Method and device for controlling driving circuit of vibrator

Abstract

In an electronic device including a driving circuit, it is determined whether a vibrator of a cartridge is connected to the driving circuit of the electronic device, and when the vibrator is connected to the driving circuit, an operating frequency of the vibrator is determined by providing a test signal to the driving circuit, and a target signal having the operating frequency is provided to the driving circuit.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, the demand for electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes has been on the rise. The growth in the demand for e-cigarettes has accelerated the continuous research and development of e-cigarette related functions. E-cigarette related functions may include, for example, functions set according to the type and characteristics of the e-cigarette. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical Problem to be Solved

[0004] An embodiment can provide a method for controlling a drive circuit of a vibrator.

[0005] An embodiment can provide an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol.

[0006] Technical Solution to Solve the Problem

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method for controlling a drive circuit of an electronic device includes: determining whether a vibrator of a cartridge is connected to the drive circuit; if the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit, determining an operating frequency of the vibrator by providing a test signal to the drive circuit; and providing a target signal having the operating frequency to the drive circuit.

[0008] Determining the operating frequency of the vibrator may include: providing a first test signal having a first test frequency to the drive circuit, and determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal.

[0009] Determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal may include: if the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal meets a preset drive condition, determining the first test frequency as the operating frequency.

[0010] Determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal may include: if the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal does not meet the preset drive condition, providing a second test signal having a second test frequency to the drive circuit, and determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the second test signal.

[0011] Determining the operating frequency of the vibrator may include: providing a test signal having a preset test frequency to the drive circuit, and determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the test signal having the test frequency and pre-stored response data.

[0012] When the target signal is provided to the drive circuit, the vibrator may vibrate.

[0013] The method may further include determining whether to continue driving the vibrator based on the response of the drive circuit to the target signal.

[0014] Determining whether to continue driving the vibrator may include stopping driving the vibrator if the response of the drive circuit to the target signal is not within a preset threshold range.

[0015] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a memory, a drive circuit, and a processor configured to determine whether a vibrator of a cartridge is connected to the drive circuit; if the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit, determine an operating frequency of the vibrator by providing a test signal to the drive circuit; and provide a target signal having the operating frequency to the drive circuit.

[0016] When the target signal is provided to the drive circuit, the vibrator may vibrate in an ultrasonic manner.

[0017] The electronic device may be an aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating material around the vibrator may be atomized by vibrations in the form of ultrasonic waves generated by the vibrator.

[0018] Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to one embodiment, a method of controlling a signal of a drive circuit for a vibrator may be provided.

[0020] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol may be provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

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

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 A perspective view of a cartridge and a body of an aerosol generating device separated from each other according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 A perspective view of a cartridge and a body of an aerosol generating device coupled to each other according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 A vibrator monitoring circuit connected to a drive circuit according to one embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A drawing showing a specific configuration of a vibrator monitoring circuit according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7Flowchart of a signal control method for a driving circuit according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 Flowchart showing a method for determining an operating frequency according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 Flowchart showing a method for determining an operating frequency according to another embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 Flowchart of a method for controlling a signal of a driving circuit according to an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Specific Embodiments

[0031] The following detailed description of the structure or function is provided only as an example, and various changes and modifications can be made to these examples. Here, these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure, but should be understood to cover all changes, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to explain various components, these components are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, within the scope of the present disclosure, the first component can be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component can also be referred to as the first component.

[0033] It should be noted that if a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, then even if the first component can be directly connected, coupled, or joined to the second component, there may be a third component "connected", "coupled", and "joined" between the first component and the second component.

[0034] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms. It should also be further understood that when the terms "comprise / include" and / or "include / comprise" are used herein, the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components will be specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof is not excluded.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical terms and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in a common dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined as such herein.

[0036] Hereinafter, these embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, and repetitive descriptions related thereto will be omitted.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0038] According to one embodiment, Figure 1 the aerosol generating device 100 in 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 that shown. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, Figure 1 some of the components shown in may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[0039] The sensing unit 120 may 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 through sensing to the controller 110. Based on this sensing information, the controller 110 may control the aerosol generating device 100 to control the operation of the atomizer 150, restrict smoking, determine whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, display notifications, and perform other functions.

[0040] The sensing unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, or a puff sensor 126. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0041] The temperature sensor 122 may sense the temperature of the atomizer 150 (or the 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 perform the function of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be arranged around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0042] The insertion detection sensor 124 may sense whether an aerosol generating article is inserted and / or removed. The insertion detection sensor 124 may include, for example, at least one of the following: a thin film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, or an infrared sensor, which can sense signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0043] The suction sensor 126 can sense the user's suction action based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the suction sensor 126 can sense the user's suction based on one of temperature change, flow rate change, voltage change, and pressure change.

[0044] In addition to the above sensors 122 to 126, the sensing unit 120 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, or a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illuminance sensor). Those of ordinary skill in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name of each sensor, and thus, a more detailed description of the sensors will be omitted herein.

[0045] The output unit 130 can 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 haptic part 134, or a sound outputter 136. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. When the display 132 and the touchpad are arranged in a hierarchical structure to form a touch screen, the display 132 can be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0046] The display 132 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. 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 article, the restricted use state of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., detected abnormal article), etc., and the display 132 can output this information outward. The display 132 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display 132 can also be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0047] The haptic part 134 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user haptically by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. The haptic part 134 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulus device.

[0048] The sound outputter 136 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user auditorily. For example, the sound outputter 136 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal outward.

[0049] The battery 140 can provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 can provide power for operating the atomizer 150. In addition, the battery 140 can provide power required for operating other components included in the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180). The battery 140 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. The battery 140 can be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0050] The atomizer 150 can receive power from the battery 140 to atomize the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) to direct current (DC / DC) converter), which 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 can further include a DC to AC converter, which converts the direct current of the battery 140 into alternating current.

