Aerosol generating device comprising driving circuit for compensating

Abstract

A method of controlling an electronic device is disclosed. The method includes: determining whether a vibrator of a cartridge unit is connected to a driving circuit of the electronic device; determining a natural frequency of a vibrator connected to the drive circuit; and controlling, on the basis of the determined natural frequency, a connection method in which the one or more capacitor connections are connected in parallel with the vibrators, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a device for generating an aerosol, and more particularly, to a driving circuit of an aerosol generating device for compensating for the capacitance of a vibrator. Background Art

[0002] The demand for electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes has been on the rise recently. The rise in demand for e-cigarettes has accelerated the continuous development of e-cigarette related functions, such as functions developed according to the types and characteristics of e-cigarettes. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues

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

[0005] Embodiments may provide an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol.

[0006] Technical solutions to the problem

[0007] According to an embodiment, the drive circuit includes: a first electrical contact point and a second electrical contact point for supplying power to the vibrator of the cigarette cartridge, the first electrical contact point being connectable to the first end of the vibrator, the second electrical contact point being connectable to the second end of the vibrator; one or more capacitors, the one or more capacitors being connected in parallel between the first electrical contact point and the second electrical contact point, wherein the first end of the one or more capacitors is connected to the first electrical contact point, and the second end of the one or more capacitors is connected to the second electrical contact point; an inductor, the inductor having a first end connected to the first electrical contact point; a first switch, the first switch having a source terminal connected to the second end of the inductor; and a second switch, the the 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 fourth switch is connected to the ground; a first power supply, the first power supply being 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, the second power supply being 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, the third power supply being 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 supply 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 second power supply 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 supply may be configured to provide a second AC voltage to the gate terminals of the second switch and the third switch.

[0010] The second power source and the third power source may operate alternately.

[0011] The drive circuit may further include: a fifth switch connected to the second electrical contact point; and a sixth switch positioned 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, 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 may be different from each other.

[0012] The drive circuit may also include one or more switches, which are connected in series between the first end of each of the one or more capacitors and the first electrical contact point, or connected in series between the second end of each of the one or more capacitors and the second electrical contact point.

[0013] The driving circuit may be included in an electronic cigarette.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the electronic device includes: a cartridge unit, the cartridge unit including a vibrator configured to generate an aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating substance; and a body, the body being connected to the cartridge unit. The body may include: a drive circuit, the drive circuit being configured to drive the vibrator when the cartridge unit is connected to the body; and a controller, the controller being configured to control the drive circuit. The drive circuit may include: a first electrical contact point, the first electrical contact point being connectable to a first end of the vibrator; a second electrical contact point, the second electrical contact point being connectable to a second end of the vibrator; one or more capacitors, the one or more capacitors being connected in parallel between the first electrical contact point and the second electrical contact point, wherein the first end of the one or more capacitors is connected to the first electrical contact point, and the second end of the one or more capacitors is connected to the second electrical contact point; an inductor, the inductor having a first end connected to the first electrical contact point; a first switch, the first switch having a source terminal connected to the second end of the inductor; a second switch, the second switch having a 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.

[0015] According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a vibration frequency by an electronic device includes: determining whether a vibrator of a cigarette cartridge unit is connected to a driving circuit of the electronic device; determining a natural frequency of the vibrator when the vibrator is connected to the driving circuit; and based on the determined natural frequency, controlling a connection method of one or more capacitors connected in parallel to the vibrator, wherein the vibration frequency of the driving circuit can be controlled according to the connection method of the one or more capacitors.

[0016] Determining the natural frequency of the vibrator may include: measuring a first impedance between a first end and a second end of the vibrator when the one or more capacitors are connected in parallel to the vibrator through a first connection method; measuring a second impedance between the first end and the second end of the vibrator when the one or more capacitors are connected in parallel to the vibrator through a second connection method; and determining the natural frequency based on the first impedance and the second impedance.

[0017] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to an embodiment, a drive circuit for driving a vibrator of an aerosol generating device may be provided.

[0019] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a cartridge and a body of an aerosol generating device according to an example being separated.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge and a body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment being coupled.

[0024] Figure 5 A driving circuit according to an embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A driving circuit for switching between a full-bridge mode and a half-bridge mode according to an example is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 An equivalent circuit of a driving circuit operating in half-bridge mode according to an example is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a vibration frequency of a driving circuit according to an embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method of determining a natural frequency of a vibrator according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following detailed structural or functional description is provided only as an example, and various modifications and changes may be made to the examples. Here, the embodiments should not be interpreted as being limited by the disclosure, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents and alternatives within the concept and technical scope of the disclosure.

[0030] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, within the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, or similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0031] It should be noted that if one component is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “linked” to another component, a third component may be “connected,” “coupled” or “linked” between the first and second components, but the first component may be directly connected, coupled or linked to the second component.

[0032] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will also be understood that the terms "include / comprise" and / or "comprising / including" when used herein indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0034] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

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

[0036] According to an embodiment, Figure 1The aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 110, a sensing unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, an atomizer 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 The internal structure shown. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, the Figure 1 Some of the components shown may be changed or new components may be added.

[0037] The sensing unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state of the environment around the aerosol generating device 100, and 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 sensing information to control the operation of the atomizer 150, restrict smoking, determine whether to insert an aerosol generating product (e.g., an aerosol generating product, a cigarette cartridge, etc.), display a notification, and perform other functions.

