiment, the output of the low dropout regulator 1020 may be set to + 3.3V1028 for use as a power source to other components, such as the control circuit 1008. In one embodiment, a commercially available unitary LDO regulator, such as Intersil ISL9003AIRUNZ, may be used. It should be understood that other types of linear regulator circuits may be employed.

  The voltage supply level from the battery (ie, +4.5 VDC 1012) may be monitored by the control circuit 1008 through the signal line ADC_VBAT 1032. The signal line ADC_VBAT 1032 may be generated by a voltage divider from +4.5 VDC 1012.

  I / O pad SWITCH 104 may be used to generate signal MOM 1048 for transmission to control circuit 1008. When signal MOM 1048 is low, it indicates that the user is pressing switch port seal 168. The MOM 1048 may be generated by the NPN bipolar transistor 1052.

  FIG. 33B is a circuit diagram of a preferred control circuit 1008. The control circuit 1008 may include a controller 1030 having an input / output connection. The controller 1030 receives an input signal through the signal lines ADC_VBAT 1032, Z-VOUT 1034, Y-VOUT 1036, X-VOUT 1038, SCK 1040, MISO 1042, MOM 1048, and RESET 1050. In addition, the controller 1030 supplies an output signal through the signal lines LOAD_ENABLE 1044 and SW_ON 1046. The power supply of the controller 1030 may be supported by a + 3.3V1028 power supply.

  In one embodiment, the controller 1030 is a commercially available controller with embedded memory, such as ATtiny 24, an Atmel 8-bit controller. In other embodiments, the controller 1030 may be a microprocessor. Further, in other embodiments, the controller 1030 may be a separate circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of control circuits may be employed.

FIG. 33C shows a circuit diagram of a preferred load switch circuit 1006. In the embodiment of FIG. 33C , the load switch 1006 may be implemented by an NMOS 1054. The source of the NMOS 1054 may be connected to the top GND 1016, but the drain of the NMOS 1054 may be connected to LED_OUT. Power may flow from LED_OUT 1018 to GND 1016 to connection 1016 to form part of the current loop of lamp module 2128.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of drivers and load switch circuits may be employed.

  FIG. 33D shows a circuit diagram of a preferred three-axis accelerometer circuit 1010. The triaxial accelerometer circuit 1010 may include a Z-OUT 1034, a Y-OUT 1036, and an X-OUT 1038 that may also be connected to the control circuit 1008 for further processing.

  The triaxial accelerometer circuit 1010 preferably includes an inertial sensor 1058 that receives information from the internal sensing element and provides an analog signal. Inertial sensor 1058 may be used to measure the earth's static gravitational field by providing acceleration information in three axes, eg, mutually orthogonal axes, ie, the X, Y, and Z axes. The power supply VDD of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 1010 may be supported by a power supply of + 3.3V1028.

If the Z-axis of the inertial sensor 1058 faces the center of the earth, X and Y have zero acceleration. However, Z receives a −1 G acceleration due to the gravity of the earth. If inertial sensor 1058 is rotated 180 ° so that Z points far from the earth, X and Y remain zero, but Z has an acceleration of + 1G.

Inertial sensor 1058 is attached to built-in circuit board 2348 such that the X, Y and Z axes are fixed relative to flashlight 2300. In a preferred embodiment, inertial sensor 1058 is positioned such that the Z-axis extends along the long axis of flashlight 2300. When such a flashlight 300 is placed horizontally, the Z-axis also extends horizontally. In this arrangement, X and Y are such that when the flashlight 2300 is rotated to the left or right around the long axis of the flashlight 2300 , the magnitude of acceleration in the X and Y axis directions during rotation changes. X and Y gravity information is transmitted to controller 1030 through X-OUT 1038 and Y-OUT 1036, respectively. In other words, the direction of the flashlight 2300 is determined.

  The relative rotation angle of the flashlight 2300 may also be detected. When the flashlight 2300 is placed horizontally, the Z axis also extends horizontally. In this arrangement, when X and Y are rotated left or right about the long axis of the flashlight 2300, the magnitude of acceleration in the X and Y axis directions during rotation changes, so that the gravity of X and Y Information is sent to controller 1030 through X-OUT 1038 and Y-OUT 1036, respectively. The relative rotation angle may be calculated by the controller 1030. The controller 1030 may use the X-OUT 1038 and Y-OUT 1036 information to determine whether there is rotation about the long axis of the flashlight 2300.