[0051] The controller 110, the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 can receive power from the battery 140 to perform functions. Although not shown in Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 can 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 supplies the power to each component.

[0052] In one embodiment, the atomizer 150 can include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations by an applied signal (e.g., power). For example, the material of the vibrator can include piezoelectric ceramics. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The vibrator can include a piezoelectric body. A piezoelectric body according to an embodiment can 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 an alternating current is applied to the polarized piezoelectric body, the piezoelectric body can expand and contract repeatedly. As the piezoelectric body expands and contracts repeatedly, the vibrator can vibrate at a characteristic frequency. When a signal is applied to the vibrator, short high-frequency vibrations can be generated, and the generated vibrations can break down the aerosol generating material into small particles and atomize the aerosol generating material into aerosol.

[0053] The user input unit 160 can receive input information from the user or can output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 can include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., capacitive, piezoresistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a roller, a toggle switch, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further 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 charge the battery 140.

[0054] The memory 170 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 100. The memory may 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 of a flash type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro memory, a card type memory (e.g., 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 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, data related to the user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0055] 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 wireless communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0056] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a low power Bluetooth (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (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 embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0057] The wireless communication unit 184 may include, for example, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 184 may use user information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 in a communication network.

[0058] 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 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 of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that the controller may be implemented with other types of hardware.

[0059] The controller 110 may control the operation 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 drive circuit 138 located between the battery 140 and the atomizer 150.

[0060] The controller 110 may analyze the sensing results obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 120 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 110 may control the power supply to the atomizer 150 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 150 based on the sensing results obtained by the sensing unit 120. In another example, the controller 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 150 and the time of power supply such that the atomizer 150 vibrates at a predetermined frequency or maintains a desired vibration frequency based on the sensing results obtained by the sensing unit 120.

[0061] The controller 110 may control the output unit 130 based on the sensing results 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 haptic part 134, or the sound outputter 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 is about to end its use.

[0062] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may control the power - supply time and / or the power - supply amount to the atomizer 150 by controlling the drive circuit 138 according to the state of the aerosol - generating article 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 the remaining amount of the aerosol - generating article.

[0063] Embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes all volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. In addition, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes 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 includes computer-readable commands, data structures, or other data regarding a modulated data signal (e.g., a program module), or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2 , the aerosol generating device 200 (e.g., Figure 1 the aerosol generating device 100 in

[0066] The cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be coupled to the body 210 while accommodating the aerosol generating material therein. For example, when at least a part 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 part of the body 210 is inserted into the cartridge 220, the cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled.

[0067] The cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a threaded connection 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.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 220 may include a housing 222, a mouthpiece 224, a storage part 230, a transmission part 240, a vibrator 250, and electrical terminals 260.

[0069] The housing 222 of the aerosol generating device 200 may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 220 together with the mouthpiece 224, and components for operating the cartridge 220 may be disposed inside the housing 222. For example, the housing 222 may be formed in a cuboid shape, but the shape of the housing 222 is not limited to the above embodiments. According to one embodiment, the housing 222 may be formed in the shape of a polygonal prism (e.g., a triangular prism or a pentagonal prism) or a cylinder.

[0070] The mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be disposed in a region of the housing 222 and may include an outlet 224e for discharging the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material to the outside. For example, the mouthpiece 224 may be disposed in a region of the cartridge 220 opposite to the region connected to the body 210, and when the user brings the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224 and inhales the aerosol, the user may receive the aerosol from the cartridge 220.

[0071] Due to the inhalation or sucking operation of the user, a pressure difference may occur between the outside 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 brings the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224 and inhales the aerosol, the user may receive the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e.

[0072] The storage part 230 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be located in the internal space of the housing 222 and may accommodate the aerosol generating material. In the present disclosure, the expression "the storage part accommodates the aerosol generating material" means that the storage part 230 performs a function of simply accommodating the aerosol generating material, such as the use of a container, and the storage part 230 includes an element in which the aerosol generating material is impregnated (accommodated), such as a sponge, cotton, fabric or porous ceramic structure. In addition, the same expression with the same meaning may also be used hereinafter.

[0073] The storage part 230 may accommodate the aerosol generating material in one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state and a gel state.

[0074] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. The liquid composition may be, for example, a liquid including a tobacco material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[0075] The liquid composition may include, for example, one of water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent or a vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these components. The fragrance may include, for example, menthol, mint, peppermint oil, various fruit flavor components, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0076] The flavoring agent may include components that provide various flavors or scents 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 embodiments are not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include aerosol formers such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0077] A liquid composition can, for example, include glycerol and propylene glycol in any weight ratio, and a nicotine salt is added. The liquid composition can also include two or more types of nicotine salts. The nicotine salt can be formed by adding a suitable acid including an organic acid or an inorganic acid to nicotine. The nicotine can be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and can have a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0078] The acid for forming the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected in consideration of the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 200, flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt can include a single acid selected from the following: 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, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the above group. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0079] The transmission part 240 of the aerosol generating device 200 can absorb the aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance stored or accommodated in the storage part 230 can be transmitted from the storage part 230 to the vibrator 250 through the transmission part 240, and the vibrator 250 can generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance transmitted through the transmission part 240 or the aerosol generating substance received from the transmission part 240. In this case, the transmission part 240 can 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 embodiments.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the transmission part 240 can 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 can be discharged to the outside of the storage part 230 through a liquid supply port formed in an area of the storage part 230 facing the transmission part 240, and the transmission part 240 can absorb at least a part of the aerosol generating substance discharged from the storage part 230 to absorb the aerosol generating substance discharged from the storage part 230.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 220 may further include an absorption part, which is arranged to cover at least a part of the aerosol-generating area of the vibrator 250 and transfer the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the transfer part 240 to the vibrator 250. The absorption part may be made of a material capable of absorbing the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the absorption part may include at least one of the following materials: SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and melamine. Since the cartridge 220 further includes the absorption part, the aerosol-generating substance can be absorbed not only in the transfer part 240 but also in the absorption part, so the amount of the absorbed aerosol-generating substance can be increased.

