A load detection circuit and method

Abstract

The application provides a load detection circuit and method, aiming at solving the false detection problem of a conventional electronic atomization device, and characterized in that the circuit comprises: a test resistor, two ends of which are connected with a battery and a load test point respectively, and the load test point is connected with a load resistor; a detection control module, connected with the test resistor, used for controlling the communication or disconnection of the test resistor and the battery; a data retention module, a first input port of which is connected with the load test point, a second input port of which is connected with the detection control module, and an output port of which is connected with a judgment module, and the judgment module is used for judging whether the load is connected or not; and the output of the detection control module controls the retention or transmission of the data retention module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic atomization devices, and particularly relates to a load detection circuit and method. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing electronic atomizing devices use disposable batteries, which need to be replaced frequently when the battery power is depleted, resulting in a decreased user experience. As users increasingly demand longer usage time for electronic products, higher requirements are being placed on the energy-saving design of electronic atomizing devices.

[0003] For example, to conserve battery power during transportation, e-cigarette devices are typically shipped in two parts: the upper part contains the battery and control chip, and the lower part contains the heating wire and microphone. The heating wire is referred to as the load or load resistor. During transport, a load detection device detects that the e-cigarette is not connected to the load resistor when the two parts are separated. This triggers a power-saving mode, reducing the current flowing through the chip to conserve battery power and extend standby time. When the two parts are reassembled, the control chip detects that the e-cigarette is connected to the load resistor, and the device returns to normal operating mode.

[0004] The existing circuit diagram for load detection is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, this circuit utilizes the principle of resistor voltage division. TP is the load detection point (Test Point), and the load resistance is denoted as Rload. When the upper and lower parts of the electronic atomizing device are installed together, the detection point TP is connected to the load resistance Rload, which is typically between 0.5 and 50 Ω. At this time, the load resistance Rload is grounded, and the potential of the detection point TP is pulled low. The state of TP at this point is recorded as signal 0. This signal, as the detection result, is sent to the judgment module in the control chip through inverter N1. At this time, the input of the judgment module is signal 1, indicating that the load has been connected. Upon receiving this signal, the subsequent control circuit can activate the heating function of the electronic atomizing device.

[0005] like Figure 1 As shown, the resistor connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the monitoring point in the chip is denoted as Rtest. For example, when Rtest is less than 50KΩ and the battery voltage is equal to 4.2V, when the chip is connected to a load resistor, the current flowing through Rtest is approximately 0.84mA. This current is greater than the maximum operating current limit of the control chip. At this time, it will not only consume battery power but also cause an overcurrent state inside the control chip.

[0006] For example, when Rtest is set to a large value, such as 5MΩ, although the detection function is more sensitive and the current will not exceed the chip's operating current compared to when Rtest is 50KΩ, it can cause false detections. For instance, during the transportation of the e-cigarette device, objects with resistance such as packaging paper around the parts or human fingers can cause false detections by the detection device. In other words, the load detection module of existing e-cigarette devices may cause false detections during transportation and assembly, leading to the e-cigarette device entering an incorrect operating state.

[0007] Therefore, this application aims to prevent false detections when the detection resistor in the load detection module of the electronic atomizing device is a large resistor. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide a load detection circuit and method to solve the problem of false detection in traditional electronic atomization devices.

[0009] The first aspect of this application provides a load detection circuit, characterized in that it includes:

[0010] A test resistor is connected at both ends to the battery and the load test point, respectively, with the load test point connected to the load resistor.

[0011] A detection control module, connected to the test resistor, is used to control the connection or disconnection between the test resistor and the battery;

[0012] The data retention module has a first input port connected to the load test point, a second input port connected to the detection control module, and an output port connected to the judgment module, which is used to determine whether the load is connected.

[0013] The output of the detection control module controls the data holding module to hold or transmit data.

[0014] Alternatively, the detection control module includes a switching transistor connected in series with the test resistor to control the connection between the test resistor and the battery.

[0015] Alternatively, the data holding module includes two transmission channels: a first transmission channel for enabling the first input port during detection, and a second transmission channel for locking the first input port during non-detection.

