Aerosol generating device

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol generating device, comprising: a liquid storage portion configured to contain an aerosol generating substance; a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol; and a processor configured to: determine an operating frequency for controlling the vibrator to a second temperature higher than a first temperature reached by applying a voltage of the resonant frequency based on a correlation between frequencies within a predetermined range including a resonant frequency of the vibrator and an impedance of the vibrator changed by applying the frequencies within the predetermined range; and control the vibrator to the second temperature by applying a voltage of the operating frequency to the vibrator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device capable of generating aerosol by using ultrasonic waves. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances in cigarettes rather than burning them. Accordingly, research into heating-type aerosol-generating devices or ultrasonic vibration-type aerosol-generating devices has been actively conducted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] When the atomization amount (i.e., the amount of steam or smoke) of the aerosol generating device is small, the user's convenience can be improved in terms of environmental constraints. At the same time, when the atomization amount is large, it can provide a sense of visual satisfaction. Therefore, a technology for controlling the atomization amount according to the situation is needed. In addition, since the sense of satisfaction may vary depending on the temperature of the aerosol delivered to the user, a technology for controlling the aerosol temperature is needed. The technical problems to be solved are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems can be obtained from the following embodiments.

[0005] Means used to solve problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device includes: a liquid storage portion configured to contain an aerosol generating substance, a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol, and a processor configured to: determine an operating frequency for controlling the vibrator to a second temperature based on a correlation between a frequency within a predetermined range including a resonant frequency of the vibrator and an impedance of the vibrator changed by applying the frequency within the predetermined range, the second temperature being higher than a first temperature reached by applying a voltage of the resonant frequency, and control the vibrator to the second temperature by applying the voltage of the operating frequency to the vibrator.

[0007] Effects of the Invention

[0008] As described above, in an aerosol-generating device using an ultrasonic vibrator, the vibrator remains in a preheated state to reduce the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance, even when the user is not taking a puff. Therefore, when the vibrator switches to atomization operation in response to the user's puff, the aerosol-generating substance with a low viscosity can be quickly atomized into an aerosol, thereby providing the user with a uniform atomized amount. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the Figure 1 FIG. 5 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment shown in FIG.

[0011] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a graph showing an embodiment of the relationship between the frequency of a voltage applied to a vibrator and the impedance of the vibrator.

[0013] Figure 5 is a graph showing another embodiment of the relationship between the frequency of a voltage applied to a vibrator and the impedance of the vibrator.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a graph used to describe the relationship between aerosol particle size and atomization amount.

[0015] Figure 7 Is shown using Figure 6 Figure 2 is an embodiment of an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device includes: a liquid storage portion configured to accommodate an aerosol generating substance, a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol, and a processor configured to: determine an operating frequency for controlling the vibrator to a second temperature based on a correlation between frequencies within a predetermined range including a resonant frequency of the vibrator and an impedance of the vibrator changed by applying the frequencies within the predetermined range, the second temperature being higher than a first temperature reached by applying a voltage of the resonant frequency, and control the vibrator to the second temperature by applying the voltage of the operating frequency to the vibrator.

[0017] Furthermore, the vibrator may transfer heat generated at the second temperature to the aerosol-generating substance moved from the liquid storage portion and absorbed by the liquid transport element so that the temperature of the absorbed aerosol-generating substance reaches a temperature corresponding to the second temperature.

[0018] In addition, the viscosity of the absorbed aerosol-generating substance can decrease as the temperature of the absorbed aerosol-generating substance increases, and the vibrator can be further configured to: atomize the aerosol-generating substance with a reduced viscosity when the aerosol-generating substance is controlled to the second temperature compared to the case where the vibrator is controlled to the first temperature, and generate a larger amount of aerosol per unit time from the aerosol-generating substance with the reduced viscosity compared to the case where the vibrator is controlled to the first temperature.

[0019] In addition, when the vibrator is controlled to the second temperature, the impedance of the vibrator increases compared to the case where the vibrator is controlled to the first temperature, and when the amount of aerosol generated per unit time increases by a first value due to the increase in the temperature of the vibrator corresponding to the increased impedance of the vibrator, and the amount of aerosol generated per unit time decreases by a second value due to the decrease in the vibration energy of the vibrator corresponding to the increased impedance of the vibrator, the processor can determine the second temperature so that the first value exceeds the second value.

[0020] Furthermore, the particle size of the aerosol atomized from the aerosol-forming substance having the reduced viscosity may be 0.2 μm to 2 μm.

[0021] In addition, the processor can determine the second temperature so that at the discharge hole for discharging the aerosol to the outside, the temperature of the aerosol whose temperature changes corresponding to the temperature of the absorbed aerosol generating substance is greater than or equal to 45°C, and the vibrator can transfer heat to the absorbed aerosol generating substance so that at the discharge hole, the temperature of the aerosol is greater than or equal to 45°C.

[0022] In addition, the vibrator can vibrate with an amplitude corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage, and the processor can reduce the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator and the amplitude of the vibrator compared to the smoke mode in which visible smoke is generated from the aerosol generating device, so that the aerosol generating device operates in the smoke-free mode in which no visible smoke is generated.

[0023] In addition, the processor can determine the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator so that the consumption of the aerosol generating substance per unit time in the smoke-free mode is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and the vibrator can atomize an amount of the aerosol generating substance less than the predetermined value per unit time by vibrating with an amplitude corresponding to the determined magnitude of the voltage.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device includes: a liquid storage portion configured to contain an aerosol generating substance, a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol, and a processor configured to apply a voltage of a first magnitude to the vibrator in a smoke mode in which visible smoke is generated from the aerosol generating device, and to apply a second magnitude of voltage smaller than the first magnitude to the vibrator in a smoke-free mode in which no visible smoke is generated, thereby controlling the temperature of the vibrator to a temperature corresponding to the second magnitude, the temperature corresponding to the second magnitude being lower than the temperature corresponding to the first magnitude.

[0025] Furthermore, the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance moved from the liquid storage portion and absorbed by the liquid delivery element may increase as the temperature of the vibrator decreases, and when the second magnitude of the voltage is applied in the smoke-free mode, the vibrator may atomize the aerosol-forming substance having an increased viscosity than in the smoke mode in which the first magnitude of the voltage is applied.

[0026] Furthermore, the processor may determine the second size so that a consumption amount of the aerosol generating substance per unit time in the smoke-free mode is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device includes: a liquid storage portion configured to accommodate an aerosol generating substance, a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol, and a processor configured to: in a smoke mode for generating visible smoke from the aerosol generating device, control a vibration frequency of the vibrator to a first vibration frequency, and control the vibration frequency of the vibrator to a second vibration frequency lower than the first vibration frequency by applying a voltage of a sub-resonant frequency, the sub-resonant frequency being lower than a main resonant frequency that causes a maximum resonance among a plurality of resonant frequencies of the vibrator.

[0028] Furthermore, the particle size of the aerosolized may increase as the vibration frequency decreases, and the vibrator may vibrate at the second vibration frequency in the smoke-free mode to generate an aerosol having a larger particle size than in the smoke-free mode when the vibrator vibrates at the first vibration frequency.

[0029] Furthermore, in the smoke-free mode, the particle size of the aerosol may be greater than 2 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm, and in the smoke mode, the particle size of the aerosol may be greater than or equal to 0.2 μm and less than or equal to 2 μm.

