Electronic cigarette capable of detecting amount of tobacco tar

Abstract

This utility model relates to an electronic cigarette capable of detecting the amount of e-liquid, including a compatible atomizer and a battery main unit. The atomizer includes a shell, an e-liquid reservoir, an atomizing component, and a base. It also includes a capacitance detection component, comprising a collection unit and a detection unit. The collection unit is disposed on the outer wall of the e-liquid reservoir, and the detection unit is disposed on the battery main unit. The collection unit and the detection unit are connected by wires. Based on the different dielectric constants of different media within the e-liquid reservoir, the capacitance detection component can measure different capacitance values, thereby determining the storage medium within the reservoir and thus the amount of e-liquid. This capacitance detection component has a simple structure and small size, does not occupy the original space of the electronic cigarette, and can be well adapted to electronic cigarettes with various e-liquid capacities. Moreover, this capacitance detection component can accurately detect the capacitance values ​​of different e-liquid contents within the reservoir, thereby determining the amount of e-liquid in the reservoir with small errors, avoiding phenomena such as burning caused by large errors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cigarette substitute technology, and in particular to an electronic cigarette that can detect the amount of e-liquid. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic atomizing devices are electronic products that mimic cigarettes, atomizing e-liquid into vapor for users to inhale. Due to their similar taste and ease of use to cigarettes, electronic atomizing devices have been rapidly promoted and used.

[0003] Existing electronic atomizing devices generally consist of a battery-operated main unit and an atomizer. The atomizer is the vapor-generating part of the electronic atomizing device, containing e-liquid that is atomized at high temperatures to form vapor. The battery-operated main unit is the control center and power supply unit of the electronic atomizing device. The atomizer coil is usually immersed in e-liquid or wrapped in a wicking pad. The e-liquid is drawn into the heating coil through the wicking pad via an inlet, and the capillary force provided by the wicking pad draws the e-liquid to the heating coil. When electricity is applied, the heating coil generates high-temperature atomization of the e-liquid.

[0004] However, in most cases, the e-liquid reservoir is inside the atomizer and is not visible. When the amount of e-liquid in the reservoir cannot be clearly seen, insufficient e-liquid can cause the following problems: 1. Insufficient e-liquid leads to high-temperature atomization. High-temperature atomization above 350℃ can easily cause the main components of e-liquid, propylene glycol and glycerol, to break down into aldehydes, producing a large amount of toxic aldehyde gases; 2. Insufficient e-liquid prevents the effective output of sweet-smelling vapor during atomization, affecting the taste; 3. Insufficient e-liquid can cause the absorbent cotton tightly attached to the heating wire to burn, producing a burnt taste, affecting the lifespan and taste.

[0005] Existing methods for e-liquid volume tracking include: 1. Transparent e-liquid tank design: Liquid e-liquid is stored inside the tank without any e-liquid reservoir material, and the tank is exposed. The advantage is that the e-liquid volume is clearly visible, allowing for real-time monitoring of the remaining amount. The disadvantage is that it's impossible to install e-liquid reservoir material, and the presence of hydraulic pressure increases the risk of e-liquid overflowing from the airway. 2. Software tracking: Remaining e-liquid volume is tracked using software programs. The advantage is low cost and the ability to roughly calculate the e-liquid volume. The disadvantage is that many variables during operation, such as fluctuations in output power and the influence of battery charge, lead to large errors and inaccurate detection. 3. Hall Sensor Detection: An internal magnetic float rises and falls with the e-liquid level. The Hall sensor detects the distance of the magnet inside the float, and the output voltage varies accordingly, thus determining the e-liquid level and estimating the remaining e-liquid. The advantage is accurate measurement of the e-liquid level and estimation of remaining e-liquid. The disadvantage is that when the e-liquid level is just above the highest point of the float, the remaining e-liquid level cannot be detected as it decreases. 4. Capacitance Measurement: Capacitance is measured using an NE555 square wave generator circuit. The advantage is accurate measurement of changes in e-liquid level. The disadvantage is complex circuitry, large PCBA footprint, and difficulty in application to small-sized e-cigarettes. Utility Model Content

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electronic cigarette that is simple in structure, compact, and can detect the amount of remaining e-liquid in the atomizer in real time and accurately to address the above problems.