[0082] The vibrator 250 of the aerosol-generating device 200 may be positioned inside the housing 222 and may generate aerosol by converting the phase state 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.

[0083] In addition, since the absorption part is arranged to cover at least a part of the vibrator 250, the absorption part can act as a physical barrier to prevent the "spitting" of inadequately atomized particles and their direct discharge to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 200 during the aerosol generation process. Here, "spitting" may mean that inadequately atomized, relatively large-sized particles of the aerosol-generating substance are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220. Since the cartridge 220 further includes the absorption part, the possibility of "spitting" can be reduced, and the smoking satisfaction of the user can be improved.

[0084] In one embodiment, the absorption part may be positioned between one surface of the vibrator 250 that generates aerosol and the transfer part 240 and transfer the aerosol supplied to the transfer part 240 to the vibrator 250. For example, one area of the absorption part may be in contact with one area of the transfer part 240 facing the -z direction, and another area of the absorption part may be in contact with one area of the vibrator 250 facing the +z direction. That is to say, the absorption part may be located on the top surface of the vibrator 250 (e.g., in the +z direction) and supply the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the transfer part 240 to the vibrator 250.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 can change the phase state of the aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method that atomizes the aerosol generating substance by ultrasonic vibration. For example, the vibrator 250 can generate vibrations of a short period, and the vibrations generated from the vibrator 250 can be ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations can be in the range of approximately 100 kilohertz (kHz) to approximately 10 megahertz (MHz) (preferably, in the range of approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the vibrator generates ultrasonic vibrations in the above frequency band, the vibrator can vibrate in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the cartridge 220 or the housing 222. However, the embodiment is not limited to the direction in which the vibrator vibrates, and the direction in which the vibrator vibrates can be changed to various directions (e.g., one direction among 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 by the short-period vibrations generated by the vibrator 250 can be vaporized and / or turned into particles, and thus atomized into an aerosol.

[0086] For example, the vibrator 250 can include a piezoelectric ceramic, and the piezoelectric ceramic can be a functional material that can generate electricity (voltage) by physical force (pressure) and generate vibrations (mechanical force) when electricity is applied, thereby achieving the mutual conversion of electric force and mechanical force. That is, when electricity is applied to the vibrator 250, vibrations of a short period (mechanical force) can be generated, and the generated vibrations can break down the aerosol generating substance into small particles and atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol.

[0087] The vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device 200 through electrical terminals 260. The electrical terminals 260 can be located on one surface of the cartridge 220. For example, the electrical terminals 260 can be located on the coupling surface of the cartridge 220 that is coupled to the main body 210 of the aerosol generating device 20. The electrical terminals 260 can be located on one surface of the housing 222 that is opposite to the mouthpiece 224.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to at least one of the drive circuit 212, the controller 214, or the battery 216 of the main body 210 through the electrical terminals 260 located inside the housing 222 of the cartridge 220.

[0089] For example, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the electrical terminals 260 located inside the cartridge 220 through a first conductor, and the electrical terminals 260 can be electrically connected to the drive circuit 212 of the main body 210 through a second conductor. That is, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the components of the main body 210 through the electrical terminals 260.

[0090] The vibrator 250 can receive power from the battery 216 of the main body 210 through the electrical terminal 260 to generate ultrasonic vibrations. In addition, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the controller 214 of the main body 210 through the electrical terminal 260, and the controller 214 can control the operation of the vibrator 250 through the drive circuit 212.

[0091] For example, the electrical terminal 260 can include at least one of a spring pin, a wire, a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), or a C-shaped clip. However, the electrical terminal 260 is not limited to the above examples.

[0092] In one embodiment, the vibrator 250 can be implemented as a mesh or plate-shaped vibration accommodation portion that can simultaneously perform the functions of absorbing the aerosol-generating material and maintaining the aerosol-generating material in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol, as well as transmitting vibrations to the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol, without using a separate transfer portion 240.

[0093] The aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the airflow path 223 and supplied to the user.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the airflow path 223 can be located inside the cartridge 220 and can be connected to the vibrator 250 and the outlet 224e of the mouthpiece 224. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 can flow along the airflow path 223 and can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 or the aerosol generating device 200 through the outlet 224e. When the user brings the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224 and inhales the aerosol discharged from the outlet 224e, the user can receive the aerosol.

[0095] Although not shown in the drawings, the airflow path 223 can include at least one inlet through which air outside the cartridge 220 can be introduced into the cartridge 220. The inlet can be located on at least a part of the housing 222 of the cartridge 220. For example, the inlet can be located on the coupling surface (e.g., the bottom surface) where the cartridge 220 of the cartridge 220 is coupled to the main body 210.

[0096] Since at least one gap can be formed in the portion where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the main body 210, external air can be introduced through the gap between the cartridge 220 and the main body 210 and enter the cartridge 220 through the inlet.

[0097] The airflow path 223 can be connected from the inlet to the space where the aerosol is generated by the vibrator 250 and can be connected from the corresponding space to the outlet 224e.

[0098] Accordingly, the air introduced through the inlet can be transmitted to the vibrator 250, and the transmitted air can move together with the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 to the outlet 224e, thereby circulating the air inside the cartridge 220.