[0030] Furthermore, in the smoke mode, the processor may apply a voltage of the main resonant frequency or a voltage of a frequency between the main resonant frequency and the sub-resonant frequency to the vibrator.

[0031] With respect to the terms used to describe the various embodiments, currently widely used general terms are selected taking into account the functions of the structural elements in the various embodiments. However, the meaning of the terms may change according to intention, judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in some cases, uncommon terms may be selected. In this case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding part in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning and description of the terms described herein.

[0032] In addition, unless otherwise expressly described, the term "include" and variations such as "including" or "which include" will be understood to mean including the stated elements but not excluding any other elements. In addition, the terms "-device", "-unit" and "module" described in the specification are intended to mean a unit for processing at least one function and / or operation, and may be implemented by hardware components or software components or a combination thereof.

[0033] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "above," "upper," or "above" another element or layer, or an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly above, on, or above another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly connected to or coupled to another element or layer, or there can be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly above," "directly on," or "directly on another element or layer," there are no intermediate elements or layers. Throughout the text, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0034] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, these embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Reference Figure 1The aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 110, an atomizer 120, a sensor 130, a user interface 140, a memory 150, and a processor 160. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to Figure 1 According to the design of the aerosol generating device 100, those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 1 Some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0038] In embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 may comprise a main body, and in such cases, the hardware components in the aerosol generating device 100 are located in the main body.

[0039] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body and a cigarette cartridge, and the hardware components in the aerosol generating device 100 may be distributedly located in the main body and the cigarette cartridge. In addition, at least some of the hardware components in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the main body and the cigarette cartridge, respectively.

[0040] Hereinafter, the operation of each of the components will be described without limiting the positions of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0041] The battery 110 supplies power for operating the aerosol-generating device 100. In other words, the battery 110 can supply power so that the nebulizer 120 can atomize the aerosol-generating substance. In addition, the battery 110 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware components in the aerosol-generating device 100, such as the sensor 130, the user interface 140, the memory 150, and the processor 160. The battery 110 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0042] For example, the battery 110 may include a nickel-based battery (e.g., a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt oxide battery, a lithium phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium ion battery, or a lithium polymer battery). However, the type of battery 110 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited thereto. If necessary, the battery 110 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

[0043] The atomizer 120 receives power from the battery 110 under the control of the processor 160. The atomizer 120 may receive power from the battery 110 and atomize the aerosol-generating substance stored in the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0044] The atomizer 120 can be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes a main body and a cigarette cartridge, the atomizer 120 can be located in the cigarette cartridge or divided into multiple parts and located in both the main body and the cigarette cartridge. When the atomizer 120 is located in the cigarette cartridge, the atomizer 120 can receive power from the battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cigarette cartridge. Furthermore, when the atomizer 120 is divided into multiple parts and located in both the main body and the cigarette cartridge, the part of the atomizer 120 that requires power can receive power from the battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cigarette cartridge.

[0045] The atomizer 120 generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette cartridge. An aerosol is a suspension of liquid and / or solid microparticles dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 120 may refer to a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air. For example, the atomizer 120 may transform the aerosol-generating substance into a gas phase through vaporization and / or sublimation. Furthermore, the atomizer 120 may generate an aerosol by discharging liquid and / or solid aerosol-generating substances as microparticles.

[0046] For example, the nebulizer 120 may generate aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating aerosol by atomizing an aerosol-generating substance using ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0047] Despite Figure 1 Although not shown in the drawings, the atomizer 120 may optionally include a heater that can heat the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat. The aerosol-generating substance can be heated by the heater, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0048] The heater may include any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nickel-chromium alloys. Furthermore, the heater may be implemented by, but is not limited to, metal wires, metal plates provided with conductive tracks, or ceramic heating elements.

[0049] For example, in embodiments, the heater may be part of the cigarette cartridge. Furthermore, the cigarette cartridge may include a liquid delivery element and a liquid storage portion, described later. The aerosol-forming substance contained in the liquid storage portion may be moved to the liquid delivery element, and the heater may heat the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the liquid delivery element, thereby generating an aerosol. For example, the heater may be wrapped around the liquid delivery element or positioned adjacent to the liquid delivery element.

[0050] In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 may include a housing capable of accommodating a cigarette, and the heater may heat the cigarette inserted into the housing of the aerosol-generating device 100. Because the cigarette is accommodated in the housing of the aerosol-generating device 100, the heater may be located inside and / or outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heater may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette.

[0051] In addition, the heater may include an induction heater. The induction heater may include a conductive coil for inducing an alternating magnetic field. In this case, the cigarette and the cigarette cartridge may include a heat-sensitive body that can be heated by the alternating magnetic field.

[0052] The aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one sensor 130. The result of sensing by the at least one sensor 130 is transmitted to the processor 160, and the processor 160 may control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the atomizer 120, restricting smoking, determining whether a cartridge (or cigarette) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0053] For example, the at least one sensor 130 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor detects the user's puff based on any one of a flow rate change, a pressure change, and sound detection of air introduced from the outside. The puff detection sensor may detect the start and end time of the user's puff, and the processor 160 may determine a puff period and a non-puff period based on the detected puff start and end time.

[0054] In addition, at least one sensor 130 may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor may be a sensor capable of receiving user input (e.g., a switch, a physical button, or a touch sensor). For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor that can detect a user input by detecting a change in capacitance that occurs when a user touches a predetermined area of ​​a metal material. The processor 160 may determine whether a user input has occurred by comparing the values ​​before and after the capacitance change received from the capacitive sensor. When the value before or after the capacitance change exceeds a preset threshold, the processor 160 may determine that a user input has occurred.

[0055] In addition, at least one sensor 130 may include a motion sensor. Information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the tilt, movement speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100, can be obtained through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor can measure information about the following: a state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is moving, a state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is stationary, a state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for a puffing operation, and a state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is tilted at an angle different from the angle used for a puffing operation between puffing operations. The motion sensor can measure information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 100 using various methods known in the art. For example, the motion sensor can include an acceleration sensor capable of measuring acceleration in three directions along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and a gyroscope sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in three directions.

[0056] In addition, the at least one sensor 130 may include a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor is a sensor that detects the presence or distance of an approaching object or an object existing nearby by using an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without mechanical contact, and thus, the proximity sensor can detect whether the user is approaching the aerosol generating device 100.

[0057] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 130 may include an image sensor. For example, the image sensor may include a camera for capturing images of objects. The image sensor identifies the object based on the image captured by the camera. The processor 160 may analyze the image captured by the image sensor and determine whether the user is in a situation where the aerosol generating device 100 is being used. For example, when the user places the aerosol generating device 100 near the user's lips to use the aerosol generating device 100, the image sensor may capture an image of the lips. The processor 160 may analyze the captured image and, if it determines that the object in the image is the lips, determine that the user is in a situation where the aerosol generating device 100 is being used. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 100 may pre-activate the atomizer 120 or pre-heat the heater.

[0058] In addition, at least one sensor 130 may include a consumable removal sensor that can detect the installation or removal of a consumable (e.g., a cigarette cartridge, cigarette, etc.) used in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the consumable removal sensor can detect whether the consumable has contacted the aerosol generating device 100 or determine whether the consumable has been removed using an image sensor. In addition, the consumable removal sensor can be an inductive sensor or a capacitive sensor. The inductive sensor detects a change in the inductance of a coil that can interact with a marker of the consumable, and the capacitive sensor detects a change in the capacitance of a capacitor that can interact with a marker of the consumable.

