Patent Grant
8096674
1. Technical Field
The invention generally relates to lighting devices, and more particularly to the switching of lighting devices to operate light sources in various modes.
2. Related Art
Flashlights are conveniently sized battery powered portable light sources, which provide the user with a source of illumination. Said illumination could be white light or light of a specific color, or even light outside the visible range of wavelengths, such as ultraviolet or infrared radiation. The “color” or wavelength of the light will depend on the nature of the light source or light sources used in the flashlight. These would typically be either tungsten lamps, ARC lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, or any other emitter.
Because of the general nature of flashlights and their wide range of applications, it is very desirable for a flashlight to be able to emit, at the user's direction, different levels of light output, and/or different colors or wavelengths of light. This can be accomplished using multiple light sources or a single light source, which can be adjusted to provide different levels of light output.
The principal light source used in flashlights is the tungsten filament lamp, as alternatives suffered inadequate illumination, or excessive battery consumption. Tungsten filament lamps, however, cannot be effectively used as a variable output light source because they must be operated close to their design point (current & voltage) if they are to retain their efficiency in converting electrical energy to light. Generally speaking, the same thing can also be said about ARC lamps. Thus, if one wanted two significantly different light outputs from the same flashlight, this would require the use of two different lamps. Examples of such prior art systems are described in Matthews U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,629,105 and 6,386,730, the former teaching the use of a second lamp protruding through the reflector at a point offset to the side of the main lamp which is located at the focal point of the (parabolic) reflector, and the latter teaching the use of two lamps each with its own reflector, the reflectors merged together in a manner such that the light from each lamp interacts only with its own reflector.
In such existing systems, the switching system consists of mechanical contact arrangement where the physical axial displacement of a switch system element (either by direct finger or thumb pressure or by rotation of a tail cap or head of the flashlight) causes first lamp to be connected to the battery, and additional applied pressure or flashlight element rotation causes the second lamp to be connected to the battery. In some cases the design is such that the first lamp is disconnected when the second lamp is connected to the battery. In other cases, the first lamp remains connected when the second lamp is connected.
In practice, such dual- or multi-source flashlights typically have a pressure switch located on the opposite end of the flashlight from the light source. This switch system, or tail cap, may be rotated through a range of angular positions, each providing a different response to application of a button on the pressure switch. Rotation of the switch on the helical threads connecting it to the flashlight body generates axial movement to move contacts toward or apart from each other. In a first position, the switch contacts are farthest apart, so that full pressure of the button has no effect. This is the “lockout” position. By rotating the switch to the second position, fully pressing the button connects the first lamp to the battery, but not the second (and usually brighter) lamp, which is controlled by more widely spaced contacts that remain locked out. In the third position, which is the position most normally used, moderate pressure on the button first connects the first lamp to the battery; greater pressure, including a “bottoming out” condition then connects the second lamp to the battery. In a fourth rotational position, the first lamp remains on when the button is not pressed and the second lamp is connected in response to additional pressure on the button or to additional rotation of the tail cap. In a fifth rotational position both lamps are connected without the application of any pressure on the button
While effective, such dual-source lights have several limitations. First, they require the user either to maintain button pressure throughout illumination, or to rotate a switch between operating modes. This requires either continuous use of one hand, or the occasional use of both hands (to rotate the switch), either of which may be disadvantageous for critical military and law enforcement applications.
When set to certain switch modes existing lights do not enable rapid illumination for emergencies. When in the lockout mode or the second mode noted above, maximum pressure will not illuminate the brighter lamp. Changing modes takes time, and requires two hands, which may be disadvantageous in an emergency.
Existing lights have limited choice of light levels. Many tasks require different illumination levels. The moderate level of illumination provided by the first lamp (LED) for many tasks such as camping and ordinary trail navigation may be much brighter than would be desired for map reading in critical military situations. Other applications may require still different moderate lights levels when the full brightness (and shorter run time) of an incandescent lamp is not suitable. Moreover, there is a substantial range of possibly desired brightness levels between the maximum of the first lamp and the full brightness of the second lamp that are not obtainable.
It should be noted that the term “lamp” is used in its most general meaning, namely that of any light source (which could be a tungsten filament lamp, an LED, or an ARC Lamp) of any wavelength.