[0099] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the airflow path 223 can be arranged such that the outer circumferential surface is surrounded by the storage portion 230 in the housing 222. In another example, at least a portion of the airflow path 223 can be provided 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 examples, and the airflow path 223 can be arranged in various structures to circulate the airflow between the inlet, the vibrator 250, and the outlet 224e.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the main body 210 can include a drive circuit 212, a controller 214, and a battery 216 in the main body, and one end portion of the main body 210 can be coupled to one end portion of the cartridge 220. For example, the main body 210 can be coupled to the bottom surface or the coupling surface of the cartridge 220.

[0101] When the vibrator 250 of the 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, etc. can be controlled by the magnitude of the power. The drive circuit 212 according to one embodiment can be in the form of a class-E power amplifier circuit, a half-bridge circuit, or a full-bridge circuit. However, the embodiments are not limited to the described embodiments.

[0102] The controller 214 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the controller 214 can 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 can control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 such that the vibrator 250 can vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0103] The controller 214 can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that the controller 214 can be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0104] The controller 214 analyzes the sensing results obtained by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device 200 and controls the subsequent processes to be performed. For example, the controller 214 may control the power supply to the vibrator 250 based on the sensing results obtained by at least one sensor to start or end the operation of the vibrator 250. In addition, the controller 214 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the vibrator 250 and the power supply time so that the vibrator 250 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol based on the sensing results obtained by at least one sensor.

[0105] The battery 216 may provide the electric 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.

[0106] The battery 216 may provide the electric power required for operating other hardware components (e.g., sensors, user interfaces, memories, and the controller 214) included in the aerosol generating device 200. The battery 216 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0107] For example, the battery 216 may include a nickel-based battery (e.g., nickel-metal hydride battery or nickel-cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium-cobalt battery, lithium iron phosphate battery, lithium titanate battery, lithium-ion battery, or lithium polymer battery).

[0108] In one embodiment, the shape of the aerosol generating device 200 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220 and / or the body 210 may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or various polygons. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 220 and / or the body 210 is not limited to the above shapes, nor is it limited to the shape that extends in a straight line form when the aerosol generating device 200 extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0109] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may be extended and curved into a streamline shape, or bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area so that it is easier for the user to hold, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may vary along the longitudinal direction.

[0110] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the separation of the cartridge and the body portions of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the coupling of the cartridge and the body portions of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0111] According to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 300 according to the embodiments shown in Figure 2 may be the aerosol generating device 200 shown in Figure 1An improved example of the aerosol generating device 100), and according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiments shown in, the cartridge 220-1 and the main body 210-1 can be respectively Figure 2 Improved examples of the cartridge 220 and the main body 210 shown in, therefore, the following will omit the repeated description.

[0112] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cartridge 220-1 can be detachably coupled to the main body 210-1. For example, when at least a part of the cartridge 220-1 is inserted into the main body 210-1, the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled to the main body 210-1.

[0113] The cartridge 220-1 can include a mouthpiece 10m that can move between an open position and a closed position. For example, the mouthpiece 10m can be opened and closed by rotating between the open position and the closed position.

[0114] The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled to the mouthpiece 10m by a rotating shaft. In one example, the mouthpiece 10m can be located at the open position. The open state of the mouthpiece 10m can refer to the state where the mouthpiece 10m extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so that it is easier for the user to bring the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 10m. Here, the longitudinal direction can refer to the direction in which the cartridge 220-1 extends the longest among multiple directions. In another example, the mouthpiece 10m can be positioned at the closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece 10m can refer to the state where the mouthpiece 10m is folded in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so that the mouthpiece 10m is accommodated in the main body 210-1 of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0115] The cartridge 220-1 can include a body portion 10b, and the body portion 10b includes various components required to generate aerosol and discharge the generated aerosol. For example, the body portion 10b can include at least a part of each of a storage portion, a vibrator, and an air flow path.

[0116] The main body 210-1 can include a coupling portion 20a to which the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled. For example, the main body 210-1 can include a receiving groove 20a-1, and at least a part of the cartridge 220-1 can be received in the receiving groove 20a-1. The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 can be inserted into the receiving groove 20a-1. For example, the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 can have a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the corners of the rectangular parallelepiped can be chamfered or rounded. However, the shape of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 is not limited to the above example, and can be a cylindrical shape or a polygonal cylindrical shape.

[0117] As described with reference to Figure 2 The cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 can be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, or an interference fit method. For example, the cartridge 220-1 can include a first magnetic body, and the body 210-1 can include a second magnetic body such that the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 can be magnetically coupled. However, the strength of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material can be designed in consideration of the convenience of attachment and detachment of the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 and / or the operational stability of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0118] The body 210-1 can include a button 20b. The button 20b can be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1. For example, the button 20b can be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1 corresponding to one end portion 20c-1 of the cover 20c. When using the aerosol generating device 300, the user can use the button 20b to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0119] The body 210-1 can further include a receiving portion 20s that can receive the mouthpiece 10m of the cartridge 220-1 when the mouthpiece 10m moves to the closed position. The receiving portion 20s can be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1 and can have a shape or size corresponding to the shape or size of the mouthpiece 10m.

[0120] As Figure 4 shown, the mouthpiece 10m that has moved to the closed position can minimize the outwardly protruding portion of the aerosol generating device 300, thereby improving portability, which is the portion that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the body 210-1 in the closed position.

[0121] In one embodiment, the body 210-1 can further include a cover 20c coupled to a portion of the body 210-1. The cover 20c can be coupled to at least one surface of the body 210-1. For example, the cover 20c can be coupled to the side of the body 210-1 where the coupling portion 20a is located. Moreover, the cover 20c can be coupled to the side of the body 210-1 where the receiving portion 20s is located.

