Aerosol-generating device provided with full-bridge drive circuit

Abstract

A driving circuit according to an example has a full bridge configuration including four switches, and the driving circuit includes: a first AC power source for providing a voltage to a gate terminal of a first switch and a gate terminal of a fourth switch; a second AC power supply for providing a voltage to the gate terminal of the second switch and the gate terminal of the third switch; and the direct-current power supply is used for providing direct-current voltage for the drain terminal of the first switch and the drain terminal of the third switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a device for generating aerosol, and more particularly to a full-bridge drive circuit of an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for electronic cigarettes has gradually increased. The increase in demand for electronic cigarettes has promoted the continuous development of various functions related to electronic cigarettes. In particular, the functions related to electronic cigarettes may include functions related to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarettes. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] One embodiment may provide a drive circuit for driving a vibrator of an aerosol generating device.

[0005] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] According to one embodiment, the drive circuit may include: a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for supplying power to a vibrator of a cartridge, the first electrical contact being connectable to a first end of the vibrator, and the second electrical contact being connectable to a second end of the vibrator; an inductor connected to the first electrical contact, the first end of the inductor being connected to the first electrical contact; a first switch having a source terminal connected to the second end of the inductor; a second switch having a drain terminal connected to the second end of the inductor, wherein the source terminal of the second switch is connected to ground; a third switch having a source terminal connected to the second electrical contact; a fourth switch having a drain terminal connected to the second electrical contact, wherein the source terminal of the fourth switch is connected to ground; a first power supply configured to provide a voltage to the drain terminal of the first switch and the drain terminal of the third switch; a second power supply configured to provide a voltage to the gate terminal of the first switch and the gate terminal of the fourth switch; and a third power supply configured to provide a voltage to the gate terminal of the second switch and the gate terminal of the third switch.

[0008] The first power source may be configured to provide a DC voltage to a drain terminal of the first switch and a drain terminal of the third switch.

[0009] The DC voltage provided by the first power source may be less than or equal to 15 volts (V).

[0010] The second power source may be configured to provide a first AC voltage to the gate terminals of the first switch and the fourth switch, and the third power source may be configured to provide a second AC voltage to the gate terminals of the second switch and the third switch.

[0011] The peak values ​​of the first AC voltage and the second AC voltage may be less than or equal to 4V, respectively.

[0012] The second power source and the third power source may be operated in an alternating manner.

[0013] The voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal of the vibrator may be greater than or equal to 100V.

[0014] The drive circuit may also include: a fifth switch connected to the second electrical contact portion; and a sixth switch located between the drain terminal of the third switch and the first power supply, wherein the source terminal of the sixth switch is connected to the drain terminal of the third switch, and the drain terminal of the sixth switch is connected to the first power supply, wherein the first control signal provided to the gate terminal of the fifth switch and the second control signal provided to the gate terminal of the sixth switch may be different from each other.

[0015] The voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal of the vibrator may be greater than or equal to 50V.

[0016] The drive circuit may be included in the electronic cigarette.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a cartridge unit, including a vibrator for generating aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating substance; and a main body portion, connected to the cartridge unit, wherein the main body portion may include: a drive circuit, for operating the vibrator when the cartridge unit and the main body portion are connected; and a controller, configured to control the operation of the drive circuit, wherein the drive circuit may include: a first electrical contact portion and a second electrical contact portion, for supplying power to the vibrator of the cartridge unit, the first electrical contact portion being connectable to a first end of the vibrator, and the second electrical contact portion being connectable to a second end of the vibrator; an inductor, connected to the first electrical contact portion, wherein the first end of the inductor is connected to the first electrical contact portion; and a second electrical contact portion. A switch having a source terminal connected to the second end of the inductor; a second switch having a drain terminal connected to the second end of the inductor, wherein the source terminal of the second switch is connected to the ground; a third switch having a source terminal connected to the second electrical contact; a fourth switch having a drain terminal connected to the second electrical contact, wherein the source terminal of the second switch is connected to the ground; a first power supply configured to provide a voltage to the drain terminal of the first switch and the drain terminal of the third switch; a second power supply configured to provide a voltage to the gate terminal of the first switch and the gate terminal of the fourth switch; and a third power supply configured to provide a voltage to the gate terminal of the second switch and the gate terminal of the third switch.