[0007] An electronic cigarette capable of detecting e-liquid volume includes an atomizer and a battery main unit. The atomizer is adapted to the battery main unit. The atomizer includes a housing, an e-liquid reservoir, an atomizing component, and a base. The base is inserted into one end of the housing and is a composite hollow cavity inside the housing. The e-liquid reservoir is housed within the housing. The atomizing component is disposed within the e-liquid reservoir and divides the interior of the e-liquid reservoir into an e-liquid chamber and an atomizing chamber. The cigarette also includes a capacitance detection component, which includes a collection part and a detection part. The collection part is disposed on the outer wall of the e-liquid reservoir, and the detection part is disposed on the battery main unit. The collection part and the detection part are connected by wires.

[0008] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit includes a first conductive electrode plate and a second conductive electrode plate, the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate being respectively attached to the outer walls of both sides of the oil storage tank, and the first conductive electrode plate being directly opposite the second conductive electrode plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, both the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate are connected to the detection unit via wires, and one end of the wires is welded to the middle of the first conductive electrode plate and the middle of the second conductive electrode plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the detection unit is a digital capacitance sensing chip MC1081, and the other end of the wire is connected to the capacitance detection input port of the digital capacitance sensing chip; a main control board is provided inside the battery host, and the capacitance detection output port of the digital capacitance sensing chip is electrically connected to the main control board.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate are made of copper plated with nickel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the oil storage cavity is filled with oil-storing cotton.

[0013] In one embodiment, the oil storage tank is a cylindrical tank or a square tank.

[0014] In one embodiment, the capacitance detection component determines the amount of e-liquid in the oil storage chamber based on the detected capacitance value, wherein the capacitance value is calculated by the formula: C = ∈S / 4πkd, where ∈ is the dielectric constant, S is the area of ​​the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate facing each other, d is the distance between the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate, and k is the electrostatic constant.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the oil storage tank is a cylindrical tank, the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate are arc-shaped plates attached to the outer wall of the oil storage tank, and d is the outer diameter of the oil storage tank; when the oil storage tank is a square tank, the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate are flat plates attached to the two opposite outer walls of the oil storage tank, and d is the distance between the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate.

[0016] The aforementioned electronic cigarettes that can detect e-liquid levels have at least the following advantages:

[0017] This e-cigarette, capable of detecting e-liquid volume, uses a capacitance detection component installed outside the e-liquid reservoir. Based on the different dielectric constants of various media within the reservoir, it measures different capacitance values, thereby determining the amount of e-liquid in the reservoir. This capacitance detection component is simple in structure and compact in size, not occupying the original space of the e-cigarette or requiring an increase in its size. It is well-suited for e-cigarettes, especially those with small e-liquid capacities. Furthermore, this component accurately detects the capacitance values ​​at different e-liquid contents within the reservoir, resulting in minimal error and preventing issues like burning caused by large errors. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette that can detect the amount of e-liquid according to this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the atomizer of the present invention, which fills the oil storage cavity with liquid e-liquid.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the atomizer with oil storage cotton filled in the oil storage chamber of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the atomizer of the present invention, which fills the oil storage chamber with liquid e-liquid.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the atomizer of the present invention, in which the oil storage chamber is filled with oil-storing cotton.

[0024] Description: 10. Atomizer; 12. Housing; 14. Oil reservoir; 142. Oil storage chamber; 144. Atomizing chamber; 16. Atomizing assembly; 17. Base; 18. Capacitor detection assembly; 182. Acquisition unit; 1822. First conductive electrode plate; 1824. Second conductive electrode plate; 184. Detection unit; 186. Wire; 20. Battery main unit; 22. Main control board. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0026] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette with automatic coil separation in one embodiment.

