Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device includes a storage to store an aerosol generating material, a liquid transfer element to absorb the aerosol generating material stored in the storage, and an atomizer to atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid transfer element into an aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibration, wherein the atomizer includes an oscillator, and the oscillator has a capacitance value of 0.6 nF to 1.1 nF.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more particularly to an aerosol generating apparatus capable of generating aerosols by using ultrasonic vibration. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for technologies that can replace methods of supplying aerosols by burning ordinary cigarettes. For example, methods are being investigated that generate aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating substances, or that supply flavored aerosols by generating vapor from liquid aerosol-generating substances and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavoring medium. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] In an ultrasonic vibration aerosol generation apparatus using related technology, ultrasonic vibration is generated when an AC voltage is supplied to an ultrasonic oscillator. The viscosity of the liquid in contact with the ultrasonic oscillator decreases with the heat generated by the ultrasonic oscillator, and an aerosol is then generated by breaking the liquid into smaller particles through ultrasonic vibration at a frequency included in the AC voltage. In this case, the atomization performance varies depending on the property value of the ultrasonic oscillator.

[0005] Heat is generated based on the characteristics of the ultrasonic oscillator, and the characteristics of ultrasonic vibration may be lost when the generated heat exceeds the Curie temperature. Therefore, it is important to ensure the optimal property values ​​of the ultrasonic oscillator.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by determining the capacitance value of an ultrasonic oscillator based on the circuit configuration for driving ultrasonic waves, the attribute values ​​of an ultrasonic oscillator capable of producing optimal efficiency can be determined.

[0008] The technical problems solved by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store aerosol generating material; a liquid delivery element configured to absorb the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit; and an atomizer configured to atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element into an aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibrations, wherein the atomizer includes an oscillator having a capacitance value in the range of 0.6 nF to 1.1 nF.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the attribute values ​​of the oscillator are determined based on a range of capacitance values.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the property values ​​of the oscillator include at least one of piezoelectric constant, electromechanical coupling coefficient, mechanical quality factor, Curie temperature, and additives.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one includes an additive, and the additive includes at least one of cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), and niobium (Nb).

[0013] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the thickness of the oscillator is from 0.69 mm to 0.71 mm.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the diameter of the oscillator is 7 mm to 9 mm.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the oscillator comprises lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

[0016] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a liquid delivery element includes: a first liquid delivery element arranged adjacent to a storage unit and configured to receive aerosol-generating material from the storage unit; and a second liquid delivery element located between the first liquid delivery element and an atomizer and configured to deliver aerosol-generating material supplied to the first liquid delivery element to the atomizer.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes: a mouthpiece including an outlet for discharging aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus; and an exhaust channel configured to connect an atomizer to the outlet, wherein the aerosol moves toward the outlet via the exhaust channel.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a first liquid delivery element is configured to restrict the movement of droplets ejected from the atomizer toward the discharge channel.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes: a battery configured to supply a battery voltage; and a power conversion circuit configured to provide an AC voltage to an oscillator by converting the battery voltage, wherein the capacitance value of the oscillator is determined based on the inductance value of an inductor and the resonant frequency of the power conversion circuit.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a processor configured to control a power conversion circuit.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] The aerosol generating apparatus according to the above embodiments can determine the attribute values ​​of the ultrasonic oscillator that can produce optimal efficiency by determining the capacitance value of the ultrasonic oscillator according to the circuit configuration for driving the ultrasonic waves.

[0023] The aerosol generating apparatus according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure can generate aerosols at a lower temperature than when using a heater by forming aerosol generating substances into fine particles using ultrasonic vibration, and thus the user's smoking experience can be improved.

[0024] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent droplets ejected from the atomizer during aerosol atomization from reaching the user, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

[0025] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the above embodiments of this disclosure can prevent leakage of aerosol generating substances, thereby reducing the failure or malfunction of the smoke cartridge or the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0026] The technical problems solved by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device shown.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a smoke cartridge for an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the cigarette cartridge according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a drive circuit for driving an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a cigarette cartridge according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 6The image shown is an exploded 3D view of the cigarette cartridge.

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The smoke bomb shown along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along the direction A-A'.

[0035] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 The smoke bomb shown along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along direction B-B'.

[0036] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view used to describe the electrical connection relationship between the oscillator and the printed circuit board of a cigarette cartridge according to another embodiment.

[0037] Figure 11 It is used for Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the electrical connection between the oscillator of the cigarette cartridge and the printed circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Regarding the terminology used to describe various embodiments, generally used terms are selected in consideration of the function of the structural elements in the various embodiments of this disclosure. However, the meanings of these terms may change depending on intent, judicial precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in some cases, there are terms arbitrarily chosen by the applicant, in which case the meaning of the term will be described in detail in the description of one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the terminology used to describe the one or more embodiments should be defined based on the meaning of these terms and the overall content of the one or more embodiments, rather than simply based on the names of the terms.

[0039] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms "comprising" and variations such as "including" and "including" will be understood to mean including the stated components but not excluding any other components. Additionally, the terms "component," "device," and "module" described in this application refer to a unit for performing at least one function and / or operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0040] As used herein, when a phrase such as “at least one of…” follows the arranged components, the phrase modifies all components but not each of the arranged components. For example, the phrase “at least one of a, b, and c” should be understood as: only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0041] In this disclosure, the term "aerosol" can refer to a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated by aerosol-generating substances are mixed with air.

[0042] In this disclosure, the term "aerosol generating apparatus" can refer to an apparatus that generates aerosols by means of an aerosol generating substance, which generates aerosols that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user by means of the user's mouth.

[0043] In this disclosure, the term "inhalation" can refer to the inhalation of a user, and inhalation can refer to the situation where the aerosol is inhaled into the user's mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0044] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a battery 510, an atomizer 400, a sensor 520, a user interface 530, a memory 540, and a processor 550. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure shown is based on the design of the aerosol generating device 1000. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 Some of the hardware components shown can be omitted, or new components can be added.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may include a main body, and in this case, the hardware components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 are located within the main body.

[0048] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a main body and a cartridge, and the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be separately located in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be separately located in the main body and the cartridge.

[0049] In the following description, the operation of each component will be described without limiting the space that each component may include in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000.

[0050] The atomizer 400 receives power from the battery 510 under the control of the processor 550. The atomizer 400 can receive power from the battery 510 to atomize the aerosol generating substance stored in the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0051] The atomizer 400 may be located within the main body of the aerosol generating device 1000. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer 400 may be located within the cartridge or may be located separately within the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer 400 is located within the cartridge, the atomizer 400 may receive power from a battery 510 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. Furthermore, when the atomizer 400 is located separately within the main body and the cartridge, the power-requiring components of the atomizer 400 may receive power from a battery 510 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0052] The atomizer 400 generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance within the cartridge. An aerosol refers to a floating substance consisting of liquid and / or solid fine particles dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 can refer to the state where vaporized particles generated by the aerosol-generating substance are mixed with air. For example, the atomizer 400 can transform the phase of the aerosol-generating substance into a gaseous phase through vaporization and / or sublimation. Furthermore, the atomizer 400 can generate an aerosol by forming the liquid and / or solid aerosol-generating substance into fine particles and expelling these fine particles.

[0053] For example, atomizer 400 can generate aerosols from aerosol-generating substances using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method can refer to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing aerosol-generating substances using ultrasonic vibrations generated by an oscillator.

[0054] Although not in Figure 1 As shown, however, the atomizer 400 may optionally include a heater that can heat the aerosol-generating material by generating heat. The aerosol-generating material can be heated by the heater to generate an aerosol.

[0055] The heater can be formed from any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials can be metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nickel-chromium alloys, but the implementation is not limited to these. Furthermore, the heater can be implemented from metal wires, metal plates with conductive traces arranged thereon, ceramic heating elements, etc., but the implementation is not limited to these.

[0056] For example, in one embodiment, the heater may be part of the cartridge. Furthermore, the cartridge may include a liquid delivery element and a liquid reservoir, as described below. Aerosol-generating material contained in the liquid reservoir can move to the liquid delivery element, and the heater can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater may be wound around or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element.

[0057] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may include a receiving space for accommodating a cigarette, and a heater may heat the cigarette inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000. Since the cigarette is contained within the receiving space of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000, the heater may be located inside and / or outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heater can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating substances in the cigarette.

[0058] The heater may be an induction heater. The heater may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette or cartridge by induction heating, and the cigarette or cartridge may include a base that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0059] Battery 510 supplies power for the operation of aerosol generating device 1000. In other words, battery 510 can supply power so that atomizer 400 can atomize the aerosol generating substance. Furthermore, battery 510 can supply power for the operation of other hardware components included in aerosol generating device 1000, namely at least one sensor 520, user interface 530, memory 540, and processor 550. Battery 510 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0060] For example, battery 510 may include a nickel-based battery (e.g., nickel metal hydride battery and nickel-cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium cobalt battery, lithium phosphate battery, lithium titanate battery, lithium-ion battery or lithium polymer battery). However, the type of battery 510 that can be used in aerosol generating apparatus 1000 is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, battery 510 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

[0061] The aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one sensor 520. The results sensed by the at least one sensor 520 may be transmitted to a processor 550, and the processor 550 may control the aerosol generating device 1000 to perform various functions based on the sensed results, such as controlling the operation of the atomizer 400, restricting smoking, determining whether a cartridge (or cigarette) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0062] For example, the at least one sensor 520 may include a suction detection sensor. The suction detection sensor may sense the user's suction based on at least one of the following: changes in the flow rate of externally introduced airflow, changes in pressure, and detected sound. The suction detection sensor may detect the start and end times of the user's suction, and the processor 550 may determine suction periods and non-suction periods based on the detected start and end times of suction.