[0122] The cover 20c can include an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c can include an opening 20c-o having a size corresponding to the size of the mouthpiece 10m. For example, the opening 20c-o can have a predetermined length and width. Here, the width of the opening 20c-o can be less than or equal to the width of the body of the cartridge 220-1 and can be greater than or equal to the width of the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening 20c-o can be greater than or equal to the length of the mouthpiece 10m.

[0123] The cover 20c can extend from one end 20c-1 to the other end 20c-2 to be disposed on the receiving portion 20c' of the main body 210-1. For example, the receiving portion 20c' can have dimensions and a shape corresponding to those of the cover 20c. The receiving portion 20c' can be a portion that extends in two directions from the inlet side of the coupling portion 20a and the accommodating portion 20s, and the receiving portion is slotted to a predetermined depth such that the cover 20c can be coupled to the receiving portion.

[0124] When the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the main body 210-1, the cover 20c can be coupled to the main body 210-1 after the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the main body 210-1. The cover 20c can be coupled to one side of the main body 210-1 by at least one of a snap-fit method, an interference-fit method, or a magnetic coupling method. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0125] Since the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o through which the mouthpiece 10m can pass, in a state where the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the main body 210-1, the cartridge 220-1 can be protected without interfering with the opening and closing movement of the mouthpiece 10m, and the connection between the cartridge 220-1 and the main body 210-1 can be maintained.

[0126] Figure 4 An aerosol generating device 300 is shown, in which the cartridge 220-1 and the cover 20c are both coupled to the main body 210-1, and the mouthpiece 10m is in the closed position. As shown, since the main body 210-1 includes an accommodating portion 20s having dimensions and a shape corresponding to those of the mouthpiece 10m, and a receiving portion 20c' having dimensions and a shape corresponding to those of the cover 20c, and the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o having dimensions and a shape corresponding to those of the mouthpiece 10m, the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 300 is firm and smooth.

[0127] When the cartridge 220-1 is separated from the main body 210-1, the cover 20c can be first separated from the main body 210-1, and then the cartridge 220-1 can be separated from the main body 210-1. As described above, the cover 20c and the cartridge 220-1 can be sequentially separated from the main body 210-1 or sequentially coupled to the main body 210-1.

[0128] Figure 5 A vibrator monitoring circuit connected to a drive circuit is shown according to one embodiment.

[0129] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figure 1 the aerosol generating device 100 in Figure 2 the aerosol generating device 200 inFigure 3 The aerosol generating device 300) therein may include a vibrator monitoring circuit 502. For example, the vibrator monitoring circuit 502 of the aerosol generating device may be connected to a drive circuit 500 (e.g., Figure 1 the drive circuit 138 in Figure 2 or the drive circuit 212 in

[0130] According to one embodiment, the drive circuit 500 may include a first electrode 511 and a second electrode 513, and power is supplied to a vibrator 510 (e.g., Figure 1 the atomizer 150 in Figure 2 or the vibrator 250 in Figure 5 through the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode 511 may be connected to a first end of the vibrator 510, and the second electrode 513 may be connected to a second end of the vibrator 510. The drive circuit 500 may further include: a first switch SW1 531 having a source terminal connected to the first electrode 511; a second switch SW2 533, the second opening including a drain terminal connected to the first electrode 511; a third switch SW3 535 having a source terminal connected to the second electrode 513; a fourth switch 537, the first switch having a drain terminal connected to the second electrode 513; a first power supply device 501 configured to supply a voltage to the drain terminals of the first switch 531 and the third switch 535; a second power supply device V2 503 configured to supply a voltage to the gate terminals of the first switch 531 and the fourth switch 537; and a third power supply device V2 505 configured to supply a voltage to the gate terminals of the second switch 533 and 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 may be a field effect transistor (FET)-based switch. As Figure 5 shown, the source terminal of the second switch SW2 533 may be connected to a ground portion, and the source terminal of the fourth switch SW4 537 may be connected to the ground portion.

[0131] Here, when two elements are "connectable", it refers to the following configuration: when a detachable part (e.g., the cartridge 220) of the aerosol generating device 200 including one element is coupled to another detachable part (i.e., the body 210) of the aerosol generating device 200 including the other element, these elements are connected to each other.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the drive circuit 500 may include a vibrator monitoring circuit 502 connected to the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513. As will be described below with reference to Figure 6As explained, the vibrator monitoring circuit 502 may include an integrated circuit, a first power supply device configured to supply power to the integrated circuit, and a processor. The integrated circuit may include a first input terminal connected to a first electrode of a drive circuit of the aerosol generating device, and a second input terminal connected to a second electrode of the drive circuit. A first resistor element may be connected between the first input terminal and the second input terminal. In addition, the integrated circuit may include a third input terminal connected to the first power supply device, an internal circuit configured to generate an output signal based on a first signal of the first input terminal and a second signal of the second input terminal, an output terminal configured to output the output signal generated by the internal circuit, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert the value of the output signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. The processor may determine whether the vibrator 510 of the cartridge is inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode of the drive circuit based on the output signal, and control the signal supplied to the drive circuit 500.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the internal circuit may include a plurality of resistor elements, the plurality of resistor elements including a third resistor element, a fourth resistor element, a fifth resistor element, and a sixth resistor element, each resistor element being capable of being connected to one of the first input terminal or the second input terminal, and an operational amplifier connected to the plurality of resistor elements.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the third resistor element may include a first end connected to the second input terminal of the integrated circuit and a second end connected to the first end of the fourth resistor element. The fifth resistor element may include a first end connected to the first input terminal of the integrated circuit and a second end connected to the first end of the sixth resistor element. The operational amplifier may generate an output voltage based on a first input voltage supplied between the third resistor element and the fourth resistor element and based on a second input voltage supplied between the fifth resistor element and the sixth resistor element.