[0059] In addition, the at least one sensor 130 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect the temperature at which the heater (or aerosol-generating substance) of the atomizer 120 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may serve as a temperature sensor instead of a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, while the heater serves as a temperature sensor, a separate temperature sensor may also be included in the aerosol-generating device 100. In addition, the temperature sensor may sense the temperature of internal components of the aerosol-generating device 100 (such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and a battery) as well as the temperature of the heater.

[0060] In addition, the at least one sensor 130 may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the at least one sensor 130 may include a temperature sensor that can measure the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that can measure the humidity of the surrounding environment, an air pressure sensor that can measure the pressure of the surrounding environment, and the like.

[0061] The sensor 130 that can be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the above-mentioned types and may also include various other sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a fingerprint sensor capable of obtaining fingerprint information from a user's finger for user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor that analyzes an iris pattern of the pupil, a vein recognition sensor that detects the amount of infrared absorption by reduced hemoglobin in the vein, a facial recognition sensor that two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally recognizes feature points such as eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contours, a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor, and the like.

[0062] Only some of the various embodiments of the sensor 130 given above may be selectively implemented in the aerosol generating device 10. In other words, the aerosol generating device 100 may combine and utilize information sensed by at least one sensor.

[0063] The user interface 140 may provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The user interface 140 may include various interface devices, such as a display or light for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, an input / output (I / O) interface device (e.g., a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input by the user or outputting information to the user, a terminal for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and a communication interface module for performing wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), etc.) with an external device.

[0064] However, the aerosol generating device 100 may be implemented by selecting only some of the various embodiments of a given user interface 140 .

[0065] The memory 150 may be a hardware component configured to store various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device 100, and the memory 150 may store data processed or to be processed by the processor 160. The memory 150 may include various types of memories, such as random access memory (RAM) (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0066] The memory 150 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100 , the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on the smoking pattern of the user, and the like.

[0067] The processor 160 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The processor 160 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs that can be executed in the processor. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the processor 160 may be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0068] The processor 160 analyzes a result sensed by the at least one sensor 130 and controls a process to be subsequently performed.

[0069] The processor 160 can control the power supplied to the nebulizer 120 based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 130, thereby starting or terminating the operation of the nebulizer 120. Furthermore, based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 130, the processor 160 can control the amount of power supplied to the nebulizer 120 and the period of time for which the power is supplied, thereby enabling the nebulizer 120 to generate an appropriate amount of aerosol. For example, the processor 160 can control the current or voltage supplied to the vibrator of the nebulizer 120, thereby causing the vibrator of the nebulizer 120 to vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0070] In an embodiment, the processor 160 may start operating the nebulizer 120 after receiving user input from the aerosol generating device 100. Furthermore, the processor 160 may start operating the nebulizer 120 after detecting a puff by the user using a puff detection sensor. Furthermore, when the number of puffs counted by the puff detection sensor reaches a preset number, the processor 160 may stop supplying power to the nebulizer 120.

[0071] The processor 160 may control the user interface 140 based on the result sensed by the at least one sensor 130. For example, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number after the puff detection sensor is used to count the number of puffs, the processor 160 may notify the user that the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 is about to terminate by using at least one of a light, a motor, and a speaker.

[0072] Moreover, despite Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 can form an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 is accommodated in the accommodating space of the cradle, power can be supplied to the aerosol generating device 100 from the battery of the cradle to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0073] An embodiment can also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium, which includes instructions that can be executed by a computer, such as program modules that can be executed by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes volatile media and non-volatile media, as well as removable media and non-removable media. In addition, a computer-readable recording medium may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile media and non-volatile media, as well as removable media and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data, etc.). Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as program modules, etc., or other delivery mechanisms, and include any information transmission media.

[0074] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the Figure 1 FIG. 5 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment shown in FIG.

[0075] according to Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 of the illustrated embodiment includes a cartridge 100b containing an aerosol generating substance and a body 100a supporting the cartridge 100b.

[0076] The cigarette cartridge 100b can be coupled to the main body 100a in a state where the aerosol-generating substance is contained in the cigarette cartridge 100b. For example, a portion of the cigarette cartridge 100b can be inserted into the main body 100a or a portion of the main body 100a can be inserted into the cigarette cartridge 100b, so that the cigarette cartridge 100b can be combined with the main body 100a. For example, the main body 100a and the cigarette cartridge 100b can maintain a coupled state by a bayonet fitting method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, a forced coupling method, etc. However, the method of coupling the main body 100a and the cigarette cartridge 100b to each other is not limited thereto.

[0077] The cartridge 100b may include a mouthpiece 210. The mouthpiece 210 may be formed at an end of the cartridge 100b, opposite the other end of the cartridge 100b that is coupled to the main body 100a. The mouthpiece 210 may be inserted into the user's oral cavity. The mouthpiece 210 may include a discharge hole 211 for discharging aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substance within the cartridge 100b to the outside.

[0078] The cigarette cartridge 100b may contain an aerosol-forming substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, and gel. The aerosol-forming substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing volatile tobacco aroma components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0079] For example, the liquid composition may include one of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, spices, flavorings and vitamin mixtures, or a mixture of these ingredients. Spices may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil and various fruity ingredients. Flavorings may include ingredients that can provide various fragrances to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0080] For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerol and propylene glycol in any weight ratio with a nicotine salt added thereto. The liquid composition may include two or more types of nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic acid or an inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0081] The acid used to form the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected taking into account the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 100, the flavor or odor, the solubility, etc. For example, the acid used to form the nicotine salt may be a monoacid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, and malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] The cartridge 100b may include a liquid storage portion 220 containing (i.e., housing) an aerosol-generating substance. In other words, the liquid storage portion 220 may serve as a container for the aerosol-generating substance. To this end, the liquid storage portion 220 may include an element containing the aerosol-generating substance, such as a sponge, cotton, fabric, or a porous ceramic structure.

[0083] The aerosol generating device 100 may include an atomizer that transforms the phase of an aerosol generating substance included in the cartridge 100b to generate an aerosol.

[0084] For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 may change the phase of the aerosol-generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method that atomizes the aerosol-generating substance using ultrasonic vibration. The aerosol-generating substance may include a vibrator 170 for generating ultrasonic vibrations, a liquid transport element 240 for absorbing the aerosol-generating substance and maintaining the aerosol-generating substance in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol, and a vibration receiving unit 230 for generating an aerosol by transmitting the ultrasonic vibrations to the aerosol-generating substance in the liquid transport element.

[0085] The vibrator 170 can generate short-period vibrations. The vibrations generated by the vibrator 170 can be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations can be, for example, 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz. The short-period vibrations generated by the vibrator 170 can vaporize and / or atomize the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol.

[0086] For example, the vibrator 170 may include piezoelectric ceramics that can convert electricity and mechanical force into each other by generating electricity (e.g., voltage) in response to physical force (e.g., pressure) or generating vibration (e.g., mechanical force) in response to electricity. Thus, vibration can be generated by electricity applied to the vibrator 170, and the small physical vibration can break the aerosol-generating substance into small particles, thereby atomizing the aerosol-generating substance into an aerosol.

[0087] The vibrator 170 may be electrically connected to a circuit via a spring pin or a C-clip. Thus, the vibrator 170 may generate vibrations by receiving current or voltage via the spring pin or the C-clip. However, the type of element connected to provide current or voltage to the vibrator 170 is not limited thereto.

