Multifunctional electronic cigarette and usage method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a multifunctional electronic cigarette and a method for using the same. The multifunctional electronic cigarette comprises a housing, a piezoelectric ceramic sheet attached to the housing, and a controller electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet is configured to send an electrical signal to the controller when deformed, receive control signals from the controller, and generate sound and / or vibrate based on the control signals. The controller is configured to receive the electrical signal from the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, execute corresponding control actions based on the electrical signal, and send control signals to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet. The above invention enables a multifunctional, compact electronic cigarette design and improves the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic cigarettes, and more particularly, to a multifunctional electronic cigarette and a method for using the same. Background Art

[0002] At present, e-cigarette products have been favored by consumers in recent years. Because they can reduce the harm to smokers themselves and people around them, they are gradually replacing traditional smoking methods.

[0003] Existing atomizer core e-cigarette products usually use airflow sensors to control the power on and off actions. When it comes to the next generation of heat-not-burn e-cigarette products, the tobacco leaves still need to be preheated before the preheating is completed before the inhalation action can be performed. It can be seen that the on-off control method of the airflow sensor can no longer meet users' high demands for the e-cigarette experience.

[0004] In addition, existing HNB e-cigarettes usually have a vibration prompt function, but the traditional method of the product is to use an electromagnetic motor to complete the vibration prompt action to remind the user of the current e-cigarette usage status. If the e-cigarette wants to realize the vibration and press control functions, multiple devices need to be coordinated to achieve it, which is not conducive to the development trend of miniaturization, multi-function and portability of e-cigarettes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional electronic cigarette and a method of use thereof, so as to solve the problems of existing electronic cigarettes such as single function or multiple components, which affect user experience and are not conducive to the development trend of miniaturization.

[0006] The multifunctional electronic cigarette provided by the present invention includes: a shell, a piezoelectric ceramic sheet attached to the shell, and a controller electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet; wherein the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is used to send an electrical signal to the controller when it is deformed, and receive a control signal sent by the controller, and make a sound and / or vibrate based on the control signal; the controller is used to receive the electrical signal sent by the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, perform a corresponding control action based on the electrical signal, and send a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet.

[0007] In addition, an optional technical solution is that the cross-section of the shell is a runway-shaped structure, including two parallel front and back planes, and an arc-shaped side wall connecting the front and back planes; the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is attached to the inner side wall of the front plane.

[0008] In addition, an optional technical solution is that the thickness of the shell is 0.3mm to 1.5mm; the material of the shell includes at least one of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, glass, ceramic, PA, PBT, PC and ABS.

[0009] In addition, an optional technical solution is that the thickness of the shell is 0.5mm to 2mm; a button corresponding to the position of the piezoelectric ceramic piece is provided on the front plane, and the button is used to generate displacement to drive the piezoelectric ceramic piece to deform.

[0010] In addition, an optional technical solution is that the shell is an integrally formed structure.

[0011] In addition, an optional technical solution is that the piezoelectric ceramic piece is fixed in the shell by a metal spring; the metal spring includes a fixed part and a deformable part arranged in the middle position of the fixed part, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece is limited between the deformable part and the shell.

[0012] In addition, an optional technical solution is that when the piezoelectric ceramic piece makes a sound based on a control signal, the piezoelectric ceramic piece and the metal dome form a resonance.

[0013] In addition, an optional technical solution is that the deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic piece sending the electrical signal includes the following operations performed on the piezoelectric ceramic piece: single press, continuous long press, double press, triple press; the control actions performed by the controller include: power on, power off, and heating.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for using a multifunctional electronic cigarette is provided, which is used to use the above-mentioned multifunctional electronic cigarette, and the method includes: generating a jog signal by deforming a piezoelectric ceramic piece and transmitting it to a controller; the controller identifies the jog signal and outputs a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece completes a touch-pressure feedback action based on the control signal, and the controller outputs a switch control signal to the switch to complete a power-on or power-off action; and generating a long pulse signal by deforming the piezoelectric ceramic piece and transmitting it to the controller; the controller identifies the long pulse signal and outputs a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece completes a touch-pressure feedback action based on the control signal, and the controller outputs a heating control signal to the heater power supply to complete a heating action.