[0063] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 520 may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor may be a sensor capable of receiving user input, such as a switch, physical button, touch sensor, etc. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor, which detects user input by detecting changes in capacitance that occur when a user touches a specific area formed of a metallic material. The processor 550 can determine whether user input has occurred by comparing the values ​​before and after the capacitance change received from the capacitive sensor. When the values ​​before and after the capacitance change are greater than a preset threshold, the processor 550 can determine that user input has occurred.

[0064] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 520 may include a motion sensor. Information regarding the motion of the aerosol generating device 1000, such as the tilt angle, moving speed, acceleration, etc., of the aerosol generating device 1000, can be obtained through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor can measure information regarding: the moving state of the aerosol generating device 1000, the stationary state of the aerosol generating device 1000, the tilting state of the aerosol generating device 1000 at an angle within a specific range for suction, and the tilting state of the aerosol generating device 1000 between each suction operation at an angle different from that during the suction operation. The motion sensor can measure the motion information of the aerosol generating device 1000 using various methods known in the art. For example, the motion sensor may include: an accelerometer capable of measuring acceleration in the three directions of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis; and a gyroscope sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in these three directions.

[0065] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 520 may include a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor is a sensor that detects the presence or distance of an approaching or nearby object using electromagnetic force, infrared light, or the like without mechanical contact. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether a user is approaching the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0066] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 520 may include an image sensor. The image sensor may include, for example, a camera for acquiring images of objects. The image sensor can identify objects based on images acquired by the camera. The processor 550 can determine whether a user is using the aerosol generating device 1000 by analyzing the images acquired by the image sensor. For example, when a user brings the aerosol generating device 1000 close to his / her lips to use the aerosol generating device 1000, the image sensor can acquire an image of the lips. The processor 550 can analyze the acquired image and, when the acquired image is determined to include the lips, determine that the user is using the aerosol generating device 1000. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1000 can pre-activate the atomizer 400 or preheat the heater.

[0067] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 520 may include a consumable attachment and removal sensor that can detect the installation or removal of consumables (e.g., cartridges, cigarettes, etc.) that can be used in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000. For example, the consumable attachment and removal sensor may be an image sensor that detects whether a consumable has come into contact with the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 or determines whether a consumable has been installed or removed. Additionally, the consumable attachment and removal sensor may be an inductive sensor or a capacitive sensor, whereby the inductive sensor detects changes in the inductance of a coil that can interact with a mark on the consumable, and the capacitive sensor detects changes in the capacitance of a capacitor that can interact with a mark on the consumable.

[0068] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 520 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (or aerosol generating substance) of the atomizer 400 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may function as a temperature sensor without a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, a separate temperature sensor may be included in the aerosol generating device 1000, while the heater also functions as a temperature sensor. Furthermore, the temperature sensor can detect not only the temperature of the heater but also the temperature of internal components of the aerosol generating device 1000, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), batteries, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, the at least one sensor 520 may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the at least one sensor 520 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 atmospheric pressure sensor that can measure the pressure of the surrounding environment, etc.

[0070] The at least one sensor 520 that can be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to the types described above, and may also include various other sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include: a fingerprint sensor that can acquire fingerprint information from a user's finger for user authentication and security; an iris recognition sensor that analyzes the iris pattern of the pupil; a vein recognition sensor that detects the absorption of infrared light by reduced hemoglobin in veins based on an image of the palm; a face recognition sensor that identifies feature points, such as eyes, nose, mouth, facial contours, etc., using a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) method; a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor, etc.

[0071] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, one or more examples of the at least one sensor 520 of the various types described above can be selectively implemented in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000. In other words, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 can combine and utilize information sensed by at least one of the sensors described above.

[0072] User interface 530 can provide users with information about the status of aerosol generating device 1000. User interface 530 may include various interface elements, such as a display or light for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, input / output (I / O) interface elements (e.g., buttons or touch screens) for receiving or outputting information from or to the user, terminals for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and communication interface modules for wireless communication with external devices (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.).

[0073] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more examples of the user interface 530 of the above type may be selectively implemented in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000.

[0074] The memory 540 is hardware that stores various data segments processed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000, and the memory 540 can store data that has been processed or will be processed by the processor 550. The memory 540 may include various types of memory such as: random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.; read-only memory (ROM); electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0075] The memory 540 can store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data about the user's smoking pattern.

[0076] Processor 550 controls the overall operation of aerosol generating apparatus 1000. Processor 550 can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or it can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable in the microprocessor. According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed by the microprocessor, the program can be configured to cause the microprocessor to perform any number of functions of the processor (e.g., processor 550) described in this disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that processor 550 can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0077] The processor 550 analyzes the results sensed by the at least one sensor 520 and controls the process to be executed subsequently.

[0078] The processor 550 can control the power supplied to the atomizer 400 based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 520, so as to start or stop the operation of the atomizer 400. Furthermore, based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 520, the processor 550 can control the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 400 and the duration of power supply, so that the atomizer 400 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol. For example, the processor 550 can control the current supplied to the oscillator, so that the oscillator of the atomizer 400 can vibrate at a certain frequency.

[0079] In this embodiment, the processor 550 can start the operation of the atomizer 400 after receiving input from the user regarding the aerosol generating device 1000. Furthermore, the processor 550 can start the operation of the atomizer 400 after detecting a user's inhalation using a vaping detection sensor. Additionally, the processor 550 can stop supplying power to the atomizer 400 when the number of inhalations reaches a preset number after counting the number of inhalations using the vaping detection sensor.

[0080] The processor 550 can control the user interface 530 based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 520. For example, when the number of aspirations reaches a preset number after counting the number of aspirations using a suction detection sensor, the processor 550 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1000 is about to terminate by using at least one of a light, a motor, and a speaker.

[0081] Although not in Figure 1 As shown, however, the aerosol generating device 1000 and a separate support can be included in the aerosol generating system. For example, the support can be used to charge the battery 510 of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, when housed in the receiving space of the support, the aerosol generating device 1000 can receive power from the battery of the support to charge the battery 510 of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0082] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0083] according to Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 of the embodiment shown includes a cartridge 10 for containing aerosol generating material and a main body 20 for supporting the cartridge 10.

[0084] The cartridge 10 can be attached to the body 20 while the aerosol generating substance is contained in the cartridge 10. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 10 is inserted into the body 20, and therefore, the cartridge 10 and the body 20 can be attached to each other. As another example, at least a portion of the body 20 is inserted into the cartridge 10, and therefore, the cartridge 10 and the body 20 can be attached to each other.

[0085] The cartridge 10 and the main body 20 can be connected by at least one of the following methods: snap-fit, threaded connection, magnetic coupling, and interference fit. However, the method of connecting the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 is not limited to the above methods.

[0086] In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 may include a mouthpiece 160, which is inserted into the user's mouth during inhalation. In another embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be located in a region of the cartridge 10 opposite to another region of the cartridge 10, which is connected to the body 20, and the mouthpiece 160 may include an outlet 160e that discharges aerosols generated by the aerosol-generating substance to the outside.

[0087] A pressure difference is generated between the outside and inside of the cartridge 10 by the user's inhalation or inhalation action. Due to this pressure difference, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 10 can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e. In other words, the user can receive the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 by bringing their mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 160 and inhaling it.

[0088] In an embodiment, the cartridge 10 may include a storage member 200 located within the interior space of the housing 100 and containing aerosol-generating substances. In this disclosure, the phrase "containing aerosol-generating substances" can mean that the storage member 200 functions as a container solely for holding aerosol-generating substances, and that the storage member 200 includes elements impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substances, such as sponge, cotton, fabric, or a porous ceramic structure.

[0089] The cartridge 10 can contain aerosol-generating substances in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gas, and gel. The aerosol-generating substances can include liquid compositions. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances having volatile tobacco flavor components, or the liquid composition can be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

[0090] The liquid composition may include, for example, one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, and vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavorings, etc. Flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing a variety of fragrances or tastes to the user. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Furthermore, the liquid composition may include aerosol forming agents, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0091] For example, a liquid composition may comprise a solution of glycerol and propylene glycol in any weight ratio with added nicotine salts. The liquid composition may comprise two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding suitable acids, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic, and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0092] The acid used to form nicotine salts can be appropriately selected considering factors such as the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000, aroma or flavor, and solubility. For example, the acid used to form nicotine salts can be a single acid selected from the group consisting of, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from that group: benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic 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, malonic acid, or malic acid; but is not limited thereto.

[0093] The aerosol generating device 1000 may include an atomizer 400 that performs a phase transition on the aerosol generating substance within the cartridge 10 to generate an aerosol.

[0094] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating material stored or contained in the storage unit 200 can be supplied to the atomizer 400 via the liquid delivery element 300, and the atomizer 400 can atomize the aerosol generating material supplied from the liquid delivery element 300 to generate an aerosol. The liquid delivery element 300 may be a core, which includes at least one of, for example, cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, and porous ceramics, but is not limited to these.

[0095] In one embodiment, the atomizer 400 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 can perform a phase transition on the aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method that atomizes the aerosol generating substance using ultrasonic vibration.

