Ultrasonic nebulizer

Abstract

The application discloses an ultrasonic atomizer, which comprises a liquid storage cavity for storing a liquid matrix, an ultrasonic atomizing sheet for generating oscillation to atomize the liquid matrix, a controller, a control circuit and a power supply. The control circuit comprises a switch branch connected with the controller and configured to be disconnected in response to a first control signal. A current limiting branch is connected with the switch branch and the power supply respectively and configured to be enabled to reduce the output current of the power supply when the switch branch is disconnected, wherein the output current of the power supply is a first current when the current limiting branch is enabled. A driving branch is connected with the controller, the current limiting branch, the switch branch and the ultrasonic atomizing sheet respectively and configured to output a first driving signal to start the ultrasonic atomizing sheet in response to the first current and a first pulse signal. In this way, the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing sheet can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasonic atomizer technology, and in particular to an ultrasonic atomizer. Background Technology

[0002] In daily life, ultrasonic atomizers can be used in many fields such as humidification, fragrance addition, sterilization, decoration, medical atomization, and e-cigarettes.

[0003] Among them, the ultrasonic atomizer uses ultrasonic atomization technology to achieve the atomization function. Specifically, in the ultrasonic atomizer, the ultrasonic atomizing plate can convert electrical energy into ultrasonic energy. At room temperature, the ultrasonic energy can atomize water-soluble atomizing liquid into tiny mist particles of 1μm to 5μm. Thus, water can be used as a medium to spray water-soluble atomizing liquid into a mist using ultrasonic directional pressure.

[0004] However, in the prior art, a large starting current is generated on the ultrasonic atomizing plate during the start-up process of the ultrasonic atomizer, which may cause damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of this application aim to provide an ultrasonic atomizer that can reduce the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an ultrasonic atomizer, comprising:

[0007] A liquid storage chamber is used to store a liquid matrix;

[0008] An ultrasonic atomizing plate is used to generate oscillations to atomize the liquid matrix;

[0009] Controller, control circuit and power supply;

[0010] The control circuit includes:

[0011] A switch branch connected to the controller, the switch branch being configured to disconnect in response to a first control signal output by the controller;

[0012] A current-limiting branch is connected to both the switching branch and the power supply. The current-limiting branch is configured to be activated when the switching branch is open to reduce the output current of the power supply. When the current-limiting branch is activated, the output current of the power supply is a first current.

[0013] A drive branch is connected to the controller, the current limiting branch, the switch branch and the ultrasonic atomizing plate respectively. The drive branch is configured to output a first drive signal to the ultrasonic atomizing plate in response to the first current and the first pulse signal output by the controller, so as to start the ultrasonic atomizing plate.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the switch branch is further configured to be turned on in response to a second control signal output by the controller;

[0015] The current-limiting branch is also configured to be disabled when the switching branch is turned on in order to restore the output current of the power supply, wherein the output current of the power supply is a second current when the current-limiting branch is disabled.

[0016] The drive branch is also configured to output a second drive signal to the ultrasonic atomizing plate in response to the second current and the second pulse signal output by the controller, so as to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate to operate stably.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the switching branch includes a first switch and a second switch, wherein the second switch is connected between the first switch and the current-limiting branch;

[0018] The first switch is configured to open in response to the first control signal and to open in response to the second control signal;

[0019] The second switch is configured to open when the first switch is open to enable the current-limiting branch, and to open when the first switch is closed to disable the current-limiting branch.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, a first terminal of the first switch is connected to the control branch, a second terminal of the first switch is grounded, a third terminal of the first switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switch, a second terminal of the second switch is connected to the power supply, and a third terminal of the second switch is connected to the drive branch.

[0021] In one alternative approach, the current-limiting branch includes a first resistor;

[0022] The first end of the first resistor is connected to the power supply, and the second end of the first resistor is connected to the drive branch.

[0023] In one alternative embodiment, the drive branch includes:

[0024] A drive sub-branch is connected to the controller and the current limiting branch respectively. The drive sub-branch is configured to output a third pulse signal in response to the first pulse signal and the first current, or to output a fourth pulse signal in response to the second pulse signal and the second current.

[0025] A switch sub-branch, which is connected to the drive sub-branch, is configured to turn on or off in response to the third pulse signal, or to turn on or off in response to the fourth pulse signal;

[0026] A boost sub-branch is connected to the power supply, the switch sub-branch, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate, respectively. The boost sub-branch is configured to boost the output voltage of the power supply in response to the on or off state of the switch sub-branch, so as to generate the first drive signal or the second drive signal.

[0027] In one alternative approach, the driving sub-branch includes a driving chip, which includes a power input terminal, at least one signal input terminal, and at least one signal output terminal.

[0028] The power input terminal is connected to the power supply through the current limiting branch, the signal input terminal is connected to the controller, and the signal output terminal is connected to the switch sub-branch.

[0029] Wherein, the signal input terminal is used to input the first pulse signal and the signal output terminal is used to output the third pulse signal, or the signal input terminal is used to input the second pulse signal and the signal output terminal is used to output the fourth pulse signal.

[0030] In one alternative embodiment, the switch sub-branch includes a third switch and a fourth switch, wherein the third switch is connected to the drive sub-branch and the boost sub-branch respectively, and the fourth switch is connected to the drive sub-branch and the boost sub-branch respectively.

[0031] The third pulse signal includes a first pulse sub-signal and a second pulse sub-signal. The third switch is configured to turn on or off in response to the first pulse sub-signal to generate a first voltage signal. The fourth switch is configured to turn on or off in response to the second pulse sub-signal to generate a second voltage signal. The first drive signal includes both the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal.

[0032] Alternatively, the fourth pulse signal includes a third pulse sub-signal and a fourth pulse sub-signal, the third switch is configured to turn on or off in response to the third pulse sub-signal to generate a third voltage signal, and the fourth switch is configured to turn on or off in response to the fourth pulse sub-signal to generate a fourth voltage signal, wherein the second drive signal includes the third voltage signal and the fourth voltage signal;

[0033] The third switch and the fourth switch are switched on alternately.

[0034] In one alternative embodiment, the first terminal of the third switch and the first terminal of the fourth switch are both connected to the drive sub-branch, the second terminal of the third switch and the second terminal of the fourth switch are both grounded, the third terminal of the third switch is connected to the boost sub-branch, and the third terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the boost sub-branch.

[0035] In one alternative embodiment, the boost sub-branch includes a first inductor and a second inductor;

[0036] The first inductor is connected to the third switch, the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate respectively, and the second inductor is connected to the fourth switch, the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate respectively;

[0037] The first inductor is configured to be charged when the third switch is turned on, and to generate a first voltage signal or a third voltage signal based on the voltage of the power supply and the voltage at which the first inductor is charged when the third switch is turned off.

[0038] The second inductor is configured to be charged when the fourth switch is turned on, and to generate a second voltage signal or a fourth voltage signal based on the voltage of the power supply and the voltage at which the second inductor is charged when the fourth switch is turned off.