[0015] In addition, an optional technical solution is that the controller collects the number of puffs and puff time of the multifunctional electronic cigarette, and when the number of puffs and / or puff time exceeds a preset threshold, outputs a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece vibrates and plays an audio broadcast reminder based on the control signal.

[0016] Using the above-mentioned multifunctional electronic cigarette and its usage method, a piezoelectric ceramic sheet is attached to the inside of the shell. When the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is deformed, it will send an electrical signal to the controller. At the same time, it can also receive the control signal sent by the controller and make sound and / or vibrate based on the control signal. The controller can perform corresponding control actions according to the electrical signal sent by the piezoelectric ceramic sheet. The electronic cigarette's power on and off, vibration feedback, voice broadcast and other functions can be realized only through the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, which can not only improve the user experience, but also effectively reduce the components inside the electronic cigarette, which is conducive to the miniaturization development trend of the product.

[0017] In order to achieve the above and related purposes, one or more aspects of the present invention include the features that will be described in detail later. The following description and the accompanying drawings describe some exemplary aspects of the present invention in detail. However, these aspects indicate only some of the various ways in which the principles of the present invention can be used. In addition, the present invention is intended to include all of these aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] By referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and with a more complete understanding of the present invention, other objects and results of the present invention will become more clear and easy to understand. In the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the shell structure of a multifunctional electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the shell structure of a multifunctional electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the shell structure of a multifunctional electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 .

[0022] The reference numerals include: front plane 1 , back plane 2 , arc-shaped side wall 3 , piezoelectric ceramic sheet 4 , metal spring 5 , and button 6 .

[0023] The same reference numerals throughout the drawings indicate similar or corresponding features or functions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate description of one or more embodiments.

[0025] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0026] In order to solve the problems of existing electronic cigarettes such as single functions or too many components, which affect user experience and are not conducive to the development trend of miniaturization, the present invention provides a multifunctional electronic cigarette. A piezoelectric ceramic sheet is attached to the shell. The corresponding electrical signal is generated by the deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet and sent to the controller. Through the cooperation of the controller and the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, the electronic cigarette can realize multiple functions such as vibration, voice broadcast, and switch. It has a simple structure, rich functions, and good user experience.

[0027] To describe the multifunctional electronic cigarette and its use method in detail, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 The schematic structure of the shell of the multifunctional electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the multifunctional electronic cigarette of an embodiment of the present invention includes a shell, a piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 attached to the shell, and a controller (not shown in the figure) that is conductive with the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4; wherein, the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 is used to send an electrical signal to the controller when it is deformed by an external force, and receive a control signal sent by the controller, and make a sound and / or vibrate based on the control signal; the controller can receive the electrical signal sent by the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, and perform corresponding control actions based on the electrical signal, such as turning on, off, heating, etc., and can also send a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, so that the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 performs vibration feedback or voice broadcast reminders, etc.

[0030] Specifically, the shell can be set to have a streamlined runway-shaped three-dimensional structure, whose cross-section is runway-shaped, including two parallel front planes 1 and back planes 2, two arc-shaped side walls 3 connecting the front plane 1 and the back plane 2, and a front cover and a rear cover (not shown in the figure) located at both ends. The piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 can be attached to the inner wall of the front plane 1. During use, the middle part of the front plane 1 can be pressed externally to deform the shell, thereby causing the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 at the corresponding position to deform, and generating an electrical signal based on the piezoelectric effect.

[0031] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, according to the pressing feedback action required by the multifunctional electronic cigarette, the shell to which the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 is attached can be made of metal materials, such as at least one of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, etc., or plastic materials, such as at least one of PA, PBT, PC and ABS, as well as glass, ceramics and other materials.