[0016] Alternatively, the data holding module may include a Schmitt trigger.

[0017] Alternatively, the first transmission channel may include a first transmission gate, and the second channel may include a second transmission gate.

[0018] A second aspect of this application provides a method for a load detection circuit, characterized in that it includes:

[0019] A test path is provided, which includes a detection control module and a test resistor, one end of which is connected to a load test point.

[0020] The data retention module is activated. The first input port of the data retention module is connected to the load test point, the second input port is connected to the detection control module, and the output port is connected to the judgment module.

[0021] The load status is determined by the judgment module based on the output of the data holding module, which determines whether the load is connected.

[0022] Optionally, when the test path is turned on, the data holding module turns on the first transmission channel, which is used to detect the state of the first input port being turned on.

[0023] When the test path is turned off, the data holding module turns on the second transmission channel, which is used to lock the state of the first input port when no detection is needed.

[0024] Alternatively, the detection control module includes a switching transistor connected in series with the test resistor to control the connection between the test resistor and the battery.

[0025] Alternatively, the data holding module may include a Schmitt trigger.

[0026] Alternatively, the first transmission channel may include a first transmission gate, and the second channel may include a second transmission gate.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention compared to the prior art are as follows: The load detection circuit described above, by setting a data hold module, activates the transmission channel of the data hold module when load detection is required, transmitting the state of the detection point; when load detection is not required, the hold channel of the data hold module is activated to lock the state of the detection point, thus avoiding false detections. Simultaneously, when load detection is not required, the test path is shut off, resulting in reduced static power consumption and longer standby time for the chip. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a traditional load detection circuit.

[0029] Figure 2 A circuit schematic diagram of a load detection circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 A circuit schematic diagram of another load detection circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 The following is a flowchart illustrating the load detection method provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0033] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0034] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the resistor connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the monitoring point in the chip is denoted as Rtest. For example, when Rtest is less than 50KΩ and the battery voltage is equal to 4.2V, when the chip is connected to a load resistor, the current flowing through Rtest is approximately 0.84mA. This current is greater than the maximum operating current limit of the control chip. At this time, it will not only consume battery power but also cause an overcurrent state inside the control chip.

[0037] For example, when Rtest is set to a large value, such as 5MΩ, although the detection function is more sensitive and the current will not exceed the chip's operating current compared to when Rtest is 50KΩ, it can cause false detections. For instance, during the transportation of the e-cigarette device, objects with resistance such as packaging paper around the parts or human fingers can cause false detections by the detection device. In other words, the load detection module of existing e-cigarette devices may cause false detections during transportation and assembly, leading to the e-cigarette device entering an incorrect operating state.

[0038] Therefore, this application proposes a load detection circuit, including a test resistor Rtest.

[0039] Figure 2 The diagram shows a load detection circuit according to a preferred embodiment of this application, including: a switching transistor 201, a detection control module 202, a data holding module 203, a test resistor 205, a power supply 206, and a load resistor 207. For example, the switching transistor 201 is a PMOS; however, it should be noted that the switching transistor 201 can also be an NMOS, and this application does not specifically limit its application.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the working principle of the load detection circuit provided in this application is as follows:

[0041] When the electronic atomizing device is in transit or when load resistance detection is not required—that is, when the control chip 200 does not need to detect load resistance 207—the detection control module 202 outputs a low level, and the switching transistor 201 is not turned on. In other words, the detection control module 202 does not transmit a signal to turn on the switching transistor, meaning the control chip is not in the detection state. Therefore, when the test resistor 205 has no current, even if a resistive object such as packaging paper or a human finger touches the detection point TP during transit, it will not cause false detection. Furthermore, when the control chip 200 does not need to detect load resistance 207, the data holding module retains the results from the previous detection, meaning it does not transmit data from the detection point TP to the judgment module 204. Therefore, the detection circuit provided in this application will not experience false detection, enhancing design accuracy.