  In a preferred embodiment, the flashlight switch may be located on the switch and tail cap assembly 2106. In this configuration, when the switch is first operated, the initial orientation of the X and Y axes is not known, so the initial orientation is based on measurements of the Earth's gravitational field in the X and Y directions in the initial orientation. Is calculated. Once their initial orientation has been determined, measurements may then be taken to track the rotation of the flashlight 2300.

  The flashlight 2300 is preferably arranged substantially horizontally for the user in order to obtain a high resolution during rotation, i.e. to obtain better detection of the rotation of the X and Y axes. If the Z-axis is greatly inclined from the horizontal, a rotation error may occur. In this operation, the flashlight 2300 is preferably held at ± 30 ° from the horizontal. If the tilt is greater than 30 °, the Z axis is monitored and it is preferable to ignore the rotational input until the flashlight 2300 returns the tilt to within ± 30 °. However, the angle may be reduced or increased in different implementations.

  In a preferred embodiment, inertial sensor 1058 may be a commercially available microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such as LIS394AL, a three-axis acceleration watch manufactured by STMicroelectronics. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of acceleration watches may be employed.

  The brightness of the lamp module 2128 may be determined by changing the duty cycle of the lamp module 2128 having a higher frequency than can be detected by the human eye. The duty cycle of the lamp module 2128 may be generated by a series of high and low pressure states of the output of the load switch circuit 1006 driven by the controller 602 along with other components. When the conduction time is long, the lamp module 2128 becomes bright. On the other hand, when the conduction time is short, the lamp module 128 becomes dark.

  The variable flashing ratio of the lamp module 2128 may also be determined by changing the duty cycle of the lamp module 2128 having a higher frequency than can be detected by the human eye. The circuit that supports the variable blinking ratio can be the same as the one that supports the variable brightness described above.

As a combination, the variable brightness SOS mode or variable brightness flashing light of the lamp module 2128 may be generated by setting the duty cycle of the lamp module 2128 at a frequency that can be detected by the human eye. During the low pressure cycle, the lamp module 2128 is turned off, but during the high pressure cycle, the lamp module 2128 may have a duty cycle having a higher frequency than can be detected by the human eye. In other words, there is a high duty cycle within the high pressure period of the low duty cycle. This function may be performed by the controller 1008.

  As described above, the flashlight 2300 preferably operates in a plurality of modes. The operation and use of these modes will now be described further. FIG. 34 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method of operation 2702 that the flashlight 2300 performs with various modes available.

  When the flashlight 2300 is turned off (2704), the circuit board 2348 is energized by the battery cassette 2330. Thus, the flashlight 2300 continuously monitors the position and operation of the flashlight 2300 while detecting the position of the instantaneous switch (2168). If the switch 2168 is pressed (2706), the flashlight 2300 is lit in the normal mode (2708).

  When the flashlight 2300 is lit in the normal mode, initial intensity information may be loaded from the memory of the controller 1008 (2710) and a control signal may be provided to control the brightness of the lamp module 2128. In a preferred embodiment, the memory may be an EEPROM embedded in the controller 1008. The initial intensity information may be the intensity of the last use before the flashlight 2300 is turned off. As an alternative, the initial strength information may be a predetermined setting, for example, a minimum strength. Other strengths may be predetermined.

  After the initial intensity information is loaded from the memory 2700, when the flashlight 2300 is held in the horizontal position when lit or the switch 168 has not been pressed continuously for a predetermined time (2712), the flashlight 2300 is in the normal mode. (2714). In one embodiment, the predetermined time is 1 second. It is understood that other times can be used. At this time, the flashlight 2300 operates in a normal mode with a constant brightness, and can be turned off when the switch 168 is pressed for the second time.

  On the other hand, if the flashlight 2300 is held in the estimated position while the switch 168 is continuously pressed for longer than a predetermined time (2712), the flashlight 2300 can enter a new operation mode.

  The new mode of operation may be specified as one of the following examples: variable brightness dimming (DIM), flashing light with variable flashing frequency (STROBE), variable brightness. SOS mode (SOS), operation detection signal mode (SIGNAL), and nightlight mode (NITELITE). The new operating mode is determined by the icon associated with the new operating mode. If the switch 168 is continuously pressed for more than a predetermined time and the particular icon is facing up or 12:00 (2712) and the flashlight 2300 is held in a horizontal position when lit, The mode associated with that particular icon is selected (2716).