[0088] The vibration receiving unit 230 may perform the functions of receiving vibration generated by the vibrator 170 and converting the aerosol generating substance received from the liquid storage part 220 into aerosol.

[0089] The liquid delivery element 240 may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage portion 220 to the vibration receiving unit 230. For example, the liquid delivery element 240 may be a wick including cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The nebulizer can also be implemented solely with a vibration receiving unit, without requiring a separate liquid delivery element. In this case, the vibration receiving unit can be in the form of a mesh or plate, allowing the aerosol-forming substance to be absorbed and maintained in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol. The vibration receiving unit can generate an aerosol by transmitting vibrations to the aerosol-forming substance.

[0091] although Figure 2The vibrator 170 of the atomizer is shown to be disposed in the main body 100a, and the vibration receiving unit 230 and the liquid delivery element 240 are disposed in the cartridge 100b, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge 100b may include the vibrator 170, the vibration receiving unit 230, and the liquid delivery element 240. In this case, when a portion of the cartridge 100b is inserted into the main body 100a, the main body 100a can provide power to the cartridge 100b through a terminal (not shown) or supply a signal about the operation of the cartridge 100b to the cartridge 100b, thereby controlling the operation of the vibrator 170.

[0092] At least a portion of the liquid storage portion 220 of the cartridge 100b may include a transparent material so that the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 100b can be visually identified from the outside. The mouthpiece 210 and the liquid storage portion 220 may be entirely formed of transparent plastic or glass, or only a portion of the liquid storage portion 220 may be formed of a transparent material.

[0093] The cartridge 100 b of the aerosol generating device 100 may include an aerosol discharge channel 250 and an air flow channel 260 .

[0094] The aerosol discharge channel 250 may be formed in the liquid storage portion 220 and may be in fluid communication with the discharge hole 211 of the mouthpiece 210. Thus, the aerosol generated by the atomizer may move along the aerosol discharge channel 250 and may be delivered to the user through the discharge hole 211 of the mouthpiece 210.

[0095] The airflow channel 260 is a channel through which external air can be introduced into the aerosol generating device 100. The external air introduced through the airflow channel 260 can flow into the aerosol discharge channel 250 or the space where aerosol is generated. Therefore, the external air can be mixed with vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol.

[0096] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the airflow channel 260 may be formed to surround the outside of the aerosol discharge channel 250. Therefore, the aerosol discharge channel 250 and the airflow channel 260 may constitute a double tube shape, wherein the aerosol discharge channel 250 is provided inside and the airflow channel 260 is provided outside the aerosol discharge channel 250. Therefore, external air can be introduced through the airflow channel 260 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the aerosol moves in the aerosol discharge channel 250.

[0097] In addition, the airflow channel 260 is not limited to the above structure. For example, when the main body 100a and the cigarette cartridge 100b are connected to each other, the airflow channel 260 can be a space formed between the main body 100a and the cigarette cartridge 100b. The airflow channel 260 can be in fluid communication with the atomizer.

[0098] In the aerosol generating device 100 according to the above embodiment, the cross-section of the aerosol generating device 100 taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 100a and the cigarette cartridge 100b can be approximately circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or various polygonal shapes. However, the shape of the cross-section of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the above shapes, and the aerosol generating device 100 is not necessarily limited to a structure extending linearly in the longitudinal direction. For example, for comfortable gripping, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 100 can be streamlined or can be curved at a predetermined angle in a specific area. The cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 100 can vary along the longitudinal direction.

[0099] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0100] Reference Figure 3 , the aerosol generating device 100 may include a liquid storage portion 220 , a vibrator 170 and a processor 160 . Figure 3 The liquid storage unit 220, the vibrator 170 and the processor 160 may correspond to Figure 1 and 2 The liquid storage unit 220, the vibrator 170 and the processor 160 are included.

[0101] Figure 3 1 and 2 illustrate certain components of the aerosol generating device 100 that are particularly relevant to this embodiment. Accordingly, persons of ordinary skill in the art who are relevant to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to Figure 3 In addition to the elements shown, other common elements may be included in the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0102] The liquid reservoir 220 can contain an aerosol-forming substance. The liquid reservoir 220 can directly contain the aerosol-forming substance or can include a sponge or the like containing the aerosol-forming substance. The aerosol-forming substance can be in a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-forming substance can include a liquid composition.

[0103] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a liquid transport element (not shown). The liquid transport element may receive and absorb an aerosol-generating substance from the liquid storage portion 220. The liquid transport element may maintain the aerosol-generating substance in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol. The liquid transport element may be disposed adjacent to the vibrator 170 (or the vibrator receiving portion), and the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the liquid transport element may receive ultrasonic vibrations from the vibrator 170 (or the vibrator receiving portion) and be converted into an aerosol.

[0104] The vibrator 170 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol. For example, the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz. However, the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations is merely an example and may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0105] The temperature of the vibrator 170 may increase as it vibrates. The vibrator 170 may convert electrical energy into kinetic energy (or vibration energy) and thermal energy. For example, the vibrator 170 may vibrate at a predetermined vibration speed and amplitude by converting a portion of the electrical energy into kinetic energy. The vibrator 170 may increase its temperature by converting a portion of the electrical energy into thermal energy. Electrical energy that is not converted into kinetic energy by the vibrator 170 may be converted into thermal energy. The thermal energy may include frictional heat or Joule's heat.

[0106] Vibrator 170 transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substance, causing the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance to increase. Vibrator 170 can vibrate and generate heat when a voltage of a specific frequency is applied thereto. This can increase the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance by transferring vibrational energy and thermal energy to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the liquid transport element. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the liquid transport element can change depending on the temperature of vibrator 170. For example, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance can increase as the temperature of vibrator 170 increases. Furthermore, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance can decrease as the temperature of vibrator 170 decreases.

[0107] The vibration of vibrator 170 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance to a predetermined temperature, which atomizes the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol. For example, when the aerosol-forming substance is in the form of a viscous liquid, it is necessary to reduce the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance by increasing the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance. As the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance decreases, the time required for atomization by vibration can be shortened, thereby further increasing the amount of atomization.

[0108] The vibrator 170 may have a unique resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of the vibrator 170 may be set during the design and manufacturing process. In other words, the resonant frequency of each vibrator 170 is different depending on the design. Figure 4 To describe the resonant frequency and resonance phenomenon.

[0109] The processor 160 may be electrically connected to each component of the aerosol generating device 100 and electrically control the components. The processor 160 may vibrate the vibrator 170 by applying a voltage (or power) to the vibrator 170. For example, the processor 160 may control a battery so that a voltage (or power) is applied to the vibrator 170. In addition, the processor 160 may determine the frequency of the voltage applied to the vibrator 170 and apply the voltage of the determined frequency to the vibrator 170.

[0110] In an embodiment, the processor 160 may apply a voltage of an operating frequency to the vibrator 170 for controlling the temperature of the vibrator 170 to a specific temperature. The processor 160 may apply a voltage of an operating frequency to the vibrator 170 so that the impedance of the vibrator 170 may become higher than the impedance of the vibrator 170 when a voltage of a resonant frequency is applied to the vibrator 170. Figure 4 Give its detailed description.

[0111] In another embodiment, the processor 160 may adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator 170. For example, the processor 160 may adjust the peak value or amplitude of the AC voltage applied to the vibrator 170. The vibrator 170 may vibrate with an amplitude corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage. As the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator 170 increases, the amplitude of the vibration of the vibrator 170 may increase. Conversely, as the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator 170 decreases, the amplitude of the vibration of the vibrator 170 may decrease.