[0018] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0019] The present invention can provide a driving circuit for driving a vibrator of an aerosol generating device.

[0020] The present invention can provide an aerosol generating device for generating aerosol. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating module according to an example.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cigarette cartridge according to an example.

[0025] Figure 5 A driving circuit according to an embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A voltage applied to a vibrator by a driving circuit according to an example is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 A driving circuit for switching between a full-bridge mode and a half-bridge mode according to an example is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 An equivalent circuit of a driving circuit operating in a half-bridge mode according to an example is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are for illustration purposes only, and various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments are not to be interpreted as being limited to the disclosure, and the embodiments should be understood to include all changes, equivalent technical solutions or alternative technical solutions within the inventive concept and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Although terms such as "first" or "second" can be used to describe various components, the components are not limited to these terms. These terms should only be used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first component can be named a second component, and similarly, a second component can also be named a first component.

[0031] It should be understood that when describing a component as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” to other components, although the first component may be directly connected, coupled, or joined to the second component, a third component may be “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” between the first and second components.

[0032] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions also include plural expressions. It should be understood that in this specification, terms such as "comprises / comprising" or "includes / including" are used to specify the existence of the described features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or their combinations, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or their combinations.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the corresponding technical field. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formalized unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0034] Hereinafter, multiple embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the process of describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0036] According to one embodiment, Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 in the embodiment may include a controller 110, a sensing unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to Figure 1 That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 100, the Figure 1 Some of the components shown in the figure may be added with new components, which is understandable to those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0037] The sensing unit 120 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state of the environment around the aerosol generating device 100, and can transmit the sensing information obtained by the sensing to the controller 110. The controller 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensed information to control the operation of the heater 150, the restriction of smoking, the judgment of whether to insert an aerosol generating product (e.g., an aerosol generating product, a cigarette cartridge, etc.), display a reminder, and other functions.

[0038] The sensing unit 120 may include at least one of the temperature sensor 122, the insertion detection sensor 124, and the suction sensor 126. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0039] The temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature at which the heater 150 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 150, and the heater 150 itself may perform the role of the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may also be arranged around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0040] The insertion detection sensor 124 can sense whether the aerosol generating article is inserted and / or removed. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor 124 can sense a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0041] The suction sensor 126 can sense the user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the suction sensor 126 can detect the user's suction based on one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0042] In addition to the sensors 122 to 126 described above, the sensing unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The functions of the various sensors can be directly deduced by ordinary technicians through their names, and thus detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0043] The output unit 130 may output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 130 may include at least one of a display unit 132, a tactile unit 134, and a sound outputter 136. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In the case where the display unit 132 and the touch panel are provided as a hierarchical structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 may be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0044] The display unit 132 can provide information related to the aerosol generating device 100 to the user in a visual manner. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 100 may include the charging / discharging state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the preheating state of the heater 150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal items are detected), etc. The display unit 132 can output the information to the outside. For example, the display unit 132 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 132 can also have the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0045] The haptic portion 134 may provide the user with information related to the aerosol generating device 100 in a tactile manner by converting electrical signals into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic portion 134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric device, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0046] The sound outputter 136 can provide the user with information related to the aerosol generating device 100 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound outputter 136 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0047] The battery 140 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may supply power to heat the heater 150. In addition, the battery 140 may supply power required for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180) included in the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0048] The heater 150 may heat the aerosol generating substance by receiving power from the battery 140. Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current / direct current (DC / DC) converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 to supply the power to the heater 150. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 100 generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a direct current / alternating current (DC / AC) converter that converts the direct current power of the battery 140 into alternating current power.

[0049] The controller 110, the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 may perform functions by receiving power from the battery 140. Figure 1Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 140 and provides the power to corresponding components.

