Electronic cigarette with air touch function

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electronic cigarette with a distance touch function, which comprises an electronic cigarette body with a main control board, a display screen arranged on the electronic cigarette body and a non-contact touch component, and the display screen is connected with the main control board; the non-contact type touch control assembly comprises a capacitance induction electrode layer arranged on the side, close to user operation, of the display screen, and the capacitance induction electrode layer is configured to induce capacitance changes generated when a finger approaches. The capacitive sensing electrode layer is electrically connected with the main control board, and the main control board can detect capacitance changes of the capacitive sensing electrode layer so as to recognize air touch operation of fingers. According to the utility model, an air touch function is provided for a common display screen of the electronic cigarette, the current situation that a traditional electronic cigarette screen lacks touch interaction experience is changed, and the interactivity is enhanced; and a resistor or a capacitive touch screen with higher cost does not need to be additionally configured, and a capacitive sensing electrode layer is directly added on a common display screen to realize an air touch function, so that the cost investment is reduced from the aspect of hardware configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic cigarette technology, and more specifically, to an electronic cigarette with air touch control function. Background Technology

[0002] Throughout the development of e-cigarettes, their functions have become increasingly diversified, and the screen, as a crucial window for human-computer interaction, has played an increasingly vital role. As consumers' demands for the e-cigarette user experience continue to rise, the screen has begun to take on more functions.

[0003] Currently, e-cigarette screens can not only clearly display basic parameters such as battery level, e-liquid level, and power, but also present some cool visual effects, such as twinkling stars and scrolling marquees, bringing users a more technological and fun user experience. Common screen types include TFT screens, LED screens, and digital tubes, but most of them suffer from the problem of limited interaction methods. Typically, users can only operate the e-cigarette through a limited number of physical buttons.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent CN204292202U discloses an electronic cigarette with a digital display screen, which determines the atomizer resistance, battery voltage, output voltage, and output power through the current displayed values ​​on the digital display screen. However, this display screen does not have touch control functionality, resulting in a relatively limited interaction method.

[0005] To enhance the user experience with e-cigarettes, some manufacturers have attempted to add resistive or capacitive touchscreens. However, resistive or capacitive touchscreens are expensive to manufacture, and adding such touchscreens to e-cigarettes significantly increases the hardware cost of the product.

[0006] In view of this, it is indeed necessary to provide a technical solution to the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an electronic cigarette with air touch control function, in view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0009] An electronic cigarette with air-touch control functionality is constructed, comprising an electronic cigarette body with a main control board, a display screen disposed on the electronic cigarette body, and a contactless touch control component. The contactless touch control component includes a capacitive sensing electrode layer disposed on the side of the display screen closer to the user's operation. The capacitive sensing electrode layer is configured to sense the capacitance change generated when a finger approaches. The capacitive sensing electrode layer is electrically connected to the main control board, and the main control board can detect the capacitance change of the capacitive sensing electrode layer to recognize the air-touch operation of the finger.

[0010] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, the capacitive sensing electrode layer includes multiple independent partitioned electrodes, each partitioned electrode corresponding to a region of the display screen, and each partitioned electrode is electrically connected to the main control board. The main control board can identify the sliding touch operation of a finger by detecting the sequence of capacitance changes of different partitioned electrodes.

[0011] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, multiple partitioned electrodes are arranged in a matrix on the display screen.

[0012] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, each of the partition electrodes is connected to a pin. Each pin has a first connection terminal and at least two second connection terminals. The first connection terminal is electrically connected to the main control board, and the two second connection terminals are electrically connected to the partition electrode and the display screen, respectively.

[0013] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, the outer side of the capacitive sensing electrode is covered with an anti-interference layer.

[0014] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, the thickness of the anti-interference layer is 0.5mm-10mm.

[0015] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, the anti-interference layer is a plastic film, acrylic sheet, or glass plate.

[0016] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette body is provided with a tactile feedback component, which is electrically connected to the main control board and is used to emit tactile feedback of vibration.

[0017] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, the capacitive sensing electrode layer and the display screen are fixedly connected by optical adhesive bonding.

[0018] As an improvement to the electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette body includes a shell with a receiving cavity, the control motherboard is disposed in the receiving cavity, a display window is opened on the surface of the shell, and the display screen is embedded in the display window.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides an air-touch function for the ordinary display screen of electronic cigarettes, which changes the status quo that traditional electronic cigarette screens lack touch interaction experience, enhances the interactivity between users and electronic cigarettes, and allows users to operate without directly touching the screen, thus improving the convenience and fun of use.

