Sensor circuit, microphone sensor and electronic cigarette

Abstract

This disclosure provides a sensor circuit, a microphone sensor, and an electronic cigarette. The sensor circuit includes a reference oscillation module, a detection oscillation module, a reference voltage module, and a control module. The reference oscillation module includes a first charging / discharging unit, and the detection oscillation module includes a second charging / discharging unit. The control module is connected to the reference oscillation module and the detection oscillation module. The detection oscillation module is connected to the microphone of the microphone sensor and the reference oscillation module. The reference voltage module is connected to the first charging / discharging unit and the second charging / discharging unit. When the microphone detects a user's inhalation action, the reference voltage module provides a reference voltage to control the charging / discharging current of the first charging / discharging unit and the charging / discharging current of the second charging / discharging unit, respectively, so that the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module are independent of temperature. When the first oscillation period and the second oscillation period meet set conditions, the control module outputs a first control signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of sensor technology, and more specifically, to a sensor circuit, a microphone sensor, and an electronic cigarette. Background Technology

[0002] E-cigarettes are electronic devices that simulate traditional cigarettes, heating e-liquid to produce vapor for the user to inhale after inhalation. Currently, the diverse appearances and rich flavors of e-cigarettes are attracting a growing user base. The specific working principle of an e-cigarette is as follows: When the user inhales, the output capacitance of the microphone changes. A sensor circuit connected to the microphone converts this output capacitance into a control signal, causing the heating circuit in the e-cigarette to atomize the e-liquid. However, while the heating circuit is operating, the temperature of the sensor circuit also rises, creating a risk of malfunction and potential damage to the e-cigarette. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One objective of this disclosure is to provide a new technical solution for sensor circuits.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor circuit is provided, the sensor circuit including a reference oscillation module, a detection oscillation module, a reference voltage module, and a control module, the reference oscillation module including a first charging / discharging unit, and the detection oscillation module including a second charging / discharging unit.

[0005] The control module is connected to the reference oscillation module and the detection oscillation module respectively. The detection oscillation module is connected to the microphone of the microphone sensor and the reference oscillation module respectively. The reference voltage module is connected to the first charging and discharging unit and the second charging and discharging unit respectively.

[0006] When the microphone detects a sucking action by the user, the reference voltage module is used to provide a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging current of the first charging and discharging unit and the charging and discharging current of the second charging and discharging unit, so that the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module are independent of temperature.

[0007] The control module is used to output a first control signal when the first oscillation period and the second oscillation period meet the set conditions.

[0008] Optionally, the reference oscillation module further includes a fixed capacitor and a first comparison unit, wherein the first charging and discharging unit includes a first controlled current source and a second controlled current source;

[0009] The first terminal of the first controlled current source is connected to the power supply terminal, the control terminal of the first controlled current source is connected to the reference voltage module, the second terminal of the first controlled current source is connected to the first terminal of the fixed capacitor, the second terminal of the fixed capacitor is grounded, the first terminal of the second controlled current source is connected to the first terminal of the fixed capacitor, the first control terminal of the second controlled current source is connected to the reference voltage module, the second control terminal of the second controlled current source is connected to the output terminal of the first comparison unit, the second terminal of the second controlled current source is grounded, the second input terminal of the first comparison unit is connected to the reference voltage module, the second input terminal of the first comparison unit is connected to the first terminal of the fixed capacitor, and the output terminal of the first comparison unit is also connected to the control module.

[0010] Optionally, the oscillation detection module further includes a second comparison unit, and the second charging / discharging unit includes a third controlled current source and a fourth controlled current source.

[0011] The first terminal of the third controlled current source is connected to the power supply terminal, the control terminal of the third controlled current source is connected to the reference voltage module, the second terminal of the third controlled current source is connected to the first terminal of the microphone's output capacitor, the second terminal of the output capacitor is grounded, the first terminal of the fourth controlled current source is connected to the first terminal of the output capacitor, the first control terminal of the fourth controlled current source is connected to the reference voltage module, the second control terminal of the fourth controlled current source is connected to the output terminal of the second comparison unit, the second terminal of the fourth controlled current source is grounded, the first input terminal of the second comparison unit is connected to the reference voltage module, the second input terminal of the second comparison unit is connected to the first terminal of the output capacitor, and the output terminal of the second comparison unit is also connected to the control module.