In one embodiment, a flashlight is provided having a lamp, a power source, two switches, and a controller connected to the switches. The first switch controls delivery of power to the lamp, and the second switch selects a dimmed brightness level. The first switch may invoke the dimmed level, or a maximum brightness level. The second switch may be a ring rotatable about the axis the flashlight, and either rotatable through a wide range of positions, with sensor circuitry to detect the absolute position, or having a limited range of rotation, with dimmed level selection provided by a duration of momentary rotation in either direction. The second switch may be positioned outside a leak resistant housing, and may include a magnet detectable by magnetic field sensors within the chamber.
In another embodiment, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.
In another embodiment, a method of operating a lighting device is provided. The lighting device includes a light source, a controller, a power terminal, and a tailcap assembly. The method includes receiving a manipulation of the tailcap assembly. The method also includes selectively connecting the controller to the power terminal in response to the manipulation. The manipulation causes at least one arm of a washer disposed in a tailcap of the tailcap assembly to be pushed against a surface. The method also includes providing one or more signals from the controller to control an operation of the light source in response to the connecting.
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly
Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.
In one embodiment, the lamp 14 is a light-emitting diode (LED), and may be a single lamp that operates efficiently over a wide range of input power to produce a wide range of possible light outputs. In alternative embodiments, there may be multiple light sources, either interconnected to provide a single, switchable (and dimmable) array, with all sources operating in the same manner. In other alternatives, there may be separate lamps or independently controllable lamp elements, so that color hue changes may be obtained by operating different color components in different combinations, or so that dimming control may be obtained by illuminating a different number of the components. The lamp may be an alternative light source, such as a tungsten halogen lamp or any other light source, although LED lamps are believed best suited to presently provide efficiency over a wide range of powers and brightness.
The dimmed level selector 20 may be of any type to provide the operator with the means to select a “dim” brightness level at any intermediate level within the range of the lamp's capability. The dimmed level selector is shown as connected directly to the controller 12, although in alternative embodiments the dimmed level selector may communicate with the controller by other means, including magnetic or radio frequency means. For instance, a rotatable ring may have one or more magnets, and the interior of the flashlight may contain a hall effect sensor connected to the controller to sense position or movement of the ring.
The dimmed level selector may have a selector element such as a dial or slider that establishes a dimmed level based on its position. Alternatively, the selector may establish a dimmed level by responding to the operator's duration (or magnitude) of pressure on a switch, such as by gradually rising in brightness in response to actuation until the selector is released. A dimmed level may be set by numerous alternative means, including by operation of the primary control switch 22, such as by its rotational position, by a series or sequence of impulses, or by any other means.
The flashlight 10 includes a conductive housing that is illustrated schematically in
A second electrical path is provided over the length of the flashlight by the conductive sleeve element 26 shown schematically here, and detailed below. The sleeve is electrically isolated from the housing, and connects at its closed rear end to the rear of the battery 16 and to a contact from the switch 22, and at its open front edge to the lamp 14 and to the controller 12. The sleeve may be replaced in alternative embodiments by a single conductor wire or circuit element such as a flex circuit to provide the same function. Other alternatives include a conductive trace applied to the interior of the housing (isolated therefrom by an insulating film layer) and connected at each end to the appropriate components. The batteries themselves provide a third electrical path.
The second path provided by the sleeve allows the switch to connect with the controller over two paths, so that the controller may detect a resistance presented by the switch to determine its state, as will be discussed below. The second path further ensures that the switch is not serially connected in the loop with the primary current flow from the battery to the lamp, avoiding parasitic losses due to switch resistance.
As shown in
All the leaf spring contacts are connected to each other. As the switch is depressed over its range of axial travel, the contacts contact the fixed element 44 in sequence. As shown in
Before the switch button is depressed, the resistance between the fixed portion (and thereby the controller's connection to the sleeve) and the movable portion (and thereby the controller's connection to the housing ground) is infinite. When the button is slightly depressed, a first leaf spring contact makes contact with a pad associated with a resistor. The controller may thus determine by this resistance across these lines that the button has been pressed to an intermediate position. In one embodiment, the controller then operates the lamp at the pre-selected dimmed illumination level.