[0020] Furthermore, compared to the traditional approach of adding resistive or capacitive touchscreens, this e-cigarette does not require additional, more expensive resistive or capacitive touchscreens. It achieves air touch functionality simply by adding a capacitive sensing electrode layer to a standard display screen, reducing hardware costs. This cost reduction, achieved through the combination of the main control board and the capacitive sensing electrode layer, provides air touch functionality in a relatively simple and low-cost manner, allowing the e-cigarette to maintain a price advantage while offering touch interaction capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electronic cigarette provided by this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the capacitive sensing electrode layer of the electronic cigarette provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is one of the frame diagrams of the non-contact touch control component for electronic cigarettes provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is the second frame diagram of the non-contact touch control component for electronic cigarettes provided by this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the outer shell of the electronic cigarette provided by this utility model.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Electronic cigarette body; 11. Display window; 12. Housing cavity; 2. Display screen; 3. Capacitive sensing electrode layer; 31. Zoned electrode; 32. Pin; 4. Anti-interference layer. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, a clear and complete description will be provided below in conjunction with the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an electronic cigarette with air-touch control function includes an electronic cigarette body 1 with a main control board, a display screen 2 disposed on the electronic cigarette body 1, and a non-contact touch component. The display screen 2 is connected to the main control board. The non-contact touch component includes a capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 disposed on the side of the display screen 2 closer to the user's operation. The capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 is configured to sense the capacitance change generated when a finger approaches. The capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 is electrically connected to the main control board, which can be used to detect the capacitance change of the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 to recognize the air-touch operation of the finger.

[0031] Specifically, when a finger approaches the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 located on the side of the display screen 2 closest to the user's operation, the capacitance value of the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 changes because the human body is a conductor. The capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 is electrically connected to the main control board, which can detect this capacitance change. By analyzing the capacitance change, the main control board can identify the finger's air touch operation, such as a tapping motion.

[0032] This invention provides an air-touch function for the ordinary display screen 2 of an electronic cigarette, changing the traditional situation where electronic cigarette screens lack touch interaction and enhancing the interactivity between the user and the electronic cigarette. Users can operate the device without directly touching the screen, improving convenience and enjoyment. Furthermore, compared to the traditional approach of adding resistive or capacitive touchscreens, this solution eliminates the need for expensive additional resistive or capacitive touchscreens. Air-touch functionality can be achieved simply by adding a capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 to the ordinary display screen 2, reducing hardware costs. By achieving touch functionality while reducing costs, the main control board and the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 work together to achieve air-touch functionality in a relatively simple and low-cost manner, allowing the electronic cigarette to maintain a price advantage while providing touch interaction capabilities.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3As shown, the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 includes multiple independent partition electrodes 31, each corresponding to a region of the display screen 2. All partition electrodes 31 are electrically connected to the main control board. The main control board can identify finger swipe touch operations by detecting the sequence of capacitance changes in different partition electrodes 31. Specifically, there are nine partition electrodes 31, arranged in three rows and three columns. When a finger performs a swipe touch operation on the display screen 2, it will approach different partition electrodes 31. Since the capacitance between the partition electrode 31 and the finger changes when the finger approaches, each of the multiple independent partition electrodes 31 senses this capacitance change. The pins 32 connected to the partition electrodes 31 transmit the capacitance change signal to the main control board. The main control board analyzes the signal by detecting the sequence of capacitance changes in different partition electrodes 31, thereby identifying the finger swipe touch operation. For example, when a finger swipes from one partition to an adjacent partition, the corresponding partition electrode 31 will sequentially generate capacitance changes. After capturing the sequentially changing signal, the main control board can determine the swipe direction, distance, and other information of the finger. This allows it to control the display screen 2 to display the corresponding image information.

[0034] In other embodiments, the number of partition electrodes 31 can be set to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 as needed; correspondingly, the number of pins 32 is the same as the number of partition electrodes 31.