[0012] Optionally, the first oscillation period is determined based on the fixed capacitor, the control coefficient of the first controlled current source, the control coefficient of the second controlled current source, and the delay duration of the first comparison unit.

[0013] Optionally, the second oscillation period is determined based on the control coefficients of the second capacitor, the third controlled current source, the fourth controlled current source, and the delay duration of the second comparison unit.

[0014] Optionally, the setting condition includes the ratio of the first oscillation period to the second oscillation period being greater than a set threshold.

[0015] Optionally, the first comparison unit is a first comparator, the non-inverting input terminal of the first comparator is the first input terminal of the first comparison unit, the inverting input terminal of the first comparator is the second input terminal of the first comparison unit, and the output terminal of the first comparator is the output terminal of the first comparison unit.

[0016] Optionally, the second comparison unit is a second comparator, the non-inverting input terminal of the second comparator is the first input terminal of the second comparison unit, the inverting input terminal of the second comparator is the second input terminal of the second comparison unit, and the output terminal of the second comparator is the output terminal of the second comparison unit.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a microphone sensor is provided, the microphone sensor comprising:

[0018] Mitou;

[0019] As described in the first aspect above, the microphone is connected to the sensor circuit.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette is provided, the electronic cigarette comprising:

[0021] Atomizer;

[0022] As described in the second aspect above, the microphone sensor is connected to the atomizer.

[0023] One beneficial effect of this embodiment is that, when the microphone detects a user's inhalation action, the reference voltage module provides a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging currents of the first charging and discharging unit in the reference oscillation module and the second charging and discharging unit in the detection oscillation module, respectively. This makes the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module independent of temperature. When the first and second oscillation periods meet set conditions, the control module outputs a first control signal to control the atomizer in the electronic cigarette. That is, by controlling the charging and discharging current through the reference voltage, the oscillation periods of the reference oscillation module and the detection oscillation module become independent of temperature, effectively preventing abnormal activation of the sensor circuit due to temperature changes, which could damage the electronic cigarette.

[0024] Other features and advantages of this specification will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this specification and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of this specification.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reference oscillation module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the oscillation detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the microphone sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0033] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0034] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0035] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0036] <Sensor Circuit Examples>

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a sensor circuit provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 1As shown, the sensor circuit 10 includes a reference oscillation module 110, a detection oscillation module 120, a reference voltage module 130, and a control module 140. The reference oscillation module 110 includes a first charging / discharging unit 111, and the detection oscillation module 120 includes a second charging / discharging unit 121. The control module 140 is connected to both the reference oscillation module 110 and the detection oscillation module 120. The detection oscillation module 120 is connected to both the microphone 20 of the microphone sensor and the reference oscillation module 110. The reference voltage module 130 is connected to both the first charging / discharging unit 111 and the second charging / discharging unit 112.

[0038] Microphone 20 is an airflow sensor within the microphone sensor suite, used to detect whether the user is making a sucking motion. Specifically, when microphone 20 detects a sucking motion, the output capacitance of microphone 20 changes.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the microphone detects a sucking action by the user, the reference voltage module is used to provide a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging current of the first charging and discharging unit and the charging and discharging current of the second charging and discharging unit, respectively, so that the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module are independent of temperature; the control module is used to output a first control signal when the first oscillation period and the second oscillation period meet the set conditions.