[0096] For example, the atomizer 400 may include an oscillator that generates short-period vibrations, and the vibrations generated by the oscillator may be ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] The ultrasonic oscillator can have a capacitance value of approximately 0.6 nanofarads (nF) to approximately 1.1 nF. In embodiments, the ultrasonic oscillator is in the form of electrodes of various shapes and sizes and has a capacitance value. To supply alternating current to the ultrasonic oscillator, power is provided by an inductor connected to a power switch to supply alternating current to the electrodes of the oscillator, thereby generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0098] In an implementation, the capacitance value or range of the ultrasonic oscillator can be determined based on the resonant frequency of the power conversion circuit and the inductance value of the inductor. For example, when the resonant frequency of the circuit or the frequency (f) set by the system is 3 MHz and the inductance value (L) of the inductor is 4.7 microhenries (μH), the capacitance value (C) can be determined as 0.6 nF according to the following Equation 1.

[0099] Equation 1

[0100]

[0101] Furthermore, the oscillator's attribute values ​​can be determined based on the oscillator's capacitance value or within a range of capacitance values. Here, the oscillator's attribute values ​​may include piezoelectric constant, electromechanical coupling coefficient, mechanical quality factor, Curie temperature, and additives, such as cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), and niobium (Nb).

[0102] Heat is generated in the oscillator according to its property values, and the characteristics of ultrasonic vibration are lost when the heat exceeds the Curie temperature. Therefore, ensuring and reflecting the optimal property values ​​of the ultrasonic oscillator is an important issue. In this embodiment, after determining the capacitance value or a range of capacitance values ​​of the oscillator, the property values ​​of the ultrasonic oscillator with that value are determined.

[0103] The piezoelectric constant is a constant indicating the degree of displacement when an AC voltage is supplied to an oscillator. When an electric field (V / m) is applied to a piezoelectric material, d33, d31, d15, etc., can be expressed as coefficients indicating the degree and direction of displacement in the direction of the electric field. The unit of the piezoelectric constant can be expressed as [m / V]. The ultrasonic oscillator of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can have a piezoelectric constant of d33 (piezoelectric constant, 10-12 m / V). Here, when the value of the piezoelectric constant increases, the piezoelectric characteristics (vibration quantity) increase, and therefore, the atomization quantity of the aerosol generating device increases.

[0104] The electromechanical connection factor (%) is a coefficient indicating the efficiency of the conversion between electrical energy and mechanical energy. A higher value indicates better performance. The electromechanical connection factor (K) can be calculated using the following Equation 2.

[0105] Equation 2

[0106] K = (Electrical energy converted into mechanical energy) / (Input electrical energy)

[0107] Depending on the vibration mode, the electromechanical connection coefficient can be expressed as k33, k31, k15, kp, or kt.

[0108] The mechanical quality factor (Qm) represents the reciprocal of the mechanical losses occurring within the sample during energy conversion. It also represents the losses of the oscillator or piezoelectric material, and is a value indicating the sharpness of mechanical vibration at the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator. The mechanical quality factor can be calculated according to Equation 3 below.

[0109] Equation 3

[0110]

[0111] Here, f r It is the resonant frequency, f a It is the anti-resonant frequency, Z. r Let be the resonant impedance, and C be the capacitance. A higher mechanical quality factor (Qm) results in higher rigidity and durability. The smaller the decrease in resonant impedance and the smaller the capacitance, the higher the mechanical quality factor. A lower ε33 (dielectric constant) results in lower heat generation performance. The temperature rise curve of the oscillator can be adjusted by changing the dielectric constant value. The Curie temperature is the temperature at which the characteristics (impedance and frequency) of the oscillator change.

[0112] When cobalt (Co) is added, the losses decrease. Therefore, the piezoelectric constant, or piezoelectric property (d33), increases. When antimony (Sb) or niobium (Nb) is added, the mechanical mass factor (Qm) increases, and thus, the stiffness of the oscillator increases.

[0113] The Curie temperature is the temperature at which the characteristics of an oscillator, such as its impedance and frequency, are altered. The relationship between the oscillator's resonant frequency and heat generation is that the resonant impedance is minimum at the resonant frequency Fr. Therefore, the oscillator is most efficient when operating at this resonant frequency. As the resonant frequency passes, the impedance increases, and heat is generated due to this increase. This increase in impedance corresponds to an increase in capacitance, which is at its maximum at the Curie temperature.

[0114] In this implementation, the oscillator's property values ​​can be determined based on the oscillator's capacitance value or within a range of that value. As mentioned above, the piezoelectric constant, electromechanical coupling coefficient, mechanical quality factor, Curie temperature, additives, etc., can be adjusted or determined based on the capacitance value or within a range of that value.

[0115] In this embodiment, the thickness of the oscillator can be from about 0.69 mm to about 0.71 mm, and the diameter of the oscillator can be from about 7 mm to about 9 mm. The shape of the oscillator can be a disk shape, a rectangular plate shape, or a ring shape, but is not limited thereto, and the shape of the oscillator can be modified in various ways depending on the application or design of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the oscillator can have a certain thickness and a certain area, which are factors that determine the capacitance value.

[0116] Aerosol-generating material supplied from storage unit 200 to atomizer 400 can be vaporized and / or formed into particles to be atomized into aerosols by short-period vibrations generated by an oscillator.

[0117] The oscillator may include, for example, piezoelectric ceramics, and the piezoelectric ceramics may be functional materials capable of interconverting between electrical and mechanical forces by generating electricity (voltage) through physical force (pressure) and conversely, generating vibrations (mechanical force) when electricity is applied. In other words, when electricity is applied to the oscillator, short-period vibrations (physical forces) can be generated, and the generated vibrations can atomize the aerosol-generating material into aerosols by breaking the aerosol-generating material into fine particles.

[0118] The oscillator can be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 via electrical connection members. For example, the oscillator can be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 510 and the processor 550 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 via electrical connection members, but the components electrically connected to the oscillator are not limited to the examples described above.

[0119] The oscillator can receive current or voltage from the battery 510 via an electrical connection component to generate ultrasonic vibrations, or the operation of the oscillator can be controlled by the processor 550.

[0120] Electrical connection components may include, for example, at least one of a pogo pin and a C-clamp, but are not limited to the examples described above. As another example, the electrical connection component may include at least one of a cable and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0121] In another embodiment (not shown), the atomizer 400 may also be implemented as a mesh or plate-shaped vibration receiver that performs two functions: maintaining the aerosol generator in an optimal state for converting the aerosol generator into an aerosol by absorbing it without using a separate liquid delivery element 300; and generating an aerosol by transmitting vibrations to the aerosol generator.

[0122] exist Figure 2 The illustration shows an embodiment in which the liquid delivery element 300 and the atomizer 400 are arranged in the cartridge 10, but the arrangement of the liquid delivery element 300 and the atomizer 400 is not limited to this embodiment. In another embodiment, the liquid delivery element 300 may be arranged in the cartridge 10, and the atomizer 400 may be arranged in the main body 20.

[0123] The cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may include an exhaust channel 150. The exhaust channel 150 is arranged in the cartridge 10 and may be connected to or communicate with the outlet 160e of the atomizer 400 and the mouthpiece 160. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 400 can flow through the exhaust channel 150 and can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 via the outlet 160e and delivered to the user.

[0124] For example, the exhaust channel 150 may be arranged to be surrounded by the storage element 200 in the smoke cartridge 10, but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0125] Although not shown, the smoke cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one air inlet channel for introducing air located outside the aerosol generating device 1000 (hereinafter referred to as "external air") into the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0126] External air can be introduced into the space to which aerosols are generated by the exhaust channel 150 in the cartridge 10 or the atomizer 400 through at least one air inlet channel. The introduced external air can mix with vaporized particles generated by the aerosol generating substance, and thus aerosols can be generated.

[0127] The cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 can be approximately circular, elliptical, square, rectangular or various polygonal shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to this, and when the aerosol generating device 1000 extends in the longitudinal direction, the aerosol generating device 1000 may not be formed as a linearly extending structure.

[0128] In another embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be bent into a streamlined shape so that the user can easily hold the aerosol generating device 1000 in his hand, or the aerosol generating device can be bent at a predetermined angle and extended longitudinally in a specific area, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 can vary according to the longitudinal direction.

[0129] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a smoke cartridge for an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment, and Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the cigarette cartridge according to the embodiment.

[0130] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be applied to Figure 2 The embodiment of the smoke cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown herein will be described in detail below, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0131] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to the embodiments, the cartridge 10 may include a housing 100 forming the overall appearance of the cartridge 10 and a mouthpiece 160 connected to a region of the housing 100.

[0132] The components of the cartridge 10 according to the embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, and according to the embodiments, at least one component may be added, or any component may be omitted (e.g., mouthpiece 160).

[0133] The housing 100 may include an internal space in which components of the cartridge 10 can be arranged, and the housing 100 may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 10. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustration shows an embodiment where the housing 100 has an overall cylindrical shape, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited to this. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing 100 may be formed overall as a polygonal prism (e.g., a triangular prism and a square prism).

[0134] In an embodiment, the housing 100 may include a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, the second housing 120 being connected to a region of the first housing 110, and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 being able to protect the following components of the cartridge 10: these components are arranged in an internal space formed by the combination of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0135] For example, the second housing 120 (or “lower housing”) may be coupled to a region located at the bottom (e.g., in the -z direction) of the first housing 110 (or “upper housing”), but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0136] In this disclosure, the term "bottom of the first housing" may refer to the -z direction of the first housing 110, and the term "top of the first housing" may refer to the z direction of the first housing 110. Furthermore, in the following text, expressions with the same meaning may be used respectively.