When the button is further depressed, another leaf spring contacts a pad. In the simplest case, the switch has only two contacts (not the four illustrated), and the second contact would contact a pad having no resistor. This reflects a condition when the switch is fully depressed, and would cause the controller to provide full brightness illumination. In the more complex embodiment illustrated, there are five button states (including the released condition) determinable by the controller, so that various brightness levels or preselected dimmed or hue outputs might be provided based on the switch condition. One embodiment requires at least two different contacts that make contact at different depression amounts of the button, and are connected to at least one resistor to provide a different output resistance depending on whether one, both, or neither are making contact. In the simple case, one extending spring contact may protrude, with the moving element panel 44 making direct contact in the fully actuated position.
By having an electronic controller connected to the switch, additional switching and control capabilities may be provided that are not provided by a conventional switch in line with the power loop. The illumination of the lamp need not correspond to the position of the switch. This enables a “click-on, click-off” switch mode in which a momentary actuation of the switch causes sustained illumination, and a second momentary actuation ceases illumination. This function is provided in the absence of a conventional mechanical switch that switches between open and closed contact positions using springs and ratcheting mechanisms, in the manner of a ballpoint pen or other conventional on-off flashlight switches.
By electronic control of switching operations, significant additional capabilities are made available. The controller may detect the duration of pressure on the button, the magnitude of pressure (for embodiments with multiple leaf springs for at least one intermediate actuated position), and the number and pattern of actuations (enabling distinguishing of commands in the manner of a single or multiple click computer mouse.)
In one embodiment, the tail cap 32 may be unscrewed from the housing a sufficient amount to prevent any switch contacts from making contact even when the button is fully pressed, providing a lockout position for storage to prevent inadvertent discharge of batteries or unwanted illumination during critical operations.
For normal operation, the tail cap is screwed tightly to the scope body to an “operational condition.” This differs from conventional flashlights that require the tail cap to be in an intermediate rotational position for selective operation (full screw-down providing constant-on operation in such lights). This reduces potential operator error, and avoids the need for testing operational condition to ensure proper rotational position in advance of a critical operation, or after replacement of batteries.
When in the operational condition, displacement of the button to a first intermediate position (or intermediate pressure, for strain gauge buttons) causes the controller to provide power to the lamp for illumination at a pre-selected dimmed level, but only while the button is displaced. This provides momentary illumination, or a “dead man's” capability, so that the light turns off when pressure is ceased.
Displacement to a second intermediate position (such as when a second leaf spring makes contact in the switch, so that the controller detects a different resistance level) causes the controller to operate the lamp at the same pre-selected dimmed level, but with sustained operation upon release of the button. The switch may include a mechanical detent mechanism to provide tactile feedback to the operator to indicate that sustained illumination will be provided, or the rubber boot on the tail cap button may be designed with an over-center operation characteristic that provides a distinctive tactile feel when pressure beyond the required level to reach the second intermediate position is provided. In alternative embodiments, feedback devices may include electronic transducers in the flashlight connected to the controller, such as an audio annunciator that provides a “click” sound, or tactile transducers such as piezoelectric devices that provide a tactile response.
When illuminated at the preselected dimmed level, any pressure of the button less than the second intermediate position has no effect, while pressure beyond the threshold that led to sustained illumination and release beyond the first intermediate level will cease illumination.
When in the off condition, or when illuminated at the preselected dimmed level, displacement of the switch beyond the second intermediate level to a third or maximum level causes the controller to provide maximum illumination in a “panic” mode. In one embodiment, full pressure on the switch generally causes sustained illumination at the maximum illumination level. To avoid unintended max illumination when a user intending to “click on” at the preselected dimmed level inadvertently presses momentarily with excessive force to the third level, the controller is programmed to provide sustained max illumination only when the contact at the third level is made for more than a brief pre-selected duration. In such an embodiment, the momentary click by a user to invoke the pre-set dimmed level may result in a momentary flash at the max brightness level, but this ensures that users requiring max brightness receive immediate illumination. In an alternative embodiment where immediate max illumination is not critical, the controller may be programmed to delay max illumination until after the button has been depressed more than the momentary threshold, avoiding the max flash when intermediate lighting is desired. In such an embodiment, maximum output is slightly delayed to ensure at least slightly sustained duration of pressure more than the fraction of a second that would correspond to accidental excess pressure.