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

[0039] The temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature of the atomizer 150 (or aerosol generating substance). The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the atomizer 150, or the atomizer 150 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be arranged around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0040] The insertion detection sensor 124 can sense that 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 resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, or an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor 124 can sense the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

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

[0042] In addition to the above-mentioned sensors 122 to 126, the sensing unit 120 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, or a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person of ordinary skill in the art, so a more detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0043] The output unit 130 may output information about 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 132, a tactile portion 134, or a sound outputter 136. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the display 132 and the touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 132 may be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0044] The display 132 may provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user in a visual manner. The information about the aerosol generating device 100 may include, for example, the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the state of the atomizer 150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating product, the use restriction state of the aerosol generating device 100 (for example, abnormal product detection), etc., and the display 132 may output the information to the outside. The display 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display 132 may also be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

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

[0046] The sound outputter 136 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100 in the form of sound. For example, the sound outputter 136 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0047] The battery 140 may supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may supply power for operating the atomizer 150. In addition, the battery 140 may supply power required for operating 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. The battery 140 may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0048] The nebulizer 150 may receive power from the battery 140 to nebulize the aerosol-generating substance. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) to DC (DC / DC) converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the power to the atomizer 150. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 100 generates aerosol by an ultrasonic vibration method, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a DC to alternating current (AC) (DC / AC) converter that converts the direct current of the battery 140 into alternating current.

[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 receive power from the battery 140 to perform functions. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the power to each component.

[0050] In an embodiment, the atomizer 150 may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations by an applied signal (e.g., electricity). For example, the material of the vibrator may include piezoelectric ceramics. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The vibrator may include a piezoelectric body. According to an embodiment, the piezoelectric body may be a conversion element that can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, and can generate ultrasonic vibrations under the control of the controller 110. In an embodiment, when alternating current is applied to the piezoelectric body subjected to polarization treatment, the piezoelectric body may repeatedly expand and contract. When the piezoelectric body repeatedly expands and contracts, the vibrator may vibrate at a characteristic frequency. When a signal is applied to the vibrator, a short high-frequency vibration may be generated, and the generated vibration may break the aerosol-generating substance into small particles and atomize the aerosol-generating substance into an aerosol.

[0051] The user input unit 160 may receive information input from the user or 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 resistance film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an overall tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type method, etc.), a roller, a roller switch, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, although Figure 1 Not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 140.

[0052] 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 storage medium selected from a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., 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, or an optical disk. The memory 170 can store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, data associated with the smoking pattern of the user, and the like.

[0053] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184 .

[0054] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0055] 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 use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0056] The controller 110 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In an embodiment, the controller 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs that the controller may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0057] The controller 110 may control the temperature of the atomizer 150 by controlling the power supply from the battery 140 to the atomizer 150. For example, the controller 110 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element of the driving circuit 138 between the battery 140 and the atomizer 150.

[0058] The controller 110 may analyze the sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 120 and control the subsequent process to be performed. For example, the controller 110 may control the power to be supplied to the atomizer 150 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120 so that the operation of the atomizer 150 starts or ends. For another example, the controller 110 may control the amount of power to be supplied to the atomizer 150 and the time for supplying the power based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120 so that the atomizer 150 can vibrate at a predetermined frequency or maintain a desired vibration frequency.

[0059] 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 132, the tactile portion 134, or the sound outputter 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 is about to stop.

[0060] In an embodiment, the controller 110 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount of the atomizer 150 by controlling the driving circuit 138 according to the state of the aerosol generating product sensed by the sensing unit 120. For example, the controller 110 may control the vibration frequency of the vibrator of the atomizer 150 according to the type or remaining amount of the aerosol generating product.

[0061] Embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium, which includes instructions executable by a computer, for example, a program module executable by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media accessible by a computer, and include all volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. In addition, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, or other data about modulated data signals such as program modules or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0062] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 , aerosol generating device 200 (e.g., Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a cartridge 220 containing an aerosol generating substance and a body 210 connected to the cartridge 220.

[0064] The cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be coupled to the body 210 while containing an aerosol generating substance therein. For example, when at least a portion of the cartridge 220 is inserted into the body 210, the cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled. In another example, when at least a portion of the body 210 is inserted into the cartridge 220, the cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled.

[0065] The cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, or an interference fit method, but the coupling method of the cartridge 220 and the body 210 is not limited to the above examples.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 220 may include a housing 222 , a mouthpiece 224 , a storage portion 230 , a transmission portion 240 , a vibrator 250 , and an electrical terminal 260 .

[0067] The housing 222 of the aerosol generating device 200 may constitute the overall appearance of the cartridge 220 together with the mouthpiece 224, and the components for operating the cartridge 220 may be disposed inside the housing 222. For example, the housing 222 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the shape of the housing 222 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. According to the embodiment, the housing 222 may be formed in the shape of a polygonal cylinder (e.g., a triangular cylinder or a pentagonal cylinder) or a cylindrical cylinder.

[0068] The mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be disposed in an area of ​​the housing 222, and the mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 may include an outlet 224e for discharging the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substance to the outside. For example, the mouthpiece 224 may be disposed in another area of ​​the cartridge 220 opposite to an area coupled to the body 210, and when the user brings the mouthpiece 224 into contact with the aerosol and inhales the aerosol, the user may receive the aerosol from the cartridge 220.

[0069] Due to the user's inhalation or suction operation, a pressure difference may be generated between the outside of the cartridge 220 and the inside of the cartridge 220, and due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the cartridge 220, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 220 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e. That is, when the user contacts the mouthpiece 224 with the mouthpiece and inhales the aerosol, the user may receive the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e.