[0050] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be formed of a predetermined suitable resistive material. For example, the resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 150 may be formed of a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate arranged with a conductive path, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the heater 150 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 150 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating substance by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0052] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be a vibrator for providing ultrasonic vibration to the aerosol generating substance. For example, when the vibrator vibrates the aerosol generating substance by ultrasonic vibration, the aerosol generating substance may be aerosolized.

[0053] In an embodiment, the heater 150 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 150 may include: a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article; and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0054] The user input unit 160 may receive information input by the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitance type, a pressure impedance film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a roller, a roller switch, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, although not described in Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, which can be connected to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the battery 140 through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0055] The memory 170 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 100, and the memory 170 can store data processed by the controller 110 and data to be processed by the controller 110. The memory 170 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (such as an SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 170 can store data related to the working time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0056] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184 .

[0057] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field wireless communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a wireless fidelity direct connection (WFD, Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB, ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0058] The wireless communication unit 184 may include, for example, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 184 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to confirm and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0059] The controller 110 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the controller 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may also be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, it is understood by a person skilled in the art in the art to which the present embodiment belongs that the processor may be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0060] The controller 110 may control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the power supplied from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the controller 110 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching device between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In other examples, the power supply to the heater 150 may also be controlled by a direct heating circuit according to a control instruction of the controller 110.

[0061] The controller 110 may analyze the sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 120 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 110 may control the power supply to the heater 150 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120 so that the operation of the heater 150 starts or ends. In other examples, the controller 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the power supply time based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120 so that the heater 150 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature.

[0062] The controller 110 may control the output unit 130 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the controller 110 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 132, the tactile unit 134, and the sound outputter 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 is about to end its operation.

[0063] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater 150 according to the state of the aerosol generating product sensed by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the aerosol generating product is in an over-humidified state, the controller 110 may control the power supply time for the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating product is in a normal state.

[0064] One embodiment may be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer executable instructions, such as a program module run by a computer. Computer-readable recording media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, including volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. In addition, computer-readable recording media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media, etc. implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and communication media include any information transfer medium.

[0065] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 (eg: Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 in the embodiment may include a housing 210 , an aerosol generating module 220 , a cigarette cartridge 230 , a driving circuit 235 , a controller 240 , a mouthpiece 250 , a battery 260 and an auxiliary device 270 .

[0067] In one embodiment, the housing 210 may be configured to accommodate a variety of electronic / mechanical components. For example, the aerosol generating module 220, the cartridge 230, the drive circuit 235, the controller 240, the battery 260, and the auxiliary device 270 are all contained inside the housing 210, safely protecting these components from external stimuli (e.g., dust, impact, heat, etc.). As another example, the aerosol generating device 200 may include: a cartridge unit, including an aerosol generating module 220 and a cartridge 230; and a main body, including a drive circuit 235, a controller 240, and a battery 260. The auxiliary device 270 may be included on one side of the cartridge unit or the main body.

[0068] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating module 220 may include an ultrasonic vibrator 222, a surface acoustic wave vibrator 224, and a transmission device 226. According to one embodiment, the following content will refer to Figure 3 The aerosol generating module 220 is described in detail.

[0069] In one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 230 is disposed inside the housing 210 and can store an aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., an aerosol-generating substance). The aerosol-forming substrate can be stored inside the cigarette cartridge 230 in at least one form of a gaseous state, a liquid state, or a solid state. Desirably, the aerosol-forming substrate can be stored inside the cigarette cartridge 230 in a liquid state. For example, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance in which a volatile tobacco aroma component is contained, or can be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavor, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. Flavors may include, for example, menthol, mint, green mint oil, various fruity ingredients, etc., but are not limited thereto. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may also include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0070] Will be referenced in the following content Figure 4 The cigarette cartridge 230 according to one embodiment is described in detail.

[0071] In one embodiment, when the ultrasonic vibrator 222 is electrically connected to the driving circuit 235, the driving circuit 235 may supply power to the ultrasonic vibrator 222. For example, the magnitude of the power supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator 222 may be controlled by the controller 240. The number of vibrations of the ultrasonic vibrator 222 may be controlled according to the magnitude of the power. Figure 5 The driving circuit 235 according to one embodiment is described in detail.