From the maximum illumination condition, pressure on the switch beyond the third displacement amount and release of pressure will cease illumination. The controller may be programmed to return from the max illumination to the preselected dimmed level based on whether the light was operating in the preselected level when the max illumination was initiated. The controller may alternatively be programmed to select an illumination condition upon cessation of max illumination based on the degree of switch actuation, such as by turning off after pressure to (and release from) the third level, and by switching to the preselected level after pressure to (and release from) the second level.
In alternative embodiments, the capability to detect switch application duration enables significant flexibility of function. For instance, the max brightness operation may be established as either sustained or momentary based on duration of application beyond the first brief time threshold set to avoid intended max illumination as discussed above. For switch pressure sustained longer than a second threshold greater than the first, the controller provides momentary max illumination only during such pressure. For pressure more than the first duration but less than the second (such as a deliberate but brief application) the action is read by the controller as a “click on” command.
The programmability and flexibility of the switch control provides further advantages in alternative embodiments. Programming may be fixed, or customized based on institutional purchaser requirements, or programmed on an individual basis by each operator. Some applications will prefer programming that avoids accidental max illumination (such as for infantry troops operating at night), while other applications will prefer ready access to max illumination without delay or difficulty (such as for police work).
The programmable capability of the controller with the electronic switch will provide the user (or a service agency) the capability to re-program the operating characteristics of the device. For instance, where a second dim-level control switch is not desired, the user may invoke a programming mode by a selected sequence of switch actuations. This may be a sequence of pressures to different degrees, a sequence of a number of clicks, or a sequence of clicks of different durations, such as Morse code. Once in a selected programming mode, pressure on the switch may cause the light level to ramp up gradually, so that the user sets the preselected dimmed level by releasing the switch when the dimmed level is desired. Such a mode might be invoked by a simple double click of the switch.
For a flashlight having more than one different light source, such as having multiple colors, the user may program the color (or invisible wavelength) to be output at different modes. This may include selecting hue based on which of several different color lamps (such as RGB LEDs) are illuminated, and in what relative brightnesses. The ability to record and store sequences of different durations also permits the storage of messages (such as entered by Morse code) and subsequent transmission in a regulated format that is readily receivable by other electronic devices. With the fast response time of LED lamps relative to incandescent, such messages may be “hidden” during flashlight operation (in visible or infrared wavelengths) as brief, possibly imperceptible variations of the output level.
The controller may be of any conventional type, programmed and programmable for the various functions above, the circuitry includes a power switching device such as a FET that operates to provide a selected power level to the lamp(s) based on the controller input.
While the above is discussed in terms of various embodiments, the invention is not intended to be so limited. For instance, many of the above functions and features of a programmable controller may be provided by other means, and the interface between the switch (which may be located at any position) and the controller need not be hard-wired, but may include data transmitted by radio frequencies emitted by the switch and received by the controller. Alternatively, communication may be provided by optical means, such as by an infrared emitter on the switch and a corresponding detector associated with the controller. Such optical communication may be made by line of sight in a passage adjacent to the batteries within the tube, through an optical conduit such as a fiber, or through a housing member having optically transmissive qualities.
The sensors 122 may be embedded in the housing, such as embodiments in which the housing is molded plastic; in one embodiment, the sensors 122 are attached to a flexible circuit element 124 as shown. As shown in
Referring back to
The ring 112 serves to allow the user to establish a state for operation of the flashlight, within a range of discrete options corresponding to the number of sensors 122. In one embodiment, the ring establishes a power or dimmed level for the output of the lamp when the tail cap switch is in an intermediate position or has otherwise been operated to indicate a selected intermediate brightness level. The user may rotate the ring in advance of operation, setting the ring to a known number or other indicia printed on the housing and ring. Alternatively, the user may trigger the intermediate dimmed illumination mode by any of the means noted above, and rotate the ring until a satisfactory brightness is achieved.