[0032] The thickness of the shell can be set to 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. When a finger presses the area of ​​the front plane 1 of the shell, the shell can produce a certain amount of deformation, so that the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 attached thereto can realize the piezoelectric effect.

[0033] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic structures of a shell of a multifunctional electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in the multifunctional electronic cigarette of the embodiment of the present invention, the outer contour of the shell can be set to a runway shape, including at least one relatively flat side wall for cooperating with the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 4, for example, a front plane 1 or a back plane 2, wherein the front plane 1 or the back plane 2 is connected by an arc-shaped side arm 4; considering the strength of the shell, the thickness of the shell can be set to 0.5mm to 2mm, and the material can be selected from one or more materials such as aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, glass, ceramic, PA, PBT, PC, ABS, etc. In this embodiment, since the deformation of the shell when pressed by a finger is small and is not enough to deform the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 4 attached to its inner side, a button 6 can be set in the middle part of the shell. The button 6 generates displacement, causing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 4 on the corresponding side to deform, thereby realizing the piezoelectric effect.

[0035] It should be noted that, in the above embodiments, in order to ensure the consistency and aesthetics of the shell, the shell may adopt an integrally formed structure, that is, the front plane 1, the back plane 2 and the arc-shaped side arms 4 are integrally formed.

[0036] In addition, during the fixing process of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 4, the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 4 can be directly attached to the inner side of the shell by gluing. When the shell is pressed with different pressing actions to cause the shell to deform, the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 4 can also be deformed synchronously, triggering the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 4 to generate electrical signals such as current or voltage. The corresponding electrical signals will be sent to the controller, causing the controller to perform corresponding actions.

[0037] For example, when the shell is pressed with different pressing actions to perform corresponding actions, the controller will send a control signal, that is, an action signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, prompting the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 to produce an action similar to a micro switch, thereby realizing a tactile feedback function.

[0038] For example, when the number of puffs and / or the puff time of the multifunctional electronic cigarette reaches a set threshold, the controller will output a series of electrical signals to the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, causing the piezoelectric ceramic to vibrate and make sounds.

[0039] For example, when the heating action or the power-on action of the multifunctional electronic cigarette is completed, the controller outputs an AC signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, causing the piezoelectric ceramic to vibrate, thereby driving the entire product to vibrate together, serving as a prompt.

[0040] In addition, during the fixing process of the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, it can also be fixed in the shell by a metal spring 5. The metal spring 5 includes a fixing part and a deformation part arranged in the middle position of the fixing part. The piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 is limited between the deformation part and the shell. When the button 6 is used or the metal spring is directly pressed to deform the metal spring 5, the piezoelectric ceramic mounted on the metal sheet is deformed accordingly, forming a piezoelectric effect. At this time, the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 will generate an electrical signal and send it to the controller. The controller generates an output vibration signal and sends it to the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, causing the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 to generate single-point vibration, forming a touch-pressure feedback effect similar to that of a micro switch.

[0041] For example, when the multifunctional electronic cigarette completes a certain action, the controller will output a control signal, such as a vibration signal, to the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, causing the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 to vibrate under the action of the control signal. At the same time, the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 will vibrate to drive the metal dome 5 to vibrate, thereby improving the vibration experience of the entire product.

[0042] For example, when the controller completes a certain action, it outputs a control signal, such as an audio signal, to the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4, causing the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 to vibrate under the action of the control signal, and driving the metal spring 5 to vibrate, so that the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 and the metal spring 5 resonate and produce a sound effect.

[0043] For example, when the user presses the shell with his finger, the shell deforms, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 adhered to the shell deforms accordingly. The piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 generates a corresponding electrical signal based on the positive piezoelectric effect and transmits it to the controller. The controller performs corresponding actions according to the type of signal.

[0044] In the multifunctional electronic cigarette of the present invention, the deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4 that sends an electrical signal may include: single pressing, continuous long pressing, double pressing, and triple pressing of the piezoelectric ceramic piece 4; the control actions performed by the controller may include: power on, power off, heating, etc. The specific control actions and deformation methods can be flexibly set. For example, the power on or power off action can be completed by three presses, and the heating action can be completed by continuous deformation.