[0040] Specifically, the sensor circuit 10 typically uses two oscillation modules to detect the output capacitance of the microphone 20. One of these modules is a reference oscillation module 110, and the other is a detection oscillation module 120. The first charge / discharge unit 111 in the reference oscillation module 110 charges and discharges a fixed capacitor, thereby outputting a reference oscillation signal. The detection oscillation module 120 charges and discharges the output capacitance of the microphone 20, outputting a detection oscillation signal. Under the control of the reference oscillation signal, the control module 140 detects the oscillation period of the detection oscillation signal. When the user performs a sucking action, causing a change in the output capacitance of the microphone 20, the reference voltage module 130 provides a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging current of the first charge / discharging unit 111, making the first oscillation period T0 of the reference oscillation module 110 independent of temperature, and also provides a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging current of the second charge / discharging unit 120, making the second oscillation period T1 of the detection oscillation module 120 independent of temperature. Then, when the first oscillation period T0 and the second oscillation period T1 meet the set conditions, the first control signal will be output to control the heating circuit in the atomizer to atomize the e-liquid in the atomizer.

[0041] Understandably, the first oscillation period T0 of the reference oscillation module 110 can also be called the first oscillation period T0 of the reference oscillation signal, and the second oscillation period T1 of the detection oscillation module 120 can also be called the second oscillation period T1 of the detection oscillation signal.

[0042] In related technologies, the oscillation period is usually related to the charging / discharging current and the reference voltage. However, since the charging / discharging current is generated by its corresponding reference module and is independent of the reference voltage, the charging / discharging current and the reference voltage are not correlated. Furthermore, the charging / discharging current and the reference voltage change significantly with temperature, leading to a temperature-dependent change in the oscillation period and resulting in temperature-induced control anomalies. In this embodiment, a reference voltage is used to control the charging / discharging current of the first charging / discharging unit. The reference voltage is correlated with the charging / discharging current of the first charging / discharging unit, making the first oscillation period T0 independent of both the charging / discharging current and the reference voltage, and only related to the design value. Therefore, the first oscillation period T0 is independent of temperature. Similarly, a reference voltage is used to control the charging / discharging current of the second charging / discharging unit. The reference voltage is correlated with the charging / discharging current of the second charging / discharging unit, making the second oscillation period T1 independent of both the charging / discharging current and the reference voltage, and only related to the design value. Therefore, the first oscillation period T1 is independent of temperature. In other words, the first oscillation period T0 and the second oscillation period T1 do not change with temperature. This effectively avoids abnormal sensor circuit activation caused by temperature changes, thus preventing damage to the product.

[0043] According to an embodiment of this application, when the microphone detects a user's inhalation action, the reference voltage module provides a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging current of the first charging and discharging unit in the reference oscillation module and the charging and discharging current of the second charging and discharging unit in the detection oscillation module. This ensures that the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module are independent of temperature. When the first and second oscillation periods meet set conditions, the control module outputs a first control signal to control the atomizer in the electronic cigarette. In other words, by controlling the charging and discharging current with a reference voltage, the oscillation periods of the reference oscillation module and the detection oscillation module are made independent of temperature, effectively preventing abnormal activation of the sensor circuit due to temperature changes, which could damage the electronic cigarette.

[0044] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The reference oscillation module 110 further includes a fixed capacitor 112 and a first comparison unit 113. The first charging and discharging unit 111 includes a first controlled current source 1111 and a second controlled current source 1112.

[0045] The first terminal of the first controlled current source 1111 is connected to the power supply terminal 30, and the control terminal of the first controlled current source 1111 is connected to the reference voltage module 130. Figure 2 (Reference voltage module 130 not shown). The second terminal of the first controlled current source 1111 is connected to the first terminal of the fixed capacitor 112, and the second terminal of the fixed capacitor 112 is grounded. The first terminal of the second controlled current source 1112 is connected to the first terminal of the fixed capacitor 112. The first control terminal of the second controlled current source 1112 is connected to the reference voltage module 130. The second control terminal of the second controlled current source 1112 is connected to the output terminal of the first comparison unit 113, and the second terminal of the second controlled current source 1112 is grounded. The first input terminal of the first comparison unit 113 is connected to the reference voltage module 130. The second input terminal of the first comparison unit 113 is connected to the first terminal of the fixed capacitor 112. The output terminal of the first comparison unit 113 is also connected to the control module 130. Figure 2 (Control module 130 is not shown in the image).