[0070] The storage unit 230 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be positioned in the internal space of the housing 222 and contain an aerosol generating substance. In the present disclosure, the expression "the storage unit contains an aerosol generating substance" means that the storage unit 230 simply performs the function of containing the aerosol generating substance (e.g., serving as a container), and the storage unit 230 includes an element impregnated (containing) with the aerosol generating substance, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure therein. In addition, the above expression may be used as the same meaning as follows.

[0071] The storage unit 230 may contain an aerosol generating substance in one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, and a gel state.

[0072] In an embodiment, the aerosol-forming substance may include a liquid composition. The liquid composition may be, for example, a liquid including a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0073] The liquid composition may include, for example, one of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, spices, flavoring agent or vitamin mixture or a mixture of these ingredients. Spices may include, for example, menthol, mint, spearmint oil, various fruity ingredients, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0074] The fragrance may include ingredients that provide a variety of aromas or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol former, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0075] The liquid composition may include, for example, glycerol and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which nicotine salts are added. The liquid composition may also include two or more types of nicotine salts. Nicotine salts may be formed by adding appropriate acids (including organic or inorganic acids) to nicotine. Nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and nicotine may have a concentration of any appropriate weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0076] The acid used to form the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 200, the aroma or taste, the solubility, etc. For example, the acid used to form the nicotine salt may include a single acid selected from the group consisting of the following or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group: benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0077] The transmission part 240 of the aerosol generating device 200 may absorb the aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance stored or contained in the storage part 230 may be transferred from the storage part 230 to the vibrator 250 through the transmission part 240, and the vibrator 250 may generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance of the transmission part 240 or the aerosol generating substance received from the transmission part 240. In this case, the transmission part 240 may include at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but the transmission part 240 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the transmission part 240 may be disposed adjacent to the storage part 230 to receive the liquid aerosol generating substance from the storage part 230. For example, the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage part 230 may be discharged to the outside of the storage part 230 through a liquid supply port formed in a region of the storage part 230 facing the transmission part 240, and the transmission part 240 may absorb the aerosol generating substance discharged from the storage part 230.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 220 may further include an absorber, which is arranged to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250 that generates the aerosol, and transmits the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the transmission unit 240 to the vibrator 250. The absorber may be made of a material capable of absorbing the aerosol generating substance. For example, the absorber may include at least one material of SPL 30 (H), SPL 50 (H) V, NP 100 (V8), SPL 60 (FC) and melamine. Since the cartridge 220 also includes an absorber, the aerosol generating substance can be absorbed not only in the transmission unit 240, but also in the absorber, thereby increasing the amount of the aerosol generating substance absorbed.

[0080] The vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be positioned inside the housing 222, and may generate aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 220. For example, the vibrator 250 may generate aerosol by heating or vibrating the aerosol generating substance.

[0081] In addition, since the absorber is configured to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250, the absorber can act as a physical barrier to prevent particles that are not fully atomized and are directly discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200 from being "sprayed" during the aerosol generation process. Here, "spraying" can mean that relatively large particles in the aerosol generating substance are not fully atomized and are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220. Since the cartridge 220 also includes the absorber, the possibility of "spraying" can be reduced, thereby improving the smoking satisfaction of the user.

[0082] In an embodiment, the absorber may be positioned between one surface of the vibrator 250 generating the aerosol and the transmission part 240, and transfer the aerosol supplied to the transmission part 240 to the vibrator 250. For example, one area of ​​the absorber may be in contact with the bottom surface of the transmission part 240, and another area of ​​the absorber may be in contact with the top surface of the vibrator 250. That is, the absorber may be positioned on the top surface of the vibrator 250, and supply the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the transmission part 240 to the vibrator 250.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 can change the phase of the aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method, which uses ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol generating substance. For example, the vibrator 250 can generate a short-period vibration, and the vibration generated by the vibrator 250 can be an ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibration can be in the range of about 100 kilohertz (kHz) to about 10 megahertz (MHz) (preferably, in the range of about 100kHz to 3.5MHz). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the vibrator generates ultrasonic vibrations of the above-mentioned frequency band, the vibrator can vibrate along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cigarette cartridge 220 or the housing 222. However, the embodiment is not limited to the direction along which the vibrator vibrates, and the direction along which the vibrator vibrates can be changed to various directions (e.g., one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction or a combination thereof). The aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage part 230 to the vibrator 250 may be vaporized and / or changed into particles to be atomized into aerosol by the vibration having a short period generated by the vibrator 250 .

[0084] For example, the vibrator 250 may include piezoelectric ceramics, and the piezoelectric ceramics may be a functional material that can generate electricity (voltage) through physical force (pressure) and generate vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied thereto to convert electricity and mechanical force into each other. That is, when electricity is applied to the vibrator 250, a vibration (physical force) with a short period may be generated, and the generated vibration may break the aerosol generating substance into small particles and atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol.

[0085] The vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device 200 via an electrical terminal 260. The electrical terminal 260 may be positioned on one surface of the cartridge 220. For example, the electrical terminal 260 may be positioned on a coupling surface of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body 210 of the aerosol generating device 20. The electrical terminal 260 may be positioned on one surface of the housing 222 opposite to the mouthpiece 224.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to at least one of the driving circuit 212 , the controller 214 , or the battery 216 of the body 210 through an electrical terminal 260 positioned inside the housing 222 of the cartridge 220 .