[0045] Corresponding to the above-mentioned multifunctional electronic cigarette, the present invention also provides a method for using the multifunctional electronic cigarette, which is used to use the above-mentioned multifunctional electronic cigarette.

[0046] Specifically, the method of using the multifunctional electronic cigarette may include: generating a momentary signal through the deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic piece and transmitting it to the controller; the controller identifies the momentary signal and outputs a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece completes the touch and pressure feedback action based on the control signal, and at the same time the controller outputs a switch control signal to the switch to complete the power on or off action; and, generating a long pulse signal through the deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic piece and transmitting it to the controller; the controller identifies the long pulse signal and outputs a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece completes the touch and pressure feedback action based on the control signal, and at the same time the controller outputs a heating control signal to the heater power supply to complete the heating action.

[0047] In addition, the controller can also collect the number of puffs and puff time of the multifunctional electronic cigarette, and when the number of puffs and / or puff time exceeds the preset threshold, the control signal is output to the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece vibrates and plays audio reminders based on the control signal.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] Based on the continuous inching of the shell, touch and pressure feedback and power-on action are completed.

[0050] Among them, when the user's finger presses the button or the shell surface three times in a row, the piezoelectric ceramic piece is deformed. Under the action of the positive piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric ceramic piece generates three jog signals and transmits them to the controller, such as the MCU. After the MCU recognizes the continuous jog electrical signals, it outputs a pulse signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece. Under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric ceramic piece will deform and apply a force to the finger, thus completing a touch-pressure feedback action. At the same time, after receiving three consecutive jog signals, the MCU outputs a control signal to the switch, so that the battery is connected or disconnected, completing the power-on or power-off action.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] Based on continuous long pressing of the shell, touch pressure feedback and heating actions are completed.

[0053] Among them, continuously pressing a preset time, such as long pressing a button or the surface of the shell for 3S, prompts the piezoelectric ceramic piece to form a unidirectional long pulse signal. The long pulse signal is transmitted to the MCU. After identifying the signal, the MCU feeds back a pulse signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece, prompting the piezoelectric ceramic piece to form a single-point vibration, completing the touch and pressure feedback action; at the same time, the MCU identifies the long pulse signal, controls the heating switch to the closed position, and the power supply heats the heating device to complete the heating action.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] Based on the completion of specific actions, a vibration motor reminder action is implemented.

[0056] Among them, when a certain preset specific action is completed, such as when the number of puffs reaches the set number or the puff time reaches the set duration, the MCU completes the counting and outputs a signal to the power switch. The power supply outputs a DC signal to the MCU, which is converted by the MCU to form a specific AC signal. Under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric ceramic generates vibrations similar to those of a motor, which serves to remind the user.

[0057] Example 4

[0058] Based on the completion of specific actions, the voice broadcast function is realized.

[0059] Among them, when the device completes a preset specific action, the MCU completes the action recording, stimulates the MCU to output a signal to the power switch, and the power supply outputs a DC signal to the MCU. After conversion by the MCU, it outputs an audio current signal. Under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric ceramic piece vibrates, outputs voice, and provides voice broadcast prompts.

[0060] It should be noted that the above-mentioned preset specific actions can be a combination of one or more conditions such as double pressing, single pressing, continuous long pressing, puffing time, number of puffs, and remaining power. For example, when the multifunctional electronic cigarette is in the off state, continuously pressing the shell realizes the power-on action and vibration feedback, and when it is in the on state, continuously pressing the shell realizes the power-off action and vibration feedback; and, in the turned-on but not heated state, double pressing the shell realizes heating and vibration feedback, and when heated to the preset time, the heating is automatically turned off and vibration feedback is provided; and, after continuously puffing to a preset number, continuous vibration prompts to remind that the puffs are about to be finished; and, within the current time, after the number of puffs is greater than the preset number, continuous vibration prompts, and voice broadcast can be realized, such as "You have smoked XX cigarettes today, please pay attention to your health", "The remaining battery power is XX%, please charge in time", etc.