[0137] The mouthpiece 160 is the part that is inserted into the user's mouth and can be connected to a region of the housing 100. For example, the mouthpiece 160 can be connected to a region of the first housing 110 opposite to another region of the first housing 110 (e.g., the upper region of the first housing 110), wherein the other region of the first housing 110 is connected to the second housing 120.

[0138] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be detachably / attachably attached to a region of the housing 100, but according to another embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 and the housing 100 may be integrally formed.

[0139] The mouthpiece 160 may include at least one outlet 160e for discharging aerosol generated in the cartridge 10 to the outside of the cartridge 10. The user may bring his / her mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 160 and receive the aerosol discharged to the outside via the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160.

[0140] The cartridge 10 may include a storage unit 200 disposed within the internal space of the housing 100 (e.g., Figure 2 The storage unit 200 shown), and the liquid transfer element 300 (e.g., Figure 2 The liquid delivery element 300 and atomizer 400 shown are illustrated. Figure 2 (Atomizer 400 shown).

[0141] In this embodiment, the storage unit 200 may be located within the first housing 110, and the storage unit 200 may store aerosol-generating substances. For example, the storage unit 200 may store liquid aerosol-generating substances, and the liquid aerosol-generating substances stored in the storage unit 200 may be conveyed to the atomizer 400 via the liquid delivery element 300.

[0142] In one embodiment, the liquid delivery element 300 can receive aerosol-generating material from the storage unit 200 and deliver the received aerosol-generating material to the atomizer 400. For example, the liquid delivery element 300 can absorb aerosol-generating material moving from the storage unit 200 to the liquid delivery element 300, and the absorbed aerosol-generating material can move along the liquid delivery element 300 and be supplied to the atomizer 400.

[0143] In some embodiments, the liquid delivery element 300 may include a plurality of liquid delivery elements. For example, the liquid delivery element 300 may include a first liquid delivery element 310 and a second liquid delivery element 320.

[0144] The first liquid transfer element 310 is arranged adjacent to the storage unit 200 and can therefore receive liquid aerosol generating material from the storage unit 200. For example, the first liquid transfer element 310 can receive aerosol generating material from the storage unit 200 by absorbing at least a portion of the aerosol generating material discharged from the storage unit 200.

[0145] The second liquid delivery element 320 is located between the first liquid delivery element 310 and the atomizer 400, and can deliver the aerosol supplied to the first liquid delivery element 310 to the atomizer 400.

[0146] For example, an area of ​​the first liquid delivery element 310 opposite to another area of ​​the first liquid delivery element 310—wherein this other area of ​​the first liquid delivery element 310 faces the storage member 200—may contact an area of ​​the second liquid delivery element 320, i.e., the area facing the first liquid delivery element 310. As another example, an area of ​​the second liquid delivery element 320 opposite to another area of ​​the second liquid delivery element 320 may contact an area of ​​the atomizer 400.

[0147] In other words, the atomizer 400, the second liquid delivery element 320 and the first liquid delivery element 310 can be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-direction) of the cartridge 10 or the housing 100. Therefore, the second liquid delivery element 320 and the first liquid delivery element 310 can be stacked sequentially on the atomizer 400.

[0148] With the above arrangement, at least some of the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage unit 200 to the first liquid delivery element 310 can move to the second liquid delivery element 320, which is in contact with the first liquid delivery element 310. Furthermore, the aerosol generating material that has moved to the second liquid delivery element 320 can move along the second liquid delivery element 320 and reach the atomizer 400, which is in contact with the second liquid delivery element 320.

[0149] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image shows an embodiment in which the liquid transfer element 300 includes two liquid transfer elements, but in one embodiment, the liquid transfer element 300 may include one liquid transfer element or include three or more liquid transfer elements.

[0150] In one embodiment, the atomizer 400 can atomize the aerosol generating substance supplied from the liquid delivery element 300 to generate an aerosol.

[0151] For example, the atomizer 400 may include an oscillator that generates ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the oscillator may be from about 100 kHz to about 10 MHz, for example, the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the oscillator may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz. Due to the aforementioned frequency band, the oscillator may vibrate along the longitudinal direction (or “vertical direction”) of the cartridge 10 or the housing 100.

[0152] The atomizer 400 can atomize aerosol-generating substances using an ultrasonic method, thereby generating aerosols at a relatively lower temperature compared to methods that heat the aerosol-generating substances. For example, when aerosol-generating substances are heated using a heater, they may be unintentionally heated to 200°C or higher, and therefore, the user may perceive a burnt smell in the aerosol.

[0153] In comparison, by using an ultrasonic method to atomize the aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge 10 according to the embodiment can generate an aerosol within a temperature range of approximately 100°C to approximately 160°C—a lower temperature compared to heating the aerosol-generating substance using a heater. Therefore, the cartridge 10 can minimize the perceived burnt taste in the aerosol, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

[0154] In an embodiment, air outside the cartridge 10 (hereinafter referred to as "external air") can be introduced into the cartridge 10 via an air inlet 130i located in a region of the housing 100.

[0155] The aerosol introduced into the housing 100 via the air inlet 130i can reach the atomizer 400 by flowing through the air inlet channel (not shown). The air inlet 130i is connected or communicates with the atomizer 400 through the air inlet channel, and the external air that has reached the atomizer 400 can mix with the vaporized particles generated by the atomizer 400 to form an aerosol.

[0156] The aerosol formed by mixing outside air with particles generated by the atomizer 400 can flow through the exhaust channel (e.g., Figure 2 The aerosol can be discharged through the exhaust channel 150 and can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 and supplied to the user via the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160. The flow direction of the aerosol will be described in detail below.

[0157] The cartridge 10 according to the embodiment may further include: a structure 140 for preventing droplets ejected from the atomizer 400 from being supplied to the user; and a first support member 141 for fixing or supporting the structure 140.

[0158] During the process of atomizing the aerosol-generating material by ultrasonic vibration generated by atomizer 400, some aerosol-generating material may not be atomized, thus forming droplets, and the droplets may be ejected by ultrasonic vibration generated by atomizer 400 and discharged to the outside of cartridge 10 via outlet 160e.

[0159] Structure 140 is arranged adjacent to discharge channel 150, and thus can restrict the movement and flow of ejected droplets toward outlet 160e of mouthpiece 160.

[0160] For example, structure 140 can absorb droplets ejected from atomizer 400 by including a material capable of absorbing droplets (e.g., felt material), thereby restricting the movement or flow of droplets toward outlet 160e, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0161] When droplets ejected from the atomizer 400 are discharged through outlet 160e to the outside of the cartridge 10 and delivered to the user, the user may feel uncomfortable, and therefore, the overall smoking experience may be reduced. In this disclosure, the term "smoking experience" may refer to the sensations experienced by the user during the smoking process, and expressions with the same meaning may be used hereinafter.

[0162] In contrast, through structure 140, the cartridge 10 according to the embodiment can restrict the movement of un-atomized droplets ejected from the atomizer 400 toward the outlet 160e, thereby reducing the decrease in the user's smoking experience caused by the ejection of droplets. In this disclosure, the term "ejection of droplets" can refer to the ejection of un-atomized droplets and their subsequent delivery to the user, and expressions with the same meaning may be used hereinafter.

[0163] The first support member 141 can accommodate at least one region of the structure 140 and hold the accommodated structure 140 in a region of the first housing 110. For example, the first support member 141 can hold or fix the structure 140 in a region (e.g., the upper region) of the first housing 110 or hold or fix the structure 140 to a region (e.g., the upper region) of the first housing, wherein the region is adjacent to the mouthpiece 160, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0164] In one embodiment, the first support member 141 may be arranged to house at least one region of the structure 140, and the structure 140 may be fixed to that region of the first housing 110 when the first support member 141 housing the structure 140 is connected to a region of the first housing 110.

[0165] The first support member 141, which accommodates the structure 140, and the first housing 110 can be connected in such a way that at least a portion of the first support member 141 is interference-fitted to the first housing 110, but the method of connecting the first housing 110 to the first support member 141 is not limited to the above example. In another example, the first housing 110 and the first support member 141 can also be connected by at least one of the following methods: snap-fit, threaded connection, and magnetic coupling.

[0166] The first support member 141 may include a material with rigidity and water resistance (e.g., rubber) to not only secure the structure 140 to the first housing 110 but also prevent aerosol-generating substances from leaking from the storage container 200. For example, the first support member 141 may block an area of ​​the storage container 200, i.e., the area facing the mouthpiece 160, thereby preventing leakage of aerosol-generating substances.

[0167] According to the embodiment, the cartridge 10 may also include a second support member 340 for holding the liquid delivery element 300 and / or the atomizer 400 within the first housing 110.

[0168] The second support member 340 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first liquid delivery element 310, the second liquid delivery element 320, and / or the atomizer 400 to accommodate the first liquid delivery element 310, the second liquid delivery element 320, and / or the atomizer 400. The second support member 340 accommodating the first liquid delivery element 310, the second liquid delivery element 320, and / or the atomizer 400 may be coupled to another region of the first housing 110, and thus, the first liquid delivery element 310, the second liquid delivery element 320, and / or the atomizer 400 may be held or secured to that other region of the first housing 110.

[0169] For example, the second support member 340 may be connected to a region of the first housing 110 opposite to another region of the first housing 110 (e.g., the lower region), wherein the other region of the first housing 110 is connected to the first support member 141, but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0170] The second support member 340 and the first housing 110 can be connected in such a way that at least a portion of the second support member 340 is interference-fitted to the first housing 110, but the method of connecting the first housing 110 to the second support member 340 is not limited to the examples described above. In another example, the first housing 110 and the second support member 340 can also be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded connection method, and a magnetic coupling method.