[0035] In terms of interactive experience, it breaks through the limitations of single-point touch operation and achieves swipe touch operation recognition, enriching the ways users interact with the e-cigarette screen. Users can achieve more convenient and intuitive control through swipe operations, such as switching display interfaces and adjusting parameters, enhancing the smoothness and fun of operation. From a functional perspective, swipe touch operation detection helps to realize more cool functions, such as sequentially lighting up or turning off display elements along the path of the finger as it slides, bringing users a unique visual effect and enhancing the product's attractiveness and competitiveness.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, multiple partition electrodes 31 are arranged in a matrix on the display screen 2. Specifically, the matrix arrangement allows the partition electrodes 31 to be distributed regularly on the display screen 2, with each partition electrode 31 having its corresponding row and column. When a finger approaches a partition electrode 31, that partition electrode 31 senses a change in capacitance, and the signals in its row and column change. The main control board can quickly determine the position of the partition electrode 31 that caused the capacitance change by scanning the signals in the rows and columns. For example, by using a row and column scanning method, the system first scans each row to determine which row has a capacitance change, and then scans the corresponding column of that row, thereby accurately locating the specific partition electrode 31 and achieving accurate judgment of the touch position.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, each partition electrode 31 is connected to a pin 32. Each pin 32 has a first connection terminal and two second connection terminals. The first connection terminal is electrically connected to the main control board, and the two second connection terminals are electrically connected to the partition electrode 31 and the display screen 2, respectively. Specifically, the first connection terminal is connected to the main control board and serves to transmit signals. When the partition electrode 31 in the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 detects a change in capacitance due to a finger approaching, the signal is transmitted to the pin 32 through the second connection terminal connected to the partition electrode 31, and then transmitted to the main control board for processing via the first connection terminal. The other second connection terminal connected to the display screen 2 is used to receive control signals from the main control board to perform operations such as lighting up the display screen 2 and switching display content; this achieves bidirectional transmission of touch signals detected by the partition electrode 31 and control signals from the main control board to the display screen 2. This bidirectional connection via pin 32 employs a time-division multiplexing method, where the same set of pins 32 is used for both touch signal input and control of the display screen 2's output, avoiding the need for two separate sets of pins 32 to achieve touch and display functions, thereby further reducing costs.

[0038] It should be noted that the human eye has the ability to retain images. Utilizing this characteristic, time is divided into periods, using a frequency of ≥50Hz, meaning at least 50 time slices per second. In this case, a 10ms period is used, with each 5ms segment as a time slice. Within each 10ms period, pin 32 is set to input mode for the first 5ms to detect touch signals. During this time, pin 32 connects to the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3, receiving the capacitance change signal generated by a finger approaching and transmitting it to the main control board for processing. For the next 5ms, pin 32 is set to output mode to illuminate the screen. The main control board sends control signals to the display screen 2 via pin 32 according to the set display content, controlling the screen's display state. If a pattern requires a certain LED or screen area to be off, the corresponding pin 32 will not send an illumination signal at this time. Through this time-division multiplexing method, the same pin 32 can perform both touch detection and screen illumination functions in different time slices. Since the screen's on / off cycle is 10ms and the frequency is 100Hz, which is beyond the range that the human eye can distinguish, the screen will not flicker as seen by the human eye. Therefore, there is no need to set up two independent GPIO pins 32. Thus, the dual functions of touch and screen lighting are achieved without increasing hardware costs.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, an anti-interference layer 4 is provided on the outer side of the capacitive sensing electrode. Specifically, external factors such as metals can generate electromagnetic interference to the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3, affecting its accurate sensing of capacitance changes when a human finger approaches. The anti-interference layer 4, covering the outer side of the capacitive sensing electrode, can block external interference sources and reduce the influence of external electromagnetic signals on the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3. At the same time, the anti-interference layer 4 also provides physical protection. Touching its surface with a finger provides a tactile experience, avoiding fatigue and inaccurate height issues caused by lifting the finger, and also prevents corrosion and contamination of the screen by finger sweat, dust, and liquids, protecting the screen from damage and extending its lifespan.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the anti-interference layer 4 is 0.5mm-10mm. Specifically, from a signal transmission perspective, the thickness of the anti-interference layer 4 affects its blocking effect on interference signals and the ability of the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 to receive signals. When the thickness is too thin, although it has little impact on the signal reception of the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3, it is difficult to effectively block external interference. Interference sources such as metal can easily affect the accurate sensing of capacitance changes when a human finger approaches the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3. When the thickness is too large, although it can better block interference, it increases the signal transmission distance, causing the capacitance change signal to attenuate during transmission, resulting in a worse signal-to-noise ratio and making it difficult to detect capacitance changes. Furthermore, an excessively thin anti-interference layer 4 has insufficient physical protection, is easily bent, and may not be able to effectively buffer pressure when a finger presses it, thus damaging the screen; while an excessively thick anti-interference layer 4 will make the overall structure thicker, affecting the appearance and feel of the device.

[0041] The anti-interference layer, with a thickness ranging from 40.5mm to 10mm, can effectively block external interference while ensuring the signal strength and accuracy received by the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3. This ensures that the MCU can stably detect capacitance changes, thereby improving the stability and reliability of air-touch operation recognition.