[0046] Among them, the first controlled current source 1111 is a charging current source, and the charging current of the first controlled current source 1111 is the reference voltage V output by the reference voltage module 130. T To control the charging current of the first controlled current source 1111, the charging current is g1*V. T Where g1 is the control coefficient of the first controlled current source 1111, which is determined during the design of the first controlled current source 1111; that is, the control coefficient g1 of the first controlled current source 1111 is a fixed value. It is understandable that the charging current of the first controlled current source 1111 is g1*V. T That is, the charging current of the first controlled current source 1111 and the reference voltage V T Linear correlation.

[0047] Among them, the second controlled current source 1112 is a discharge current source, and the discharge current of the second controlled current source 1112 is the reference voltage V output by the reference voltage module 130. T To control the output current of the second controlled current source 1112, the current is g2*V. T Where g2 is the control coefficient of the second controlled current source 1112, which is determined during the design of the second controlled current source 1112; that is, the control coefficient g2 of the second controlled current source 1112 is a fixed value. It is understandable that the discharge current of the second controlled current source 1112 is g2*V. T That is, the discharge current of the second controlled current source 1112 and the reference voltage V T Linear correlation.

[0048] Among them, reference Figure 2The first comparison unit 113 is a first comparator. The non-inverting input of the first comparator is the first input of the first comparison unit 113, the inverting input is the second input, and the output is the output of the first comparison unit 113. The first comparator has the following characteristic: when the reference voltage V at the non-inverting input of the first comparator... T When the voltage at its inverting input is greater than the voltage at its non-inverting input, the first comparator outputs a logic high level. When the reference voltage V at the non-inverting input of the first comparator is greater than the voltage at its inverting input, the first comparator outputs a logic high level. T When the voltage is less than the voltage at its inverting input, the first comparator outputs a logic low level.

[0049] Next, combine Figure 2 The working principle of the reference oscillation module 110 is described as follows: The first controlled current source 1111 charges the fixed capacitor C0. When the first comparison unit 113 detects that the charging voltage is greater than the reference voltage V, T When the output logic is low, the second controlled current source 1112 discharges the fixed capacitor C0. When the first comparison unit 113 detects that the discharge voltage is less than the reference voltage V, the output logic is low. T (Understandably, due to the rapid discharge speed, it usually discharges directly to zero potential) In this case, a high logic level is output to disconnect the second controlled power source 1112, allowing the first controlled current source 1111 to recharge the fixed capacitor C0. The charging time T of the reference oscillation module 110 is then... c0 It satisfies the following formula (1):

[0050] g1*V T *T c0 =C0*V T (1)

[0051] Where g1 is the control coefficient of the first controlled power source 1111, V T The reference voltage provided by the reference voltage module 130, C0 is the fixed capacitor 112, g1*V T This represents the charging current of the first controlled current source 1111.

[0052] And, the discharge time T of the reference oscillation module 110 D0 The following formula (2) is satisfied:

[0053] g2*V T *T D0 =C0*V T (2)

[0054] Where g2 is the control coefficient of the second controlled power source 1112, V TThe reference voltage provided by the reference voltage module 130, C0 is a fixed capacitor 112, g2*V T This represents the discharge current of the second controlled current source 1112.

[0055] Here, the first oscillation period T0 of the reference oscillation module 110 satisfies the following formula (3):

[0056] T0 = ​​T c0 +T D0 +T delay1 (3)

[0057] Among them, T c0 T is the charging time of the reference oscillation module 110. D0 T is the discharge time of the reference oscillation module 110. delay1 The delay duration of the first comparison unit 113 is determined during the design of the first comparison unit 113, that is, the delay duration T of the first comparison unit 113. delay 1 is a fixed value.

[0058] According to the above formula (1), the charging time of the reference oscillation module 110 is... According to the above formula (2), the discharge time of the reference oscillation module 110 is... Then the charging time of the reference oscillation module 110 will be... Discharge time of reference oscillation module 110 Substituting into formula (3) above, we can obtain the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module 110. In other words, the first oscillation period T0 is determined based on the fixed capacitor C0, the control coefficient g1 of the first controlled current source 1111, the control coefficient g2 of the second controlled current source 1112, and the delay time T of the first comparison unit 113. delay1 It is certain that it does not change with temperature and is unaffected by temperature.