[0072] In one embodiment, the controller 240 may include at least one processor. The processor may also be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Whether the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 of the aerosol generating module 220 vibrate and the vibration frequencies of the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 may be controlled by the controller 240 included in the aerosol generating device 200 of one embodiment. The controller 240 of one embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0073] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 250 is a portion in contact with the user's mouth, and the aerosol can be delivered to the user through an aerosol flow path included in the mouthpiece 250. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 250 can be disposed at one end of the housing 210, and desirably, the mouthpiece 250 can be disposed to contact with one end surface of the housing 210.

[0074] In one embodiment, the battery 260 (e.g. Figure 1 The battery 260 in the aerosol generating device 200 can supply power used for operating the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the battery 260 can supply power that can vibrate the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 of the aerosol generating module 220, and the battery 260 can supply power required for operating the controller 240. In addition, the battery 260 can supply power required for operating a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 200.

[0075] In one embodiment, the auxiliary device 270 may include an elastic body 272, an electrode pin 274, and a wire 276. In addition to the above-mentioned modules and / or units, the auxiliary device 270 of one embodiment may include other additional units for the aerosol generating device 200 to work smoothly. The elastic body 272 of one embodiment is arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating module 220, and the elastic body 272 can be compressed to apply pressure to the aerosol generating module 220 so that the aerosol forming substrate is smoothly transferred from the cigarette cartridge 230 to the aerosol generating module 220. As the distance between the transfer device 226 of the aerosol generating module 220 and the cigarette cartridge 230 is shortened by compressing the elastic body 272, the aerosol forming substrate in at least one form of gas, liquid or solid stored in the cigarette cartridge 230 can be effectively transferred to the aerosol generating module 220. According to an embodiment, the electrode pins 274 and the wires 276 may connect the controller 240 , the battery 260 , and the aerosol generating module 220 , so that the battery 260 transmits power to the aerosol generating module 220 , and the controller 240 controls the aerosol generating module 220 .

[0076] Hereinafter, the aerosol generating module 220 controlled by the controller 240 will be described. In one embodiment, the controller 240 can control the aerosol generating device 200 so that the aerosol generating device 200 operates in one of at least two modes.

[0077] The first mode according to an embodiment may be equivalent to a mode in which the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 are vibrated simultaneously. In the first mode, the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 may be vibrated at different vibration frequencies and different vibration periods, so that they may play the role of a main-vibration component and a sub-vibration component. In the case where the ultrasonic vibrator 222 is the main-vibration component, the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 is the sub-vibration component. In the case where the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 is the main-vibration component, the ultrasonic vibrator 222 is the sub-vibration component. When aerosol is generated by the main-vibration component, the amount of aerosol generated may be made richer by the sub-vibration component.

[0078] The second mode according to one embodiment may be a mode in which one of the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 vibrates first to preheat the aerosol-forming substrate of the transfer device 226 and then the other of the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 vibrates to generate an aerosol. In the case where the aerosol-forming substrate is in a liquid state, the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substrate is generally high. Desirably, the aerosol-forming substrate is preheated by applying a predetermined level of heat so that the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized more smoothly. Therefore, after the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the transfer device 226 is preheated by vibrating one of the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224, and then the other of the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 is vibrated, a larger amount of aerosol can be generated. In particular, when the aerosol-forming substrate is preheated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., Curie temperature) or higher by the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 222, there is a possibility that the device may be damaged due to damage to components included in the ultrasonic vibrator 222. Therefore, if aerosol is generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 222 after preheating by the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224, the durability of the device can be improved.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the controller 240 may enable the aerosol generating device 200 to operate in a plurality of modes in addition to the first mode and the second mode.

[0080] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating module according to an example of the present invention.