For example, as shown in FIG. 31B , if the DIM icon 2370a is pointing up, after step 2716, the DIM function mode is selected. On the other hand, for example, if the SOS mode and the change icon 2370c are facing upward, after step 2716, the SOS function mode is selected. This interface simplifies the user's mode selection procedure. Either mode can be selected directly by directing the icon associated with the desired mode in a predetermined direction, without the user having to guess or remember the operating procedure.

  When the flashlight 2300 transitions to a new mode of operation (2718), initial intensity information may be loaded from the memory of the controller 1008 (2710) to provide a control signal to control the brightness of the lamp module 2128. . The initial intensity information may be the intensity of the last use before the flashlight 2300 is turned off. As an alternative, the initial strength information may be a predetermined setting, for example, a minimum strength. Other strengths may be predetermined.

In the present embodiment, when the current mode is the DIM mode, STROBE mode, SOS mode, or SIGNAL mode, the intensity of the last use before turning off the flashlight 2300 is used as the initial intensity. On the other hand, if the mode along the source is the NITELITE mode, the maximum intensity is used as the initial intensity.

  At this time, if the switch 168 is released (2700), the flashlight 2300 continues the current function mode with the initial intensity setting until the flashlight 2300 is extinguished in the specified manner (2772). For example, if the switch 168 is pressed and then released, the flashlight 2300 understands that this procedure is a switch-off command and the flashlight 2300 turns off.

  If the flashlight 2300 is rotated left or right about its main projection axis 2310 while the switch 168 is still depressed, the amount of rotation can be calculated by the controller 1008 and the adjustment is performed. (2726). If the current operation mode is the DIM mode, for example, the brightness of the flashlight 2300 may be changed based on the calculated rotation amount (2726). On the other hand, if the current operation mode is the STROBE mode, the frequency of the duty cycle may be changed based on the calculated rotation amount (2726).

  In a preferred embodiment, before the flashlight 2300 is rotated, the brightness of the flashlight is set to the intensity information stored in the memory. When the flashlight 2300 is rotated 10 ° to the left or right, if the current operation mode is DIM mode, SOS mode or SIGNAL mode, the brightness of the flashlight is set to the maximum. However, when the flashlight 2300 is rotated 45 ° or more to the left or right, the brightness of the flashlight is set to the minimum. In other words, when the flashlight 2300 is rotated 10 ° to 45 ° left or right, the brightness of the flashlight may change linearly from lowest to highest.

  If the current mode is the STROBE mode, the frequency of the flashlight is set to the maximum when the flashlight 2300 is rotated 10 degrees to the left or right. However, when the flashlight 2300 is rotated 45 degrees or more to the left or right, the frequency of the flashlight is set to the lowest. In other words, when the flashlight 2300 is rotated 10 ° to 45 ° to the left or right, the frequency of the flashlight can change linearly from lowest to highest.

  Since the mode setting is based on the icon position at the time of activation, the rotation of the flashlight 2300 around the main axis is used only for mode adjustment. Thus, the adjustment can be performed either left-handed or right-handed. The mode adjustment is symmetrical and mirrored to a virtual vertical plane running longitudinally through the main axis 2310 of the flashlight 2300, so that this function can be performed by a right-handed or right-handed user. help.

  In this embodiment, maximum brightness is performed by providing a 100% duty cycle pulse current to the lamp module 2128, and minimum brightness has a 5% duty cycle.

  If the desired brightness (in DIM, SOS or SIGNAL mode) or frequency (in STROBE mode) is found while rotating flashlight 2300 left or right, release switch 168 and release 2728; The current brightness or frequency may be stored in memory to execute the function of the selected mode 2730. The flashlight 2300 may maintain its brightness or frequency level until the new setting is next stored.

  On the other hand, the switch 168 is released (2728), and the current mode is the SIGNAL mode, and it is detected whether there is a left or right rotation around the main axis 2310 of the flashlight 2300. (2730). If rotation is detected, the flashlight 2300 can be lit. If the flashlight 2300 is reversely rotated to the original position, the flashlight 2300 can be turned off. In other words, the flashlight 2300 is switched between on and off by rotating left or right and then reversely rotating.

  The flashlight 2300 may be turned off (2734) in a specified manner. For example, if the switch 168 is pressed and then released, the flashlight 2300 recognizes that this procedure is a switch-off command (2732) and the flashlight 2300 is turned off (2734).

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 is an example and other types of operations may be employed.