[0039] In one alternative embodiment, the first end of the first inductor is connected to the first end of the second inductor and the power supply, the second end of the first inductor is connected to the first end of the ultrasonic atomizing sheet and the third end of the third switch, and the second end of the second inductor is connected to the second end of the ultrasonic atomizing sheet and the fourth end of the fourth switch.

[0040] In one alternative embodiment, the control circuit further includes a current detection branch;

[0041] The current detection branch is connected to the power supply, the drive branch and the controller respectively, and the current detection branch is used to detect the current flowing into the drive branch.

[0042] In one alternative embodiment, the current sensing branch includes an amplifier and a second resistor, the second resistor being connected to the amplifier, the drive branch, and the power supply, respectively, and the amplifier being connected to the controller;

[0043] The amplifier is configured to output a detection voltage based on the voltage across the second resistor, so that the controller determines the current flowing into the drive branch based on the detection voltage.

[0044] Secondly, this application provides an ultrasonic atomizer, comprising:

[0045] A liquid storage chamber is used to store a liquid matrix;

[0046] An ultrasonic atomizing plate is used to generate oscillations to atomize the liquid matrix;

[0047] Controller, control circuit and power supply;

[0048] The controller is configured to control the current output by the power supply to be a first current when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is in the start-up state, and to control the current output by the power supply to be a second current when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is in the stable operation state.

[0049] Both the first current and the second current are used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate, and the first current is less than the second current.

[0050] In one alternative approach, the first current is less than or equal to 0.5A, and the second current is less than or equal to 2A and greater than 0.5A.

[0051] In one alternative, the time interval between the ultrasonic atomizing plate being in the activated state and the ultrasonic atomizing plate being in the stable operating state is any value between 50 μs and 100 μs.

[0052] The ultrasonic atomizer provided in this application embodiment, when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is activated, the controller outputs a first control signal to disconnect the switching branch. Subsequently, the current-limiting branch is activated to reduce the output current of the power supply, at which point the output current of the power supply is a first current. Then, the driving branch drives the ultrasonic atomizing plate based on the first current and the first pulse signal output by the controller. It can be seen that during the activation process of the ultrasonic atomizing plate, the current used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate is limited by the current-limiting branch, meaning that the current generated on the ultrasonic atomizing plate is relatively small, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate. Attached Figure Description

[0053] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic atomizer provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic atomizer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the ultrasonic atomizer provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an ultrasonic atomizer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an ultrasonic atomizer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an ultrasonic atomizer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an ultrasonic atomizer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an ultrasonic atomizer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an ultrasonic atomizer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an ultrasonic atomizer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 11 A flowchart of the driving method for the ultrasonic atomizer provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 12 This is provided by the embodiments of this application. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of steps 1101 and 1102 is shown in the figure;

[0066] Figure 13 This is provided by the embodiments of this application. Figure 12 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of steps 1201 and 1202 is shown in the figure;

[0067] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the drive device for the ultrasonic atomizer provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the control module provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0070] An ultrasonic atomizer according to an embodiment of this application connects to a current branch for limiting current when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is activated, thereby reducing the current flowing through the ultrasonic atomizing plate. This reduces the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate, protecting it and extending its service life.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic atomizer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic nebulizer 100 includes a liquid storage chamber 11, an ultrasonic nebulizing plate 12, a controller 13, a control circuit 14, and a power supply 15.

[0072] The liquid storage chamber 11 is used to store a liquid matrix, which may include different substances depending on the application scenario. For example, in the field of electronic atomization, it may contain nicotine and / or fragrances and / or aerosol generating substances (e.g., glycerin). In the field of medical atomization, it may include drugs with disease treatment or health benefits and / or solvents such as saline.

[0073] The ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 is in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber 11. The ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 can be directly disposed in the liquid storage chamber 11, or the atomizing chamber containing the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 can be directly connected to the liquid storage chamber 11, or liquid can be transferred between the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 and the liquid storage chamber 11 through a liquid-absorbing medium. It is used to generate oscillations to atomize the liquid matrix, that is, to atomize the liquid matrix transmitted to or near the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 into an aerosol through vibration. Specifically, during use, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 disperses the liquid matrix through high-frequency vibration (preferably a vibration frequency of 1.7MHz to 4.0MHz, exceeding the range of human hearing and belonging to the ultrasonic frequency band) to generate aerosols with naturally suspended particles.

[0074] The controller 13 may be a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a digital signal processing (DSP) controller, etc. The controller 13 is electrically connected to the control circuit 14, and the controller 13 can be used to control at least one electronic component in the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, and the control circuit 14 is used to provide driving voltage and driving current to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 according to the power supply 15. In one embodiment, the controller 13 and the control circuit 14 may be disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0075] Power source 15 is used for power supply. In one embodiment, power source 15 is a battery. The battery can be a lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, lead-acid battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, lithium-sulfur battery, lithium-air battery, or sodium-ion battery, etc., and is not limited thereto. In terms of scale, the battery in this embodiment can be a single cell, or a battery module composed of multiple cells connected in series and / or parallel, etc., and is not limited thereto. Of course, in other embodiments, the battery may include more or fewer components, or have different component configurations, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0076] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizer 100 further includes a liquid transfer medium 16, an air outlet channel 17, an upper housing 18, and a lower housing 19.

[0077] The liquid transfer element 16 is used to transfer the liquid matrix between the liquid storage chamber 11 and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0078] The exhaust channel 17 is used to output inhalable vapor or aerosol generated by the liquid matrix for users to inhale.

[0079] The upper housing 18 and the lower housing 19 are detachably connected. In one embodiment, the upper housing 18 and the lower housing 19 can be detachably connected through a snap-fit ​​structure or a magnetic attraction structure. The upper housing 18 and the lower housing 19 together serve to house and protect other components. The liquid storage chamber 11, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, the liquid transfer element 16, and the air outlet channel 17 are all disposed within the upper housing 18, while the controller 13, the control circuit 14, and the power supply 15 are all disposed within the lower housing 19.

[0080] The upper housing 18 and the lower housing 19 are detachably aligned in a functional relationship. Various mechanisms can be used to connect the lower housing 19 to the upper housing 18, resulting in threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, interference fit, magnetic engagement, etc. In some embodiments, when the upper housing 18 and the lower housing 19 are in an assembled configuration, the ultrasonic atomizer 100 may be substantially rod-shaped, cylindrical, bar-shaped, columnar, etc.

[0081] The upper housing 18 and the lower housing 19 can be formed of any suitable structurally sound material. In some examples, the upper housing 18 and the lower housing 19 can be formed of metals or alloys such as stainless steel or aluminum. Other suitable materials include various plastics (e.g., polycarbonate), metal-plated plastic, ceramics, and so on.