[0042] Before the user uses the device, that is, when the control chip needs to detect the load resistance, the detection control signal module 202 transmits a control signal to turn on the switching transistor 201. The detection point TP is connected to the load resistor 207. At this time, because the resistance of the test resistor 205 is very large, the current flowing through it will not exceed the maximum current allowed by the control chip. Therefore, the detection circuit provided in this application can ensure that the control chip 200 works normally. In addition, when the control chip 200 detects the load resistor 207, the data holding module 203 transmits the data at the detection point TP to the judgment module 204. When the judgment module 204 determines that the load has been connected, it transmits a signal to other main control chips (not shown in the figure), at which point the electronic atomizing device starts to work normally.

[0043] The following is combined Figure 3 The internal circuitry of the data holding module 203 is described in detail, including: two transmission gates TG1 and TG2, four inverters N1, N2, N3, and N4, and a Schmitt trigger S1. It should be noted that S1 is a transmission holding module; this application does not limit S1 to being a Schmitt trigger. The circuit connections provided in the embodiments of this application are as follows... Figure 3 As shown. The test resistor is denoted as Rtest, the load resistor as Rload, and the switching transistor as Q1. The working process and principle of this circuit are explained in detail below:

[0044] When the detection control module 302 controls the chip in a non-detection state, the switching transistor Q1 is off, and no current flows through Rtest. Furthermore, the detection control module 302 controls the transmission gate TG1 to turn off, so the signal at TP cannot be transmitted to the Schmitt trigger S1, while the transmission gate TG2 is open. At this time, the data held in S1 is continuously looped in the S1-N3-TG2 loop, and the output of the data holding module 303 is the value of the previous detection.

[0045] In other words, since TP is in a floating state when Q1 is disconnected, in order to ensure that the judgment module 304 does not output abnormally, this embodiment of the application adds a data holding module 303. The transmission gates TG1 and TG2 in the data holding module are combined with the Schmitt trigger S1 to ensure that the data holding module 303 continuously holds the output of the previous detection and transmits the value to the judgment module 304 when the switch detection module does not control Q1 to be turned on, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of data detection.

[0046] When the control chip of the detection control module 302 is in the load detection state, the switching transistor Q1 is in the on state. At this time, the test resistor Rtest and the load resistor Rload form a test path, and the potential of the test point TP is equivalent to the ground potential. At this time, the detection control module 302 controls the transmission gate TG1 to open, so the potential at TP is transmitted to the Schmitt trigger S1. In addition, the transmission gate TG2 is turned off. At this time, S1 transmits the signal in TG1 to the judgment module 304. That is to say, at this time, the output of the data holding module 303 is the potential value of the detection point TP.

[0047] In other words, since TP is at a low potential when Q1 is turned on, the data holding module 303 will perform the function of data transmission, that is, the potential value at TP is transmitted to the judgment module 304, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of data detection.

[0048] Furthermore, when the load detection device provided in this application is in the detection state, if no load resistance is detected, the main control chip (not shown in the figure) enters a power-saving mode, reducing the current inside the chip to save battery power and maintain a longer standby time. If a load resistance is detected, the judgment module 304 transmits a signal to the main control chip (not shown in the figure), and the main control chip determines that the electronic atomizing device has been assembled and enters a normal working state.

[0049] In summary, the load detection circuit provided in this application can accurately test whether the load is connected, and can also reduce the current inside the chip to save battery power and maintain a longer standby time.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, this application also provides a load detection method, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0051] S1, Connect the test path, the test path includes a detection control module and a test resistor, one end of the test resistor is connected to the load test point;

[0052] When load needs to be tested, the detection control module will open the test path, which is the path connected to the test resistor and the load resistor.

[0053] S2, activate the data retention module. The first input port of the data retention module is connected to the load test point, the second input port is connected to the detection control module, and the output port is connected to the judgment module.

[0054] When load needs to be detected, the detection control module will activate the data retention module, which will then transmit the status at the test point to the judgment module.

[0055] S3, Determine the load status. Based on the output of the data holding module, the determination module determines whether the load is connected.

[0056] The judgment module retains the data from the received data and determines whether the load has been connected.

[0057] For example, when the data holding module outputs 1, the judgment module determines that the load has been connected; when the data holding module outputs 0, the judgment module determines that the load has not been connected.