  The operation flow 2702 shown in FIG. 34 may be executed by software stored in the memory of the controller 1008. Thus, the controller 1008 can be programmed to control the operating procedure based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 1010. When controller 1008 receives information from X-VOUT 1038 and Y-VOUT 1036, controller 1008 may change its execution procedure based on such information.

  The controller 1008 may be programmed to control the flow of power through the lamp module 128 based on signals received from the output of the triaxial accelerometer circuit 1010. That is, when the controller 1008 receives information from the X-VOUT 1038 and Y-VOUT 1036, the controller 1008 may change some of its output signals based on the execution of software stored in the controller 1008.

  Other types of movement of the flashlight 2300 that may cause a change in the 3-axis accelerometer circuit 1010 may be used as an instruction to change the flashlight 2300 function. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the operation described here in connection with the controller 1008.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1110 for operating the flashlight 2300 in the nightlight operation mode. The method 1110 of operating the nightlight mode flashlight 2300 illustrated in FIG. 35 is shown in greater detail than that provided in FIG. Thus, step 902 corresponds to step 2718 of FIG. 34 when the nightlight mode is selected. When the flashlight 2300 transitions to the nightlight mode at step 902, the controller 1008 is preferably configured such that the light source of the flashlight 2300 initially provides a constant brightness of light.

After the flashlight 2300 transitions to nightlight mode at step 902, at step 1912 the controller 1008 causes the load switch 1006, acoustic interface and speaker 518, and / or vibrator 520 to transition to the nightlight mode selected. It may be programmed to output instructions that provide visual, acoustic and / or tactile cues. The cue provided at this step 1912 has no abrupt operational change in light source brightness before the timer expires at step 1908 when there is no such cue in this embodiment. Thus, providing visual, acoustic and / or tactile cues in step 1912 informs the user of the nightlight mode selection and makes the use of flashlight 2300 more user friendly.

The visual cue may be a simple flash that turns on and then turns off the light. Alternatively, it can be a sequence of two or more flashes. To provide an acoustic cue in step 1912 in addition to or as an alternative to a visual cue, the controller 1008 passes a series of beeps or sounds through an acoustic interface and speaker 518 (see FIG. 32) connected to the controller 1009. It may be programmed to output beep sounds with different pitches. On the other hand, the haptic cue may be provided through a vibrator 520 (see FIG. 32) connected to the controller 1009.

Once the visual, acoustic and / or tactile cue has been performed at step 1912 , the timer may be reset at step 1904 . The timer is used to determine the time before the flashlight begins to darken. Preferably, each time a predetermined amount of swing is detected by the controller 1008 based on one or more inputs from the accelerometer circuit 1010, the timer is reset and the flashlight 2300 enters the nightlight mode at step 902. After the transition, the timer can expire and the light source 101 becomes dark only when it remains stopped for a predetermined initial set time such as 15 or 30 seconds. Thus, as long as the flashlight is moved with sufficient force to produce a change in the requirement in acceleration, the flashlight 2300 will not go dark.

In some embodiments, the controller 1008 is sufficient to pass through step 1908 to allow the user to add additional time to the timer, thereby dimming the light source 101 in step 1916 . It may be desirable to extend the time during which no magnitude acceleration is detected. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 32, it is programmed to allow the user to adjust the timer. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can adjust the timer if he or she does not release the instantaneous switch once after entering the nightlight mode. On the other hand, once the user releases the momentary switch, he or she can no longer adjust the timer.

In the preferred embodiment, in step 1904 , the timer is initialized to expire in a 30 second time period. If the instantaneous switch 168 is released after entering the nightlight mode without adjusting the timer, the controller 1008 simply sets the initial time in step 1908 before dimming the light source 101 in step 1916. Wait for the timer to expire. However, as described above, the timer is preferably reset whenever the controller 1008 detects that the flashlight has been moved with sufficient force. Then, the process goes to step 1908 to expire the timer.

On the other hand, if the controller determines that the instantaneous switch 168 has not been released in step 2770, the user can adjust the timer's initial set time so that there is no movement before dimming the light source 101 in step 1908. The time that should elapse can be delayed. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, in step 2724, the controller 1008 determines that the flashlight 2300 has been rotated left or right about its main projection 310 while the instantaneous switch 168 is continuously depressed. If so, the amount of rotation may be calculated by the controller 1008 and a timer may be adjusted based on the amount of rotation ( 1906) . The timer may be gradually increased by, for example, 15 or 30 seconds each time the flashlight 2300 wins left or right and is rotated back to the center. In other words, if additional latency is desired, steps 2724 and 1906 can be repeated until the desired time is determined while the momentary switch remains depressed at step 2728.