[0082] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 The hardware structure of the ultrasonic atomizer 100 shown is merely an example, and the ultrasonic atomizer 100 may have more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, may combine two or more components, or may have different component configurations. The various components shown in the figure can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and / or application-specific integrated circuits. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 can be placed in the liquid storage chamber 11, which can save the liquid transmission element 16 and help save costs.

[0083] At the same time, it is understandable that Figure 1 or Figure 2 The ultrasonic nebulizer 100 shown can be applied to various occasions and plays different roles, and this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on it. For example, in one embodiment, the ultrasonic nebulizer 100 is applied in the medical field. In this case, the ultrasonic nebulizer 100 can be a medical nebulizer, which can atomize the liquid medicine added inside and allow the patient to inhale it to achieve the effect of adjuvant therapy. As another example, in another embodiment, the ultrasonic nebulizer 100 can also be used as an electronic product, such as an electronic cigarette. An electronic cigarette is an electronic product that uses atomization or other means to turn nicotine solution, etc., into an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0084] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic atomizer circuit structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the control circuit 14 includes a switching branch 141, a current limiting branch 142, and a driving branch 143.

[0085] Among them, the switch branch 141 is connected to the controller 13, the current limiting branch 142 is connected to the power supply 15 and the switch branch 141 respectively, and the drive branch 143 is connected to the controller 13, the switch branch 141, the current limiting branch 142 and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 respectively.

[0086] Specifically, the first end of the switch branch 141 is connected to the power supply 15 and the first end of the current limiting branch 142, the second end of the switch branch 141 is connected to the second end of the current limiting branch 142 and the first end of the drive branch 143, the third end of the switch branch 141 is connected to the first end of the controller 13, the second end of the drive branch 143 is connected to the second end of the controller 13, and the third end of the drive branch 143 is connected to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0087] In this embodiment, the switching branch 141 is configured to disconnect in response to a first control signal output by the controller 13. The current-limiting branch 142 is configured to be enabled when the switching branch 141 is disconnected to reduce the output current of the power supply 15, wherein the output current of the power supply 15 is a first current when the current-limiting branch 142 is enabled. The drive branch 143 is configured to output a first drive signal to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 in response to the first current and a first pulse signal output by the controller 13, thereby activating the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0088] Specifically, when the ultrasonic atomizer 100 is needed, the controller 13 first outputs a first control signal to control the switch branch 141 to disconnect. Then, the current-limiting branch 142 is activated, meaning it is connected to the circuit containing the power supply 15, the drive branch 143, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12. At this time, the output current of the power supply 15 is limited to a first current. Simultaneously, the controller 13 outputs a first pulse signal to the drive branch 143. The drive branch 143 then outputs a first drive signal to start the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 based on the received first current and first pulse signal. Thus, when the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 is started, the current flowing through it can be reduced.

[0089] Since the ultrasonic atomizing plate can be considered equivalent to a capacitive load, if a capacitive load is suddenly supplied with full power, a huge instantaneous current will be generated. This will damage the power supply or cause the capacitive load to overheat severely, or even damage the ultrasonic atomizing plate. Therefore, by reducing the current flowing through the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 during startup, the risk of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 being damaged by excessive current can be reduced, which helps to protect the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 and extend its service life.

[0090] It should be understood that the magnitude of the first current is related to the current-limiting capability of the current-limiting branch 142. Therefore, by configuring the current-limiting capability of the current-limiting branch 12 accordingly, different first currents can be obtained to match the needs of different ultrasonic atomizing pads. For example, in one embodiment, the corresponding current-limiting branch 12 can be selected according to the maximum current that the ultrasonic atomizing pad 12 can withstand, so that the first current is less than and close to the maximum current. This allows for providing a more sufficient starting current to the ultrasonic atomizing pad 12 while keeping the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing pad 12 low, which is beneficial for making the starting of the ultrasonic atomizing pad 12 more reliable.

[0091] Of course, in another embodiment, to better protect the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 from damage, the first current can be set to a smaller value. For example, if the second current I2 of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 in a stable operating state is less than or equal to 2A and greater than 0.5A, i.e., 0.5 < I2 ≤ 2A, then the first current I1 can be set to less than or equal to 0.5A, i.e., 0.5A ≤ I1. Therefore, the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 is lower, which helps to extend the service life of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0092] Simultaneously, during the startup process of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, the controller 13 can acquire the oscillation frequency of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 itself. Furthermore, the controller 13 can adjust its output pulse signal to adjust the frequency of the signal driving the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, thereby controlling the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 to enter a stable operating state after startup is completed. At the same time, a large current needs to be provided to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 to maintain its stable operation.

[0093] Specifically, in one embodiment, the switching branch 141 is further configured to be turned on in response to a second control signal output by the controller 13. The current-limiting branch 142 is further configured to be disabled when the switching branch 141 is turned on, to restore the output current of the power supply 15, wherein when the current-limiting branch 142 is disabled, the output current of the power supply 15 is the second current. The drive branch 143 is further configured to output a second drive signal to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 in response to the second current and the second pulse signal output by the controller 13, to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 to operate stably.

[0094] Generally, after a first period of time following the activation of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, it is considered that the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 has entered a stable operating state. The first period is the time from activation to entering a stable operating state, and this first period can be set according to actual application conditions; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on it.

[0095] It is understandable that the time required for different ultrasonic atomizing pads to reach stable operation varies. Therefore, in one embodiment, a first time interval can be set according to the actual startup time of the ultrasonic atomizer 12. For example, ideally, the detected actual startup time of the ultrasonic atomizer 12 is 25 μs, and the preset time interval can be set to any duration within the range of [50 μs, 100 μs], such as 50 μs, 60 μs, etc. This ensures that the ultrasonic atomizing pad 12 has entered a stable operating state. Switching the current output by the power supply 15 to the second current at this point further reduces the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing pad 12.

[0096] After the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 enters a stable operating state, the controller 13 outputs a second control signal to control the switching branch 141 to conduct. Subsequently, the current-limiting branch 142 is disabled, that is, the current-limiting branch 142 is short-circuited, and the power supply 15 drives the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 through the switching branch 141 and the drive branch 143. At this time, the output power of the power supply 15 is restored to the second current. At the same time, the controller 13 outputs a second pulse signal to the drive branch 143. The drive branch 143 then outputs a second drive signal for driving the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 to operate stably according to the received second current and second pulse signal. Thus, when the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 is working stably, it is possible to avoid generating a large pulse current on the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 due to the presence of the current-limiting branch 142, which is beneficial to maintaining the stable operation of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12. At the same time, it also reduces the heat energy of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, improves the working efficiency of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, that is, improves the working efficiency of the ultrasonic atomizer 100.