[0135] According to one embodiment, when a cartridge of the aerosol generating device (e.g., Figure 2 cartridge 220 in Figure 3 or cartridge 220-1 in Figure 2 is coupled to the body (e.g., body 210 in Figure 3 or body 210-1 in Figure 2 ), the vibrator 510 of the cartridge may be electrically connected to the drive circuit 500. For example, an electrical terminal of the cartridge connected to the vibrator 510 (e.g., electrical terminal 260 in

[0136] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the vibrator monitoring circuit according to one embodiment.

[0137] Referring to Figure 6 , when the vibrator monitoring circuit 502 in Figure 5 contacts the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513, the vibrator monitoring circuit 502 can be connected to the drive circuit 500. The vibrator monitoring circuit 502 can determine whether the cartridge is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 and control the signal supplied to the drive circuit 500. To this end, the vibrator monitoring circuit 502 can include an integrated circuit 601, a first power supply device 604, and a processor 602.

[0138] The first end of the first power supply device 604 can be connected to the first end of the second capacitor 615, and the second end of the second capacitor 615 can be connected to the ground portion. The first power supply device 604 can supply power to the third input terminal 620 of the integrated circuit 601.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the integrated circuit 601 can include a first input terminal 622, a second input terminal 621, a third input terminal 620, a fourth input terminal 624, an output terminal 623, and a ground portion 625. The first input terminal 622 of the integrated circuit 601 can be connected to the first electrode 511 of the drive circuit 500 of the aerosol generating device. The second input terminal 621 of the integrated circuit 601 can be connected to the second electrode 513 of the drive circuit 500 of the aerosol generating device. Here, the first resistor element 611 and the first capacitor 613 can be connected in parallel between the first input terminal 622 and the second input terminal 621. The third input terminal 620 of the integrated circuit 601 can be connected to the first power supply device 604 that supplies power to the integrated circuit.

[0140] The integrated circuit 601 can include an internal circuit 605 that generates an output signal based on a first signal at the first input terminal 622 and a second signal at the second input terminal 621. The internal circuit 605 can include a plurality of resistor elements and an operational amplifier connected to the plurality of resistor elements. The resistor elements can include a third resistor element R1, a fourth resistor element R3, a fifth resistor element R2, and a sixth resistor element R4, and each resistor element can be connected to the first input terminal 622 or the second input terminal 621 of the integrated circuit 601. The third resistor element R1 and the fourth resistor element R3 can be connected to the second input terminal 621 of the integrated circuit 601, and the fifth resistor element R2 and the sixth resistor element R4 can be connected to the first input terminal 622 of the integrated circuit 601.

[0141] For example, the first end of the fourth resistor element R3 can be connected to the second input terminal 621 of the integrated circuit 601, and the second end of the fourth resistor element R3 can be connected to the first end of the third resistor element R1. For example, the first end of the sixth resistor element R4 can be connected to the first input terminal 622 of the integrated circuit 601, and the second end of the sixth resistor element R4 can be connected to the first end of the fifth resistor element R2.

[0142] The input voltage applied to the fifth resistor element R2 and the sixth resistor element R4 can be applied to the fourth input terminal 624 of the integrated circuit 601 and the ground terminal 625 of the integrated circuit 601. The fourth input terminal 624 and the ground terminal 625 to which the input voltage is applied can be connected to the same ground portion.

[0143] The operational amplifier of the internal circuit 605 can generate an output voltage based on the first input voltage provided between the third resistor element R1 and the fourth resistor element R3, and the second input voltage provided between the fifth resistor element R2 and the sixth resistor element R4. For example, the operational amplifier of the internal circuit 605 can perform operations according to a predetermined functional relationship between the input voltage and the output voltage by integrating linear elements and feedback circuits.

[0144] The output terminal 623 of the integrated circuit 601 can output the output signal generated by the operational amplifier of the internal circuit 605. Here, the first end of the output terminal 623 can be connected to the first end of the second resistor element 617, and the second end of the second resistor element can be connected to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). A third capacitor 619 can be connected between the second resistor element and the analog-to-digital converter.

[0145] The ADC 603 can convert the value of the output signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. The output signal converted to a digital signal can be transmitted to the processor 602.

[0146] The processor 602 can determine whether the vibrator of the cartridge (e.g., Figure 5 the vibrator 510 therein) is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 514 of the drive circuit 500 based on the change in the value of the output signal, and control the signal provided to the drive circuit 500.

[0147] At this time, the integrated circuit 601 can generate an output signal that changes according to whether the cartridge is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 of the drive circuit 500.

[0148] Specifically, since the integrated circuit 601 is connected to the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 of the drive circuit 500, a constant voltage is applied from the drive circuit 500, and even when the cartridge is not inserted, a constant voltage is applied from the drive circuit 500. The integrated circuit 601 can use this constantly applied voltage to generate an output signal for the aerosol generating device. In this case, the output signal can be used as a reference signal for determining whether the cartridge is inserted. In this example, the reference signal can represent the average value of the output signal generated by the integrated circuit 601.

[0149] In addition, when the cartridge is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513, the voltage that can be applied through the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 is different from the voltage applied when the cartridge is not inserted. The integrated circuit 601 can generate an output signal based on this voltage, and this output signal indicates that the cartridge is inserted.

[0150] Then, the processor 602 can determine whether the cartridge is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 by comparing the reference signal of the aerosol generating device with the output signal generated by the integrated circuit 601.

[0151] When the value of the output signal is equal to or less than the value of the reference signal, the processor 602 can determine that the cartridge is not inserted. When it is determined that the cartridge is not inserted, the processor 602 can invalidate the user input. Invalidating the user input may mean canceling or stopping the power supply to the vibrator or the liquid in the cartridge according to the user input.