[0029] The e-cigarette capable of detecting e-liquid volume includes an atomizer 10 and a battery main unit 20. The atomizer 10 is the aerosol generator of the e-cigarette, used to generate heat when powered on, so that the e-liquid inside the atomizer 10 forms an aerosol for the user to inhale. The battery main unit 20 is the control center and power supply center of the e-cigarette. The battery provides power to the entire circuit of the e-cigarette, enabling the control center to power and control the various components in the circuit to work, so that the atomizer 10 can be powered and heated. The atomizer 10 is compatible with the battery main unit 20.

[0030] For details, please refer to Figures 1-6 The atomizer 10 includes a housing 12, an oil reservoir 14, an atomizing component 16, and a base 17. The base 17 is inserted into one end of the housing 12 and is a composite hollow cavity inside the housing 12. The oil reservoir 14 is housed inside the housing 12. The atomizing component 16 is disposed inside the oil reservoir 14 and divides the interior of the oil reservoir 14 into an oil storage chamber 142 and an atomizing chamber 144. The atomizer 10 also includes a capacitance detection component 18, which includes a collection part 182 and a detection part 184. The collection part 182 is disposed on the outer wall of the oil reservoir 14, and the detection part 184 is disposed on the battery host 20. The collection part 182 and the detection part 184 are connected by a wire 186.

[0031] This e-cigarette, capable of detecting e-liquid volume, uses a capacitance detection component 18 installed outside the e-liquid reservoir 14. Based on the different dielectric constants of various media within the reservoir 142, different capacitance values ​​can be measured, allowing the determination of the storage medium within the reservoir 142 and thus the e-liquid volume. The capacitance detection component 18 is simple in structure and compact in size, not occupying the original space of the e-cigarette or requiring an increase in its size. It is well-suited for e-cigarettes, especially those with small e-liquid capacities. Furthermore, the capacitance detection component 18 can accurately detect capacitance values ​​at different e-liquid contents within the reservoir 142, thus determining the e-liquid volume with minimal error, avoiding issues such as burning caused by large errors.

[0032] Please see Figures 2-4In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 182 includes a first conductive electrode plate 1822 and a second conductive electrode plate 1824. The first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 are respectively attached to the outer walls of both sides of the oil storage tank 14, with the first conductive electrode plate 1822 facing the second conductive electrode plate 1824. The attachment of the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 to the outer walls of both sides of the oil storage tank 14 avoids occupying the original space of the electronic cigarette and eliminates the need to increase the size of the electronic cigarette to install the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824. Furthermore, the absence of any gaps between the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 prevents interference with the collected spacing data, thus improving the accuracy of the collected data. The fact that the first conductive electrode plate 1822 faces the second conductive electrode plate 1824 also facilitates the full utilization of the first conductive electrode plate 1822. Of course, if the first conductive electrode plate 1822 is not directly facing the second conductive electrode plate 1824, the collected data will be calculated based on the area of ​​the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 facing each other, which will result in some waste.

[0033] The first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 are both connected to the detection unit 184 via wires 186, and one end of the wires 186 is welded to the middle of the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the middle of the second conductive electrode plate 1824; this is beneficial to the stability of the collected data and the stability of the detection results, thereby accurately determining the amount of e-liquid in the oil storage chamber 142.

[0034] In this embodiment, the detection unit 184 is a digital capacitance sensor chip MC1081, and the other end of the wire 186 is connected to the capacitance detection input port of the digital capacitance sensor chip; a main control board 22 is provided inside the battery host 20, and the capacitance detection output port of the digital capacitance sensor chip is electrically connected to the main control board 22. The capacitance measurement range of the SOC chip MC1081 is 1pF-10nF, and the measurement excitation is 100KHZ-30MHZ. Regarding the e-liquid capacity in the oil storage chamber 142, large-capacity e-liquid is easier to detect than small-capacity e-liquid. However, this application targets the small-volume atomizing chamber 144 with an e-liquid capacity of 0-2mL, and the detected capacitance value is between 1pF and 5pF (adjusting the area of ​​the conductive electrode plate will increase the capacitance value), which can accurately detect the amount of e-liquid in the oil storage chamber 142.