[0097] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the switch branch 141 includes a first switch 1411 and a second switch 1412. The second switch 1412 is connected between the first switch 1411 and the current limiting branch 142.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first switch 1411 is configured to open in response to a first control signal and to close in response to a second control signal. The second switch 1412 is configured to open when the first switch 1411 is open to enable the current-limiting branch 142, and to close when the first switch 1412 is closed to disable the current-limiting branch 142. Specifically, when the controller 13 outputs the first control signal, the first switch 1411 closes to enable the second switch 1412, thus disabling the current-limiting branch 142; when the controller 13 outputs the second control signal, the first switch 1411 opens to enable the second switch 1412, thus enabling the current-limiting branch 142.

[0099] In one embodiment, the first terminal of the first switch 1411 is connected to the control branch 13, the second terminal of the first switch 1411 is grounded to GND, the third terminal of the first switch 1411 is connected to the first terminal of the second switch 1412, the second terminal of the second switch 1412 is connected to the first terminal of the current limiting branch 142 and the power supply 15, and the third terminal of the second switch 1412 is connected to the second terminal of the current limiting branch 142 and the drive branch 143.

[0100] Figure 5 The example shown is a structure of the first switch 1411 and the second switch 1412, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first switch 1411 is an NPN transistor Q1. The second switch 1412 is a P-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor Q2 (hereinafter referred to as PMOS transistor Q2).

[0101] In this circuit, the base of NPN transistor Q1 is the first terminal of the first switch 1411, the emitter of NPN transistor Q1 is the second terminal of the first switch 1411, and the collector of NPN transistor Q1 is the third terminal of the first switch 1411. The gate of PMOS transistor Q2 is the first terminal of the second switch 1412, the source of PMOS transistor Q2 is the second terminal of the second switch 1412, and the drain of PMOS transistor Q2 is the third terminal of the second switch 1412.

[0102] In addition, in other embodiments, the first switch 1411 may also be a PNP transistor, or at least one of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, an insulated-gate bipolar transistor, an integrated gate-commutated thyristor, a gate-turn-off thyristor, a junction-gate field-effect transistor, a MOS-controlled thyristor, a gallium nitride-based power device, a silicon carbide-based power device, a silicon controlled rectifier, and a signal relay.

[0103] The second switch 1412 can also be an N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor or a signal relay. The second switch 1412 can also be at least one of the following: transistor, insulated-gate bipolar transistor, integrated gate commutated thyristor, gate turn-off thyristor, junction-gate field-effect transistor, MOS-controlled thyristor, gallium nitride-based power device, silicon carbide-based power device, and thyristor.

[0104] In one embodiment, the switch branch 141 further includes a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, and a fifth resistor R5. The first terminal of the third resistor R3 is connected to the source of the PMOS transistor Q2, and the second terminal of the third resistor R3 is connected to the gate of the PMOS transistor Q2. The first terminal of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the controller 13, and the second terminal of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to both the first terminal of the fifth resistor R5 and the base of the NPN transistor Q1. The second terminal of the fifth resistor R5 is grounded (GND).

[0105] In this embodiment, the third resistor R3 and the fourth resistor R4 are used to divide the voltage of the control signal output by the controller 13 to obtain the base voltage of the NPN transistor Q1. If the voltage of the first control signal output by the controller 13 is divided across the fifth resistor R5 and is greater than the turn-on voltage of the NPN transistor Q1, then the first control signal is used to turn on the NPN transistor Q1. If the voltage of the second control signal output by the controller 13 is divided across the fifth resistor R5 and is less than the turn-on voltage of the NPN transistor Q1, then the second control signal is used to turn off the NPN transistor Q1.

[0106] When NPN transistor Q1 is turned on, power supply 15, the third resistor R3, and NPN transistor Q1 form a circuit, obtaining a voltage across the third resistor R3. This voltage is the voltage between the gate and source of PMOS transistor Q2, and it is greater than the turn-on voltage of PMOS transistor Q2, so PMOS transistor Q2 is turned on. When NPN transistor Q1 is turned off, the circuit formed by power supply 15 and the third resistor R3 is broken, the gate voltage and source voltage of PMOS transistor Q2 are equal, and PMOS transistor Q2 is turned off.

[0107] Figure 5 The diagram also exemplarily illustrates one structure of the current-limiting branch 142, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the current limiting branch 142 includes a first resistor R1. The first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the power supply 15, and the second end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the drain of the PMOS transistor Q2 and the drive branch 143, respectively.

[0108] Adding the first resistor R1 relative to power supply 15 is equivalent to increasing the total resistance of the entire load powered by power supply 15. According to Ohm's law, current is the ratio of voltage to resistance; therefore, as resistance increases, current decreases. Thus, when the current-limiting branch 142 is enabled, the first resistor R1 is connected to the circuit powered by power supply 15 to limit current; when the current-limiting branch 142 is disabled, the first resistor R1 is not connected to the circuit powered by power supply 15.

[0109] In one embodiment, the control circuit 14 further includes a first capacitor C1. The first terminal of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor R1 and the drive branch 143. The first capacitor C1 is used for filtering to provide a more stable input power supply to the drive branch 143.

[0110] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, the drive branch 143 includes a drive sub-branch 1431, a switch sub-branch 1432, and a boost sub-branch 1433. The drive sub-branch 1431 is connected to the controller 13 and the current limiting branch 142, the switch sub-branch 1432 is connected to the drive sub-branch 1431, and the boost sub-branch 1433 is connected to the power supply 15, the switch sub-branch 1432, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0111] Specifically, the first end of the drive sub-branch 1431 is connected to the second end of the switch sub-branch 141 and the second end of the current limiting sub-branch 142, the second end of the drive sub-branch 1431 is connected to the first end of the switch sub-branch 1432, the third end of the drive sub-branch 1431 is connected to the controller 13, the second end of the switch sub-branch 1432 is connected to the first end of the boost sub-branch 1433, the second end of the boost sub-branch 1433 is connected to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, and the third end of the boost sub-branch 1433 is connected to the power supply 15.

[0112] The drive sub-branch 1431 is configured to output a third pulse signal in response to a first pulse signal and a first current, or to output a fourth pulse signal in response to a second pulse signal and a second current. The switch sub-branch 1432 is configured to turn on or off in response to a third pulse signal, or to turn on or off in response to a fourth pulse signal. The boost sub-branch 1433 is configured to boost the output voltage of the power supply in response to the turning on or off of the switch sub-branch, so as to generate a first drive signal or a second drive signal.

[0113] Figure 7 An exemplary structure of the drive sub-branch 1431 is shown in the figure, such as Figure 7 As shown, the driver sub-branch 1431 includes a driver chip U1, which includes a power input terminal, at least one signal input terminal, and at least one signal output terminal. In this embodiment, the power input terminal is pin 6 of the driver chip U1, the at least one signal input terminal includes two signal input terminals, namely pins 2 and 4 of the driver chip U1, and the at least one signal output terminal includes two signal output terminals, namely pins 5 and 7 of the driver chip U1.