[0171] The second support member 340 may include a material with rigidity and water resistance (e.g., rubber) to not only secure the liquid delivery element 300 and the atomizer 400 to the first housing 110, but also prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances from the storage container 200. For example, the second support member 340 may block a region of the storage container 200—wherein this region is adjacent to the liquid delivery element 300 or the atomizer 400—to prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances.

[0172] Table 1

[0173]

[0174] Table 1 above compares the following two items: the initial weight of the cartridge 10 according to the embodiment (before evaluation); and the weight of the cartridge 10 after storing it at 60°C and 80% humidity for 96 hours and then leaving it at room temperature for 2 hours (after evaluation). When the cartridge 10 leaks, at least some of the aerosol generating substances leak from the cartridge 10, and therefore, the weight of the cartridge 10 after evaluation decreases compared to the weight of the cartridge 10 before evaluation.

[0175] In comparison, based on the results in Table 1, the weight of the e-cigarette cartridge 10 after evaluation increased by an average of approximately 0.321g compared to the weight before evaluation, and it can be confirmed that no leakage occurred from the e-cigarette cartridge 10 according to the embodiment.

[0176] In this case, the moisture formed during the process of storing the cartridge 10 at relatively high humidity (80% humidity) and then placing the cartridge 10 at room temperature may be the reason for the increase in weight of the cartridge after evaluation compared to the weight of the cartridge 10 before evaluation in the results of Table 1.

[0177] In other words, the cartridge 10 according to the embodiment can prevent aerosol-generating substances from leaking from the storage unit 200 via the first support member 141 and / or the second support member 340, and therefore, failure or malfunction of the cartridge 10 due to leakage can be minimized.

[0178] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a drive circuit for driving an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0179] Reference Figure 5 The drive circuit includes a battery 510, a DC / DC converter 511, a power drive circuit 512, a processor 550, an inductor, and a boost circuit 513.

[0180] DC / DC converter 511 boosts the battery voltage of battery 510 to a first voltage. The battery voltage can be from about 3.4V to about 4.2V, but the implementation is not limited thereto. The battery voltage can be from about 3.8V to about 6V, or from about 2.5V to about 3.6V. The first voltage V1 can be from about 10V to about 13V, but the implementation is not limited thereto. The first voltage V1 can be from about 7V to about 10.5V, or from about 12V to about 20V. In one example, the first voltage can be at least three times the battery voltage. However, the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0181] Based on the PWM control signals PWM_P and PWM_N input from the processor 550, the power drive circuit 512 generates a switching voltage (e.g., a first switching voltage V). SW_P Second switching voltage V SW_N This causes the power switching components (e.g., the first transistor TR1 and the second transistor TR2) to switch. Here, each of the PWM control signals PWM_P and PWM_N can be a complementary signal. Each of the PWM control signals PWM_P and PWM_N can be a pulse signal with a certain duty cycle or frequency.

[0182] The boost circuit 513 operates according to the first switching voltage V. SW_P Second switching voltage V SW_N The first voltage V1 output from the DC / DC converter 511 is boosted to a second voltage, and the second voltage is supplied to the oscillator P.

[0183] When the first switching voltage V SW_P In the first state (e.g., high or low state) and the second switching voltage V SW_N In the second state (e.g., low or high state), since the current flow between the ground and one of the first inductors L1 and L2 is permitted, the energy corresponding to the change in current flowing through the one inductor can be stored in the one inductor, and since the current flow between the ground and the other inductor of the first inductor L1 and L2 is blocked, the energy stored in the other inductor can be transferred to the oscillator.

[0184] When the first switching voltage V SW_P In the high state, current flow is allowed between the source and drain terminals of the first transistor TR1. Therefore, current flow is allowed between the first inductor L1 and ground. The first inductor L1 is also connected to the oscillator P, but the oscillator P has a non-zero load value (e.g., capacitance), while the ground resistance is zero or substantially close to zero. Therefore, the current flowing through the first inductor L1 can be substantially entirely transferred to the ground. Because current flows through the first inductor L1, the first inductor L1 can store energy corresponding to the current.

[0185] When the second switching voltage V SW_N When in a low-voltage state, the current flow between the source and drain terminals of the second transistor TR2 can be blocked. Therefore, the energy stored in the second inductor L2 can be supplied to the oscillator P. For example, the current flowing through the oscillator P can correspond to the current flowing through the second inductor L2.

[0186] When the first switching voltage V SW_PIn the low state, the current flow between the source and drain terminals of the first transistor TR1 can be blocked. Therefore, the energy stored in the first inductor L1 can be supplied to the oscillator P. For example, the current I flowing through the oscillator P can correspond to the current flowing through the first inductor L1.

[0187] When the second switching voltage V SW_N In the high state, current flow is allowed between the source and drain terminals of the second transistor TR2. Therefore, current flow is allowed between the second inductor L2 and ground. The second inductor L2 is also connected to the oscillator P, but the oscillator P has a non-zero load value (e.g., capacitance), while the ground resistance is zero or substantially close to zero. Therefore, the current I2 flowing through the second inductor L2 can be almost entirely transferred to the ground. Since the current I2 flows through the second inductor L2, the second inductor L2 can store energy corresponding to the current I2.

[0188] First switching voltage V SW_P Second switching voltage V SW_N Each of these corresponds to a voltage signal with a frequency corresponding to the PWM signal and repeats either a high state or a low state, and the switching states can be repeated rapidly. The back electromotive force of the inductor can be proportional to the inductance value L and the change of current di / dt over time, as shown in Equation 4 below.

[0189] Equation 4

[0190]

[0191] Therefore, as the initial voltage increases, the current flowing through the inductor increases, or the switching speed is higher (i.e., the period of the PWM signal is shorter), and a higher voltage can be applied to the oscillator. In an embodiment, the peak-to-peak value of the AC voltage supplied to the oscillator P can be from about 55V to about 70V. This peak-to-peak voltage value can be a value corresponding to a minimum of 13.1 times and a maximum of 20.6 times the battery voltage (e.g., from about 3.4V to about 4.2V).

[0192] In this implementation, the capacitance value or range of the oscillator can be determined by considering the resonant frequency of the first inductor L1 or the second inductor L2 in the circuit, the frequency of the PWM signal, or the frequency of the switching voltage signal provided from the processor 550. The determination of the capacitance value or range of the oscillator is the same as described with reference to Equation 1.

[0193] Table 2 below shows the results of a comparison of atomization performance based on the capacitance values ​​of the oscillators used for multiple samples. Here, D refers to the diameter of the oscillator, T refers to the thickness, Zr refers to the impedance, C refers to the capacitance, and Fr refers to the resonant frequency. Additionally, during the test, the inductance value of the inductor and the system frequency were fixed at 4.7 μH and 3 MHz, respectively, and the atomization amount was then tested according to the following specifications. It can be confirmed that sample 2 has a capacitance value of 0.53 nF and an atomization amount of 1.5 mg, indicating a decrease in atomization performance; and it can be confirmed that sample 5, with a capacitance value of 1.240 nF, was not atomized.

[0194] Table 2

[0195]

[0196] Therefore, each of samples 1, 3, 4, and 6 has a capacitance value between 0.6 nF and 1.1 nF and exhibits relatively excellent atomization performance. In this embodiment, after determining the capacitance value or range of the oscillator, an oscillator with optimal efficiency can be designed by adjusting the oscillator's attribute values.

[0197] Table 3 below shows the results of testing the property values ​​of the ultrasonic oscillator based on capacitance values. Here, the initial values ​​are the property values ​​of the oscillator before the atomization test, and the subsequent values ​​are the property values ​​of the oscillator after 20 cycles of testing (10 aspirations / 1 cycle).

[0198] Table 3

[0199]

[0200] It can be confirmed that when the attribute values ​​are determined based on the capacitance values ​​according to the test results, the oscillator characteristics change little compared to the initial values; the atomization amount does not decrease, and Qm increases. Therefore, it can be determined that the oscillator's durability is excellent. Figures 6 to 9 The cartridge 10' of the embodiment shown may be another embodiment of the cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0201] Reference Figures 6 to 9 According to another embodiment, the cartridge 10' may include a housing 100', an exhaust channel 150', a mouthpiece 160', a storage component 200', a liquid delivery element 300', an atomizer 400', and a printed circuit board 500'. The components of the cartridge 10' according to another embodiment are not limited to the examples described above, and according to the embodiment, at least one component may be added, or any component (e.g., the mouthpiece 160') may be omitted.

[0202] The housing 100' forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 10' and may include an internal space in which components of the cartridge 10' can be arranged. Figures 6 to 9 The image shows an embodiment where the casing 100' of the smoke cartridge 10' has an overall quadrangular prism shape, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In another embodiment (not shown), the casing 100' may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape, or it may be formed in a polygonal prism (e.g., a triangular prism and a pentagonal prism) shape instead of a quadrangular prism.

[0203] In an embodiment, housing 100' may include a first housing 110' and a second housing 120', the second housing 120' being connected to a region of the first housing 110', and the first housing 110' and the second housing 120' being able to protect the following components of the cartridge 10': these components are arranged in an internal space formed by the combination of the first housing 110' and the second housing 120'.

[0204] For example, the first housing 110' (or "upper housing") is connected to a region located at the top (e.g., in the z direction) of the second housing 120' (or "lower housing") to form an internal space between the first housing 110' and the second housing 120', in which the components of the cartridge 10' may be arranged, but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0205] In this disclosure, the term "top" refers to Figures 6 to 9 The "z" direction in the text, the term "bottom" can refer to... Figures 6 to 9 The "-z" direction is the direction opposite to the top, and in the following text, terms with the same meaning may be used respectively.