[0059] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 3 The oscillation detection module 120 further includes a second comparison unit 122, and the second charge-discharge unit 121 includes a third controlled current source 1211 and a fourth controlled current source 1212.

[0060] The first terminal of the third controlled current source 1211 is connected to the power supply terminal 30, and the control terminal of the third controlled current source 1212 is connected to the reference voltage module 130. Figure 3(Reference voltage module 130 not shown). The second terminal of the third controlled current source 1212 is connected to the first terminal of the output capacitor 21 of the microphone 20. The second terminal of the output capacitor 21 is grounded. The first terminal of the fourth controlled current source 1212 is connected to the first terminal of the output capacitor 21. The first control terminal of the fourth controlled current source 1212 is connected to the reference voltage module 130. The second control terminal of the fourth controlled current source 1212 is connected to the output terminal of the second comparison unit 122. The second terminal of the fourth controlled current source 1212 is grounded. The first input terminal of the second comparison unit 122 is connected to the reference voltage module 130. The second input terminal of the second comparison unit 122 is connected to the first terminal of the output capacitor 21. The output terminal of the second comparison unit 122 is also connected to the control module 140. Figure 3 (Control module 130 is not shown in the image).

[0061] Among them, the third controlled current source 1211 is a charging current source, and the charging current of the third controlled current source 1211 is the reference voltage V output by the reference voltage module 130. T To control this, the charging current of the third controlled current source 1211 is g3*V. T Where g3 is the control coefficient of the third controlled current source 1211, which is determined during the design of the third controlled current source 1211; that is, the control coefficient g3 of the third controlled current source 1211 is a fixed value. It is understandable that the charging current of the third controlled current source 1211 is g3*V. T That is, the charging current of the third controlled current source 1211 and the reference voltage V T Linear correlation.

[0062] Among them, the fourth controlled current source 1212 is a discharge current source, and the discharge current of the fourth controlled current source 1212 is the reference voltage V output by the reference voltage module 130. T To control this, the output current of the fourth controlled current source 1212 is g4*V. T Where g4 is the control coefficient of the fourth controlled current source 1212, which is determined during the design of the fourth controlled current source 1212; that is, the control coefficient g4 of the fourth controlled current source 1212 is a fixed value. It is understandable that the discharge current of the fourth controlled current source 1212 is g4*V. T That is, the discharge current of the fourth controlled current source 1212 and the reference voltage V T Linear correlation.

[0063] Among them, reference Figure 3The second comparison unit 122 is a second comparator. The non-inverting input of the second comparator is the first input of the second comparison unit 122, the inverting input is the second input, and the output is the output of the second comparison unit 122. The second comparator has the following characteristic: when the reference voltage V at the non-inverting input of the second comparator... T When the voltage at its inverting input is greater than the voltage at its inverting input, the second comparator outputs a logic high level. When the reference voltage V at the non-inverting input of the second comparator is greater than the voltage at its inverting input, the second comparator outputs a logic high level. T When the voltage is less than that at its inverting input, the second comparator outputs a logic low level.

[0064] Next, combine Figure 3 The working principle of the oscillation detection module 120 is introduced as follows: The third controlled current source 1211 controls the output capacitor C. sw During charging, when the second comparison unit 122 detects that the charging voltage is greater than the reference voltage V... T When the output logic is low, the fourth controlled current source 1212 controls the fixed output capacitor C. sw Discharge occurs, and when the second comparison unit 122 detects that the discharge voltage is less than the reference voltage V... T (Understandably, due to the rapid discharge speed, it usually discharges directly to zero potential) In this case, the output logic is high to disconnect the fourth controlled power source 1212, causing the third controlled current source 1211 to re-energize the output capacitor C. sw Charging begins. The charging time T of the oscillation module 120 is then detected. c1 The following formula (4) is satisfied:

[0065] g3*V T *T c1 =C sw *V T (4)

[0066] Where g3 is the control coefficient of the third controlled power source 1211, V T The reference voltage provided to the reference voltage module 130, C sw For the output capacitor 21, g3*V T This represents the charging current of the third controlled current source 1211.