[0114] Specifically, pin 6 of the driver chip U1 is used to connect to the power supply 15 through the current limiting branch 142. For example, in one embodiment, pin 6 of the driver chip U1 is connected to... Figure 5The second end of the first resistor R1 shown is connected. Pins 2 and 4 of the driver chip U1 are both connected to the controller. Pins 5 and 7 of the driver chip U1 are both connected to the switch sub-branch 1432. Specifically, pins 2 and 4 of the driver chip U1 are used to input a first pulse signal, and pins 5 and 7 of the driver chip U1 are used to output a third pulse signal; alternatively, pins 2 and 4 of the driver chip U1 are used to input a second pulse signal, and pins 5 and 7 of the driver chip U1 are used to output a fourth pulse signal.

[0115] In this embodiment, by configuring the driver chip U1, the driving capability of the pulse signal output by the controller 13 is improved. This enables rapid driving of the switch sub-branch 1432, maintaining stable operation of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 13. Simultaneously, the greater the current input to pin 6 of the driver chip U1, the stronger the driving capability output by pins 5 and 7 of the driver chip U1.

[0116] In one embodiment, the driver chip U1 can be an integrated chip of model SGM48000. Of course, other models of integrated chips can also be used in other embodiments, and this application does not limit this. Furthermore, since there are different types of driver chips, the specific pin definitions may differ when using other types of driver chips, but the functions and signal definitions are the same. Therefore, if other types of driver chips are selected, they can be configured in a manner similar to the above embodiments, which is readily understood by those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated further here.

[0117] In this embodiment, power supply 15 is used as the input power source for the driver chip U1. In other words, in this embodiment, power supply 15 simultaneously powers both the driver chip U1 and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 to save costs. In other embodiments, to prevent the driver chip U1 and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 from interfering with each other during operation, two different power supplies can be used to power the driver chip U1 and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 respectively, thereby improving the stability of their operation.

[0118] Figure 8 An exemplary structure of the switch sub-branch 1432 is shown in the figure, such as Figure 8 As shown, the switch sub-branch 1432 includes a third switch 14321 and a fourth switch 14322. The third switch 14321 is connected to both the drive sub-branch 1431 and the boost sub-branch 1433, and the fourth switch 14322 is connected to both the drive sub-branch 1432 and the boost sub-branch 1433.

[0119] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first terminal of the third switch 14321 and the first terminal of the fourth switch 14322 are both connected to the drive sub-branch 1431, the second terminal of the third switch 14321 and the second terminal of the fourth switch 14322 are both grounded to GND, the third terminal of the third switch 14321 is connected to the boost sub-branch 1433, and the third terminal of the fourth switch 14322 is connected to the boost sub-branch 1433.

[0120] If the third pulse signal output by the controller 13 includes the first pulse sub-signal and the second pulse sub-signal, then the third switch 14321 is configured to turn on or off in response to the first pulse sub-signal to generate the first voltage signal, and the fourth switch 14322 is configured to turn on or off in response to the second pulse sub-signal to generate the second voltage signal, wherein the first drive signal includes the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal.

[0121] If the fourth pulse signal output by the controller 13 includes the third pulse sub-signal and the fourth pulse sub-signal, then the third switch 14321 is configured to turn on or off in response to the third pulse sub-signal to generate a third voltage signal, and the fourth switch 14322 is configured to turn on or off in response to the fourth pulse sub-signal to generate a fourth voltage signal, wherein the second drive signal includes the third voltage signal and the fourth voltage signal.

[0122] Meanwhile, the third switch 14321 and the fourth switch 14322 are alternately turned on. That is, when the third switch 14321 is turned on, the fourth switch 14322 is turned off; when the third switch 14321 is turned off, the fourth switch 14322 is turned on.

[0123] In this embodiment, when the first pulse signal output by the controller 13 includes two sub-signals, the third pulse signal output by the drive sub-branch 1431 also includes two sub-signals, namely the first pulse sub-signal and the second pulse sub-signal. The first pulse sub-signal and the second pulse sub-signal are used to control the third switch 14321 and the fourth switch 14322, respectively.

[0124] Similarly, when the second pulse signal output by the controller 13 includes two sub-signals, the fourth pulse signal output by the drive sub-branch 1431 also includes two sub-signals, namely the third pulse sub-signal and the fourth pulse sub-signal. The third pulse sub-signal and the fourth pulse sub-signal are used to control the third switch 14321 and the fourth switch 14322, respectively.

[0125] It is understood that in other embodiments, if the switch branch 1432 includes only one switch, then the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal output by the controller 13 can each include only one signal.

[0126] Figure 7The document also exemplarily illustrates a structure for the third switch 14321 and the fourth switch 14322, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the third switch 14321 is an N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor Q3 (hereinafter referred to as NMOS transistor Q3). The fourth switch 14322 is an N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor Q4 (hereinafter referred to as NMOS transistor Q4).

[0127] In this circuit, the gate of NMOS transistor Q3 is the first terminal of the third switch 14321, the source of NMOS transistor Q3 is the second terminal of the third switch 14321, and the drain of NMOS transistor Q3 is the third terminal of the third switch 14321. Similarly, the gate of NMOS transistor Q4 is the first terminal of the fourth switch 14322, the source of NMOS transistor Q4 is the second terminal of the fourth switch 14322, and the drain of NMOS transistor Q4 is the third terminal of the fourth switch 14322.

[0128] In addition, in other embodiments, the third switch 14321 and the fourth switch 14322 may also be N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors or signal relays. The third switch 14321 and the fourth switch 14322 may also be at least one of transistors, insulated-gate bipolar transistors, integrated gate-commutated thyristors, gate-turn-off thyristors, junction-gate field-effect transistors, MOS-controlled thyristors, gallium nitride-based power devices, silicon carbide-based power devices, and silicon controlled thyristors.

[0129] In one embodiment, the switch sub-branch 1432 further includes a sixth resistor R6, a seventh resistor R7, an eighth resistor R8, and a ninth resistor R9. The first terminal of the sixth resistor R6 is connected to pin 7 of the driver chip U1. The second terminal of the sixth resistor R6 is connected to the first terminal of the seventh resistor R7 and the gate of the NMOS transistor Q3. The second terminal of the seventh resistor R7 and the source of the NMOS transistor Q3 are both grounded to GND. The drain of the NMOS transistor Q3 is connected to the boost sub-branch 1433 and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12. The first terminal of the eighth resistor R8 is connected to pin 5 of the driver chip U1. The second terminal of the eighth resistor R8 is connected to the first terminal of the ninth resistor R9 and the gate of the NMOS transistor Q4. The second terminal of the ninth resistor R9 and the source of the NMOS transistor Q4 are both grounded to GND. The drain of the NMOS transistor Q4 is connected to the boost sub-branch 1433 and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0130] In this embodiment, the sixth resistor R6 and the seventh resistor R7 are used to divide the voltage of the pulse signal output from pin 7 of the driver chip U1 to obtain the gate voltage of the NMOS transistor Q3. When the voltage across the seventh resistor R7 is greater than the turn-on voltage of the NMOS transistor Q3, the NMOS transistor Q3 is turned on; otherwise, the NMOS transistor Q3 is turned off.