[0081] Reference Figure 3According to an embodiment, the transmission device 226 included in the aerosol generating module 220 may include: a first surface 226a, which is arranged to face or be adjacent to the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and / or the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224; and a second surface 226b, which is arranged on the opposite side of the first surface 226a. The first surface 226a of the transmission device 226 according to an embodiment may be arranged to the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and / or the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224. Desirably, a portion of the first surface 226a may be adjacent to the ultrasonic vibrator 222, and another portion of the first surface 226a may be adjacent to the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224. Therefore, the aerosol generation efficiency may be improved by the interaction between the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating module 220 can generate friction heat by vibrating at least one of the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224. In the process of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy through the piezoelectric body and / or the piezoelectric substrate 224-1, part of the electrical energy can be converted into thermal energy. The heat and thermal energy can heat the aerosol forming substrate. As the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate rises, the viscosity of the aerosol forming substrate decreases, so that the aerosol can be generated more smoothly through the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224.

[0082] The ultrasonic vibrator 222 according to an embodiment may include a piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric body according to an embodiment may be a conversion device that can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, and the piezoelectric body may be controlled by a controller (e.g.: Figure 1 Ultrasonic waves are generated under the control of the controller 110 in the device. In one embodiment, when AC power is applied to the polarized piezoelectric body, the piezoelectric body can repeatedly expand and contract. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibrator 222 can vibrate at a characteristic frequency. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator 222 may also include a diaphragm (not shown) in contact with the piezoelectric body. The diaphragm in contact with the piezoelectric body can vibrate at a characteristic frequency together with the piezoelectric body through the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric body. A person of ordinary skill in the art can obviously understand the principle of the piezoelectric vibration device, and a detailed description of the principle of the piezoelectric vibration device will be omitted.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator may include a piezoelectric transducer and a mesh plate. The piezoelectric transducer may be a conversion device capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. The piezoelectric transducer may be controlled by a controller (e.g., Figure 1The ultrasonic wave is generated by the control of the controller 110 in the mesh plate. According to an embodiment, the mesh plate can contact the aerosol-forming substrate and atomize (aerosolize) the aerosol-forming substrate. The vibration generated by the piezoelectric transducer will generate a pressure wave on the aerosol-forming substrate, and the pressure wave can atomize the aerosol-forming substrate by pushing the substrate into the gap of the mesh plate.

[0084] The surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 according to an embodiment may include a piezoelectric substrate 224-1 and a transducer 224-2. The transducer 224-2 may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode according to an embodiment may include two or more finger electrodes, respectively. Deformation may be generated on the piezoelectric substrate between the finger electrodes by stretching and compressing the voltage applied to a single finger electrode of the electrode of the transducer 224-2. Therefore, the piezoelectric substrate 224-1 may vibrate. The distance between the finger electrodes of the electrode according to an embodiment may correspond to the wavelength (wave length) of the mechanical wave. The mechanical wave may generally have an amplitude of the nanometer level, and the mechanical wave may propagate along the surface of the piezoelectric substrate 224-1. Aerosol may be generated by the surface acoustic wave generated in the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224 according to an embodiment.

[0085] In one embodiment, a well-known surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor chip is generally used as the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224. The SAW sensor chip according to one embodiment may typically include at least one interdigital transducer, which includes electrodes typically disposed on a piezoelectric substrate 224-1.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the transmission device 226 may include a first surface 226a and a second surface 226b. A portion of the first surface 226a of the transmission device 226 may be adjacent to the ultrasonic vibrator 222, and another portion of the first surface 226a may be adjacent to the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224. For example, the first surface 226a of the transmission device 226 may include a first area Z1 and a second area Z2. In an embodiment, the first area Z1 of the first surface 226a of the transmission device 226 may be an area overlapping with the ultrasonic vibrator 222. The second area Z2 of the first surface 226a of the transmission device 226 may be an area overlapping with the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224. According to an embodiment, the areas of the first area Z1 and the second area Z2 may be different according to the sizes of the ultrasonic vibrator 222 and the surface acoustic wave vibrator 224.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the transfer device 226 may be a capillary element (eg, a paper tape or a wick) for transferring the aerosol-forming substrate from the cigarette cartridge, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0088] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cigarette cartridge according to an example.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the smoke cartridge 230 may include: a first end wall 230a; a second end wall 230b, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first end wall 230a; and an outer wall 230c and an inner wall 230d connecting the first end wall 230a and the second end wall 230b. A storage space 232 for storing an aerosol-forming substrate may be formed on the first end wall 230a, the second end wall 230b, the outer wall 230c, and the inner wall 230d.