[0067] And, the discharge time T of the oscillation detection module 120. D1 The following formula (5) is satisfied:

[0068] g4*V T *T D1 =C sw *V T (5)

[0069] Where g4 is the control coefficient of the fourth controlled power source 1212, V T The reference voltage provided to the reference voltage module 130, C sw For the output capacitor 21, g4*V T This represents the discharge current of the fourth controlled current source 1212.

[0070] Here, the second oscillation period T1 of the detection oscillation module 120 satisfies the following formula (6):

[0071] T1 = T c1 +T D1 +T delay2 (6)

[0072] Among them, T c1 To detect the charging time of the oscillation module 120, T D1 To detect the discharge time of the oscillation module 120, T delay2 The delay duration of the second comparison unit 122 is determined during the design of the second comparison unit 122, that is, the delay duration T of the second comparison unit 122. delay2 It is a fixed value.

[0073] According to the above formula (4), the charging time of the detection oscillation module 120 is... According to the above formula (5), the discharge time of the detection oscillation module 120 is... The charging time of the oscillation module 120 will then be detected. and the discharge time of the oscillation detection module 120 Substituting into formula (6) above, the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module 120 can be obtained. In other words, the second oscillation period T1 is based on the fixed capacitance C. sw The control coefficient g3 of the third controlled current source 1211, the control coefficient g4 of the fourth controlled current source 1212, and the delay time T of the second comparison unit 122. delay2 It is certain that it does not change with temperature and is unaffected by temperature.

[0074] In one embodiment, the setting condition includes the ratio of the first oscillation period T0 to the second oscillation period T1. It is greater than the set threshold k.

[0075] The threshold k can be designed according to the actual scenario, and this embodiment does not limit it. This can be understood as the ratio of the first oscillation period T0 to the second oscillation period T1. If the value exceeds the set threshold k, the control module 140 will output a first control signal to control the heating circuit in the atomizer to heat and atomize the e-liquid in the atomizer.

[0076] In this embodiment, the control module 140 monitors the ratio of the first oscillation period T0 of the reference oscillation module 110 to the second oscillation period T1 of the detection oscillation module 120. When the ratio exceeds the set threshold k, that is, when the user performs a snorting action causing the output capacitance of the microphone to change and exceed the trigger threshold, the control module 140 outputs the first control signal, so that the heating circuit in the atomizer heats and atomizes the e-liquid in the atomizer. The snorting triggering process is represented by the following formula (7):

[0077]

[0078] As can be seen from the above formula (7), this embodiment uses a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging current, so that... It is temperature-independent, effectively preventing abnormal activation of the sensor circuit due to temperature changes, which could damage the e-cigarette.

[0079] <Mic Sensor Example>

[0080] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a microphone sensor according to one embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the microphone sensor 40 includes a microphone 41 and a sensor circuit 41. The microphone 41 is connected to the sensor circuit 41, which can be the sensor circuit 10 provided in the above embodiment.

[0081] When the microphone 41 detects a change in its output capacitance due to a user's inhalation action, the sensor circuit 42 outputs a first control signal based on the output capacitance. The detailed structure of the sensor circuit 42 can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. It is understood that since the microphone sensor in this application uses the above sensor circuit, the embodiments of the microphone sensor in this application include all the technical solutions of all the above sensor circuit embodiments, and the achieved technical effects are completely the same. That is, when the microphone detects a user's inhalation action, the reference voltage module provides a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging current of the first charging and discharging unit in the reference oscillation module and the charging and discharging current of the second charging and discharging unit in the detection oscillation module. This makes the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module independent of temperature. When the first and second oscillation periods meet the set conditions, the control module outputs a first control signal to control the atomizer in the electronic cigarette. In other words, by controlling the charging and discharging current through the reference voltage, the oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the oscillation period of the detection oscillation module become independent of temperature, effectively preventing abnormal activation of the sensor circuit due to temperature changes and thus avoiding damage to the electronic cigarette.