[0131] The eighth resistor R8 and the ninth resistor R9 are used to divide the voltage of the pulse signal output from pin 5 of the driver chip U1 to obtain the gate voltage of NMOS transistor Q4. When the voltage across the ninth resistor R9 is greater than the turn-on voltage of NMOS transistor Q4, NMOS transistor Q4 is turned on; otherwise, NMOS transistor Q4 is turned off.

[0132] Figure 7 The diagram also exemplarily illustrates one structure of the boost sub-branch 1433, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the boost sub-branch 1433 includes a first inductor L1 and a second inductor L2. The first inductor L1 is connected to the third switch 14321 (specifically the drain of NMOS transistor Q3), the power supply 15, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, respectively. The second inductor L2 is connected to the fourth switch 14322 (specifically the drain of NMOS transistor Q4), the power supply 15, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, respectively.

[0133] Specifically, the first inductor L1 is configured to be charged when the NMOS transistor Q3 is turned on, and to generate a first voltage signal or a third voltage signal for driving the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 based on the voltage of the power supply 15 and the charging voltage of the first inductor L1 when the NMOS transistor Q3 is turned off.

[0134] The second inductor L2 is configured to be charged when the NMOS transistor Q4 is turned on, and to generate a second voltage signal or a fourth voltage signal for driving the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 based on the voltage of the power supply 15 and the voltage at which the second inductor L2 is charged when the NMOS transistor Q4 is turned off.

[0135] In this embodiment, when NMOS transistor Q3 is turned on and NMOS transistor Q4 is turned off, power supply 15, first inductor L1, and NMOS transistor Q3 form a circuit, and the first inductor L1 is charged by power supply 15. Simultaneously, power supply 15, second inductor L2, ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, and NMOS transistor Q3 form a circuit, and the voltages on power supply 15 and second inductor L2 simultaneously provide a driving voltage for ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0136] When NMOS transistor Q4 is turned on and NMOS transistor Q3 is turned off, power supply 15, second inductor L2, and NMOS transistor Q4 form a circuit, and second inductor L2 is charged by power supply 15. At the same time, power supply 15, first inductor L1, ultrasonic atomizing plate 12, and NMOS transistor Q4 form a circuit, and the voltage on power supply 15 and first inductor L1 simultaneously provide driving voltage for ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0137] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the control circuit 14 also includes a current detection branch 144, which is connected to the power supply 15, the drive branch 143, and the controller 13. Specifically, the current detection branch 144 is used to detect the current flowing into the drive branch 143.

[0138] In this embodiment, the controller 13 can obtain the current flowing into the drive branch 143 through the current detection branch 144. Then, the controller 13 can determine whether the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12 has an abnormality such as excessive current during operation based on the current, so that it can deal with the abnormality in time and reduce the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate 12.

[0139] Figure 10 An exemplary structure of the current detection branch 144 is shown in the figure, such as Figure 10 As shown, the current detection branch 144 includes an amplifier U2 and a second resistor R2. The second resistor R2 is connected to both the amplifier U2 and the drive branch 143, and the amplifier U2 is connected to the controller 13.

[0140] Specifically, the first end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the power supply 15 and the non-inverting input of the amplifier U2, the second end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the inverting input of the amplifier U2, the first end of the first inductor L1 and the first end of the second inductor L2, the output of the amplifier U2 is connected to the controller 13, the grounding terminal of the amplifier U2 is grounded to GND, and the power supply terminal of the amplifier U2 is connected to the voltage V1.

[0141] In this embodiment, amplifier U2 is configured to output a detection voltage based on the voltage across the second resistor R2, so that controller 13 can determine the current flowing into drive branch 143 based on the detection voltage. Specifically, amplifier U2 can amplify the received voltage across the second resistor R2 by a factor of K before outputting the detection voltage, where K is a positive integer. Subsequently, after acquiring the detection voltage, controller 13 can determine the current flowing into drive branch 143 based on the relationship between the detection voltage and the current flowing into drive branch 143.

[0142] In one embodiment, the current detection branch 144 further includes a second capacitor C2, a third capacitor C3, a tenth resistor R10, and an eleventh resistor R11. The second capacitor C2 and the third capacitor C3 are filter capacitors, the tenth resistor R10 is a current-limiting resistor, and the eleventh resistor R11 is a pull-down resistor.

[0143] It should be noted that in the embodiments shown in the figures above, the resistor is presented as a single resistor, and the capacitor as a single capacitor. In other embodiments, the resistor may be an integration of series, parallel, or mixed resistors, and the capacitor may be an integration of series, parallel, or mixed capacitors.

[0144] The connection described in this application can be a direct connection, i.e., a connection between two components, or an indirect connection, i.e., an indirect connection between two components that can be formed through one or more elements.

[0145] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the driving method for an ultrasonic nebulizer provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be... Figures 1 to 10 The ultrasonic atomizer shown is used for execution, and the structure of the ultrasonic atomizer can be referred to the above-described ultrasonic atomizer. Figures 1 to 10 The specific description will not be repeated here. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the driving method of the ultrasonic atomizer includes:

[0146] Step 1101: When the ultrasonic atomizing plate is started, control the power supply output current to be the first current.

[0147] The first current is used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate. When the ultrasonic atomizing plate is started, the current used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate is controlled to be a small first current, so as to reduce the current flowing through the ultrasonic atomizing plate, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate and helping to protect the ultrasonic atomizing plate and extend its service life.

[0148] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizer further includes a current-limiting branch connected between the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate. Figure 12 As shown, step 1101, the process of controlling the power supply output current to the first current when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is started, includes the following steps:

[0149] Step 1201: When the ultrasonic atomizing plate is started, the current limiting branch is activated to control the power supply output current to be the first current.

[0150] When the ultrasonic atomizing plate is started, the current limiting branch is activated, that is, the current limiting branch is connected to the circuit where the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate are located, thereby reducing the current output by the power supply to the first current.

[0151] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizer further includes a switching branch, which is connected to the current-limiting branch, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the process of enabling the current-limiting branch in step 1201 includes the following steps:

[0152] Step 1301: Disconnect the control switch branch to enable the current limiting branch.

[0153] Although the switch branch is connected to the current limiting branch, when the switch branch is disconnected, the circuit where the switch branch is located is in an open circuit state, and the current limiting branch is still connected to the circuit where the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate are located, and the current limiting branch is activated.

[0154] Specifically, in one embodiment, the switch branch includes a first switch and a second switch, and the second switch is connected between the first switch and the current limiting branch. Then, step 1301 further includes the following process: controlling the first switch to open so that the second switch is opened, wherein the current limiting branch is enabled when the second switch is opened.

[0155] Step 1102: When the ultrasonic atomizing plate is running stably, control the power supply output current to be the second current.

[0156] The second current is used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate, and the second current is greater than the first current.