[0112] In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 can operate in a smokeless mode that does not generate visible smoke, or in a smoke mode that generates visible smoke (i.e., vapor). The aerosol generating device 100 can generate an aerosol that does not contain visible smoke in the smokeless mode. In other aspects, the aerosol generating device 100 can generate an aerosol that contains visible smoke in the smoke mode. Depending on the amount of atomization or saturation of the substances included in the aerosol, visible smoke may or may not be generated even when the aerosol is generated. Even when no visible smoke is generated (i.e., even in the smokeless mode), components such as nicotine and flavor can be delivered. The smokeless mode is a mode in which the amount of atomization is less than the amount of atomization in the smoke mode, and in addition to the case in which no visible smoke is generated, it can also include the case in which a smaller amount of visible smoke is generated than in the smoke mode. For example, the smoke mode is the basic mode or default mode of the aerosol generating device 100, and in the smoke mode, a voltage preset to generate a sufficient amount of visible smoke can be applied to the vibrator 170.

[0113] The processor 160 can adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator 170 and the amplitude of the vibrator 170, so that the aerosol generating device 100 operates in one of the smokeless mode and the smoke mode. The processor 160 can adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator 170 and the amplitude of the vibrator 170, so that the amount of aerosol atomized is relatively small in the smokeless mode and relatively large in the smoke mode.

[0114] When the amplitude of the vibrator 170 increases as the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator 170 by the processor 160 increases, the amount of aerosol atomized from the aerosol-generating substance increases. Conversely, when the amplitude of the vibrator 170 decreases as the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator 170 by the processor 160 decreases, the amount of aerosol atomized from the aerosol-generating substance decreases. Therefore, the processor 160 can reduce the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator and the amplitude of the vibrator 170 to switch from the smoke mode to the smoke-free mode. In this case, as the aerosol-generating device 100 operates in the smoke-free mode, the amount of aerosol atomized decreases. In the smoke-free mode, the user can use the aerosol-generating device 100 anytime, anywhere.

[0115] In another embodiment, processor 160 can control the temperature of vibrator 170 by adjusting the magnitude of the voltage applied to vibrator 170. Vibrator 170 can control its temperature based on the magnitude of the voltage and vibrate at the controlled temperature, thereby atomizing the aerosol-forming substance. As the magnitude of the voltage applied to vibrator 170 increases, a greater amount of power is applied to vibrator 170, and thus, vibrator 170 can generate a greater amount of heat. The temperature of the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the liquid delivery element changes proportionally with the temperature of vibrator 170, and the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance changes inversely with the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance. Therefore, the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the liquid delivery element can increase as the temperature of vibrator 170 decreases. Therefore, processor 160 can control the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance by controlling the temperature of vibrator 170, and can adjust the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance by controlling the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance.

[0116] As the voltage applied to vibrator 170 by processor 160 increases, the temperature of vibrator 170 also increases, and thus, the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance can decrease. As the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance decreases, it is easier for the aerosol-forming substance to break into particles, and thus, a larger amount of aerosol is generated per unit time compared to when the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance is higher. Therefore, processor 160 can increase the amount of aerosol atomized by reducing the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance. Conversely, when the temperature of vibrator 170 decreases as the magnitude of the voltage applied to vibrator 170 by processor 160 decreases, the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance can increase. As a result, the amount of aerosol atomized can be reduced.

[0117] The processor 160 may apply a voltage of a first magnitude to the vibrator 170 in the smoke mode. In this case, the temperature of the vibrator 170 may change according to the magnitude of the voltage applied thereto (i.e., the first magnitude). The first magnitude may be a predetermined value that causes the aerosol generating device to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol. For example, the processor 160 may determine the first magnitude so that the consumption of the aerosol generating substance per unit time exceeds a predetermined value. The consumption of the aerosol generating substance may correspond to the mass or volume of the aerosol generating substance reduced due to atomization. The predetermined value is the mass of the aerosol generating substance reduced per unit time during the puff. For example, the predetermined value may be 1 μg per second or 2 μg per 2 seconds. However, the predetermined value may change based on the output power of the battery, the performance of the vibrator 170, the characteristics of the aerosol generating substance, etc.

[0118] In the smoke-free mode, the processor 160 may apply a second voltage, smaller than the first voltage, to the vibrator 170. The processor 160 may apply the second voltage to the vibrator 170 to control the temperature of the vibrator 170 to a temperature corresponding to the second voltage, which is lower than the temperature corresponding to the first voltage. Thus, the temperature of the vibrator 170 is controlled to be lower than in the smoke mode, and the vibrator 170 can atomize an aerosol-forming substance with a higher viscosity than in the smoke mode. As a result, the amount of atomization can be reduced compared to the smoke mode. The second voltage may be a value that causes the aerosol-generating device to generate aerosol without producing visible smoke. For example, the processor 160 may determine the first voltage so that the amount of aerosol-generating substance consumed per unit time is less than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, the predetermined value may correspond to 1 μg per second or 2 μg per 2 seconds. However, the predetermined value may vary based on the output power of the battery, the performance of the vibrator 170, the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance, and the like.

[0119] In addition, the processor 160 can adjust the particle size of the aerosol generated by adjusting the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generated by aerosol generating substance with a relatively high viscosity may include relatively large particles (e.g., greater than 2 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm), and the aerosol generated by aerosol generating substance with a relatively low viscosity may include relatively small particles (e.g., equal to or greater than 0.2 μm and less than or equal to 2 μm). In this regard, the processor 160 can control the particle size of the aerosol generated by adjusting the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance, thereby adjusting the aerosol amount. This will be referred to later. Figure 6 and 7 Give its detailed description.

[0120] Figure 4 is a graph showing an embodiment of the relationship between the frequency of a voltage applied to a vibrator and the impedance of the vibrator.

[0121] Reference Figure 4 , the horizontal axis of the graph 410 represents the frequency of the voltage applied to the vibrator, and the vertical axis represents the impedance Z of the vibrator total The frequency corresponding to the lowest impedance represents the resonant frequency f of the vibrator. reso .

[0122] The resonant frequency is the frequency at which resonance occurs. Resonance refers to a phenomenon in which, when a vibrating system receives an external force with the same frequency as its natural vibration frequency, the amplitude of the vibration increases significantly or the impedance decreases significantly. Resonance occurs in all vibrations, such as mechanical and electrical vibrations. Generally, when an external force is applied that causes the vibrating system to vibrate, the amplitude of the vibration increases significantly if the natural frequency of the vibrating system and the frequency of the external force are the same.

[0123] Based on the same principle, when a plurality of vibration bodies spaced apart at a predetermined distance vibrate at the same frequency, the plurality of vibration bodies resonate with each other, which results in a decrease in impedance of the plurality of vibration bodies.

[0124] Reference Figure 4 The graph 410 shows the resonant frequency f of the vibrator. reso The correlation between the frequency of the predetermined range and the impedance of the vibrator. The impedance of the vibrator can be changed according to the frequency of the applied voltage. When the resonant frequency f reso When a voltage of is applied to the vibrator, the impedance of the vibrator can be minimized. As the frequency of the voltage applied to the vibrator and the resonant frequency f reso As the difference between the two increases, the impedance of the vibrator can be increased. Therefore, the temperature of the vibrator can be controlled based on the impedance, and thus, the vibrator can vibrate at the controlled temperature. Compared with the case where a voltage of other frequencies is applied, when the resonant frequency f is applied resoWhen the voltage is less than the resonant frequency, the kinetic energy of the vibrator can be maximized, the heat energy of the vibrator can be minimized, and the temperature of the vibrator can be less increased. As described above, a voltage of the resonant frequency is generally applied to the vibrator to minimize the impedance of the vibrator. However, an aerosol generating device can achieve unique effects by applying a voltage of a frequency other than the resonant frequency to the vibrator.