[0082] <Equipment Example>

[0083] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette according to one embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the electronic cigarette includes a microphone sensor 51 and an atomizer 52. The microphone sensor can be the microphone sensor 40 described in the above embodiment. The microphone sensor 51 is connected to the atomizer 52. It is understood that the electronic cigarette also includes a power supply, the terminals of which are... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The power supply terminal 30.

[0084] In specific implementation, the working principle of this electronic cigarette is as follows: When the microphone sensor detects a user's inhalation action, causing a change in the microphone's output capacitance, the sensor circuit of the microphone sensor outputs a first control signal based on the output capacitance, causing the heating circuit in the atomizer to heat and atomize the e-liquid in the atomizer. The detailed structure of this microphone sensor can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. It is understood that since the above-mentioned microphone sensor is used in the electronic cigarette of this application embodiment, the embodiments of the electronic cigarette of this application embodiment include all the technical solutions of all the above-mentioned microphone sensor embodiments, and the achieved technical effects are completely the same. That is, when the microphone detects a user's inhalation action, the reference voltage module provides a reference voltage to control the charging and discharging current of the first charging and discharging unit in the reference oscillation module and the charging and discharging current of the second charging and discharging unit in the detection oscillation module, so that the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module are independent of temperature. When the first oscillation period and the second oscillation period meet the set conditions, the control module outputs a first control signal to control the atomizer in the electronic cigarette to work. That is, it controls the charging and discharging current through a reference voltage, so that the oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the oscillation period of the detection oscillation module are independent of temperature, effectively avoiding abnormal start-up of the sensor circuit due to temperature changes, which could damage the electronic cigarette.

[0085] The following example illustrates the working process of an electronic cigarette:

[0086] In step S101, the microphone detects a sucking motion by the user, causing a change in the microphone's output capacitance.

[0087] In step S102, the reference oscillation module 110 charges and discharges the fixed capacitor C0, thereby outputting a reference oscillation signal, and the control module 140 detects the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation signal.

[0088] In step S102, the first controlled current source 1111 charges the fixed capacitor C0. When the first comparison unit 113 detects that the charging voltage is greater than the reference voltage V, T When the output logic is low, the second controlled current source 1112 discharges the fixed capacitor C0. When the first comparison unit 113 detects that the discharge voltage is less than the reference voltage V, the output logic is low. T In this case, a logic high level is output to disconnect the second controlled power source 1112, allowing the first controlled current source 1111 to recharge the fixed capacitor C0, thereby outputting a reference oscillation signal. Based on this, the control module 140 detects the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation signal.

[0089] Step S103, detect the output capacitor C of the oscillation module 120. swThe system performs charging and discharging, and then outputs a detection oscillation signal. Under the control of the reference oscillation signal, the control module 140 detects the oscillation period of the detection oscillation signal.

[0090] In step S103, the third controlled current source 1211 affects the output capacitor C. sw During charging, when the second comparison unit 122 detects that the charging voltage is greater than the reference voltage V... T When the output logic is low, the fourth controlled current source 1212 controls the fixed output capacitor C. sw Discharge occurs, and when the second comparison unit 122 detects that the discharge voltage is less than the reference voltage V... T In this case, the output logic goes high to disconnect the fourth controlled power source 1212, causing the second controlled current source 1211 to re-energize the output capacitor C. sw Charging is performed to obtain a detected oscillation signal. Based on this, the control module 140 detects the second oscillation period of the detected oscillation signal.

[0091] In step S104, if the ratio between the first oscillation period T0 and the second oscillation period T1 is greater than a set threshold k, the control module 140 outputs a first control signal.

[0092] In step S105, the heating circuit in the atomizer controls the e-liquid in the atomizer to be heated and atomized through the first control signal.

[0093] In this example, a reference voltage is used to control the charging and discharging current, making the reference voltage linearly related to the charging and discharging currents, respectively. Thus, the oscillation period T0 of the reference oscillation module and the oscillation period T1 of the detection oscillation module are independent of the charging current, discharging current, and reference voltage. That is, the oscillation periods T0 and T1 of the reference oscillation module are unaffected by temperature, thereby ensuring that the ratio between the oscillation periods T0 and T1 of the reference oscillation module is... It is temperature-independent, effectively preventing abnormal activation of the sensor circuit due to temperature changes, which could damage the e-cigarette.