Once the timer is increased by the desired value, the user releases the instantaneous switch. When the release of the instantaneous switch is detected in step 2728, the timer starts to advance until the expiration time determined in step 1908 . As noted above, each time a sufficient amount of force is detected, preferably the timer can expire so that the timer can expire only when the flashlight remains inhibited (or relatively inhibited) for a regulated time. Is reset (here to the adjusted timer setting).

The timer is preferably adjusted by a relatively short time of 15 to 30 seconds each time it is rotated to the right or left, but the timer is incremented by any time in step 1906 , including for example 1 minute or 5 minutes. May be.

And in step 1906 flashlight instead to adjust the amount of increase only timer every time is rotated to the left or right, a timer adjusted to be executed in step 1906, be performed based on the rotation amount of flashlight 2300 Good. For example, the timer may be added for 15 seconds if the flashlight is rotated 15 ° or more and less than 30 °, and may be added for 30 seconds if the flashlight 2300 is rotated left or right by 30 ° or more. In other embodiments, times or angles may be used. For example, the timer is incremented by an extra 5 minutes if the flashlight is rotated 15 ° to less than 30 ° left or right, and an additional 10 minutes if the flashlight 2300 is rotated 30 ° to the left or right. May be.

In other embodiments, a visual, acoustic and / or tactile cue is provided when the timer is increased in step 1906 . Preferably, the cue corresponds to the amount of time added to the timer or the adjusted timer time so that the user knows how much the timer has increased.

Once the timer expires in step 1908 , the brightness of the light source 101 of the flashlight 2300 is decreased in step 1916 . In this embodiment, the light source 101 of the flashlight 2300 is gradually dimmed until it reaches its minimum brightness. In other embodiments, the light source 101 of the flashlight 2300 may be gradually dimmed until it is finally completely off.

Once the flashlight 2300 is dimmed in step 1916 , the lowest (or other preset) brightness may be continuously provided until the flashlight 2300 detects a shake in step 1918. . At the time the swing is detected, the brightness of the flashlight 2300 may be increased to the brightness level stored in the memory ( 1920 ). In this embodiment, the brightness of the light source 101 of the flashlight 2300 is set to the brightness level stored in advance in the memory by the user from the DIM mode. However, in other embodiments, the brightness of the light source 101 of the flashlight 2300 may simply be adjusted to its highest brightness level. Once the brightness is increased in step 1920 , the timer is reset in step 1910 to the adjusted time if the timer was adjusted in step 1906 , or to the default time. Operation then returns to step 2720 and to step 908 where the controller 1008 monitors whether the reset timer has expired. Again, whenever a sufficiently large movement is detected, the timer is reset so that the brightness of the light source 101 of the flashlight 2300 is dimmed only if the flashlight 2300 is stopped or does not move fast enough. .

  As described above in connection with FIGS. 32 and 33D, the plastic velocity meter circuit 1010 has an output that may be connected to the control circuit 1008. The accelerometer circuit 1010 may be mounted on a circuit board 2348 having a Z-axis that extends along the long axis of the flashlight 2300. When the flashlight 2300 is placed horizontally, if the flashlight 2300 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about its long axis 310, the magnitude of acceleration changes in the X and Y axes, And Y gravity information may be sent to the controller 1008 through X-VOUT 1038 and Y-VOUT 1036, respectively. Controller 1008 uses information from X-VOUT 1038 and Y-VOUT 1036 to determine if there is rotation about the long axis of flashlight 2300. When the flashlight 2300 is in a horizontal position, when the flashlight 2300 is tilted up about 45 °, the magnitude of acceleration changes in the Z axis, and the gravity information of Z is sent to the controller 1008 through the Z-OUT 1034. Also good. Controller 1008 uses the information from Z-VOUT 1034 to determine if there is an upward tilt of flashlight 2300 and further latency is required. The flashlight 2300 detects pitch or roll (or changes in information on the X-VOUT 1038 and Y-VOUT 1036) and uses this information to determine whether the flashlight 2300 should remain a nightlight. Also good.