[0125] In an embodiment, the resonant frequency f reso The processor may determine the operating frequency f x , which is the frequency of the voltage applied to the vibrator to control the vibrator to reach a second temperature (i.e., target temperature) higher than the first temperature. The second temperature may be set in consideration of the amount of atomization or the temperature of the aerosol. Operating frequency f x It is the frequency of the voltage applied to the vibrator to generate aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibrations in the vibrator.

[0126] When the vibrator receives the working frequency f x When the voltage is equal to the resonant frequency f reso The impedance of the vibrator may increase compared to the case where a voltage of 1 is applied to the vibrator. Accordingly, a large amount of heat is generated, and thus, the resonant frequency f reso The temperature of the vibrator may increase compared to the case where a voltage of 1 is applied to the vibrator. Therefore, the processor may increase the temperature of the vibrator by applying an operating frequency f x The vibrator is controlled to a second temperature higher than the first temperature by applying a voltage to the vibrator.

[0127] As the aerosol-forming substance is vibrated by the vibrator, thermal energy can be transferred from the vibrator to the aerosol-forming substance. The vibrator can transfer heat generated at the second temperature to the aerosol-forming substance that has moved from the liquid storage portion and been absorbed by the liquid transport element. Since the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance changes according to the temperature of the vibrator, the absorbed aerosol-forming substance can receive heat from the vibrator at the second temperature and reach a temperature corresponding to the second temperature.

[0128] The viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the liquid delivery element can decrease as the temperature of the aerosol-forming substance increases. Therefore, when the vibrator is at the second temperature, the vibrator can atomize an aerosol-forming substance with a reduced viscosity compared to when the vibrator is at the first temperature. As the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance decreases, the aerosol-forming substance is more easily broken into particles, and thus, a larger amount of aerosol is generated per unit time compared to when the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance is high. Furthermore, the size of the aerosol particles atomized from the aerosol-forming substance with a reduced viscosity can have a diameter or maximum measured length of approximately 0.2 μm to approximately 2 μm. Because the vibrator at the second temperature atomizes an aerosol-forming substance with a reduced viscosity compared to when the vibrator is at the first temperature, a larger amount of aerosol can be generated per unit time. For example, the second temperature can be set so that the consumption of the aerosol-forming substance per unit time is greater than 1.4 μg per second. However, the consumption amount of the aerosol-generating substance is merely an example and may vary based on the output power of the battery, the performance of the vibrator, and the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0129] Furthermore, when the vibrator is controlled to have a second temperature, the impedance of the vibrator may increase compared to when the vibrator is controlled to have a first temperature. As the impedance increases, the vibration energy of the vibrator decreases and the thermal energy increases. Therefore, despite the increase in the temperature of the vibrator, the vibration frequency may decrease due to the decrease in vibration energy. The amount of aerosol generated per unit time may be affected by both the increase in thermal energy and the decrease in vibration energy of the vibrator. Therefore, the processor may determine the second temperature so that the total aerosol amount increases compared to when the vibrator is controlled to have the first temperature, despite the decrease in vibration energy. Assume that the increase in the amount of aerosol generated per unit time due to the increase in the temperature of the vibrator is a first value, and the decrease in the amount of aerosol generated per unit time due to the decrease in the vibration energy of the vibrator is a second value. In this case, the processor may determine the second temperature so that the first value exceeds the second value. For example, the processor may determine the second temperature so that the vibrator consumes (i.e., aerosolizes) a larger amount of aerosol-forming substance at the second temperature than at the first temperature.

[0130] In another embodiment, the processor may apply a frequency to the vibrator that is equal to the resonant frequency f reso The operating frequency f differs by a predetermined value x For example, the predetermined value may be 1% to 5%. reso When the frequency is 3 MHz, the processor can apply a voltage of 2.96 MHz to the vibrator, which is a frequency f that differs by 1.33% from 3 MHz. xThe predetermined value may be set differently depending on the design based on the value of the resonance frequency, battery performance, vibrator performance, or characteristics of the aerosol generating substance. reso (3MHz), a predetermined value (1% to 5%), and a frequency f x (2.96 MHz) is merely an example for explanation, and various modifications may be made. x The temperature of the vibrator is higher than that at the resonant frequency f reso However, in this case, the vibration energy is lower than that at the resonant frequency f reso The vibration energy under the vibration, and therefore, the vibration frequency can be lower than the resonant frequency f reso Therefore, considering the increase in temperature and the decrease in the vibration frequency of the vibrator, the operating frequency f can be determined x The predetermined value of α / β can be determined experimentally, empirically, or mathematically within a range of 1% to 5%.

[0131] The temperature of the aerosol atomized from the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the liquid delivery element can be changed according to the temperature of the absorbed aerosol-forming substance. Therefore, when the vibrator is controlled to have the second temperature, the aerosol atomized from the aerosol-forming substance with increased temperature can be given a warming sensation. The aerosol given a warming sensation can be discharged through the discharge hole ( Figure 2 211) is discharged to the outside. The discharge hole can form a hole through which the aerosol passes, so that the aerosol can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. For example, the temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the aerosol at the discharge hole.

[0132] The processor can determine the second temperature so that the aerosol temperature at the discharge hole reaches a target temperature. The target temperature of the aerosol can be determined to maximize user satisfaction when the aerosol is delivered to the user. The target temperature can be set differently according to the composition of the aerosol-generating substance, the temperature when the aerosol is generated, or the user setting. For example, the processor can determine the second temperature so that the aerosol temperature at the discharge hole reaches above 45°C. The processor can determine the second temperature so that the aerosol gives a warm feeling and does not exceed a predetermined temperature that may reduce user satisfaction. For example, the processor can determine the second temperature so that the aerosol temperature at the discharge hole is 45°C to 65°C. The vibrator can transfer heat at the second temperature to the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the liquid delivery element, so that the aerosol temperature at the discharge hole becomes the target temperature (for example, above 45°C). In this way, the aerosol generating device can give the aerosol delivered to the user a warm feeling and, therefore, provide the user with a satisfactory smoking experience.

[0133] In another embodiment, when the operating frequency f x When a voltage is applied to the vibrator, the processor can adjust the voltage. By controlling the voltage, the processor can provide a warming sensation to the aerosol while simultaneously operating the aerosol generating device in a smoke-free mode. When the vibrator temperature is controlled to a second temperature, the amount of atomization increases. Meanwhile, when the voltage is reduced, the amount of atomization decreases. In other words, both the vibrator temperature and the voltage affect the amount of atomization. Therefore, in order to achieve a desired atomization effect at the operating frequency f, the processor can adjust the voltage to a desired level. x To control the vibrator to have the second temperature while reducing the total atomization amount, it is necessary to set the voltage to be low enough so that the reduction in atomization amount due to the reduction in voltage is greater than the increase in atomization amount due to the increase in vibrator temperature.