[0042] Furthermore, the thickness of the anti-interference layer 4 can be set to 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm, 6.0mm, 6.5mm, 7.0mm, 7.5mm, 8.0mm, 8.5mm, 9.0mm, 9.5mm, or 10.0mm as needed.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, the anti-interference layer 4 is a plastic film, an acrylic sheet, or a glass plate. Specifically, taking a plastic film as an example, its molecular structure is stable and it does not generate electromagnetic signals, effectively isolating external interference. Acrylic sheets and glass plates also have good insulation properties, forming a barrier between the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 and external interference sources, ensuring that the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 stably senses the capacitance change when a finger approaches, enabling the main control board to receive accurate signals, thereby achieving accurate recognition of the user's air-touch operation.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the electronic cigarette body 1 is provided with a haptic feedback component, which is electrically connected to the main control board and is used to emit haptic feedback through vibration. Specifically, when a user performs a touch operation on an electronic cigarette with air touch functionality, the finger approaches the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3, causing a change in capacitance in the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3. This change signal is transmitted to the main control board, which recognizes the air touch operation (such as clicking, swiping, etc.). Then, the main control board sends an electrical signal command to the haptic feedback component, which is electrically connected to it. Upon receiving the command, the internal actuator of the haptic feedback component begins to work, such as a micro-vibration motor, generating vibration through mechanical vibration, thereby emitting haptic feedback that the user can perceive. The vibration feedback of the haptic feedback component allows the user to perceive the operation result through touch instantly, improving the intuitiveness and immediacy of the interaction.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 and the display screen 2 are fixedly connected by optical adhesive bonding. Specifically, the optical adhesive interacts with the molecules on the surface of the electrode layer and the display screen 2 to form strong chemical bonds or physical adsorption, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the two. At the same time, the optical transparency of the optical adhesive allows light to pass through smoothly without affecting the display effect of the display screen 2, ensuring a good physical and optical connection between the capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 and the display screen 2.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 6As shown, the electronic cigarette body 1 includes a shell with a receiving cavity 12, a control motherboard disposed within the receiving cavity 12, and a display window 11 on the surface of the shell, with a display screen 2 embedded in the display window 11. Specifically, the shell serves as a support and protective component, and its receiving cavity 12 provides installation space for internal components such as the control motherboard. The display window 11 on the surface of the shell provides a display area for the display screen 2. Embedded in the display window 11, the display screen 2, through its connection with the control motherboard, receives signals sent by the control motherboard and presents relevant electronic cigarette information, such as battery level, e-liquid level, and power, to the user in a visual format. During the entire operation, all parts work collaboratively. The capacitive sensing electrode layer 3 senses the touch operation of a finger, generating a capacitance change signal, which is transmitted to the control motherboard. The control motherboard processes the signal and controls the display screen 2 to display corresponding content, enabling user interaction with the electronic cigarette. The display screen 2 embedded in the display window 11 makes the electronic cigarette's appearance more integrated and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the product's texture and the user's visual experience.

[0047] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic cigarette with air-gapped touch control function, characterized in that, The electronic cigarette body includes a main control board, a display screen arranged on the electronic cigarette body, and a non-contact touch component, the display screen is connected with the main control board, the non-contact touch component includes a capacitive sensing electrode layer arranged on a side of the display screen close to a user, the capacitive sensing electrode layer is configured to sense a capacitive change generated when a finger approaches, the capacitive sensing electrode layer is electrically connected with the main control board, and the main control board can detect the capacitive change of the capacitive sensing electrode layer to identify a hovering touch operation of the finger.

2. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capacitive sensing electrode layer includes a plurality of independent partition electrodes, each partition electrode corresponds to a region of the display screen, and the partition electrodes are all electrically connected with the main control board, the main control board can identify a sliding operation track by detecting a capacitive change sequence of different partition electrodes.

3. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of partition electrodes are arranged in a matrix on the display screen.

4. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch control function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The partition electrodes are all connected with pins, the pins have a first connection end and at least two second connection ends, the first connection end is electrically connected with the main control board, and the two second connection ends are respectively used for electrical connection with the partition electrodes and the display screen.

5. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capacitive sensing electrode layer is covered with an anti-interference layer.

6. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch control function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the anti-interference layer is 0.5mm-10mm.

7. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch control function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The anti-interference layer is a plastic film, an acrylic plate or a glass plate.

8. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic cigarette body is provided with a tactile feedback component, the tactile feedback component is electrically connected with the main control board, and is used for issuing a vibrating touch feedback.

9. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch control function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capacitive sensing electrode layer and the display screen are fixedly connected in an optical adhesive bonding mode.

10. The electronic cigarette with the hovering touch function according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The electronic cigarette body includes a shell with a receiving cavity, a control main board is arranged in the receiving cavity, a display window is opened on a surface of the shell, and the display screen is embedded in the display window.

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