[0206] The mouthpiece 160' is the part that is inserted into the user's mouth and can be connected to a region of the housing 100'. For example, the mouthpiece 160' can be connected to a region of the first housing 110' opposite to another region of the first housing 110' (e.g., the upper region of the first housing 110'), wherein the other region of the first housing 110' is connected to the second housing 120'.

[0207] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160' may be detachably / attachably attached to a region of the housing 100', but according to another embodiment, the mouthpiece 160' and the housing 100' may be integrally formed.

[0208] The mouthpiece 160' may include at least one outlet 160e' for discharging aerosol generated in the cartridge 10' to the outside of the cartridge 10'. The user may bring his / her mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 160' and receive the aerosol discharged to the outside via the outlet 160e' of the mouthpiece 160'.

[0209] The storage unit 200' can be arranged in the internal space of the first housing 110', and the aerosol generating material can be stored in the storage unit 200'. For example, the storage unit 200' can store liquid aerosol generating material, but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0210] The liquid delivery element 300' can be located between the storage unit 200' and the atomizer 400', and the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit 200' can be supplied to the atomizer 400' through the liquid delivery element 300'.

[0211] In one embodiment, the liquid delivery element 300' can receive aerosol-generating material from the storage member 200' and can deliver the received aerosol-generating material to the atomizer 400'. For example, the liquid delivery element 300' can absorb aerosol-generating material moving from the storage member 200' toward the liquid delivery element 300', and the absorbed aerosol-generating material can move along the liquid delivery element 300' and be supplied to the atomizer 400'.

[0212] In an embodiment, the liquid delivery element 300' may include a plurality of liquid delivery elements. For example, the liquid delivery element 300' may include a first liquid delivery element 310' and a second liquid delivery element 320'.

[0213] The first liquid transfer element 310' is arranged adjacent to the storage unit 200' and can therefore receive liquid aerosol generating material from the storage unit 200'. For example, the first liquid transfer element 310' can receive aerosol generating material from the storage unit 200' by absorbing at least some of the aerosol generating material discharged from the storage unit 200'.

[0214] For example, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 200' can be discharged to the outside of the storage unit 200' via a liquid supply hole (not shown) formed in a region of the storage unit 200', namely the region facing the first liquid transfer element 310', but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0215] The second liquid delivery element 320' is located between the first liquid delivery element 310' and the atomizer 400', and the aerosol supplied to the first liquid delivery element 310' can be delivered to the atomizer 400'. For example, the second liquid delivery element 320' is located at the bottom (e.g., in the -z direction) of the first liquid delivery element 310', and can supply the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the first liquid delivery element 310' to the atomizer 400'.

[0216] In one embodiment, one region of the second liquid delivery element 320' may contact one region of the first liquid delivery element 310', i.e., the region facing the -z direction, and another region of the second liquid delivery element 320' may contact the region of the atomizer 400', i.e., the region facing the z direction.

[0217] In other words, the atomizer 400', the second liquid delivery element 320', and the first liquid delivery element 310' can be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-direction) of the cartridge 10' or the housing 100', and therefore, the second liquid delivery element 320' and the first liquid delivery element 310' can be stacked sequentially on the atomizer 400'.

[0218] With the above arrangement, at least some of the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage unit 200' to the first liquid delivery element 310' can move to the second liquid delivery element 320' which is in contact with the first liquid delivery element 310'. Furthermore, the aerosol generating material that has moved to the second liquid delivery element 320' can move along the second liquid delivery element 320' and reach the atomizer 400' which is in contact with the second liquid delivery element 320'.

[0219] exist Figures 6 to 9 The image shows an embodiment in which the liquid transfer element 300' includes two liquid transfer elements, but in one embodiment, the liquid transfer element 300' may include one liquid transfer element or include three or more liquid transfer elements.

[0220] The atomizer 400' can atomize the liquid aerosol generating substance supplied from the liquid delivery element 300' to generate an aerosol.

[0221] For example, the atomizer 400' may include an oscillator that generates ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the oscillator may be from about 100 kHz to about 10 MHz, for example, the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the oscillator may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz. When the oscillator generates ultrasonic vibrations within the aforementioned frequency band, the oscillator may vibrate along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-direction or the -z-direction) of the cartridge 10' or the housing 100'. However, the implementation is not limited to the direction along which the oscillator vibrates, and the direction along which the oscillator vibrates may be changed to various directions (e.g., one of the z-direction and the -z-direction, the x-direction and the -x-direction, and the y-direction and the -y-direction, or combinations thereof).

[0222] The atomizer 400' can atomize aerosol-generating substances using an ultrasonic method, thereby generating aerosols at a relatively lower temperature compared to methods that heat the aerosol-generating substances. For example, when aerosol-generating substances are heated using a heater, they may be unintentionally heated to 200°C or higher, and therefore, the user may perceive a burnt smell in the aerosol.

[0223] In comparison, by using an ultrasonic method to atomize the aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge 10' according to the embodiment can generate an aerosol within a temperature range of approximately 100°C to approximately 160°C—a temperature range lower than that when the aerosol-generating substance is heated using a heater. Therefore, the cartridge 10' can minimize the sensation of burnt flavor in the aerosol, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

[0224] The atomizer 400' can be electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., via a printed circuit board 500') Figure 2 The atomizer 400' is located in the main body 20 (battery 510), and can generate ultrasonic vibrations by power supplied from an external power source. For example, since the atomizer 400' is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 500' located in the cartridge 10', and the printed circuit board 500' is electrically connected to a power source outside the cartridge 10', the atomizer 400' can receive power from an external power source.

[0225] In one embodiment, the atomizer 400' can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 500' via the first conductor 410' and the second conductor 420'.

[0226] In one embodiment, the first conductor 410' may include a conductive material (e.g., a metal) and may be located on top of the atomizer 400' to electrically connect the atomizer 400' to the printed circuit board 500'.

[0227] For example, a portion (e.g., the upper portion) of the first conductor 410' may be arranged to surround at least one region of the outer peripheral surface of the atomizer 400' to contact the atomizer 400', while another portion (e.g., the lower portion) of the first conductor 410' may be a portion formed to extend toward the printed circuit board 500' to contact a region of the printed circuit board 500'. The atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' may be electrically connected to each other through the aforementioned contact structure of the first conductor 410'.

[0228] In one example, an opening 410h' may be formed in a portion of the first conductor 410', and thus at least a portion of the atomizer 400' may be exposed to the outside of the first conductor 410'. The area of ​​the atomizer 400' exposed to the outside of the first conductor 410' through the opening 410h' may contact the second liquid delivery element 320' to receive aerosol-generating material from the second liquid delivery element 320'.

[0229] In an embodiment, the second conductor 420' may include a conductive material and may be located at the bottom of the atomizer 400' or between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' to electrically connect the atomizer 400' to the printed circuit board 500'. For example, since one end of the second conductor 420' contacts the lower region of the atomizer 400' and the other end of the second conductor 420' contacts a region of the printed circuit board 500', i.e., the region facing the atomizer 400', the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' may be electrically connected to each other.

[0230] In one embodiment, the second conductor 420' may include a flexible conductive material, thereby not only electrically connecting the atomizer 400' to the printed circuit board 500', but also providing elastic support for the atomizer 400'. For example, the second conductor 420' may include a conductive spring, but the second conductor 420' is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0231] The cartridge 10' according to an embodiment may further include an elastic support 430' located between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' to support the second conductor 420'. The elastic support 430' may include, for example, a material with flexible properties and may be arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the second conductor 420' to elastically support the second conductor 420'. However, embodiments of the cartridge 10' are not limited thereto, and in embodiments, the elastic support 430' may be omitted.

[0232] In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 500' is located within the second housing 120', and the printed circuit board 500' is electrically connected to the atomizer 400' via a first conductor 410' and a second conductor 420'. Simultaneously, the printed circuit board 500' is electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., [unclear]) via an electrical connection member (not shown). Figure 2 Battery 510 in the middle).

[0233] Electrical connection components may include at least one of spring pins, wires, cables, FPCBs, and C-clamps, but are not limited to the examples described above.

[0234] In one embodiment, the second housing 120' may include a plurality of through holes 121', 122' and 123' that pass through the interior of the second housing 120' and the exterior of the cartridge 10', and electrical connection members may be arranged in the plurality of through holes 121', 122' and 123' to electrically connect the printed circuit board 500' located in the cartridge 10' to a power source outside the cartridge 10'.

[0235] Since the printed circuit board 500' is electrically connected to the atomizer 400' via the first conductor 410' and the second conductor 420' and is electrically connected to a power source outside the cartridge 10' via an electrical connection member, the atomizer 400' can be electrically connected to an external power source via the printed circuit board 500' to receive power from the external power source.

[0236] A resistor R for removing noise (or "noise signal") generated during the operation of the cartridge 10' may be mounted on at least one area of ​​the printed circuit board 500', and the resistor R can prevent damage to the atomizer 400' by removing noise.

[0237] The aerosol atomized by ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400' can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10' via the exhaust channel 150' and supplied to the user. For example, the exhaust channel 150' is configured to connect or communicate with the internal space of the housing 100' and the outlet 160e' of the mouthpiece 160', and thus, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400' can flow through the exhaust channel 150' and then be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10' via the outlet 160e'.