In alternative embodiments, the ring may be used to set a second brightness level, such as the maximum level, by rotating to a selected position when the light is illuminated in the maximum mode. The flexibility offered by the control circuit and switches further allows for the setting of any number of brightness levels, which may be achieved by various combinations of inputs related to those noted above with respect to one embodiment, including multiple clicks, and inputs of different durations. The dimmer switch ring may further be used to establish a color output, such as with lamps having variable or different color lamps (as will be illustrated in
The
This disclosure is made in terms of various embodiments, and is not intended to be so limited.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a flashlight 1110 is provided that may be operated in a variety of different modes selected by a user. In particular, flashlight 1110 includes washers 1170 and 1180 in a tailcap assembly 1160 of flashlight 1110 that operate as switches to selectively open or close electrical contacts in response to manipulation of various portions of the tailcap assembly (e.g., by a user). Advantageously, the arrangement and configuration of washers 1170 and 1180 in tailcap assembly 1160 permits flashlight 1110 remain compact while still providing a variety of different modes of operation. A selector ring 1116 may also be manipulated (e.g., by a user) to cause flashlight 1110 to operate in various modes.
As shown in
Power sources such as batteries 1150 or other appropriate power sources may be used to power flashlight 1100. Such power sources may be connected to power terminals. For example, in one embodiment, springs 1124 and 1164 (see
For example, in one embodiment, washer 1170 of tailcap assembly 1160 may be used to selectively connect the power terminal provided by spring 1164 (e.g., or any other appropriate power terminal) to processor 1210 and controller 1220. In this regard, washer 1170 may selectively contact a surface such as a surface of body 1136 or any other appropriate surface (e.g., a wire, electrical trace, and/or any other appropriate conductor).
In one embodiment, washer 1170 may selectively connect the power terminal provided by spring 1164 to processor 1210 and controller 1220 through body 1136. In various embodiments, body 1136 may optionally include bushings 1134 and/or 1138. In this regard, bushing 1138 may be used to provide a hard conductive surface to be selectively contacted by washer 1170 (e.g., bushing 1138 may be a surface of body 1136 selectively contacted by washer 1170). For example, in one embodiment, bushings 1134 and 1138 may be nickel plated brass bushings, and other materials may be used in other embodiments.
In another embodiment, washer 1170 may selectively contact body 1136 directly (e.g., body 1136 itself may be the surface selectively contacted by washer 1170). In one embodiment, body 1136 may be an aluminum body, and other materials may be used in other embodiments.
Lens 1114 may be implemented, for example, as a total internal reflection (TIR) lens or any other appropriate lens. Light source 1115 may be implemented as an LED, a tungsten filament lamp, an ARC Lamp, or any other appropriate light source.
Selector ring 1116 may be rotated substantially about an axis A of flashlight 1100 to adjust the operation of flashlight 1100 as further described herein. Selector ring 1116 may be implemented by portions 1116A and 1116B which may be connected together by screws 1118. Selector ring 1116 may be held in various selected positions through the cooperation of a spring 1117 and a ball bearing which exert force toward detents 1121 in coupler 1126. A magnet 1120 may be positioned in a recess of portion 1116B of selector ring 1116 and may be detected by one or more Hall effect sensors 1131 to permit flashlight 1100 to detect a position of selector ring 1116.
Flashlight 1100 also includes various electronic components 1101 that are provided in and/or near a housing 1105. Such electronic components include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) 1102, an inductor 1103, a capacitor 1104, posts 1111, and a PCB 1129.
In particular, PCB 1102 may include a processor 1210 (see
PCB 1129 may include one or more Hall effect sensors 1131 which may cooperate with magnet 1120 to permit flashlight 1100 to detect a position of selector ring 1116. For example, in one embodiment, eleven Hall effect sensors 1131 may be distributed about a perimeter of PCB 1129 corresponding to eleven different positions to which selector ring 1116 may be rotated. In this regard, as selector ring 1116 rotates substantially about axis A to each of the eleven different positions, magnet 1120 may be positioned in proximity to a different one of Hall effect sensors 1131 for each position of selector ring 1116. As a result, a controller 1220 (see
In one embodiment, Hall effect sensors 1131 may be provided as part of controller 1220. In another embodiment, Hall effect sensors 1131 and controller 1220 may be implemented as separate components. Although eleven Hall effect sensors 1131 and eleven positions of selector ring 1116 have been described, any desired number of Hall effect sensors 1131 and positions of selector ring 1116 may be provided in various embodiments.