[0087] For example, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the electrical terminal 260 located inside the cartridge 220 through a first conductor, and the electrical terminal 260 can be electrically connected to the driving circuit 212 of the body 210 through a second conductor. That is, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the components of the body 210 through the electrical terminal 260.

[0088] The vibrator 250 may generate ultrasonic vibrations by receiving power from the battery 216 of the body 210 through the electrical terminal 260. In addition, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to the controller 214 of the body 210 through the electrical terminal 260, and the controller 214 may control the operation of the vibrator 250 through the driving circuit 212.

[0089] For example, the electrical terminal 260 may include at least one of a pogo pin, a wire, a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), or a C-clip. However, the electrical terminal 260 is not limited to the above examples.

[0090] In an embodiment, the vibrator 250 can be implemented as a mesh or plate-shaped vibration receiving portion, which performs the following two functions: absorbing the aerosol generating substance and keeping the aerosol generating substance in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol, and transmitting the vibration to the aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol without the need for a separate transmission portion 240.

[0091] The aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the airflow path 223 and supplied to the user.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the airflow path 223 may be positioned inside the cartridge 220, and may be connected to the vibrator 250 and the outlet 224e of the mouthpiece 224. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 may flow along the airflow path 223, and may be discharged through the outlet 224e to the outside of the cartridge 220 or the aerosol generating device 200. When the user brings the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224 and inhales the aerosol discharged from the outlet 224e, the user may receive the aerosol.

[0093] Although not shown in the figure, the airflow path 223 may include at least one inlet through which air outside the cartridge 220 is introduced into the cartridge 220. The inlet may be positioned on at least a portion of the housing 222 of the cartridge 220. For example, the inlet may be positioned on a coupling surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 and the body 210 are coupled.

[0094] Since at least one gap may be formed in a portion where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body 210 , external air may be introduced through the gap between the cartridge 220 and the body 210 and move into the cartridge 220 through the inlet.

[0095] The air flow path 223 may be connected from the inlet to the space where the vibrator 250 generates the aerosol, and may be connected from the corresponding space to the outlet 224 e.

[0096] Thus, the air introduced through the inlet may be transferred to the vibrator 250 , and the transferred air may move to the outlet 224 e together with the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 , thereby circulating the air inside the cartridge 220 .

[0097] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the airflow path 223 may be disposed such that the outer peripheral surface is surrounded by the storage portion 230 within the housing 222. In another example, at least a portion of the airflow path 223 may be disposed between the inner wall of the housing 222 and the outer wall of the storage portion 230. The arrangement structure of the airflow path 223 is not limited to the above example, and the airflow path 223 may be arranged in various structures to circulate airflow between the inlet, the vibrator 250, and the outlet 224e.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the body 210 may include a driving circuit 212, a controller 214, and a battery 216 therein, and one end of the body 210 may be coupled to one end of the cartridge 220. For example, the body 210 may be coupled to a bottom surface or a coupling surface of the cartridge 220.

[0099] When the vibrator 250 of the cigarette cartridge 220 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 212 through the electrical terminal 260, the drive circuit 212 can supply power to the vibrator 250. For example, the magnitude of the power supplied to the vibrator 250 can be determined by the controller 214. The vibration frequency of the vibrator 250 can be controlled by the magnitude of the power. According to the embodiment, the drive circuit 212 can take the form of a class E power amplifier circuit, a half-bridge circuit, or a full-bridge circuit. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0100] The controller 214 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the controller 214 may control the amount of aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 by controlling the power supplied from the battery 216 to the vibrator 250. For example, the controller 214 may control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 so that the vibrator 250 vibrates at a predetermined frequency.

[0101] The controller 214 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art of the present disclosure should understand that the controller 214 may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0102] The controller 214 analyzes the sensing result obtained by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device 200 and controls the subsequent process to be performed. For example, the controller 214 may control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 based on the sensing result obtained by the at least one sensor so that the operation of the vibrator 250 starts or ends. In addition, the controller 214 may control the amount of power to be supplied to the vibrator 250 and the time for which the power is to be supplied so that the vibrator 250 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol based on the sensing result obtained by the at least one sensor.

[0103] The battery 216 may supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 200. For example, when the body 210 is electrically coupled to the cartridge 220, the battery 216 may supply power to the vibrator 250.

[0104] The battery 216 may supply power required for operating other hardware components (eg, sensors, user interface, memory, and controller 214) included in the aerosol generating device 200. The battery 216 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0105] For example, the battery 216 may include a nickel-based battery (eg, a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (eg, a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium ion battery, or a lithium polymer battery).

[0106] In an embodiment, the cross-section of the aerosol generating device 200 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220 and / or the body 210 may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or various polygonal shapes. However, the shape of the cross-section of the cartridge 220 and / or the body 210 is not limited to the above shapes. In addition, the aerosol generating device 200 is not limited to a shape that extends linearly in the longitudinal direction.

[0107] In embodiments, the aerosol generating device 200 may be bent or curved to make it easier for a user to hold in a hand, and the shape of a cross section of the aerosol generating device 200 may vary along a longitudinal direction.

[0108] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a cartridge and a body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment separated, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a cartridge and a body portion of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment coupled together.

[0109] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 300 according to the embodiment shown may be Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 200 (or Figure 1 A modified example of the aerosol generating device 100) and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cigarette cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 according to the embodiment shown can be respectively Figure 2 The illustrated cigarette cartridge 220 and the body 210 are modified examples, and therefore repeated description will be omitted below.