[0035] The first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 are made of nickel-plated copper, which allows for precise acquisition of the data required for detection. Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the oil storage cavity 142 can be filled with oil storage cotton, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 6 , 5As shown, it can also be liquid e-liquid. Since the difference in relative permittivity between the two media, liquid e-liquid and the oil-absorbing cotton, is small, it has little impact on the test results. Therefore, it is not limited to testing only liquid e-liquid products.

[0036] Specifically, the capacitance detection component 18 determines the amount of e-liquid in the oil storage chamber 142 based on the detected capacitance value. The capacitance value is calculated using the formula: C = ∈S / 4πkd, where ∈ is the dielectric constant, S is the area of ​​the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 facing each other, d is the distance between the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824, and k is the electrostatic constant.

[0037] Different materials have different dielectric constants. The following (Table 1) shows the dielectric constants of common materials:

[0038] 1 Air 1 2 Paper 2-4 3 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 3-4 4 mica 5-8 5 Alumina 9-10 6 water 81 7 Propylene glycol 38 8 Glycerol 47 9 Oil storage cotton 1.5 10 glycerin 47.3

[0039] Table 1

[0040] The main components of e-cigarette e-liquid are propylene glycol and glycerin, accounting for over 70% of the e-liquid. Therefore, based on the dielectric constants of the main components such as propylene glycol and glycerin, the equivalent dielectric constant of the e-liquid is 42. When the reservoir 142 is full of e-liquid, its dielectric constant is 42; when it is empty, the interior is filled with air, and the dielectric constant is 1. Therefore, the dielectric constant of the e-liquid between the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 varies between 1 and 42. The more e-liquid, the closer the dielectric constant is to 42; the less e-liquid, the closer the dielectric constant is to 1. According to the formula C = ∈S / 4πkd, it can be concluded that, with S, k, and d constant, the more e-liquid, the larger the dielectric constant and the larger the detected capacitance value; the less e-liquid, the smaller the dielectric constant and the smaller the detected capacitance value.

[0041] In this embodiment, the oil storage tank 14 can be a cylindrical tank or a square tank. When the oil storage tank 14 is a cylindrical tank, the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 are arc-shaped plates that are attached to the outer wall of the oil storage tank 14, and d is the outer diameter of the oil storage tank 14; when the oil storage tank 14 is a square tank, the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824 are flat plates that are attached to the two opposite outer walls of the oil storage tank 14, and d is the distance between the first conductive electrode plate 1822 and the second conductive electrode plate 1824.

[0042] In this embodiment, a cylindrical oil storage chamber 14 filled with oil-absorbing cotton in the atomizing chamber 144 is used as a test case. The specific dimensions are diameter d = 17 mm, height H = 24 mm, and oil volume 2 mL. During the test, 0.2 mL of e-liquid is injected each time, and the injection is continued for 10 times. The results are shown in the following table (Table 2: E-liquid volume and corresponding capacitance value code, Table 3: E-liquid volume and corresponding capacitance value).

[0043] 0 5878 0.2 6547 0.4 7519 0.6 7674 0.8 7883 1.0 8323 1.2 8688 1.4 8773 1.6 9156 1.8 9275 2.0 9393

[0044] Table 2

[0045] 0 1.862 0.2mL 1.933 0.4mL 2.77 0.6mL 3.22 0.8mL 3.727 1.0mL 4.106 1.2mL 4.496 1.4mL 4.606 1.6mL 4.687 1.8mL 4.754 2.0mL 4.954

[0046] Table 3

[0047] Based on the relationship between e-liquid volume and capacitor bank recorded in Tables 2 and 3, it can be seen that the relationship between e-liquid volume and capacitance value in e-liquid storage chamber 142 can well support the conclusion that: when S, k, and d remain constant, the more e-liquid there is, the larger the dielectric constant and the larger the detected capacitance value; the less e-liquid there is, the smaller the dielectric constant and the smaller the detected capacitance value. Moreover, the results can change in real time as e-liquid decreases, and the detection results are accurate and reliable. This helps to accurately determine the amount of e-liquid in e-liquid storage chamber 142, thereby avoiding problems such as the generation of toxic aldehyde gases, ineffective output of sweet smoke, and burnt taste affecting the taste and lifespan caused by inaccurate measurement and high-temperature atomization when e-liquid is insufficient.