  The brightness of the lamp module 2128 may be determined by changing the duty cycle of the lamp module 2128 to a higher frequency that can be detected by the human eye. The duty cycle of the lamp module 2128 may be generated by a series of high and low pressure states of the LOAD_ENABLE 1044 signal driven by the controller 1008. This LOAD_ENABLE 1044 signal continuation of the high voltage state and the low voltage state may cause the NMOS 1054 to be alternately turned on and off together with other components on the load circuit. When the ratio of conduction time in each cycle is 100%, the lamp module 2128 is at its maximum brightness. On the other hand, when the ratio of the conduction time in each cycle approaches 0%, the lamp module 2128 reaches its lowest brightness.

  The operation flow 900 illustrated in FIG. 35 may be realized by software stored in the memory of the controller 1008. The controller 1008 may be programmed to control the operating procedure based on signals received from the output of the accelerometer circuit. When controller 1008 receives information from X-VOUT 1038 and Y-VOUT 1036, controller 1008 may change its execution procedure based on such information.

  Controller 1008 may also be programmed to control the flow of power through lamp module 2128 based on signals received from the output of the accelerometer circuit. That is, when the controller 1008 receives information from the X-VOUT 1038 and Y-VOUT 1036, the controller 1008 may change some of its output signals based on the execution of software stored in the controller 1008.

36A and 36B show a flowchart 1145 , 1162 of the lock function of the flashlight 2300. After the flashlight 2300 is turned off 1148, the switch 168 may be accidentally pressed under certain conditions, such as movement of a bag, glove box or tool box. An erroneous press of switch 168 may waste power by turning on flashlight 2300.

The lock functions 1145 and 1162 prevent the flashlight 2300 from being turned on erroneously by executing a series of operations of the flashlight 2300 for shifting to the lock mode. Once the flashlight 2300 is in the lock mode, all subsequent presses of the switch 168 are ignored until a series of actions are performed to unlock the flashlight 2300.

Lock function 1145 begins at step 1146. While the flashlight 2300 is turned on (1147) and the switch 168 is continuously pressed (1150), the projection main shaft 310 is directed upward in a substantially vertical direction (1148). If pointed down in a vertical direction , the flashlight 2300 interprets the procedure as a lock command. In the present embodiment, once the switch 168 is released (1152), the flashlight 2300 confirms the lock command (1154) and transitions to the lock mode (1158). Then, the operation 1145 for shifting to the lock mode is completed (1158). However, in other embodiments, once switch 168 is released 1152, flashlight 2300 goes directly to lock mode (1156) without confirming the lock command (1154).

  In this embodiment, the flashlight 2300 flashes and confirms the lock command (1154). As an alternative, the flashlight 2300 may acknowledge the lock command by providing an acoustic or tactile response in addition to or instead of the visual response (1154).

  Once the flashlight 2300 is locked (1156), the only way to exit the lock mode is the lock mode exit operation 1162. That operation 1162 begins at step 1160. While the switch 168 is continuously depressed (1166), the flashlight 2300 is projected when the projection main shaft 310 is directed upward in a substantially vertical direction and then directed downward in a substantially vertical direction (1164). Interprets the procedure as an instruction to end the lock mode. Once switch 168 is released (1168), flashlight 2300 is released (unlocked) from lock (1170). In this embodiment, the flashlight 2300 confirms the unlocked state (1172), and completes the end of the lock operation mode in step 1174 (1162). In another embodiment, once the flashlight 2300 is released (unlocked) from the lock (1170), the lock mode termination operation is completed without performing step 1172 to confirm the unlocked state. In one embodiment, once the lock mode end operation is completed (1162), the flashlight 2300 is subsequently lit. Once the flashlight 2300 is locked (1156), it cannot be turned on by a switch 168 depress and release procedure before the flashlight 2300 receives the unlock command.

  In this embodiment, the flashlight 2300 acknowledges the unlock command by flashing 1172. Alternatively, the flashlight 2300 may acknowledge 1172 the unlock command by providing an acoustic or tactile response in addition to or instead of the visual response.

  Alternatively, other manners of movement of the flashlight 2300 that cause a change in the output X-VOUT 1038 and Y-VOUT 1036 or Z-VOUT 1034 of the accelerometer circuit 1010 causes the flashlight 2300 to enter lock mode or exit lock mode. It may be used as an instruction.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing another lock function 1176 of the flashlight 2300. The operation starts at 1190. If the flashlight 2300 is off (1178), the flashlight 2300 can be turned on by a switch-on command, such as a switch press and release sequence, and the light source of the flashlight 2300 will begin to generate light. Alternatively, the flashlight 2300 may enter an initial user operation mode.