[0110] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cartridge 220-1 may be detachably coupled to the body 210-1. For example, when at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 is inserted into the body 210-1, the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the body 210-1.

[0111] The cartridge 220-1 may include a mouthpiece 10m that can move between an open position and a closed position. For example, the mouthpiece 10m may be opened and closed by rotating between the open position and the closed position.

[0112] The body portion 10b of the cigarette cartridge 220-1 can be connected to the mouthpiece 10m by a rotating shaft. In one example, the mouthpiece 10m can be positioned in an open position. The open state of the mouthpiece 10m may refer to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is stretched in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 220-1 so that the user can easily contact the mouth with the mouthpiece 10m. Here, the longitudinal direction may refer to a direction in which the cigarette cartridge 220-1 extends the longest among several directions. In another example, the mouthpiece 10m can be positioned in a closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece 10m may refer to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is folded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 220-1 so that the mouthpiece 10m is accommodated in the body 210-1 of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0113] The cigarette cartridge 220-1 may include a body portion 10b including various components required to generate aerosol and discharge the generated aerosol. For example, the body portion 10b may include a storage portion, a vibrator, and at least a portion of an airflow path.

[0114] The body 210-1 may include a coupling portion 20a to which the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled. For example, the body 210-1 may include a receiving groove 20a-1, which may accommodate at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1. The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be inserted into the receiving groove 20a-1. For example, the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may have a generally rectangular columnar shape, and the corners of the rectangular columnar shape may be chamfered or rounded. However, the shape of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 is not limited to the above examples, and may be cylindrical or polygonal columnar.

[0115] As mentioned above Figure 2 The cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 may be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded connection method, a magnetic coupling method, or an interference fit method. For example, the cartridge 220-1 may include a first magnetic body, and the body 210-1 may include a second magnetic body, so that the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 may be connected by magnetic force. However, the strength of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may be designed taking into account the ease of installation and disassembly of the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 and / or the operational stability of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0116] The body 210-1 may include a button 20b. The button 20b may be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1. For example, the button 20b may be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1 corresponding to one end 20c-1 of the cover 20c. The user may use the button 20b to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 300 when using the aerosol generating device 300.

[0117] The body 210-1 may further include a housing 20s, which can accommodate the mouthpiece 10m when the mouthpiece 10m of the cartridge 220-1 is moved to the closed position. The housing 20s may be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1 and may have a shape or size corresponding to that of the mouthpiece 10m.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, the mouthpiece 10m that has been moved to the closed position can minimize the portion protruding outward from the aerosol generating device 300 in the closed position (ie, the portion protruding outward from the outer surface of the body 210-1), thereby improving portability.

[0119] In an embodiment, the body 210-1 may further include a cover 20c coupled to a portion of the body 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to at least one surface of the body 210-1. For example, the cover 20c may be coupled to a side of the body 210-1 where the coupling portion 20a is located. In addition, the cover 20c may also be coupled to a side of the body 210-1 where the receiving portion 20s is located.

[0120] The cover 20c may include an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c may include an opening 20c-o having a size corresponding to the size of the mouthpiece 10m. For example, the opening 20c-o may have a predetermined length and width. Here, the width of the opening 20c-o may be less than or equal to the width of the body of the cartridge 220-1 and may be greater than or equal to the width of the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening 20c-o may be longer than or equal to the length of the mouthpiece 10m.

[0121] The cover 20c may extend from one end 20c-1 to the other end 20c-2 to be disposed on the seat 20c' of the body 210-1. For example, the seat 20c' may have a size and shape corresponding to that of the cover 20c. The seat 20c' may be a portion extending in both directions from the inlet side of the coupling portion 20a and the accommodating portion 20s, and the seat 20c' may be recessed to a predetermined depth that enables the cover 20c to be coupled to the seat 20c'.

[0122] When the cigarette cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body 210-1, the cover 20c may be coupled to the body 210-1 after the cigarette cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body 210-1 by at least one of a snap fit method, an interference fit method, or a magnetic coupling method. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0123] Since the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o through which the mouthpiece 10m can pass, the opening and closing movement of the mouthpiece 10m when the cigarette cartridge 220-1 is connected to the body 210-1 can be protected without interfering with the connection between the cigarette cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1.

[0124] Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 300 is shown with both the cartridge 220-1 and the cover 20c coupled to the body 210-1 and the mouthpiece 10m in a closed position. As shown in the figure, since the body 210-1 includes a receiving portion 20s having a size and shape corresponding to that of the mouthpiece 10m, and a seating portion 20c' having a size and shape corresponding to that of the cover 20c, and the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o having a size and shape corresponding to that of the mouthpiece 10m, the overall surface of the aerosol generating device 300 is solid and smooth.

[0125] When the cartridge 220-1 is separated from the body 210-1, the cover 20c may be separated from the body 210-1 first, and then the cartridge 220-1 may be separated from the body 210-1. As described above, the cover 20c and the cartridge 220-1 may be separated from the body 210-1 or coupled to the body 210-1 in sequence.