[0157] From the moment the ultrasonic atomizing plate is activated, it enters a stable operating state after a preset time. During stable operation, a larger secondary current is controlled to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate. This prevents the generation of large pulse currents that could damage the ultrasonic atomizing plate, thus maintaining stable operation. Simultaneously, it reduces the heat generated by the ultrasonic atomizing plate, improving its efficiency and consequently, the overall efficiency of the ultrasonic atomizer.

[0158] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizer further includes a current-limiting branch connected between the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate. Figure 12 As shown, step 1102, the process of controlling the power supply output current to the second current during stable operation of the ultrasonic atomizing plate, includes the following steps:

[0159] Step 1202: When the ultrasonic atomizing plate is running stably, disable the current limiting branch to control the power supply output current to be the second current.

[0160] When the ultrasonic atomizing plate is running stably, the current limiting branch is disabled, even if the current limiting branch is no longer connected to the power supply and the circuit where the ultrasonic atomizing plate is located, thereby increasing the current output by the power supply to the second current.

[0161] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizer further includes a switching branch, which is connected to the current-limiting branch, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the process of disabling the current-limiting branch in step 1202 includes the following steps:

[0162] Step 1302: Control switch branch to conduct in order to disable current limiting branch.

[0163] Since the switch branch is connected to the current limiting branch, when the switch branch is turned on, the switch branch is connected to the circuit where the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate are located. At the same time, the current limiting branch is short-circuited, that is, the current limiting branch is disabled.

[0164] Specifically, in one embodiment, the switch branch includes a first switch and a second switch, and the second switch is connected between the first switch and the current limiting branch. Then, step 1302 further includes the following process: controlling the first switch to be turned on so that the second switch is turned on, wherein the current limiting branch is disabled when the second switch is turned on.

[0165] It should be understood that the specific control of the ultrasonic nebulizer and the beneficial effects produced in the method embodiments can be referred to the corresponding descriptions in the above device embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0166] This application provides a driving device for an ultrasonic atomizer, wherein the structure of the ultrasonic atomizer can be referred to the above-described method. Figures 1 to 10 A detailed description is omitted here. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 14 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a driving device for an ultrasonic atomizer provided in an embodiment of this application. The driving device 1400 for the ultrasonic atomizer includes a first output unit 1401 and a second output unit 1402.

[0167] The first output unit 1401 is used to control the current output by the power supply to be the first current when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is started.

[0168] The second output unit 1402 is used to control the power supply output current to the second current when the ultrasonic atomizing sheet is running stably.

[0169] The first current and the second current are used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate, and the first current is less than the second current.

[0170] The above products can be executed Figure 11 The method provided in the embodiments of this application shown has corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for performing the method. Technical details not described in detail in this embodiment can be found in the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0171] This application also provides an ultrasonic atomizer; please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 15 The ultrasonic atomizer includes a control module 1500. The control module 1500 includes: at least one processor 1501; and a memory 1502 communicatively connected to the at least one processor 1501. Figure 15 Taking a processor 1501 as an example.

[0172] Memory 1502 stores instructions executable by at least one processor 1501, which, when executed by at least one processor 1501, enable at least one processor 1501 to perform the aforementioned... Figure 11 The driving method of the ultrasonic nebulizer. The processor 1501 and memory 1502 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 15 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0173] The memory 1502, as a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-volatile software programs, non-volatile computer-executable programs, and modules, such as the program instructions / units corresponding to the driving method of the ultrasonic nebulizer in the embodiments of this application, for example, the attached... Figure 14The various units shown. The processor 1501 executes various functional applications and data processing of the server by running non-volatile software programs, instructions, and modules stored in the memory 1502, thereby implementing the driving method of the ultrasonic nebulizer in the above method embodiment.

[0174] Memory 1502 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the data transmission device, etc. Furthermore, memory 1502 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory 1502 may optionally include memory remotely located relative to processor 1501, and these remote memories may be connected to the data transmission device via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0175] One or more modules are stored in memory 1502. When executed by one or more processors 1501, they execute the module address allocation method in any of the above method embodiments, for example, executing the method described above. Figure 11 The method and steps to achieve Figure 14 The functions of each module and unit within it.

[0176] The above-described product can perform the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for performing the methods. Technical details not described in detail in this embodiment can be found in the methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0177] This application also provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that are executed by one or more processors, for example, executing the instructions described above. Figure 11 The method and steps to achieve Figure 14 The functions of each unit in the document.

[0178] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computing program stored on a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the ultrasonic nebulizer driving method in any of the above method embodiments, for example, to perform the above-described... Figure 11 The method and steps to achieve Figure 14 The functions of each unit in the document.

[0179] This application also provides an ultrasonic atomizer, which includes a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix, an ultrasonic atomizing plate for generating oscillations to atomize the liquid matrix, a controller, a control circuit, and a power supply. The structures of the liquid storage chamber, the ultrasonic atomizing plate, the power supply, and the control circuit can be referenced from the above-described embodiments. Figures 1 to 2 The specific details will not be repeated here.

[0180] The controller is configured to control the power supply output current to be a first current when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is in the start-up state, and to control the power supply output current to be a second current when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is in the stable operation state.

[0181] Both the first current and the second current are used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate, and the first current is less than the second current.

[0182] Specifically, when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is in the activated state, the current used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate is controlled to be a smaller first current, so as to reduce the current flowing through the ultrasonic atomizing plate, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate and helping to protect the ultrasonic atomizing plate and extend its service life.

[0183] Subsequently, when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is in a stable operating state, controlling the second current used to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate to a larger value can avoid generating large pulse currents on the ultrasonic atomizing plate, which could damage it and help maintain stable operation. At the same time, it reduces the heat energy generated by the ultrasonic atomizing plate, improving its working efficiency, thus improving the overall efficiency of the ultrasonic atomizer.

[0184] In one embodiment, the first current is less than or equal to 0.5A, and the second current is less than or equal to 2A and greater than 0.5A.

[0185] It's understandable that different ultrasonic atomizing pads have different current requirements when operating stably, typically ranging from 0.5A to 2A. Therefore, by setting the second current to be less than or equal to 2A and greater than 0.5A, it can be applied to a wider range of ultrasonic atomizing pads, increasing its practicality. Simultaneously, setting the first current to a minimum value less than the second current can more effectively reduce the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing pad, thus better protecting it from harm.

[0186] In one embodiment, the time interval between the ultrasonic atomizing plate being in the activated state and the ultrasonic atomizing plate being in the stable operating state is any value between 50 μs and 100 μs.

[0187] It is understandable that the time interval from the start-up state to the stable operating state varies for different ultrasonic atomizing plates. For example, in one embodiment, under ideal conditions, the actual time interval from the start-up state to the stable operating state of the ultrasonic atomizer is detected to be 25 μs. In this case, the time interval from the start-up state to the stable operating state can be set to any value between 50 μs and 100 μs to ensure that the ultrasonic atomizing plate has entered a stable operating state. Switching the power supply output current to the second current at this point further reduces the risk of damage to the ultrasonic atomizing plate.