[0152] The processor 602 can provide the uninserted state of the cartridge due to the invalid user input as an alert to the user. For example, the processor 602 can inform the user of the uninserted state of the cartridge through the aerosol generating device or a user terminal associated with the aerosol generating device, using warning sounds, vibrations, digital touch, lighting, etc.

[0153] Similarly, when the value of the output signal is greater than the value of the reference signal, the processor 602 can determine that the cartridge has been inserted. When it is determined that the cartridge has been inserted, the processor 602 can control the power supply according to the user input to heat the vibrator and the liquid in the cartridge.

[0154] In addition, after determining that the cartridge has been inserted, the processor 602 can determine the connection condition of the cartridge according to the intensity of the output signal. Here, the connection condition of the cartridge can represent the connection strength of the cartridge between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513, and the intensity of the output signal will change according to the connection state.

[0155] For example, if the output signal strength derived from the reference signal is high, the processor 602 may determine that the cartridge has been correctly inserted into and coupled to the aerosol generating device. Conversely, if the strength of the output signal derived from the reference signal is low, the processor 602 may determine that the cartridge has not been correctly inserted into the aerosol generating device or that a foreign object has been inserted. When it is determined that the cartridge has not been correctly inserted or that a foreign object has been inserted, the processor 602 may provide the user with the status of the currently inserted cartridge as an alert.

[0156] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a signal control method for a drive circuit according to an embodiment.

[0157] In operation 710, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 the aerosol generating device 100 in Figure 2 the aerosol generating device 200 in Figure 3 or the aerosol generating device 300 in Figure 2 the cartridge 220 in Figure 3 or the vibrator of the cartridge 220-1 in Figure 1 e.g., the atomizer 150 in Figure 2 the vibrator 250 in Figure 5 or the vibrator 510 of the cartridge in Figure 1 e.g., the drive circuit 138 in Figure 2 the drive circuit 212 in Figure 5 or the drive circuit 500 in Figure 5 and Figure 6 has been described in detail above, and thus will not be elaborated here.

[0158] In operation 720, when the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit, the electronic device may determine the operating frequency of the vibrator by providing a test signal to the drive circuit. The method for determining the operating frequency of the vibrator will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figure 8 and Figure 9

[0159] In operation 730, the electronic device may provide a target signal having the operating frequency to the drive circuit. When the target signal is provided to the drive circuit, the vibrator will vibrate. The user of the electronic device may obtain aerosol from the electronic device operating in accordance with the target signal.

[0160] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for determining an operating frequency according to an embodiment.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the following is described with reference to Figure 8 andFigure 9 The described method for determining the operating frequency can be performed before the user sucks on the electronic device. After the electronic device is turned on and before the user starts sucking, the operating frequency of the vibrator can be determined (or calibrated) at least once.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the operation 720 described above may include operations 810 to 830 to be described below. Figure 7

[0163] In operation 810, the electronic device may provide a test signal having a test frequency to the drive circuit. The test frequency may be a frequency within a preset frequency range close to the natural frequency of the vibrator. For example, the test frequency may be a frequency between 2.5 megahertz (MHz) and 3.5 megahertz.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may provide a first test signal having a first test frequency to the drive circuit.

[0165] Figure 6 In operation 820, the electronic device may determine the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the test signal. Specifically, the electronic device may determine the operating frequency according to whether the response of the drive circuit to the test signal satisfies a preset driving condition. The response of the drive circuit may refer to the value of the following output signal: the output signal is an output signal in the form of a digital signal output from an analog-to-digital converter (e.g., Figure 6 the analog-to-digital converter ADC 603 in Figure 1 ), and the output signal is transmitted to a processor (e.g., the processor 602 in

[0166] in response to the test signal provided to the drive circuit. The preset driving condition may be stored in the memory of the electronic device (e.g.,

[0167] the memory 170 inAccording to one embodiment, when the response of the driving circuit to the first test signal does not meet the preset driving conditions, the electronic device may provide a second test signal with a second test frequency to the driving circuit. The second test frequency may be different from the first test frequency, but still within a preset frequency range close to the natural frequency of the vibrator. Specifically, when the value of the output signal in the form of a digital signal of the first test signal is not within the preset digital signal range corresponding to the preset driving conditions, the processor of the electronic device may provide a second test signal with a second test frequency to the driving circuit.

[0168] According to one embodiment, in operation 830, when the response of the driving circuit to the second test signal meets the preset driving conditions, the electronic device may determine the second test frequency as the operating frequency of the vibrator. On the other hand, when the response of the driving circuit to the second test signal does not meet the preset driving conditions, the electronic device may provide a third test signal with a third test frequency to the driving circuit. The third test frequency may be different from the first test frequency and the second test frequency, but still within a preset frequency range approximate to the natural frequency of the vibrator.

[0169] According to one embodiment, operations 810 and 820 may be repeated until the response of the driving circuit to any test signal within the preset frequency range meets the preset driving conditions.

[0170] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for determining an operating frequency according to another embodiment.

[0171] According to one embodiment, operation 720 described above with reference to Figure 7 may include operations 910 and 920 to be described below.

[0172] In operation 910, the electronic device may provide a test signal with a preset test frequency to the driving circuit. The preset test frequency may be a frequency within a preset frequency range close to the natural frequency of the vibrator. For example, the preset test frequency may be a frequency in the range between 2.5 megahertz and 3.5 megahertz.

[0173] In operation 920, the electronic device may determine the operating frequency of the vibrator based on the response of the driving circuit to the test signal and the pre-stored response data. The response of the driving circuit may refer to the value of the following output signal: the output signal is a digital signal output from an analog-to-digital converter ADC (e.g., Figure 6 ADC603 in Figure 6 ), and the digital signal is transmitted to the processor (e.g., Figure 1in the memory 170). For example, the pre-stored response data may be response information about the response of the drive circuit to the characteristics of the test signal (e.g., magnitude of current or voltage, frequency, pulse width range, etc.). The pre-stored response data may be stored in the form of a digital signal.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine the frequency at which the vibrator can maintain an appropriate temperature by comparing the response of the drive circuit to the test signal with the pre-stored response data, and may determine this frequency as the operating frequency of the vibrator. Alternatively, the electronic device may determine the frequency at which an appropriate amount of atomization can be generated, and may determine this frequency as the operating frequency of the vibrator.