[0090] In the above case, the smoke bomb 230 may include a through hole that penetrates the first end wall 230a and the second end wall 230b. Figure 3 The aerosol formed by the second surface 226b of the transfer device 226 in the first embodiment can move through the through hole. That is, the smoke bomb 230 according to one embodiment may include an airflow channel (for example: Figure 2 The aerosol can be transferred to the mouthpiece 250 through the airflow channel P and reach the user's mouth.

[0091] Figure 5 A driving circuit according to an embodiment is shown.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the driving circuit 500 may be included in the main body of the aerosol generating device, and the driving circuit 500 may provide a signal to the vibrator 510 (eg, Figure 3The driving circuit 500 may include: a first electrical contact 511, which can be connected to a first end of the vibrator 510; a second electrical contact 513, which can be connected to a second end of the vibrator 510; an inductor 520 (e.g., a coil), the first end of the inductor 520 is connected to the first electrical contact 511; a first switch SW1 531, the source end of the first switch SW1 531 is connected to the second end of the inductor 520; a second switch SW2 533, the drain end of the second switch SW2 533 is connected to the second end of the inductor 520, and the source end of the second switch SW2 533 is connected to the ground; a third switch SW3 535, the third switch SW3 535, the source terminal of the fourth switch 537 is connected to the second electrical contact 513; the drain terminal of the fourth switch 537 is connected to the second electrical contact 513, and the source terminal of the fourth switch 537 is connected to the ground; the first power supply 501, the first power supply 501 is used to provide a voltage to the drain terminal of the first switch 531 and the drain terminal of the third switch 535; the second power supply V2 503, the second power supply V2 503 is used to provide a voltage to the gate terminal of the first switch 531 and the gate terminal of the fourth switch 537; and the third power supply V3 505, the third power supply V3 505 is used to provide a voltage to the gate terminal of the second switch 533 and the gate terminal of the third switch 535. For example, each of the first switch 531, the second switch 533, the third switch 535 and the fourth switch 537 can be a switch based on a field effect transistor (FET). Here, two elements being "connectable" means that when a detachable part of the aerosol generating device including one element (e.g., the cartridge unit) and another detachable part of the aerosol generating device including the other element (i.e., the main body) are connected, the elements are connected to each other.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the vibrator 510 may be included in the cartridge unit. When the cartridge unit is mechanically connected to the body, the vibrator 510 may be electrically connected to the first electrical contact 511 and the second electrical contact 513 of the drive circuit 500 through the connection. When the first electrical contact 511 and the second electrical contact 513 are connected through the vibrator 510, the controller 240 may recognize the connection of the vibrator 510 and the controller 240 may supply power to the vibrator 510 through the drive circuit 500.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the first power source 501 may provide a DC voltage to the drain terminal of the first switch 531 and the drain terminal of the third switch 535. For example, the DC voltage may be less than or equal to 15V (eg, 10V), but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the second power source 503 may provide a first AC voltage to the gate terminal of the first switch 531 and the gate terminal of the fourth switch 537, and the third power source 505 may provide a second AC voltage to the gate terminal of the second switch 533 and the gate terminal of the third switch 535. For example, the peak value of the first AC voltage and the peak value of the second AC voltage may be less than or equal to 4V, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the second power supply 503 and the third power supply 505 may be operated in an alternating manner. That is, the second power supply 503 and the third power supply 505 may not be operated simultaneously. The voltage between the first end and the second end of the vibrator 510 provided by the drive circuit 500 (that is, the voltage between the first electrical contact portion 511 and the second electrical contact portion 513 when the vibrator 510 is electrically connected to the drive circuit) may be greater than or equal to 100V, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0097] When using the driving circuit 500, a high voltage for generating vibrations of the vibrator 510 can be applied, and a high voltage for generating vibrations of the vibrator 510 can be applied even at a voltage (e.g., 10 V) lower than the voltage (e.g., 17 V) applied by the switch of the driving circuit having a boost converter form.