[0094] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0095] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sensor circuit, characterized by The sensor circuit comprises a reference oscillation module, a detection oscillation module, a reference voltage module and a control module, the reference oscillation module comprises a first charge-discharge unit, the detection oscillation module comprises a second charge-discharge unit, the control module is connected with the reference oscillation module and the detection oscillation module respectively, the detection oscillation module is connected with a microphone of a microphone sensor and the reference oscillation module respectively, and the reference voltage module is connected with the first charge-discharge unit and the second charge-discharge unit respectively; The reference oscillation module further comprises a fixed capacitor and a first comparison unit, and the first charge-discharge unit comprises a first controlled current source and a second controlled current source; The first end of the first controlled current source is connected with a power supply end, the control end of the first controlled current source is connected with the reference voltage module, the second end of the first controlled current source is connected with the first end of the fixed capacitor, the second end of the fixed capacitor is grounded, the first end of the second controlled current source is connected with the first end of the fixed capacitor, the first control end of the second controlled current source is connected with the reference voltage module, the second control end of the second controlled current source is connected with the output end of the first comparison unit, the second end of the second controlled current source is grounded, the first input end of the first comparison unit is connected with the reference voltage module, the second input end of the first comparison unit is connected with the first end of the fixed capacitor, and the output end of the first comparison unit is further connected with the control module; The detection oscillation module further comprises a second comparison unit, and the second charge-discharge unit comprises a third controlled current source and a fourth controlled current source; The first end of the third controlled current source is connected with a power supply end, the control end of the third controlled current source is connected with the reference voltage module, the second end of the third controlled current source is connected with the first end of an output capacitor of the microphone, the second end of the output capacitor is grounded, the first end of the fourth controlled current source is connected with the first end of the output capacitor, the first control end of the fourth controlled current source is connected with the reference voltage module, the second control end of the fourth controlled current source is connected with the output end of the second comparison unit, the second end of the fourth controlled current source is grounded, the first input end of the second comparison unit is connected with the reference voltage module, the second input end of the second comparison unit is connected with the first end of the output capacitor, and the output end of the second comparison unit is further connected with the control module; In the case that the microphone detects that a user performs a puffing action, the reference voltage module is configured to provide a reference voltage to control the charge-discharge currents of the first charge-discharge unit and the second charge-discharge unit respectively, so that the first oscillation period of the reference oscillation module and the second oscillation period of the detection oscillation module are independent of temperature; The control module is configured to output a first control signal in the case that the first oscillation period and the second oscillation period satisfy a set condition, and the set condition comprises that the ratio of the first oscillation period to the second oscillation period is greater than a set threshold.

2. The sensor circuit of claim 1, wherein, The first oscillation period is determined according to the fixed capacitance, a control coefficient of the first controlled current source, a control coefficient of the second controlled current source, and a delay time length of the first comparison unit.

3. The sensor circuit of claim 1, wherein, The second oscillation period is determined according to the output capacitance, a control coefficient of the third controlled current source, a control coefficient of the fourth controlled current source, and a delay time length of the second comparison unit.

4. The sensor circuit of claim 1, wherein, The first comparison unit is a first comparator, a non-inverting input end of the first comparator is a first input end of the first comparison unit, an inverting input end of the first comparator is a second input end of the first comparison unit, and an output end of the first comparator is an output end of the first comparison unit.

5. The sensor circuit of claim 1, wherein, The second comparison unit is a second comparator, a non-inverting input end of the second comparator is a first input end of the second comparison unit, an inverting input end of the second comparator is a second input end of the second comparison unit, and an output end of the second comparator is an output end of the second comparison unit.

6. A microphone sensor, characterized by The microphone sensor comprises: a microphone; The sensor circuit according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the microphone is connected to the sensor circuit.

7. An electronic cigarette, characterized in that The electronic cigarette comprises: an atomizer; The microphone sensor according to claim 6, wherein the microphone sensor is connected to the atomizer.

Images