[0238] In one embodiment, the discharge channel 150' may be located in the interior space of the housing 100', and at least one region of the outer peripheral surface of the discharge channel 150' may be arranged to be surrounded by the storage member 200', but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0239] According to the embodiment, the cartridge 10' may also include a sealing element 130' for preventing leakage from the storage element 200' into the discharge channel 150'.

[0240] According to a comparative embodiment, since the outer peripheral surface of the discharge channel 150' is arranged to be surrounded by the storage member 200', leakage generated by the storage member 200' can flow into the discharge channel 150', thereby reducing the user's smoking experience.

[0241] In contrast, the cartridge 10' according to the embodiment can prevent leakage generated by the storage member 200' from flowing into the discharge channel 150' by the sealing element 130', thereby preventing the user's smoking experience from being reduced.

[0242] In one embodiment, the sealing element 130' may be located in the discharge channel 150' to prevent leaked material from entering the discharge channel 150'. For example, the sealing element 130' may be inserted into and fitted into the discharge channel 150' so that the sealing element 130' is in close contact with the inner wall of the discharge channel 150', but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0243] Furthermore, the interior of the sealing element 130' can be formed into a hollow shape, thus preventing leakage generated by the storage element 200' from flowing into the discharge channel 150', and without obstructing the flow of aerosol generated by the atomizer 400'.

[0244] In another embodiment, the sealing element 130' can absorb the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the atomizer 400' by including a resilient material (e.g., rubber), thereby minimizing the transmission of the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the atomizer 400' to the user through the housing 100' of the cartridge 10'.

[0245] In one embodiment, the sealing element 130' is located on top of the liquid delivery element 300' to press the liquid delivery element 300' toward the atomizer 400', thereby maintaining contact between the liquid delivery element 300' and the atomizer 400'. For example, the sealing element 130' can maintain contact between the second liquid delivery element 320' and the atomizer 400' by pressing the first liquid delivery element 310' and / or the second liquid delivery element 320' in the -z direction.

[0246] The cartridge 10' according to the embodiment may further include: a structure 140' for preventing droplets ejected from the atomizer 400' from being supplied to the user; and a first support element 141' for fixing or supporting the structure 140'.

[0247] During the process of atomizing the aerosol-generating material by ultrasonic vibration generated by atomizer 400', some aerosol-generating material may not be atomized, thus forming droplets, and the droplets may be ejected by ultrasonic vibration generated by atomizer 400' and discharged to the outside of cartridge 10' via outlet 160e'.

[0248] Structure 140' is arranged adjacent to discharge channel 150', and thus can restrict the movement and flow of ejected droplets toward outlet 160e' of mouthpiece 160'.

[0249] For example, structure 140' can absorb droplets ejected from atomizer 400' by including a material capable of absorbing droplets (e.g., felt material), thereby limiting the movement or flow of droplets toward outlet 160e', but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0250] According to a comparative implementation, when droplets ejected from the atomizer 400' are discharged through the outlet 160e' to the outside of the cartridge 10' and delivered to the user, the user may feel uncomfortable, and therefore, the overall smoking experience may be reduced.

[0251] In contrast, through structure 140', the cartridge 10' according to the embodiment can restrict the movement of un-atomized droplets ejected from the atomizer 400' toward the outlet 160e', thereby reducing the decrease in the user's smoking experience caused by the ejection of droplets. In this disclosure, the term "ejection of droplets" can mean the ejection of un-atomized droplets, and expressions with the same meaning may be used hereinafter.

[0252] The first support element 141' can accommodate at least one region of the structure 140' and hold or fix the structure 140' in a region of the first housing 110'. For example, the first support element 141' can hold or fix the structure 140' in a region (e.g., the upper region) of the first housing 110' or hold or fix the structure 140' to that region (e.g., the upper region) of the first housing, wherein the region is adjacent to the mouthpiece 160', but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0253] In one embodiment, the first support element 141' may be arranged to accommodate at least one region of the structure 140', and the structure 140' may be fixed to that region of the first housing 110' when the first support element 141' accommodating the structure 140' is coupled to a region of the first housing 110' (e.g., a region in the z-direction).

[0254] The first support element 141' that houses the structure 140' and the first housing 110' can be connected in such a way that at least a portion of the first support element 141' is interference-fitted to the first housing 110', but the method of connecting the first housing 110' to the first support element 141' is not limited to this. In another example, the first housing 110' and the first support element 141' can also be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded connection method, and a magnetic coupling method.

[0255] The first support element 141' may include a material with a certain rigidity and water resistance (e.g., rubber) to not only secure the structure 140' to the first housing 110', but also prevent aerosol-generating substances from leaking from the storage unit 200'. For example, the first support element 141' may block a region of the storage unit 200', namely the region facing the mouthpiece 160', thereby preventing leakage of aerosol-generating substances.

[0256] According to the embodiment, the cartridge 10' may also include a second support element 330' for holding the liquid delivery element 300' and / or the atomizer 400' within the first housing 110'.

[0257] The second support element 330' may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first liquid delivery element 310', the second liquid delivery element 320' and / or the atomizer 400' to accommodate the first liquid delivery element 310', the second liquid delivery element 320' and / or the atomizer 400'.

[0258] In one embodiment, the second support element 330' may be coupled to a region of the first housing 110' opposite to another region of the first housing 110' (e.g., a region in the -z direction), and thus the first liquid delivery element 310', the second liquid delivery element 320' and / or the atomizer 400' may be held or fixed in that region of the first housing 110' or may be held or fixed to that region of the first housing.

[0259] The second support element 330' can be connected to the first housing 110' in such a way that at least a portion of the second support element 330' is interference-fitted to the first housing 110', but the method of connecting the first housing 110' to the second support element 330' is not limited to the above examples. In another example, the first housing 110' and the second support element 330' can also be connected by at least one of the following methods: snap-fit, threaded connection, and magnetic coupling.

[0260] In one embodiment, the second support element 330' may include a material with rigidity and water resistance (e.g., rubber) to not only secure the liquid delivery element 300' and the atomizer 400' to the first housing 110', but also prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances from the storage container 200'. For example, the second support element 330' may block a region of the storage container 200'—wherein this region is adjacent to the liquid delivery element 300' or the atomizer 400'—to prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances.

[0261] In the following text, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The electrical connection structure between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500', as well as the electrical connection relationship between the resistor R mounted on the printed circuit board 500' and the atomizer 400', are described in detail.

[0262] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view used to describe the electrical connection relationship between the oscillator and the printed circuit board of a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment, and Figure 11 It is used for Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the electrical connection between the oscillator of the cigarette cartridge and the printed circuit board.

[0263] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 According to the implementation method, the cigarette cartridge (e.g., Figures 6 to 9 The cartridge 10' may include an atomizer 400', a printed circuit board 500', and a first conductor 410' and a second conductor 420' for electrically connecting the atomizer 400' to the printed circuit board 500'.

[0264] The printed circuit board 500' may include a first surface arranged toward the atomizer 400' and a second surface arranged opposite to the first surface, and is used to electrically connect the printed circuit board 500' to the atomizer 400' and / or an external power source (e.g., Figure 2 Multiple electrical contacts of the battery 510 can be arranged on the first and second surfaces of the printed circuit board 500'.

[0265] In one embodiment, a first electrical contact 501' and a second electrical contact 502' spaced apart from the first electrical contact 501' may be arranged on a first surface of a printed circuit board 500'.

[0266] A portion (or "upper portion") of the first conductor 410' may be arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the atomizer 400' for contact with the atomizer 400', while another portion (or "lower portion") of the first conductor 410' may contact the first electrical contact 501' of the printed circuit board 500'. The atomizer 400' and the first electrical contact 501' may be electrically connected to each other through the above-described arrangement of the first conductor 410'.

[0267] The second conductor 420' is located between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500', and one end of the second conductor 420' (e.g., one end in the z-direction) can contact a region of the atomizer 400', i.e., the region facing the printed circuit board 500', and the other end of the second conductor 420' (e.g., one end in the -z-direction) can contact the second electrical contact 502' of the printed circuit board 500'. The atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact 502' can be electrically connected to each other through the above-described arrangement of the second conductor 420'.

[0268] In one embodiment, the atomizer 400' may include: a first electrode 401' (or "upper electrode") disposed in a region of the atomizer 400', i.e., a region facing the opposite direction to the printed circuit board 500'; and a second electrode 402' (or "lower electrode") disposed in a region of the atomizer 400', i.e., a region facing the printed circuit board 500'.

[0269] The first electrode 401' and / or the second electrode 402' may comprise a material with high conductivity, thereby electrically connecting the atomizer 400' to the first conductor 410' and / or the second conductor 420'. The first electrode 401' and / or the second electrode 402' may comprise, for example, one of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), iron (Fe), platinum (Pt), and lead (Pb), but are not limited thereto.

[0270] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 The illustration shows an embodiment where a first electrode 401' is arranged along the edge of an atomizer 400' and a second electrode 402' is arranged in the center of a region of the atomizer 400', specifically the region facing the printed circuit board 500'. However, the arrangement of the first electrode 401' and / or the second electrode 402' is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In another embodiment, the first electrode 401' may be arranged on only a portion of the edge of the atomizer 400', or the second electrode 402' may be arranged in a region offset from the center of the atomizer 400'.

[0271] In one embodiment, a portion of the first conductor 410' is arranged around the outer circumferential surface of the atomizer 400' to contact a first electrode 401' arranged in a region of the atomizer 400', and another portion of the first conductor 410' contacts a first electrical contact 501' of the printed circuit board 500', and thus the atomizer 400' and the first electrical contact 501' can be electrically connected to each other.