[0098] The voltage applied to the switch of the driving circuit 500 is a voltage (e.g., 10V) directly applied to the drain of the switch, so a switch that can handle high voltage is not required. Therefore, since a switch with low on-state Rds(on) resistance can be used for the driving circuit 500, problems such as overheating of components can be improved.

[0099] Figure 6 A voltage applied to a vibrator by a driving circuit according to an example is shown.

[0100] According to one embodiment, Figure 6 6 shows a waveform 610 of a voltage applied to the first end and the second end of the vibrator 510 by the driving circuit 500. For example, the first power supply 501 of the driving circuit 500 can provide a DC voltage of 10V, and can alternately provide the AC voltages of the second power supply 503 and the third power supply 505. The peak values ​​of the AC voltages of the second power supply 503 and the third power supply 505 set for the experiment are 3.3V, the delay time (TD) is 0, the rise time (TR) is 10 nanoseconds (ns), the fall time (TF) is 10ns, the pulse width (PW) is 0.16 microseconds (μs), and the period (PER) is 0.32μs.

[0101] Under the above conditions, at about 20 μs, the voltage across the vibrator 510 can reach 500 V. The magnitude of the voltage applied to the vibrator 510 can be controlled by adjusting the operating frequency of the second power source 503 and the third power source 505 and the voltage and current applied to the switch.

[0102] Figure 7 A driving circuit switching between a full-bridge mode and a half-bridge mode according to an embodiment is shown.

[0103] According to one embodiment, Figure 5 Compared with the driving circuit 500 described above, the driving circuit 700 may further include: a fifth switch 738 connected to the second electrical contact 713; and a sixth switch 739 located between the drain terminal of the third switch 735 and the first power source 701. The source terminal of the sixth switch 739 is connected to the drain terminal of the third switch 735, and the drain terminal of the sixth switch 739 is connected to the first power source 701. For example, the first control signal provided to the gate terminal of the fifth switch 738 and the second control signal provided to the gate terminal of the sixth switch 739 may be different from each other, and the first control signal and the second control signal may be provided by the controller 240.

[0104] Figure 8 An equivalent circuit of a driving circuit operating in a half-bridge mode according to an embodiment is shown.

[0105] According to an embodiment, when the first control signal is low and the second control signal is high, the driving circuit 700 can operate in a full-bridge mode. Conversely, when the first control signal is high and the second control signal is low, the driving circuit 700 can operate in a half-bridge mode. Figure 8 An equivalent circuit 800 of the driver circuit 700 operating in half-bridge mode may be shown.

[0106] According to one embodiment, when the second power source 703 and the third power source 705 operate in an alternating mode, the direction of the current flowing through the vibrator 710 may also be alternating.

[0107] Compared to the full-bridge mode, in the half-bridge mode, although the maximum voltage applied to the vibrator 710 is reduced, the total power consumed by the drive circuit 700 can also be reduced. Therefore, in the case where the aerosol generating device 200 is operated in a mode that generates a relatively small amount of aerosol, the half-bridge mode can be utilized. For example, in the half-bridge mode, the voltage of the first electrical contact 711 and the second electrical contact 713 (i.e., the voltage across the vibrator 710) can be 50V or more.

[0108] The method according to an embodiment may be recorded in a non-transient computer-readable recording medium, which includes program instructions to implement various operations of the implementation method. The above-mentioned medium can contain program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. in a separate manner or in a combined manner. The program instructions recorded in the above-mentioned medium can be specially designed and constructed for the purpose of the embodiment, or can also be known and usable by technicians in the field of computer software. Examples of non-transient computer-readable recording media include: magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floppy disks; and hardware devices, which are particularly configured to store and execute program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, etc. Examples of program instructions include not only mechanical codes made by compilers, but also high-level language codes that can be run by computers using interpreters, etc. The above-mentioned hardware devices can be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the work of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0109] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, to configure a processing device in a manner that can perform operations as required or to be able to command a processing device in an independent manner or collectively. Software and / or data may be embodied permanently or temporarily in the form of some type of machinery, component, physical or virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or in the form of a transmitted signal wave that can provide instructions or data interpreted by or provided to the processing device. Software may be distributed on computer systems connected by a network and stored or run by a distributed method. Software and data may be stored in one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0110] Although multiple embodiments are described with reference to limited figures, a person skilled in the art may make various technical modifications and variations based on the above content. For example, appropriate effects may be achieved when the described techniques can be performed in different orders and / or the components in the described systems, structures, devices, circuits can be combined in different ways, or can be replaced or substituted by other components or equivalent technical solutions.