[0058] Furthermore, when the test path is open, i.e. when load needs to be detected, the data retention module opens the first transmission channel and transmits the status of the detection point to the judgment module; conversely, when the test path is closed, the data retention module opens the second transmission channel, which is used to lock the status of the last detection when no detection is needed.

[0059] Therefore, the load detection method provided in this application transmits the status of the test point to the judgment module when load detection is needed, and locks the previous detection status when detection is not needed. This avoids false detections caused by accidental contact during transportation. In addition, the test path is not activated when detection is not needed, reducing the static power consumption of the control chip and increasing the standby time of the control chip.

[0060] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the above-described division of functional units and modules is merely an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional units and modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units or modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The functional units and modules in the embodiments can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. Furthermore, the specific names of the functional units and modules are only for easy differentiation and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The specific working process of the units and modules in the above system can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0064] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices / terminal equipment and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device / terminal equipment embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0065] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0066] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0067] If the integrated module / unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can also be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or certain intermediate forms. The computer-readable medium can include: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, recording media, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, optical disks, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution media, etc. It should be noted that the content included in the computer-readable medium can be appropriately added or removed according to the requirements of legislation and patent practice in the jurisdiction. For example, in some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, computer-readable media do not include electrical carrier signals and telecommunication signals.

[0068] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A load detection circuit of an electronic atomization device, characterized in that, include: The test resistor (Rtest) is connected at both ends to the battery (Battery) and the load test point (TP), respectively. The load test point (TP) is connected to the load resistor (Rload). The detection control module (302) is connected to the test resistor (Rtest) and is used to control the connection or disconnection between the test resistor (Rtest) and the battery. The data holding module (303) has a first input port connected to the load test point (TP), a second input port connected to the detection control module (302), and an output port connected to the judgment module (304). The judgment module (304) is used to determine whether the load resistor (Rload) is connected. The output of the detection control module (302) controls the holding or transmission of the data holding module (303); The detection control module (302) includes a switching transistor (Q1), which is connected in series with the test resistor (Rtest) to control the connection between the test resistor (Rtest) and the battery. The data holding module (303) includes two transmission channels. The first transmission channel is used to turn on the first input port when detection is performed, and the second transmission channel is used to lock the first input port when no detection is performed. The first transmission channel includes a first transmission gate (TG1), and the second transmission channel includes a second transmission gate (TG2); The data holding module (303) further includes a Schmitt trigger (S1), a fifth inverter (N5), a second inverter (N2), a third inverter (N3), and a fourth inverter (N4); The gate of the switching transistor (Q1) is connected to the detection and control module (302), the drain is connected to the battery, and the source is connected to the load test point (TP) through the test resistor (Rtest); the load test point (TP) is grounded through the load resistor (Rload). The Schmitt trigger (S1) has its input terminal connected to the first terminal of the first transmission gate (TG1) and the second terminal of the second transmission gate (TG2), and its output terminal connected to the input terminals of the judgment module (304) and the third inverter (N3). The first transmission gate (TG1) has its second end connected to the load test point (TP), its third end connected to the output of the fourth inverter (N4) and the input of the fifth inverter (N5), and its output end connected to the input of the second inverter (N2), the input of the fourth inverter (N4), and the detection control module (302); the first end of the first transmission gate (TG1) is connected to the second end of the second transmission gate (TG2). The second transmission gate (TG2) has its first end connected to the output of the third inverter (N3), its third end connected to the output of the fifth inverter (N5), and its output end connected to the output of the second inverter (N2).

2. A load detection method for an electronic atomizing device, wherein the detection method employs the load detection circuit of the electronic atomizing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: A test path is provided, which includes a detection control module and a test resistor, one end of which is connected to a load test point. The data retention module is activated. The first input port of the data retention module is connected to the load test point, the second input port is connected to the detection control module, and the output port is connected to the judgment module. The load status is determined by the judgment module based on the output of the data holding module to determine whether the load is connected. Also includes: When the test path is turned on, the data holding module turns on the first transmission channel, which is used to detect the state of the first input port being turned on. When the test path is turned off, the data holding module turns on the second transmission channel, which is used to lock the state of the first input port when no detection is needed.

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