[0061] Specifically, embodiments of the method for using the multifunctional electronic cigarette can refer to the description in the above-mentioned multifunctional electronic cigarette embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0062] According to the multifunctional electronic cigarette and its use method of the present invention, the chip piezoelectric ceramic material can be used to simultaneously realize the electronic cigarette's power on and off function, vibration feedback function and voice broadcast prompt function, etc., and can be combined with a controller to realize the functions under different pressing operations of the shell, which can not only improve the user experience, but also effectively reduce the components inside the electronic cigarette. The overall structure is simple, the functions are rich, the user experience effect is good, and it is conducive to the miniaturization development trend of the product.

[0063] The multifunctional electronic cigarette and its method of use according to the present invention are described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various improvements may be made to the multifunctional electronic cigarette and its method of use proposed above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the contents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multifunctional electronic cigarette, characterized in that: include: A housing, a piezoelectric ceramic sheet attached to the housing, and a controller electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet; wherein, The piezoelectric ceramic piece is used to send an electrical signal to the controller when deformed, receive a control signal sent by the controller, and generate sound and / or vibrate based on the control signal; The controller is used to receive the electrical signal sent by the piezoelectric ceramic piece, perform corresponding control actions based on the electrical signal, and send a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece; The controller is further configured to collect the current number of puffs and puff time, and when the number of puffs and / or the puff time exceeds a preset threshold, output a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, and the piezoelectric ceramic sheet issues a reminder based on the control signal; The deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic piece to send the electrical signal includes a continuous long press performed on the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and a heating action is completed through the continuous deformation; The control actions performed by the controller include: power on, power off, and heating.

2. The multifunctional electronic cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the shell is a runway-shaped structure, comprising two mutually parallel front planes and a back plane, and an arc-shaped side wall connecting the front plane and the back plane; The piezoelectric ceramic sheet is attached to the inner side wall of the front plane.

3. The multifunctional electronic cigarette according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thickness of the shell is 0.3mm to 1.5mm; The material of the shell includes at least one of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, glass, ceramic, PA, PBT, PC and ABS.

4. The multifunctional electronic cigarette according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thickness of the shell is 0.5mm to 2mm; A key corresponding to the position of the piezoelectric ceramic piece is arranged on the front plane, and the key is used to generate displacement to drive the piezoelectric ceramic piece to deform.

5. The multifunctional electronic cigarette according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing is an integrally formed structure.

6. The multifunctional electronic cigarette according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The piezoelectric ceramic sheet is fixed in the housing via a metal spring; The metal spring comprises a fixing portion and a deforming portion arranged in the middle of the fixing portion, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece is limited between the deforming portion and the housing.

7. The multifunctional electronic cigarette according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the piezoelectric ceramic piece generates sound based on the control signal, the piezoelectric ceramic piece and the metal dome form resonance.

8. The multifunctional electronic cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variations of the piezoelectric ceramic piece sending the electrical signal also include: single pressing, double pressing, and triple pressing performed on the piezoelectric ceramic piece.

9. A method for using a multifunctional electronic cigarette, characterized in that: For using the multifunctional electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprises: The inching signal is generated by the deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic and transmitted to the controller; The controller identifies the inching signal and outputs a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet performs a touch-pressure feedback action based on the control signal. At the same time, the controller outputs a switch control signal to the switch to complete a power-on or power-off action; and The long pulse signal is generated by the deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic and transmitted to the controller; The controller identifies the long pulse signal and outputs a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet performs a touch-pressure feedback action based on the control signal. At the same time, the controller outputs a heating control signal to a heater power supply to perform a heating action. It also includes collecting the number of puffs and the puff time of the multifunctional electronic cigarette through the controller, and when the number of puffs and / or the puff time exceeds a preset threshold, outputting a control signal to the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and the piezoelectric ceramic piece vibrates and plays an audio reminder based on the control signal.

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