Referring now to
Washers 1170 and 1180 are conductive washers implemented with various features to perform electrical switching operations in cooperation with PCB 1175 in response to manipulation of tailcap assembly 1160. In particular, washers 1170 and 1180, and PCB 1175 may move substantially along axis A in response to rotation of tailcap 1190 by a user (e.g., by rotation of tailcap 1190 relative to body 1136 through the engagement of complementary threads 1178) and also in response to the depressing of push button 1191. In one embodiment, washers 1170 and 1180 may be mounted on substantially opposite sides of PCB 1175.
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16A-C, washer 1170 includes arms 1171, a center ring 1172, and tabs (e.g., protrusions) 1173 and 1174. Arms 1171 project away from center ring 1172 and may be used to selectively contact body 1136 (e.g., either directly or through bushing 1138) to provide an electrical switch. Tabs 1174 project from arms 1171 back toward center ring 1172 and may be used to selectively interrupt contacts between washer 1180 and PCB 1175 to operate an additional electrical switch provided by washer 1180 as further described herein. Tabs 1173 may be used to engage washer 1170 with PCB 1175. In one embodiment, washer 1170 advantageously includes two arms 1171. This arrangement provides redundancy such that washer 1170 may still provide switching capability even if one of arms 1171 becomes bent, broken, and/or otherwise unable to provide an electrical switch.
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17A-C, washer 1180 includes arms 1182, a center ring 1183, tabs (e.g., protrusions) 1184, and dimples 1185 on arms 1182. Dimples 1185 may be used to selectively contact end portions 1194 of a conductor 1197 (e.g., an electrical trace) of PCB 1175. In this regard, electrical contacts between dimples 1185 and end portions 1194 of PCB 1175 may be selectively interrupted in response to tabs 1174 of washer 1170 pushing arms 1182 away from PCB 1175. Tabs 1184 may be used to engage washer 1180 with PCB 1175.
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 18A-B, PCB 1175 includes apertures (e.g., slots) 1176, 1177, 1179, 1183, and 1189, recesses 1181, and conductor 1197. Apertures 1176 may receive protrusions 1167 of spring retainer 1166 to engage PCB 1175 with spring retainer 1166. Apertures 1177 may receive tabs 1173 of washer 1170 to engage washer 1170 with PCB 1175. Apertures 1179 may receive tabs 1184 of washer 1180 to engage washer 1180 with PCB 1175. Apertures 1183 may receive leads 1169 of inductor 1116 to engage inductor 1116 with PCB 1175. Apertures 1189 may receive eyelet 1186 to engage eyelet 1186 with PCB 1175.
Conductor 1197 includes end portions 1194, intermediate portions 1195, and a central annular portion 1196. In one embodiment, intermediate portions 1195 may be electrically insulated to prevent center ring 1183 of washer 1180 from coming into electrical contact with intermediate portions 1195. PCB 1175 includes additional conductive portions as identified by the shaded regions adjacent to apertures 1177, 1179, 1183, and 1189.
Recesses 1181 may receive tabs 1174 of washer 1170 when tailcap assembly 1160 is assembled to permit tabs 1174 to protrude through PCB 1175 and push arms 1182 of washer 1180 away from PCB 1175 and thus interrupt electrical contacts between dimples 1185 of washer 1180 and end portions 1194 of conductor 1197.
As discussed, a user may operate various portions of tailcap assembly 1160 and/or a selector ring 1116 to cause flashlight 1110 to operate in desired modes of operation. In particular, Table 1 identifies various modes of operation which may be provided in response to operation of tailcap 1190 and/or push button 1191.
The various modes of operation identified in Table 1 will be further described with reference to
Also in this case, the full depression of push button 1191 causes arms 1171 of washer to be further pushed against bushing 1138 or body 1136. As a result, tabs 1174 of arms 1171 are pushed upwards through recesses 1181 of PCB 1175 which cause tabs 1174 to push up arms 1182 of washer 1180. This pushing of arms 1182 by tabs 1174 causes dimples 1185 of arms 1182 to break electrical contact with end portions 1194 of conductor 1197. As a result, the electrical switch provided by washer 1180 (e.g., the shorting together of leads 1169 of inductor 1168) may be opened.