[0134] The processor may determine the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator so that the amount of aerosol-forming substance consumed per unit time in smoke-free mode is less than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, the predetermined value may be 1 μg per second. However, the predetermined value may vary based on factors such as the output power of the battery, the performance of the vibrator, and the characteristics of the aerosol-forming substance. In smoke-free mode, the vibrator may vibrate with an amplitude corresponding to the determined voltage magnitude, thereby atomizing less than or equal to the predetermined amount of aerosol-forming substance per unit time.

[0135] In this case, the processor reduces the voltage to reduce the amplitude of the vibrator and applies the operating frequency f xThe voltage applied to the vibrator increases the temperature of the vibrator, thereby reducing the amount of aerosol atomized while increasing the temperature of the aerosol. Therefore, since the aerosol generating device can provide a warming sensation to the aerosol when operating in the smoke-free mode, it can provide the user with the convenience of using the aerosol generating device anytime and anywhere, while also providing a sense of satisfaction based on the warming sensation.

[0136] Figure 5 is a graph showing another embodiment of the relationship between the frequency of a voltage applied to a vibrator and the impedance of the vibrator.

[0137] Reference Figure 5 , the horizontal axis of the graph 510 represents the frequency of the voltage applied to the vibrator, and the vertical axis represents the impedance Z of the vibrator total In addition, multiple resonant frequencies of the vibrator are shown. The lowest impedance corresponds to the main resonant frequency f of the vibrator. m , and the second lowest impedance corresponds to the sub-resonant frequency f of the vibrator s .

[0138] The vibration frequency of the vibrator can be changed based on the frequency of the applied voltage. For example, when the voltage has a main resonant frequency f m When the voltage has a maximum vibration frequency, the vibrator may vibrate at a highest vibration frequency, and when the voltage has other frequencies, the vibrator may vibrate at a lower vibration frequency. The vibrator may atomize the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol by vibrating at a vibration frequency based on the frequency of the applied voltage.

[0139] The processor may control the vibration frequency of the vibrator to a first vibration frequency in the smoke mode. The first vibration frequency may be a vibration frequency set to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol from the aerosol generating device. For example, the processor may determine the first vibration frequency so that the consumption of the aerosol generating substance per unit time exceeds a predetermined value. For example, the predetermined value may correspond to 1 μg per second. However, the predetermined value may be changed based on the output power of the battery, the performance of the vibrator, the characteristics of the aerosol generating substance, etc. ... m Or the main resonant frequency f m and subresonant frequency f s The voltage of a frequency between the first and second frequencies is used to control the vibrator to vibrate at the first vibration frequency.

[0140] The processor can apply a frequency greater than the main resonant frequency f at which the maximum resonance occurs to the vibrator in the smoke-free mode. m Low frequency subresonant frequency f s Thus, the processor can control the vibration frequency of the vibrator to a second vibration frequency lower than the first vibration frequency. In other words, compared with the smoke mode, in the smokeless mode, the processor can control the vibration frequency of the vibrator to a second vibration frequency lower than the first vibration frequency.s The voltage is used to reduce the vibration frequency of the vibrator.

[0141] Sub-resonant frequency f s The impedance at this point is only slightly higher than the main resonant frequency f m The impedance at the sub-resonant frequency f is relatively low compared to the impedance at other frequencies. s and the main resonant frequency f m The frequency difference between them is relatively large. Therefore, the main resonant frequency f m Compared to the sub-resonant frequency f s Under these conditions, the increase in heat generation or the decrease in kinetic energy due to the increased impedance is relatively small, while the change in the vibration frequency of the vibrator is relatively large.

[0142] The vibration frequency of the vibrator and the particle size of the aerosol can have an inverse relationship. For example, as the vibration frequency increases, the number of vibrations per unit time also increases. Consequently, the number of times the aerosol-forming substance is fragmented into particles increases, and already fragmented particles are more likely to be fragmented again. Conversely, as the vibration frequency decreases, the number of times the aerosol-forming substance is fragmented into particles decreases, and already fragmented particles are less likely to be fragmented again.

[0143] Therefore, the particle size of the aerosol can increase as the vibration frequency of the vibrator decreases. The vibrator can vibrate at a second vibration frequency in the smoke-free mode to generate an aerosol with a larger particle size than in the smoke-free mode where the vibrator vibrates at the first vibration frequency. Since the aerosol with a relatively larger particle size is generated in the smoke-free mode, the amount of atomization can be reduced. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This section describes the relationship between aerosol particle size and atomization volume. The aerosol particle size, i.e., diameter or maximum measured length, can be greater than 2 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm in smokeless mode, and greater than or equal to 0.2 μm and less than or equal to 2 μm in smoke mode. However, these numerical values ​​for aerosol particle size are merely examples and may vary depending on the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substance, the performance of the vibrator, the output power of the battery, and the like.

[0144] Figure 6 It is a graph used to describe the relationship between aerosol particle size and atomization amount.

[0145] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 6 (a) shows that the particle size of the aerosol 610 is small and the atomization amount thereof is relatively large, and Figure 6 (b) shows that the particle size of aerosol 620 is large and its atomization amount is relatively small. The particle size of the aerosol may refer to the average size of the particles contained in the aerosol. Here, the particle size may refer to the mass or volume of the particles.

[0146] Reference Figures 3 to 5 As described above, when the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance is low or the vibration frequency of the vibrator is high, the particle size of the aerosol can be reduced. In addition, when the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance is high or the vibration frequency of the vibrator is low, the particle size of the aerosol can be increased.

[0147] For the same amount of aerosol-forming substance aerosolized (or mass of aerosol), the amount aerosolized may vary depending on the particle size of the aerosol. Figure 6 and 7 In the context of aerosolization, the amount of aerosolization may refer to the volume of aerosol or the volume of visible smoke, rather than the mass of aerosol. In other words, the same amount of aerosolized (or vaporized) aerosol-forming substance may form different amounts of visually recognizable smoke.

[0148] When the total mass of the aerosol remains constant, the total number of particles forming the aerosol increases as the aerosol's particle size decreases. Since the particles forming the aerosol diffuse in the air, the greater the number of diffused particles, the larger the volume of the aerosol or visible smoke. Furthermore, the diffusion rate increases as the particle mass decreases. Therefore, as the aerosol's particle size decreases, the number of diffused particles and the particle diffusion rate increase, thereby increasing the amount of atomization.

[0149] On the contrary, as the particle size of the aerosol increases, the total number of particles constituting the aerosol decreases, and the number of diffused particles decreases. In addition, since the mass of each particle increases, the diffusion rate of the particles decreases. Therefore, the amount of atomization can be reduced. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the processor can increase the amount of atomization by reducing the particle size of the aerosol 610. In this case, the aerosol generating device 100 can operate in the smoke mode. Figure 6 As shown in (b), the processor can reduce the amount of atomization by increasing the particle size of the aerosol 620. In this case, the aerosol generating device 100 can operate in a smoke-free mode.

[0150] Figure 7 Is shown using Figure 6 Figure 2 is an embodiment of an aerosol generating device.

[0151] Figure 7 (a) shows the use of Figure 6 (a) shows an embodiment of the aerosol generating device 100, Figure 7 (b) shows the use of Figure 6 An embodiment of the aerosol generating device 100 shown in (b).