[0048] Capacitors are used to store electric charge and energy. The capacitance value is an important parameter that measures its ability to store electric charge. The amount of charge that can be charged and discharged per unit time is the size of the capacitor.

[0049] The conventional method of measuring capacitance can determine the value of capacitance, but it is almost impossible to use it in the extremely small electronic cigarette. The only solution is to use a System on Chip (SOC), and the MC1081 digital capacitance sensing chip is an example of an SOC.

[0050] The solution to the problem of unmeasurable physical quantities is to convert one form of energy into another, thereby obtaining the physical quantity to be measured by measuring the other physical quantity. The amount of e-liquid stored cannot be detected by conventional methods. It can only be determined by establishing a correspondence between it and the capacitance value. The two quantities are approximately linearly proportional. In this way, the amount of e-liquid stored can be inferred from the size of the capacitance.

[0051] The conventional method for measuring capacitance involves applying an AC signal of known frequency and amplitude to the capacitor under test through its internal circuitry. Then, based on the capacitor's charging and discharging characteristics, the voltage and current across the capacitor are measured, and the capacitance value is calculated.

[0052] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0053] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic cigarette capable of detecting e-liquid volume, comprising an atomizer and a battery main unit, the atomizer being adapted to the battery main unit, the atomizer comprising a housing, an e-liquid reservoir, an atomizing component, and a base, the base being inserted into one end of the housing and forming a composite hollow cavity inside the housing, the e-liquid reservoir being housed within the housing, the atomizing component being disposed within the e-liquid reservoir, and the atomizing component dividing the interior of the e-liquid reservoir into an e-liquid chamber and an atomizing chamber; characterized in that, It also includes a capacitance detection component, which includes a data acquisition unit and a detection unit. The data acquisition unit is disposed on the outer wall of the oil storage tank, and the detection unit is disposed on the battery host. The data acquisition unit and the detection unit are connected by wires.

2. The electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein, The acquisition unit includes a first conductive electrode plate and a second conductive electrode plate, which are respectively attached to the outer walls of both sides of the oil storage tank, with the first conductive electrode plate facing the second conductive electrode plate.

3. The electronic cigarette of claim 2, wherein, Both the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate are connected to the detection unit via wires, and one end of the wires is welded to the middle of the first conductive electrode plate and the middle of the second conductive electrode plate.

4. The electronic cigarette of claim 3, wherein, The detection unit is a digital capacitance sensing chip MC1081, and the other end of the wire is connected to the capacitance detection input port of the digital capacitance sensing chip; a main control board is provided inside the battery host, and the capacitance detection output port of the digital capacitance sensing chip is electrically connected to the main control board.

5. The electronic cigarette of claim 4, wherein, The first and second conductive electrode plates are made of copper plated with nickel.

6. The electronic cigarette of claim 5, wherein, The oil storage chamber is filled with oil-storing cotton.

7. The electronic cigarette of claim 6, wherein, The oil storage tank is a cylindrical or square tank.

8. The electronic cigarette of claim 7, wherein, The capacitance detection component determines the amount of e-liquid in the oil storage chamber based on the detected capacitance value. The capacitance value is calculated using the formula: C = ∈S / 4πkd, where ∈ is the dielectric constant, S is the area of ​​the first and second conductive electrode plates facing each other, d is the distance between the first and second conductive electrode plates, and k is the electrostatic constant.

9. The electronic cigarette capable of detecting the amount of e-liquid according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the oil storage tank is a cylindrical tank, the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate are arc-shaped plates that are attached to the outer wall of the oil storage tank, and d is the outer diameter of the oil storage tank; when the oil storage tank is a square tank, the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate are flat plates that are attached to the two opposite outer walls of the oil storage tank, and d is the distance between the first conductive electrode plate and the second conductive electrode plate.

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