[0272] In another embodiment, one end of the second conductor 420' contacts the second electrode 402' of the atomizer 400', and the other end of the second conductor 420' contacts the second electrical contact 502' of the printed circuit board 500', and thus the atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact 502' can be electrically connected to each other.

[0273] In other words, according to the embodiment, the cartridge 10' can electrically connect the atomizer 400' to the printed circuit board 500' via the first conductor 410' and the second conductor 420', the first conductor 410' being in contact with the first electrode 401' of the atomizer 400' and the first electrical contact 501' of the printed circuit board 500', and the second conductor 420' being in contact with the second electrode 402' of the atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact 502' of the printed circuit board 500'.

[0274] In one embodiment, the third electrical contact 501-1' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1' may be arranged on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the printed circuit board 500'.

[0275] In one embodiment, the third electrical contact 501-1' is disposed at a position corresponding to the first electrical contact 501' disposed on the first surface of the printed circuit board 500', and the third electrical contact 501-1' can be electrically connected to the first electrical contact 501' through the first conductive via V1.

[0276] For example, the third electrical contact 501-1' may be arranged at a position overlapping the first electrical contact 501' when viewed from the first surface of the printed circuit board 500', and the first conductive via V1 may be located between the first electrical contact 501' and the third electrical contact 501-1' to connect the first electrical contact 501' to the third electrical contact 501-1'.

[0277] For example, the first conductive via V1 can be arranged to pass through the first and second surfaces of the printed circuit board 500' to electrically connect the first electrical contact 501' to the third electrical contact 501-1'.

[0278] In one embodiment, the fourth electrical contact 502-1' is disposed at a position corresponding to the second electrical contact 502' disposed on the first surface of the printed circuit board 500', and the fourth electrical contact 502-1' can be electrically connected to the second electrical contact 502' through the second conductive via V2.

[0279] For example, the fourth electrical contact 502-1' may be arranged at a position where it overlaps with the second electrical contact 502' when viewed from the first surface of the printed circuit board 500', and the second conductive via V2 may be located between the second electrical contact 502' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1' to connect the second electrical contact 502' to the fourth electrical contact 502-1'.

[0280] For example, the second conductive via V2 can be arranged to pass through the first and second surfaces of the printed circuit board 500' to electrically connect the second electrical contact 502' to the fourth electrical contact 502-1'.

[0281] The third electrical contact 501-1' is arranged with the second housing (e.g., Figure 8 The first through hole (e.g., in the second housing 120') Figure 8 At the location corresponding to the through hole 122' in the first through hole, and therefore, the third electrical contact 501-1' can be electrically connected to an external power source via an electrical connection member arranged in the first through hole. For example, the third electrical contact 501-1' can be electrically connected to the body (e.g., ...) via an electrical connection member arranged in the first through hole. Figure 2 The battery (e.g., the main body 20) in the middle. Figure 2 Battery 510 in the middle).

[0282] Furthermore, the fourth electrical contact 502-1' is arranged in the second through hole of the second housing (e.g., Figure 8 The fourth electrical contact 502-1' is located at the position corresponding to the through hole 121' in the second through hole, and therefore, the fourth electrical contact 502-1' can be electrically connected to an external power source through an electrical connection member arranged in the second through hole. For example, the fourth electrical contact 502-1' can be electrically connected to the battery of the main body through an electrical connection member arranged in the second through hole.

[0283] According to the embodiment, the printed circuit board 500' of the cartridge 10' can function as a medium for electrically connecting the atomizer 400' to an external power source (e.g., the main body's battery), because the first electrical contact 501' and the second electrical contact 502' are arranged on the first surface, and the third electrical contact 501-1' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1', which are respectively electrically connected to the first electrical contact 501' and the second electrical contact 502', are arranged on the second surface.

[0284] Since the first electrical contact 501' and the second electrical contact 502' of the printed circuit board 500' are electrically connected to the atomizer 400', and the third electrical contact 501-1' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1' are electrically connected to the battery of the main body, a circuit can be formed between the atomizer 400' and the external power source.

[0285] The atomizer 400' can atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol by receiving power from an external power source through a circuit formed between the atomizer 400' and an external power source. For example, power supplied from an external power source can be transmitted to the atomizer 400' through a printed circuit board 500' arranged in the cartridge, and the atomizer 400' can generate an aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibrations with the aid of the received power.

[0286] In an embodiment, the printed circuit board 500' may further include: a fifth electrical contact 503' disposed on a first surface; and a sixth electrical contact 503-1' disposed in a region of the second surface, that is, the region corresponding to the fifth electrical contact 503'.

[0287] The fifth electrical contact 503' may be arranged at a position corresponding to or overlapping with the sixth electrical contact 503-1' when viewed from the first surface of the printed circuit board 500', and the third conductive via V3 may be arranged between the fifth electrical contact 503' and the sixth electrical contact 503-1' to electrically connect the fifth electrical contact 503' to the sixth electrical contact 503-1'.

[0288] In one embodiment, when the fifth electrical contact 503' contacts a region of the first conductor 410', the atomizer 400' and the fifth electrical contact 503' can be electrically connected to each other.

[0289] In another example, the sixth electrical contact 503-1' is arranged in the third through hole of the second housing (e.g., Figure 8 At the location corresponding to the through hole 123' in the third through hole, and therefore, the sixth electrical contact 503-1' can be electrically connected to an external power source (the battery of the main body) through the electrical connection member arranged in the third through hole.

[0290] According to the embodiment, the cartridge allows the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' to be electrically connected to each other by arranging two electrical contacts electrically connected to the first conductor 410' on the first surface of the printed circuit board 500', even when the first conductor 410' is in contact with only one of the two electrical contacts (first electrical contact 501' and fifth electrical contact 503').

[0291] Even when the first conductor 410' is in contact with only one of the first electrical contact 501' and the fifth electrical contact 503', the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' can still be electrically connected to each other, and therefore, the electrical connection between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' can be maintained regardless of the arrangement orientation of the printed circuit board 500'.

[0292] The first electrical contact 501' to the sixth electrical contact 503-1' can be, for example, a conductive pad or a solder pad mounted on a printed circuit board 500', but is not limited thereto.

[0293] A resistor R may be arranged in the area of ​​the printed circuit board 500'. The resistor R is used to remove or filter noise that occurs during the process of supplying power from an external power source to the atomizer 400' or in the circuit of the printed circuit board 500'.

[0294] In one implementation, a resistor R is mounted on a region of the printed circuit board 500' to remove noise that occurs when the aerosol generating device is operating (or "energized"), thereby allowing a stable voltage to be supplied to the atomizer 400'.

[0295] Undesirable noise may occur in the circuit between the atomizer 400' and the external power source at the point when power is first supplied to the atomizer 400' or during the power supply process. For example, noise may appear in the voltage signal supplied to the atomizer 400', making it possible to supply a voltage to the atomizer 400' that is greater than a specified value. Therefore, in a comparative embodiment, the temperature of the atomizer 400' rises rapidly (e.g., rises above the Curie temperature), and thus, the atomizer 400' may be damaged.

[0296] In comparison, the cartridge according to the embodiment can remove or filter noise that occurs in the circuit formed between the atomizer 400' and the external power supply by a resistor R mounted on the printed circuit board 500', and therefore the cartridge or aerosol generating device can operate stably.

[0297] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium, which includes computer-executable instructions, such as computer-executable program modules. The computer-readable recording medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable 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. Communication media typically include: computer-readable instructions; data structures; other data in modulated data signals, such as program modules; or other transmission mechanisms, and communication media include any information transmission medium.

[0298] Those skilled in the art of this embodiment will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The disclosed methods should be considered only in a descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. All differences within the scope of equivalents should be interpreted as included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: A storage unit configured to store aerosol-generating substances; A liquid delivery element configured to absorb the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage container; as well as Atomizer configured to atomize the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the liquid delivery element into an aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibrations. The atomizer includes an oscillator having a capacitance value in the range of 0.6 nF to 1.1 nF, and the attribute values ​​of the oscillator are determined based on this range of capacitance values. The attribute values ​​of the oscillator include at least one of piezoelectric constant, electromechanical coupling coefficient, mechanical quality factor, and Curie temperature.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The oscillator includes additives, which are determined based on the range of capacitance values.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The additives include at least one of cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), and niobium (Nb).

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the oscillator is 0.69 mm to 0.71 mm.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the oscillator is 7 mm to 9 mm.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The oscillator comprises lead zirconate titanate.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid transfer element includes: A first liquid delivery element, arranged adjacent to the storage unit, and configured to receive the aerosol-generating substance from the storage unit; and A second liquid delivery element is located between the first liquid delivery element and the atomizer, and the second liquid delivery element is configured to deliver the aerosol-generating substance supplied to the first liquid delivery element to the atomizer.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The aerosol generating device further includes: A mouthpiece, the mouthpiece including an outlet for discharging the aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating device; and An exhaust channel is provided, which is configured to connect the atomizer to the outlet, wherein the aerosol moves toward the outlet via the exhaust channel.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a structure configured to restrict the movement of droplets ejected from the atomizer toward the discharge channel.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A battery, the battery being configured to supply battery voltage; as well as A power conversion circuit configured to supply AC voltage to the oscillator by converting the battery voltage. The capacitance value of the oscillator is determined based on the inductance value of the inductor and the resonant frequency of the power conversion circuit.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The aerosol generating device further includes a processor configured to control the power conversion circuit.

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