[0152] When the amount of aerosol generated from an aerosol generating device is varied, the volume of aerosol or visible smoke inhaled by a user of the aerosol generating device may vary. Figure 7 (a), when the atomized amount of the aerosol 610 generated from the aerosol generating device 100 is as follows Figure 6 As shown in (a), the volume of the aerosol 710 emitted by the user also increases. In this case, the aerosol generating device can be operated in the smoke mode. Figure 7 (b), when the atomized amount of the aerosol 620 generated from the aerosol generating device 100 is as Figure 6 As shown in (b), the volume of aerosol 720 inhaled by the user also decreases. In this case, the aerosol generating device can operate in a smoke-free mode.

[0153] Meanwhile, even when the same volume of aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating device, the amount or volume of aerosol inhaled by the user may differ depending on the aerosol particle size. For example, when the aerosol particle size is relatively large, the amount or volume of aerosol inhaled by the user may be reduced compared to when the particle size is relatively small. Figure 7 As shown in (b), the processor can reduce the amount of atomization by increasing the particle size of the aerosol 720. In this case, the aerosol generating device can operate in a smoke-free mode.

[0154] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device may comprise a user interface (not shown), and the user interface may correspond to Figure 1 The user interface can receive user input.

[0155] In an embodiment, the user interface may include a button. For example, one of the smoke mode and the smokeless mode may be selected based on the number of times a button is pressed or the input time during which a button is continuously pressed. Alternatively, the user interface may include multiple buttons corresponding to the smoke mode and the smokeless mode, respectively.

[0156] In another embodiment, the user interface may include a switch. For example, when the switch is operated left and right or up and down, the smoke mode or the non-smoking mode can be selected.

[0157] In another embodiment, the user interface may include a display. For example, the display may display icons corresponding to the smoke mode and the non-smoking mode. The display may be a touch screen, or may be electrically connected to a separate input device to operate.

[0158] However, the above-described user interface and user input method are merely examples, and various modifications may be made to the type of user interface and the method of receiving user input.

[0159] The aerosol generating device may operate in a smoke mode or a smokeless mode in response to user input received through the user interface. In this case, the aerosol generating device may be operated in a smoke mode or a smokeless mode. Figure 6 Working in smoke mode as shown in (a) or in Figure 6 (b) works in the smokeless mode. Figure 7 As shown in (a), when the aerosol 710 inhaled by the user increases, visual satisfaction can be provided to the user. Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the aerosol 720 emitted from the user is reduced, the aerosol generating device can provide the user with the convenience of using the aerosol generating device anytime and anywhere.

[0160] An embodiment can also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium, which includes instructions that can be executed by a computer, such as program modules that can be executed by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes volatile media and non-volatile media, as well as removable media and non-removable media. In addition, a computer-readable recording medium may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile media and non-volatile media, as well as removable media and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data, etc.). Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as program modules, etc., or other delivery mechanisms, and include any information transmission media.

[0161] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the above-described features. The disclosed method should be considered as illustrative only and not for the purpose of limitation. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a liquid storage portion configured to contain an aerosol-generating substance, a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol, and Processor, configured as: determining an operating frequency for controlling the vibrator to a second temperature higher than a first temperature reached by applying a voltage at the resonant frequency based on a correlation between frequencies within a predetermined range including the resonant frequency of the vibrator and an impedance of the vibrator changed by applying the frequencies within the predetermined range, and The vibrator is controlled to the second temperature by applying a voltage of the operating frequency to the vibrator.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The vibrator transfers heat generated at the second temperature to the aerosol-generating substance moved from the liquid storage portion and absorbed by the liquid transport element, so that the temperature of the absorbed aerosol-generating substance reaches a temperature corresponding to the second temperature.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the viscosity of the absorbed aerosol-forming substance decreases as the temperature of the absorbed aerosol-forming substance increases, and The vibrator is further configured to: When the aerosol-generating substance is controlled to the second temperature, the aerosol-generating substance is atomized with a reduced viscosity compared to a case where the vibrator is controlled to the first temperature, and A larger amount of aerosol per unit time is generated from the aerosol-generating substance having the reduced viscosity compared to a case where the vibrator is controlled to the first temperature.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: When the vibrator is controlled to the second temperature, the impedance of the vibrator increases compared to the case where the vibrator is controlled to the first temperature, and When the amount of aerosol generated per unit time increases by a first value due to an increase in the temperature of the vibrator corresponding to an increased impedance of the vibrator, and the amount of aerosol generated per unit time decreases by a second value due to a decrease in vibration energy of the vibrator corresponding to an increased impedance of the vibrator, the processor determines the second temperature so that the first value exceeds the second value.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The particle size of the aerosol atomized from the aerosol-forming substance having the reduced viscosity is 0.2 μm to 2 μm.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein The processor determines the second temperature so that the temperature of the aerosol, which changes in temperature corresponding to the temperature of the absorbed aerosol generating substance, is greater than or equal to 45° C. at a discharge hole for discharging the aerosol to the outside, and The vibrator transfers heat to the absorbed aerosol-forming substance such that the temperature of the aerosol at the discharge hole is greater than or equal to 45°C.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein The vibrator vibrates with an amplitude corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage, and The processor reduces the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator and the amplitude of the vibrator compared to the smoke mode in which visible smoke is generated from the aerosol generating device, so that the aerosol generating device operates in the smoke-free mode in which no visible smoke is generated.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein The processor determines the magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator so that the consumption of the aerosol generating substance per unit time in the smoke-free mode is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and The vibrator atomizes the aerosol-generating substance in an amount smaller than the predetermined value per unit time by vibrating at an amplitude corresponding to the determined magnitude of the voltage.

9. An aerosol generating device comprising: a liquid storage portion configured to contain an aerosol-generating substance, a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol, and a processor configured to apply a first voltage to the vibrator in a smoke mode in which visible smoke is generated from the aerosol generating device, and to apply a second voltage that is smaller than the first voltage to the vibrator in a no-smoke mode in which no visible smoke is generated, thereby controlling the temperature of the vibrator to a temperature corresponding to the second voltage, the temperature corresponding to the second voltage being lower than the temperature corresponding to the first voltage.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance that moves from the liquid reservoir and is absorbed by the liquid delivery element increases as the temperature of the vibrator decreases, and When the second magnitude of the voltage is applied in the non-smoke mode, the vibrator atomizes an aerosol-generating substance having a viscosity increased compared to the viscosity in the smoke mode in which the first magnitude of the voltage is applied.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The processor determines the second voltage so that the consumption of the aerosol generating substance per unit time in the smoke-free mode is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

12. An aerosol generating device comprising: a liquid storage portion configured to contain an aerosol-generating substance, a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol, and Processor, configured as: controlling the vibration frequency of the vibrator to a first vibration frequency in a smoke mode for generating visible smoke from the aerosol generating device, and The vibration frequency of the vibrator is controlled to a second vibration frequency lower than the first vibration frequency by applying a voltage of a sub-resonance frequency lower than a main resonance frequency causing maximum resonance among a plurality of resonance frequencies of the vibrator.

13. An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein The particle size of the aerosol increases as the vibration frequency decreases, and The vibrator vibrates at the second vibration frequency in the smoke-free mode to generate an aerosol having a larger particle size than in the smoke-free mode when the vibrator vibrates at the first vibration frequency.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: In the smoke-free mode, the particle size of the aerosol is greater than 2 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm, and in the smoke mode, the particle size of the aerosol is greater than or equal to 0.2 μm and less than or equal to 2 μm.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein: In the smoke mode, the processor applies a voltage of the main resonant frequency or a voltage of a frequency between the main resonant frequency and the sub-resonant frequency to the vibrator.

Images