In this configuration, flashlight 1100 may operate light source 1115 as a high beam light source (e.g., providing the maximum light output available from light source 1115). Also in this configuration, flashlight 1100 may operate light source 1115 in a “momentary” manner such that light is only provided while push button 1191 is depressed in the direction of arrow 1199. In this regard, if push button 1191 is released, then flashlight 1100 may return to the standby mode of operation (e.g., as shown in
In this configuration, flashlight 1100 may operate light source 1115 as a low beam light source. Also in this configuration, flashlight 1100 may operate light source 1115 in a “constant” manner such that light is provided regardless of whether push button 1191 is depressed in the direction of arrow 1199.
Also in this case, the closer proximity of washer 1170 to bushing 1138 and body 1136 causes arms 1171 of washer 1470 to be further pushed against bushing 1138 or body 1136. As a result, tabs 1174 of arms 1171 are pushed upwards through recesses 1181 of PCB 1175 which cause tabs 1174 to push up arms 1182 of washer 1180. This pushing of arms 1182 by tabs 1174 causes dimples 1185 of arms 1182 to break electrical contact with end portions 1194 of conductor 1197. As a result, the electrical switch provided by washer 1180 (e.g., the shorting together of leads 1169 of inductor 1168) may be opened.
In this configuration, flashlight 1100 may operate light source 1115 as a high beam light source. Also in this configuration, flashlight 1100 may operate light source 1115 in a “constant” manner such that light is provided regardless of whether push button 1191 is depressed in the direction of arrow 1199.
Thus, it will be appreciated that flashlight 1100 may be operated in various modes in response to selective rotation of tailcap 1190 and/or selective depression of push button 1191. The operation of flashlight 1100 may be further adjusted in response to selective rotation of selector ring 1116. In particular, Table 2 identifies various modes of operation which may be provided in response to operation of selector ring 1116.
As set forth in Table 2, selector ring 1116 may be selectively rotated to various positions to cause flashlight 1100 to operate in different ways. In one embodiment, selector ring 1116 may be rotated to eleven different positions set forth in Table 2. In this regard, each position may be denoted by a corresponding detent 1121 located on coupler 1126 (e.g., a plurality of detents 1121 may be provided substantially about a perimeter of coupler 1126). Spring 1117 may push ball bearing 1119 to engage with each detent 1121 as selector ring 1116 is rotated substantially about axis A of flashlight 1110. Other numbers and/or types of positions are contemplated in other embodiments.
When selector ring 1116 is fully rotated to an “off” position, light source 1115 may be fully disabled such that any rotation of tailcap 1190 and any depressing of push button 1191 will not cause light source 1115 to illuminate. In this regard, while selector ring is in the off position, tailcap assembly 1160 may be disabled such that light source 1115 will be prevented from providing (e.g., emitting) any light in response to any manipulation of tailcap assembly 1160.
When selector ring 1116 is rotated to an “SOS” position, flashlight 1100 may be prepared to switch light source 1115 on and off in a pattern (e.g., an SOS pattern between a maximum brightness level and a substantially zero brightness level, or other pattern). In one embodiment, light source 1115 may be switched in this manner if flashlight 1100 has been configured in any of the following modes (e.g., through operation of tailcap 1190 and/or push button 1191 as set forth in Table 1): momentary on stage 1, momentary on stage 2, constant on stage 1, or constant on stage 2. In one embodiment, the maximum brightness level provided by light source 1115 may be approximately 400 lumens, however other brightness levels may be used in other embodiments.
When selector ring 1116 is rotated to a “brightness minimum” position, a “brightness maximum” position, or any of the intermediate brightness (“brightness 1-6”) positions, flashlight 1100 may be prepared to turn on light source 1115 to provide constant light output. In this regard, the light output may vary depending on the particular one of the brightness positions selected (e.g., a low light output may be provided by the brightness minimum position, progressively brighter light output may be provided by the brightness 1-6 positions, and maximum light output may be provided by the brightness maximum position).