[0175] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a signal of a drive circuit according to an example.

[0176] According to one embodiment, after performing the operation 730 described above with reference to Figure 7 it may be further possible to perform an operation 1010.

[0177] In the operation 1010, the electronic device may determine whether to continue driving the vibrator based on the response of the drive circuit to the target signal.

[0178] According to one embodiment, when the response of the drive circuit to the target signal is not within a preset threshold range, the electronic device may stop driving the vibrator. The response of the drive circuit to the target signal may include the value of the output signal obtained by converting the output signal about the target signal from an analog signal to a digital signal through an ADC. The preset threshold range may be the range of the corresponding digital signal (i.e., the digital signal output from the ADC) of the drive circuit when the target signal has a specific magnitude range (e.g., current magnitude or voltage magnitude), and this specific magnitude range causes the vibrator to maintain an appropriate temperature and generate an appropriate amount of atomization. For example, the preset threshold range may be the range of the digital signal corresponding to a target signal with a magnitude range between 800 millivolts (mV) and 1700 millivolts. However, the preset threshold is not limited thereto, and the preset threshold may vary according to each embodiment.

[0179] According to one embodiment, when the response of the drive circuit to the target signal is lower than the preset threshold range, the electronic device may determine that the cartridge is not inserted or is incorrectly inserted, or the vibrator of the cartridge is not connected to the drive circuit.

[0180] According to one embodiment, when the response of the drive circuit to the target signal exceeds the preset threshold range, the electronic device may determine that the vibrator of the cartridge is not working properly, a foreign object is inserted into the electronic device or the cartridge, or the liquid in the cartridge is insufficient.

[0181] According to one embodiment, when the response of the driving circuit to the target signal is not within a preset threshold range, the electronic device can provide the current state to the user as an alert. For example, the current state can indicate whether the cartridge is inserted.

[0182] The embodiments described herein can be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or combinations thereof. The processing device can be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding and executing instructions in a prescribed manner. The processing device can run an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device can also access, store, operate, process, and create data in response to the execution of the software. For simplicity of explanation, the description of the processing device is in the singular form; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the processing device can include multiple processing elements and multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing device can include multiple processors, or a single processor and a single controller. In addition, there can be different processing configurations, such as parallel processors.

[0183] The software can include a computer program, a piece of code, instructions, or some combination thereof to independently or uniformly direct or configure the processing device to operate as expected. The software and data can be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or in a propagated signal wave capable of providing instructions or data to the processing device or being interpreted by the processing device. The software can also be distributed over network-connected computer systems so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed manner. The software and data can be stored by one or more non-transitory computer-readable recording media.

[0184] The methods according to these embodiments can be recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which includes program instructions for implementing the various operations of these embodiments. The medium can also include data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination with the program instructions. The program instructions recorded on the medium can be specifically designed and constructed for these embodiments, or they can also be program instructions well-known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic media, such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media, such as compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) discs and digital versatile discs (DVDs); magneto-optical media, such as optical discs; and hardware devices specifically 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 both machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, and files containing high-level code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.

[0185] The above-described devices can be configured to act as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the above embodiments, and vice versa.

[0186] As described above, although these embodiments have been described with reference to a limited number of drawings, those skilled in the art can make various technical modifications and changes based on this. For example, suitable results can be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different way, or if the components are replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents.

[0187] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and / or equivalents of the claims are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a driving circuit of an electronic device, the method comprising, determining whether a vibrator of an atomizer is connected to the driving circuit; if the vibrator is connected to the driving circuit, determining the operating frequency of the vibrator by providing a test signal to the driving circuit; and providing a target signal having the operating frequency to the driving circuit.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, determining the operating frequency of the vibrator comprises: providing a first test signal having a first test frequency to the driving circuit; and determining the operating frequency based on the response of the driving circuit to the first test signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, determining the operating frequency based on the response of the driving circuit to the first test signal comprises: if the response of the driving circuit to the first test signal meets a preset driving condition, determining the first test frequency as the operating frequency.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, determining the operating frequency based on the response of the driving circuit to the first test signal comprises: if the response of the driving circuit to the first test signal does not meet the preset driving condition, providing a second test signal having a second test frequency to the driving circuit; and determining the operating frequency based on the response of the driving circuit to the second test signal.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, determining the operating frequency comprises: providing a test signal having a preset test frequency to the driving circuit; and determining the operating frequency based on the response of the driving circuit to the test signal having the test frequency and pre-stored response data.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when the target signal is provided to the driving circuit, the vibrator vibrates.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining whether to continue driving the vibrator based on the response of the driving circuit to the target signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, determining whether to continue driving the vibrator comprises: if the response of the driving circuit to the target signal is not within a preset threshold range, stopping driving the vibrator.

9. An electronic device, comprising: a memory; a driving circuit; and a processor configured to: determine whether a vibrator of an atomizer is connected to the driving circuit; if the vibrator is connected to the driving circuit, determine the operating frequency of the vibrator by providing a test signal to the driving circuit; and provide a target signal having the operating frequency to the driving circuit.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, when the target signal is provided to the driving circuit, the vibrator vibrates in an ultrasonic manner.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, the electronic device is an aerosol generating device, and wherein the aerosol generating material around the vibrator is atomized by the vibration generated by the vibrator in an ultrasonic manner.

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