[0111] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments and technical solutions equivalent to the scope of protection claimed by the invention also fall within the scope of protection claimed by the invention.

Claims

1. A driving circuit for operating a vibrator, comprising: a first electrical contact connectable to a first end of the vibrator; a second electrical contact connectable to a second end of the vibrator; an inductor having a first end connected to the first electrical contact; a first switch having a source terminal connected to the second end of the inductor; a second switch having a drain terminal connected to the second end of the inductor and a source terminal connected to ground; a third switch, the third switch having a source terminal connected to the second electrical contact; a fourth switch, the fourth switch having a drain terminal connected to the second electrical contact portion, and the fourth switch having a source terminal connected to ground; a first power source configured to provide a voltage to a drain terminal of the first switch and a drain terminal of the third switch; a second power supply configured to provide a voltage to a gate terminal of the first switch and a gate terminal of the fourth switch; as well as A third power supply is configured to provide a voltage to a gate terminal of the second switch and a gate terminal of the third switch.

2. The driving circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The first power supply is configured to provide a DC voltage to the drain terminal of the first switch and the drain terminal of the third switch.

3. The driving circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The DC voltage provided by the first power source is less than or equal to 15 volts (V).

4. The driving circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The second power supply provides a first AC voltage to the gate terminal of the first switch and the gate terminal of the fourth switch. The third power source provides a second AC voltage to the gate terminal of the second switch and the gate terminal of the third switch.

5. The driving circuit according to claim 4, wherein: The peak value of the first AC voltage and the peak value of the second AC voltage are less than or equal to 4V.

6. The driving circuit according to claim 4, wherein: The second power source and the third power source operate in an alternating manner.

7. The driving circuit according to claim 5, wherein: A voltage between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is greater than or equal to 100 volts.

8. The driving circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: a fifth switch connected to the second electrical contact; as well as a sixth switch, the sixth switch being located between the drain terminal of the third switch and the first power supply, The source terminal of the sixth switch is connected to the drain terminal of the third switch, and the drain terminal of the sixth switch is connected to the first power source, and The first control signal provided to the gate terminal of the fifth switch and the second control signal provided to the gate terminal of the sixth switch are different from each other.

9. The driving circuit according to claim 8, wherein: A voltage between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is greater than or equal to 50 volts.

10. An aerosol generating device comprising the driving circuit according to claim 1.

11. An aerosol generating device comprising: A cartridge unit, the cartridge unit comprising a vibrator, the vibrator generating aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating substance; as well as A main body portion, the main body portion is detachably connected to the cigarette cartridge unit, the main body portion includes a drive circuit, and the drive circuit is configured to operate the vibrator, Wherein, the driving circuit comprises: a first electrical contact connectable to a first end of the vibrator; a second electrical contact connectable to a second end of the vibrator; an inductor having a first end connected to the first electrical contact; a first switch having a source terminal connected to the second end of the inductor; a second switch having a drain terminal connected to the second end of the inductor and a source terminal connected to ground; a third switch, the third switch having a source terminal connected to the second electrical contact; a fourth switch, the fourth switch having a drain terminal connected to the second electrical contact portion, and the fourth switch having a source terminal connected to ground; a first power source configured to provide a voltage to a drain terminal of the first switch and a drain terminal of the third switch; a second power supply configured to provide a voltage to a gate terminal of the first switch and a gate terminal of the fourth switch; and a third power supply configured to provide a voltage to a gate terminal of the second switch and a gate terminal of the third switch, and Wherein, when the main body is connected to the cigarette cartridge unit, the vibrator is connected to the driving circuit.

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