[0126] Figure 5 A driving circuit according to an embodiment is shown.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the driving circuit 500 ( Figure 1 The driving circuit 138 or Figure 2 The driving circuit 212 of the embodiment may provide a signal to the vibrator 510 (eg, Figure 1 Atomizer 150 or Figure 2The driving circuit 500 may include: a first electrical contact 511 connectable to a first end of the vibrator 510 and a second electrical contact 513 connectable to a second end of the vibrator 510; one or more capacitors (e.g., a first capacitor 515 and a second capacitor 517), each of which is connected in parallel with the vibrator 510 between the first electrical contact 511 and the second electrical contact 513 (i.e., the first end of one or more capacitors is connected to the first electrical contact 511, and the second end of one or more capacitors is connected to the second electrical contact 513); an inductor 520 (e.g., a coil), which has a first end connected to the first electrical contact 511; a first switch SW1 531, which has a source terminal connected to the second end of the inductor 520; a second switch SW2 533, which has a drain terminal connected to the second end of the inductor 520 and a source terminal connected to the ground; a third switch SW3 535, which has a source terminal connected to the second electrical contact 513; a fourth switch SW4 537, which has a drain terminal connected to the second electrical contact 513 and a source terminal connected to the ground; a first power source 501, which provides a voltage to the drain terminal of the first switch 531 and the drain terminal of the third switch 535; a second power source V2 503, which provides a voltage to the gate terminal of the first switch 531 and the gate terminal of the fourth switch 537; and a third power source V3 505, which provides 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).

[0128] Here, when two elements are "connectable", it refers to a configuration in which the elements are connected to each other when a detachable part of an aerosol generating device including one element (e.g., a cartridge unit) is connected to another detachable part of an aerosol generating device including another element (i.e., a body).

[0129] According to an embodiment, the vibrator 510 may be included in the cartridge unit. When the cartridge unit is mechanically coupled to the body, the vibrator 510 may be electrically connected to the first electrical contact point 511 and the second electrical contact point 513 of the drive circuit 500. When the first electrical contact point 511 and the second electrical contact point 513 are connected through the vibrator 510, the controller 214 may recognize that the vibrator 510 is coupled, and may supply power to the vibrator 510 through the drive circuit 500.

[0130] According to an embodiment, one or more capacitors may be included in the body (e.g., the drive circuit 500). When the cartridge unit is mechanically coupled to the body, since the vibrator 510 is electrically connected to the first electrical contact point 511 and the second electrical contact point 513 of the drive circuit 500, the one or more capacitors may be connected in parallel with the vibrator 510. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the one or more capacitors may include a first capacitor 515 and a second capacitor 517. This is an example, and the number of capacitors connected in parallel to the vibrator 510 is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the vibrator 510 included in the cigarette cartridge unit has a natural frequency determined by the physical characteristics of the vibrator 510. The more similar the signal frequency provided to the vibrator 510 is to the natural frequency, the stronger the resonance will be. That is, when the vibrator 510 receives power through the drive circuit 500, if the vibration frequency of the drive circuit 500 is consistent with the natural frequency of the vibrator 510, the strongest resonance will be generated. In this case, the vibration frequency of the drive circuit 500 can be expressed as a resonant frequency or a characteristic frequency. The vibration frequency of the drive circuit 500 represents the frequency of the signal applied to both ends of the vibrator 510. Since the natural frequency of the vibrator 510 varies according to the physical characteristics of the vibrator 510, the vibration frequency of the drive circuit 500 will also be adjusted accordingly after being electrically connected to the vibrator 510. In other words, since the vibration frequency of the drive circuit 500 is fixed, the resonance intensity of the vibrator 510 can vary according to the natural frequency of the vibrator 510 connected to the cigarette cartridge unit.

[0132] According to an embodiment, since one or more capacitors are connected in parallel to the vibrator 510, the vibration frequency of the driving circuit 500 can be controlled to coincide with the natural frequency of the vibrator 510. Therefore, resonance can occur, so that the vibration efficiency of the vibrator 510 can be improved and overheating can be prevented.

[0133] According to an embodiment, each of the one or more capacitors may be connected in series with a switch (not shown), respectively. For example, a first end of the first capacitor 515 may be connected to the first electrical contact 511, a second end of the first capacitor 515 may be connected to an end of the switch, and the other end of the switch may be connected to the second electrical contact 513. By switching one or more switches, the parallel connection between the capacitor and the vibrator 510 may be controlled.

[0134] The first power source 501 according to the embodiment 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 embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0135] The second power source 503 according to the embodiment 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 each be less than or equal to 4V, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the second power supply 503 and the third power supply 505 may operate alternately. That is, the second power supply 503 and the third power supply 505 may not operate simultaneously. The voltage across the vibrator 510 provided by the driving circuit 500 may be greater than or equal to 100V, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0137] When the driving circuit 500 is used, a high voltage can be applied to the vibrator 510 by using a low voltage (eg, 10 V) relative to a voltage (eg, 17 V) applied to a switch of the driving circuit in the form of a boost converter.

[0138] Since 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, a switch capable of withstanding high voltage is not required. Therefore, a switch with low Rds (on) resistance can be applied to the driving circuit 500, thereby solving problems such as overheating of components.

[0139] Figure 6 A driving circuit switching between a full-bridge mode and a half-bridge mode according to an example is shown.

[0140] According to the implementation mode, Figure 5 Compared with the driving circuit 500 described above, the driving circuit 600 may further include a fifth switch 638 connected to the second electrical contact point 613 and a sixth switch 639 located between the drain terminal of the third switch 635 and the first power source 601. The source terminal of the sixth switch 639 is connected to the drain terminal of the third switch 635, and the drain terminal of the sixth switch 639 is connected to the first power source 601. For example, the first control signal provided to the gate terminal of the fifth switch 638 and the second control signal provided to the gate of the sixth switch 639 may be different from each other, and the first control signal and the second control signal may be provided by the controller 214.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the driving circuit 600 may include one or more capacitors (eg, a first capacitor 615 and a second capacitor 617). When the vibrator 610 of the cartridge unit is connected to the driving circuit 600, the one or more capacitors may be positioned in the driving circuit 600 to be connected in parallel with the vibrator 610.