[0188] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them; under the concept of this application, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of this application as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic atomizer, characterized in that, include: A liquid storage chamber is used to store a liquid matrix; An ultrasonic atomizing plate is used to generate oscillations to atomize the liquid matrix; Controller, control circuit and power supply; The control circuit includes: A switch branch, the first end of which is connected to the controller, the switch branch being configured to disconnect in response to a first control signal output by the controller; A current-limiting branch, wherein a first terminal of the current-limiting branch is connected to the power supply and a second terminal of the switching branch, and a second terminal of the current-limiting branch is connected to a third terminal of the switching branch and a first terminal of the drive branch, the current-limiting branch being configured to be activated when the switching branch is open to reduce the output current of the power supply, wherein when the current-limiting branch is activated, the output current of the power supply is a first current; and A drive branch, the second end of which is connected to the controller, the third end of which is electrically connected to the power supply, and the fourth end of which is connected to the ultrasonic atomizing plate. The drive branch is configured to output a first drive signal to the ultrasonic atomizing plate in response to the first current and the first pulse signal output by the controller, so as to start the ultrasonic atomizing plate. The switch branch is also configured to be turned on in response to a second control signal output by the controller; The current-limiting branch is also configured to be disabled when the switching branch is turned on in order to restore the output current of the power supply, wherein the output current of the power supply is a second current when the current-limiting branch is disabled. The drive branch is also configured to output a second drive signal to the ultrasonic atomizing plate in response to the second current and the second pulse signal output by the controller, so as to drive the ultrasonic atomizing plate to operate stably. The drive branch includes: A driving sub-branch, wherein a first end of the driving sub-branch is connected to a second end of the current-limiting branch and a third end of the switching branch, and a second end of the driving sub-branch is connected to the controller, and the driving sub-branch is configured to output a third pulse signal in response to a first pulse signal and a first current, or to output a fourth pulse signal in response to a second pulse signal and a second current, wherein the driving capability of the third pulse signal is weaker than the driving capability of the fourth pulse signal; A switch sub-branch, wherein a first terminal of the switch sub-branch is connected to a third terminal of the drive sub-branch, and the switch sub-branch is configured to be turned on or off in response to a third pulse signal, or to be turned on or off in response to a fourth pulse signal; A boost sub-branch, wherein a first terminal of the boost sub-branch is connected to the power supply, a second terminal of the boost sub-branch is connected to the second terminal of the switch sub-branch and the first terminal of the ultrasonic atomizing plate, and a third terminal of the boost sub-branch is connected to the third terminal of the switch sub-branch and the second terminal of the ultrasonic atomizing plate. The boost sub-branch is configured to boost the output voltage of the power supply in response to the on or off state of the switch sub-branch, so as to generate the first drive signal or the second drive signal. The switch sub-branch includes a third switch and a fourth switch. The third switch is connected to the drive sub-branch, the boost sub-branch, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate, respectively. The fourth switch is connected to the drive sub-branch, the boost sub-branch, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate, respectively. The end of the third switch connected to the first end of the ultrasonic atomizing plate is the second end of the switch sub-branch, and the end of the fourth switch connected to the second end of the ultrasonic atomizing plate is the third end of the switch sub-branch.

2. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch branch includes a first switch and a second switch, wherein the second switch is connected between the first switch and the current limiting branch; The first switch is configured to open in response to the first control signal and to open in response to the second control signal; The second switch is configured to open when the first switch is open to enable the current-limiting branch, and to open when the first switch is closed to disable the current-limiting branch.

3. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first terminal of the first switch is connected to the controller, the second terminal of the first switch is grounded, the third terminal of the first switch is connected to the first terminal of the second switch, the second terminal of the second switch is connected to the power supply, and the third terminal of the second switch is connected to the drive branch.

4. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current-limiting branch includes a first resistor; The first end of the first resistor is connected to the power supply, and the second end of the first resistor is connected to the drive branch.

5. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving sub-branch includes a driving chip, which includes a power input terminal, at least one signal input terminal, and at least one signal output terminal. The power input terminal is connected to the power supply through the current limiting branch, the signal input terminal is connected to the controller, and the signal output terminal is connected to the switch sub-branch. Wherein, the signal input terminal is used to input the first pulse signal, and the signal output terminal is used to output the third pulse signal, or the signal input terminal is used to input the second pulse signal, and the signal output terminal is used to output the fourth pulse signal.

6. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third pulse signal includes a first pulse sub-signal and a second pulse sub-signal. The third switch is configured to turn on or off in response to the first pulse sub-signal to generate a first voltage signal. The fourth switch is configured to turn on or off in response to the second pulse sub-signal to generate a second voltage signal. The first drive signal includes both the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal. Alternatively, the fourth pulse signal includes a third pulse sub-signal and a fourth pulse sub-signal, the third switch is configured to turn on or off in response to the third pulse sub-signal to generate a third voltage signal, and the fourth switch is configured to turn on or off in response to the fourth pulse sub-signal to generate a fourth voltage signal, wherein the second drive signal includes the third voltage signal and the fourth voltage signal; The third switch and the fourth switch are switched on alternately.

7. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first terminal of the third switch and the first terminal of the fourth switch are both connected to the driving sub-branch. The second terminal of the third switch and the second terminal of the fourth switch are both grounded. The third terminal of the third switch and the third terminal of the fourth switch are both connected to the boost sub-branch.

8. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The boost sub-branch includes a first inductor and a second inductor; The first inductor is connected to the third switch, the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate respectively, and the second inductor is connected to the fourth switch, the power supply and the ultrasonic atomizing plate respectively; The first inductor is configured to be charged when the third switch is turned on, and to generate a first voltage signal or a third voltage signal based on the voltage of the power supply and the voltage at which the first inductor is charged when the third switch is turned off. The second inductor is configured to be charged when the fourth switch is turned on, and to generate a second voltage signal or a fourth voltage signal based on the voltage of the power supply and the voltage at which the second inductor is charged when the fourth switch is turned off.

9. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first end of the first inductor is connected to the first end of the second inductor and the power supply, the second end of the first inductor is connected to the first end of the ultrasonic atomizing sheet and the third end of the third switch, and the second end of the second inductor is connected to the second end of the ultrasonic atomizing sheet and the third end of the fourth switch.

10. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control circuit also includes a current detection branch; The current detection branch is connected to the power supply, the drive branch and the controller respectively, and the current detection branch is used to detect the current flowing into the drive branch.

11. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The current detection branch includes an amplifier and a second resistor. The second resistor is connected to the amplifier, the drive branch, and the power supply, respectively. The amplifier is also connected to the controller. The amplifier is configured to output a detection voltage based on the voltage across the second resistor, so that the controller determines the current flowing into the drive branch based on the detection voltage.

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