  If the flashlight 2300 is off (1178) and the switch 168 is pressed and released three times in succession (1180), the flashlight 2300 interprets the procedure as a lock command. In this embodiment, the flashlight 2300 confirms the lock command (1182), and shifts to the lock mode (1184). As an alternative, once the flashlight 2300 has received a lock command, the flashlight 2300 may enter a direct lock mode without a confirmation step 1182 (1184). Once the flashlight 2300 is locked (1184), it cannot be turned on by a switch 168 depress and release procedure before the flashlight 2300 receives the unlock command.

  When the flashlight 2300 is locked (1184), if the switch 168 is pressed and released three times in succession (1188), the flashlight 2300 interprets this procedure as an unlock or release command and continues The flashlight 2300 is unlocked (1188), and the lock mode is terminated (1192). In one embodiment, once the lock mode end operation 1192 is complete, the flashlight 2300 is subsequently lit.

  In the present embodiment, the flashlight 2300 responds to the lock command by flashing (1182). Alternatively, the flashlight 2300 may acknowledge the unlock command by providing an acoustic or haptic response in addition to or instead of the visual response (1182).

  As described above in connection with FIG. 33D, the plastic velocity meter circuit 1010 may have outputs X-VOUT 1038, Y-VOUT 1036, and Z-VOUT 1034 that may be connected to the control circuit 1008. The accelerometer circuit 1010 may be mounted on a circuit board 2348 having a Z-axis that extends along the long axis of the flashlight 2300. When the flashlight 2300 is pointed vertically up, the magnitude of the X-axis acceleration will be -1G. When the flashlight 2300 is pointed vertically down, the magnitude of the X-axis acceleration will be + 1G. Z gravity information may be sent to the controller 1008 through the Z-VOUT 1034.

  The controller 108 may use the information in the Z-VOUT 1034 to determine if the flashlight 2300 is pointed up or down and to determine if the lock mode is desired.

The operation flowcharts 1145 and 1162 shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B may be realized by software stored in the memory of the controller 1008. The controller 1008 may be programmed to control the operating procedure based on signals received from the output of the accelerometer circuit. When the controller 1008 receives information from the Z-VOUT 1034, the controller 1008 may change the user's selection (or parameter setting) based on this information.

  A multi-mode portable electronic lighting device is expected. The apparatus includes a controller and a user interface. The controller is configured to implement a plurality of operation modes. The user interface is configured to input instructions to the controller. The user interface may have a position detection interface through which commands are input through at least one predetermined position of the portable electronic lighting device.

  A portable lighting device is expected. The portable lighting device is configured to operate using a portable power source. The portable lighting device includes a light source, a main power circuit that electrically connects the light source to a portable power source, an inertial sensor that detects a plurality of predetermined positions and movements of the portable lighting device, and a portable power source. The main power circuit includes an electronic power switch disposed in series electrically with the light source. The controller includes an electronic power switch of the main power circuit and an output that provides a control signal for controlling the flow of power through the light source, the controller at a plurality of predetermined positions or movements of the portable lighting device. And is configured to control the flow of power through the electronic power switch.

  A control method for a multi-mode portable electronic lighting device is expected. The method determines whether the portable lighting device is located at one of a plurality of predetermined positions, and transitions to a new operation mode when one of the plurality of predetermined positions is detected.

  While various embodiments of the improved flashlight and its individual components are presented in the above description, many improvements, modifications, alternative embodiments and alternative materials are anticipated by those skilled in the art and various aspects of the present invention. May be used to accomplish For example, the power control circuit and the short circuit protection circuit described here may be employed together or separately. Furthermore, the short circuit protection circuit may be used in rechargeable electronic devices other than flashlights. Accordingly, it is to be expressly understood that this description is given by way of example only and is not intended as limiting the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (27)