[0142] Figure 7An equivalent circuit of a driving circuit operating in half-bridge mode according to an example is shown.

[0143] According to an embodiment, when the first control signal is LOW and the second control signal is HIGH, the driving circuit 600 can operate in full-bridge mode. Conversely, when the first control signal is HIGH and the second control signal is LOW, the driving circuit 600 can operate in half-bridge mode. Figure 7 An equivalent circuit 700 of the driver circuit 600 operating in half-bridge mode may be shown.

[0144] According to an embodiment, when the second power source 603 and the third power source 605 are alternately operated, the direction of the current flowing through the vibrator 610 may also be alternately changed.

[0145] Compared to the full-bridge mode, in the half-bridge mode, the maximum voltage applied to the vibrator 610 may be reduced, and the total power consumed by the drive circuit 600 may also be reduced. Thus, the half-bridge mode may be used when the aerosol generating device 200 is operated in a mode that generates a relatively small amount of aerosol.

[0146] The above reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The operation modes of the driving circuit described above are examples, and the driving circuit of the present disclosure may be operated in a full-bridge mode, a half-bridge mode, or other operation modes in which the number of switches is two or less. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0147] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a vibration frequency of a driving circuit according to an embodiment.

[0148] In operation 810, a controller (e.g., Figure 1 The controller 110 or Figure 2 The controller 214) can determine whether the vibrator of the cigarette cartridge unit is connected to the driving circuit of the electronic device.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the vibrator may be included in the cartridge unit. When the cartridge unit is mechanically connected to the body, the vibrator may be electrically connected to the first electrical contact point and the second electrical contact point of the drive circuit. When the first electrical contact point and the second electrical contact point are connected through the vibrator, the controller may recognize that the vibrator is connected and may supply power to the vibrator through the drive circuit.

[0150] In operation 820 , the controller determines a natural frequency of the vibrator when the vibrator is connected to the driving circuit.

[0151] According to an embodiment, when the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit when the cartridge unit is coupled to the body of the electronic device, the natural frequency of the vibrator can be generated by one or more capacitors (e.g., Figure 5 The determination is made by trial driving the drive circuit in a state where the first capacitor 515 and the second capacitor 517 are not connected to the vibrator (ie, a state where all switches connected in series with one or more capacitors are open).

[0152] According to an embodiment, the electronic device can measure the impedance between the two ends of the vibrator while changing the connection method of one or more capacitors to the vibrator, and determine the natural frequency of the vibrator based on the measured impedance. For example, the first connection method may be a method in which no capacitor is connected in parallel to the vibrator. For example, the second connection method may be a method in which the vibrator is connected in parallel to the first capacitor (e.g., the first capacitor 515). For example, the third connection method may be a method in which the vibrator is connected in parallel to the second capacitor (e.g., the second capacitor 517). For example, the fourth connection method may be a method in which the first capacitor (e.g., the first capacitor 515) and the second capacitor (e.g., the second capacitor 517) are respectively connected in parallel to the vibrator. The natural frequency of the vibrator may be determined as a frequency corresponding to the connection method having the lowest measured impedance among the above-mentioned connection methods. The natural frequency of the vibrator corresponding to each connection method may be preset.

[0153] In operation 830, the controller controls a connection method of one or more capacitors to the vibrator based on the determined natural frequency. Fig. 9 As described above, the closer the vibration frequency of the driving circuit is to the natural frequency of the vibrator, the lower the impedance measured between the first end and the second end of the vibrator. Therefore, the type and number of capacitors connected in parallel with the vibrator can be controlled according to the connection method with the lowest impedance.

[0154] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method for determining a natural frequency of a vibrator according to an example.

[0155] According to the embodiment, the above reference Figure 8 Described operation 820 may include operations 910 through 930 which will be described below.

[0156] In operation 910, when one or more capacitors are connected in parallel with the vibrator through a first connection method, a controller (eg, Figure 1 The controller 110 or Figure 2The controller 214 of the embodiment may measure the first impedance between the first end and the second end of the vibrator. For example, the first connection method may be a method of connecting only one of the one or more capacitors having the largest capacitance in parallel with the vibrator. In another example, the first connection method may be a method of connecting only one of the one or more capacitors having the smallest capacitance in parallel with the vibrator. In yet another example, the first connection method may be a method of connecting all capacitors except one of the one or more capacitors having the largest capacitance in parallel to the vibrator.

[0157] In operation 920, when one or more capacitors are connected in parallel with the vibrator through the second connection method, the controller may measure the second impedance at both ends of the vibrator. For example, the second connection method may be a method of additionally connecting a capacitor having a smaller capacitance than the capacitor connected in parallel with the vibrator in the first connection method in parallel with the vibrator. In another example, the second connection method may be a method of additionally connecting a capacitor having a larger capacitance than the capacitor connected in parallel with the vibrator in the first connection method in parallel with the vibrator. In yet another example, the second connection method may be a method of disconnecting at least one of the capacitors connected in parallel with the vibrator in the first connection method and connecting one or more other capacitors in parallel with the vibrator.