In one embodiment, light source 1115 may provide the various low, intermediate, and maximum light output if flashlight 1100 has been configured in any of the following modes (e.g., through operation of tailcap 1190 and/or push button 1191 as set forth in Table 1): momentary on stage 1 or constant on stage 1. Also in this embodiment, light source 1115 may provide only maximum light output while selector ring 1116 is rotated to any of the brightness minimum, brightness maximum, or intermediate brightness positions if flashlight 1100 has been configured in any of the following modes (e.g., through operation of tailcap 1190 and/or push button 1191 as set forth in Table 1): momentary on stage 2 or constant on stage 2.
When selector ring 1116 is rotated to a “strobe” position, flashlight 1100 may be prepared to switch light source 1115 on and off in a strobe pattern (e.g., a flashing on and off pattern between a maximum brightness level and a substantially zero brightness level, or other pattern). In one embodiment, light source 1115 may be switched in this manner if flashlight 1100 has been configured in any of the following modes (e.g., through operation of tailcap 1190 and/or push button 1191 as set forth in Table 1): momentary on stage 1, momentary on stage 2, constant on stage 1, or constant on stage 2.
In one embodiment, controller 1220 may be configured (e.g., adapted) to return light source 1115 to a brightness level selected by selector ring 1116 following a disconnection and reconnection of controller 1220 to the power terminal (e.g., spring 1164) by washer 1170 without requiring an adjustment of selector ring 1116. In this regard, flashlight 1100 may “remember” the current brightness level (e.g., or other mode of operation) based on the interaction between magnet 1120 and one or more of Hall effect sensors 1131 (e.g., even after tailcap 1190 has been rotated between various positions and/or after push button 1191 has been depressed and/or released).
In view of the above discussion, it will be appreciated that flashlight 1100 may be operated in various modes in response to the configuration of tailcap 1190, push button 1191, and selector ring 1116.
As also shown in
In
Circuit diagram 1200 also includes processor 1210 connected to light source 1115. In this regard, processor 1210 may selectively turn light source 1115 on and off and adjust the brightness level of light source 1115 in response to signals received from controller 1220.
Circuit diagram 1200 also includes controller 1220 with Hall effect sensors 1131 which, as previously discussed, may permit controller 1220 to detect the position of selector ring 1116 based on the interaction of magnet 1120 with Hall effect sensors 1131. In this regard, controller 1220 may receive appropriate signals from one or more of Hall effect sensors 1131 which controller 1220 may interpret to determine the position of selector ring 1116.
Controller 1220 may further detect the selective series insertion of inductor 1168 (e.g., in response to switching provided by washer 1180 to select between low beam and high beam brightness levels of light source 1115). In this regard, controller 1220 may receive appropriate signals to detect the switching of washer 1180 through a “SENSE” input shown in
Controller 1220 may generate and provide one or more signals to processor 1210 in response to the detected position of selector ring 1116 and the detected series insertion of inductor 1168. In response to such signals, processor 1210 may control the operation of light source 1115 in accordance with the various modes discussed herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that the operation of tailcap 1190, push button 1191, and selector ring 1116 may cause controller 1220 to select various modes of operation for flashlight 1100 and cause processor 1210 to adjust the operation of light source 1115 accordingly (e.g., in accordance with the various operations discussed with regard to Tables 1 and 2, and/or other operations as may be desired in various embodiments).
Although various embodiments have been described herein with regard to flashlights, all aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to any type of lighting device where appropriate (e.g., flashlights, headlamps, weapon lights, and/or other lighting devices).
Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. Also where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein can be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein can be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplated that software components can be implemented as hardware components, and vice-versa.
Software in accordance with the present disclosure, such as program code and/or data, can be stored on one or more machine readable mediums. It is also contemplated that software identified herein can be implemented using one or more general purpose or specific purpose computers and/or computer systems, networked and/or otherwise. Where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein can be changed, combined into composite steps, and/or separated into sub-steps to provide features described herein.
Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/786,625 entitled “FLASHLIGHT WITH SELECTABLE OUTPUT LEVEL SWITCHING” filed Apr. 11, 2007, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/732,883 entitled “FLASHLIGHT WITH SELECTABLE OUTPUT LEVEL SWITCHING” filed Dec. 9, 2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,016. The entire contents of such applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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