A controller configured to implement multiple modes of operation;
A user interface for inputting instructions to the controller;
The user interface is a multi-mode portable electronic lighting device including a movement detection interface through which a command is input through a first predetermined operation of the portable electronic lighting device,
It said controller, when said with the multimode friendly搬電Ko type illumination device is moved in the first predetermined operation controller determines, is configured to adjust the operating mode selected, multi Mode portable electronic lighting device.   The multimode portable electronic lighting device of claim 1, wherein the user interface includes an inertial sensor electrically connected to the controller.   The multimode portable electronic lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the inertial sensor includes an acceleration watch.   The multimode portable electronic lighting device according to claim 3, wherein the acceleration timepiece is a three-axis acceleration timepiece. The multimode portable electronic lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is rotation around a longitudinal axis of the multimode portable electronic lighting device. 6. The multi of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to further adjust the operation mode when the controller determines that the multi-mode portable electronic lighting device has transitioned to a second predetermined operation. Mode portable electronic lighting device.   The multi-mode portable electronic lighting device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive an adjustment command to adjust the operation mode if any of the one or more operation modes is selected. . A portable lighting device configured to operate using a portable power source,
A light source;
A main power circuit for electrically connecting the light source to the portable power source, the main power circuit including an electronic power switch disposed in electrical series with the light source;
An inertial sensor having at least one output;
A controller electrically connected to the portable power source,
The controller includes an output for providing a control signal for controlling the flow of power through the electronic power switch and the light source of the main power circuit, and electrically outputs at least one output of the inertial sensor. And is configured to control the flow of power through the electronic power switch based on one or more signals received from at least one output of the inertial sensor,
The controller is configured to control the electronic power switch in a manner that provides at least two modes of operation, the controller based on one or more signals received from at least one output of the inertial sensor. The portable lighting device is configured to adjust the selected operation mode when the controller determines that the portable lighting device has moved in the first predetermined manner.   The portable illumination device according to claim 8, wherein the inertial sensor includes an acceleration watch.   The portable illumination device according to claim 9, wherein the acceleration timepiece is a three-axis acceleration timepiece.   The portable lighting device of claim 9, wherein the acceleration watch includes one or more analog outputs connected to one or more data ports of the controller.   The portable lighting device of claim 9, wherein the acceleration watch includes one or more digital outputs connected to one or more data ports of the controller. The controller is configured to control the electronic power switch to provide a plurality of operation modes, and the controller is configured to move the portable lighting device in the first predetermined mode. The portable lighting device of claim 8, wherein each time the controller determines, the selected operating mode is adjusted . The portable of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to further adjust at least one operating mode when the controller determines that the portable lighting device has moved in a second predetermined manner. Lighting device. 9. The portable light of claim 8 , wherein at least one operating mode includes a variable brightness mode, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust brightness based on a movement amount of the first predetermined aspect. apparatus.   At least one operation mode is a signal mode, and the controller turns off the light source when the controller detects that the portable lighting device has been moved in the second predetermined mode, and The portable illumination device of claim 14, configured to relight the light source when the controller detects that the portable illumination device has been moved in the opposite manner. At least one operation mode is a visible blinking mode, and the blinking frequency is adjusted when the controller determines that the portable lighting device has been moved in the first predetermined manner. The portable lighting device according to claim 8 . The brightness of the light source is adjusted when the controller determines that the at least one operation mode is an SOS mode and the portable lighting device is moved in the first predetermined manner. 8 portable lighting devices.   The portable lighting device according to claim 8, wherein when the light source is energized, the light source is configured to project light along a principal axis of light projection.   The portable illumination device is moved in the first predetermined manner when the portable illumination device is rotated in a first direction or a rotation direction around the principal axis of the light projection. 19 portable lighting devices. The controller of claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to rotate the portable lighting device from the initial rotational position by a predetermined amount in the first direction to adjust a selected mode of operation. Carrying lighting device.   21. The portable lighting device of claim 20, wherein the first direction of rotation is clockwise. The controller of claim 22 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust an operation mode when the controller determines that the portable lighting device has been rotated clockwise about the projection main axis. Carrying lighting device.   21. The portable lighting device of claim 20, wherein the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise. 25. The controller of claim 24 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust an operating mode when the controller determines that the portable lighting device has been rotated counterclockwise about the light projection axis. Portable lighting device.   The portable illumination device according to claim 8, wherein the light source is an LED. A light source;
A main power circuit for electrically connecting the light source to the portable power source, the main power circuit including an electronic power switch disposed in electrical series with the light source;
An acceleration clock having at least one output;
A controller electrically connected to the portable power source,
The controller includes an output for providing a control signal for controlling the flow of power through the electronic power switch and the light source of the main power circuit, and is electrically connected to at least one output of the acceleration watch And is configured to control the flow of power through the electronic power switch in a manner that provides at least two different modes of operation, and at least one output of the acceleration watch The controller is configured to adjust the selected operation mode when the controller determines that the portable lighting device has been moved in a first predetermined manner based on one or more signals received from ,flashlight.

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