[0158] In operation 930, the controller may determine the natural frequency of the vibrator based on the first impedance and the second impedance. The embodiment is not limited to the above description, and the natural frequency of the vibrator may be determined by further measuring the third impedance, the fourth impedance, etc. Since the impedance between the first end and the second end of the vibrator is low, this means that the vibration frequency of the drive circuit is closer to the natural frequency of the vibrator. Therefore, the vibration frequency of the drive circuit corresponding to the lowest impedance in the measured impedance can be determined as the natural frequency of the vibrator.

[0159] The embodiments described herein can be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers can be used to implement processing devices, such as, for example, processors, controllers, and arithmetic logic units (arithmetic logic units, ALUs), digital signal processors (digital signal processors), microcomputers, field programmable gate arrays (field programmable gate arrays, FPAs), programmable logic units (programmable logic units, PLUs), microprocessors, or any other device capable of responding to instructions and executing instructions in a defined manner. The processing device can execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device can also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For simplicity, the description of the processing device is used as a singular; however, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing device may include multiple processors or a processor and a controller. In addition, other processing configurations such as parallel processors may also be possible.

[0160] Software may include a computer program, code, instruction, or some combination thereof to independently or jointly instruct or configure a processing device to operate as required. Software and data may be permanently or temporarily implemented in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or permanently or temporarily implemented in a propagated signal wave (signal wave) that can provide instructions or data to a processing device or is interpreted by a processing device. Software may also be distributed on computer systems connected via a network so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored by one or more non-transient computer-readable storage media.

[0161] The method according to the embodiment can be recorded in a non-transient computer-readable medium, which includes program instructions to implement various operations of the embodiment. The medium can also include data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination with program commands. The program instructions recorded on the medium can be instructions specially designed and constructed to implement the embodiment, or the program instructions can be instructions known and available to ordinary technicians in the field of computer software. Examples of non-transient computer-readable 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 optical disks; and hardware devices, which are specially 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 machine language codes such as those generated by a compiler, but also files containing high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0162] The above-mentioned apparatuses may be configured to act as one or more software modules in order to perform the operations of the above-mentioned embodiments, and vice versa.

[0163] As described above, although the embodiments have been described with reference to limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based thereon. For example, if the techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the system, architecture, device or circuit are combined in a different manner, or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents, suitable results may be obtained.

[0164] Accordingly, other implementations, other implementations, and / or equivalents are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A driving circuit, comprising: A first electrical contact point, the first electrical contact point being connectable to a first end of a vibrator of the cigarette cartridge; a second electrical contact point, the second electrical contact point being connectable to a second end of the vibrator; one or more capacitors connected in parallel between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, wherein a first end of the one or more capacitors is connected to the first electrical contact and a second end of the one or more capacitors is connected to the second electrical contact; 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, wherein a source terminal of the second switch is connected to a 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 point, wherein a source terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the 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 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 a drain terminal of the first switch and a drain terminal of the third switch.

3. The driving circuit according to claim 1, in, The second power supply is configured to provide a first AC voltage to a gate terminal of the first switch and a gate terminal of the fourth switch, and The third power supply is configured to provide a second AC voltage to a gate terminal of the second switch and a gate terminal of the third switch.

4. The driving circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The second power source and the third power source operate alternately.

5. The driving circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: a fifth switch connected to the second electrical contact; and a sixth switch, the sixth switch being positioned between a drain terminal of the third switch and the first power supply, wherein: A source terminal of the sixth switch is connected to a drain terminal of the third switch, and a drain terminal of the sixth switch is connected to the first power source, 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.

6. The driving circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more switches, wherein the one or more switches are connected in series between the first end of each of the one or more capacitors and the first electrical contact point, or are connected in series between the second end of each of the one or more capacitors and the second electrical contact point.

7. The driving circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The driving circuit is included in an electronic cigarette.

8. An electronic device comprising: a cartridge unit, the cartridge unit comprising a vibrator configured to generate an aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating substance; as well as A body, the body being connected to the cigarette cartridge unit, and the body comprising: a driving circuit, wherein the driving circuit is configured to: when the cigarette cartridge unit is connected to the body, the driving circuit drives the vibrator; and a controller configured to control the driving circuit, Wherein, the driving circuit comprises: a first electrical contact point, the first electrical contact point being connectable to a first end of the vibrator; a second electrical contact point, the second electrical contact point being connectable to a second end of the vibrator; one or more capacitors connected in parallel between the first electrical contact point and the second electrical contact point, wherein a first end of the one or more capacitors is connected to the first electrical contact point, and a second end of the one or more capacitors is connected to the second electrical contact point; 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, wherein a source terminal of the second switch is connected to a 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 a source terminal of the second switch is connected to the 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 is configured to provide a voltage to a gate terminal of the second switch and a gate terminal of the third switch.

9. A method for controlling vibration frequency by an electronic device, the method comprising: determining whether a vibrator of the cigarette cartridge unit is connected to a drive circuit of the electronic device; determining a natural frequency of the vibrator when the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit; as well as Based on the determined natural frequency, controlling a connection method of one or more capacitors in parallel with the vibrator, Wherein, the vibration frequency of the driving circuit is controlled according to the connection method of the one or more capacitors.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Determining the natural frequency of the vibrator includes: When the one or more capacitors are connected in parallel with the vibrator by a first connection method, measuring a first impedance between a first end and a second end of the vibrator; When the one or more capacitors are connected in parallel with the vibrator by a second connection method, measuring a second impedance between a first end and a second end of the vibrator; and The natural frequency is determined based on the first impedance and the second impedance.

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