Method and device for controlling a drive circuit of a vibrator

Abstract

In an electronic device including a drive circuit, it is determined whether a vibrator of a cartridge is connected to the drive circuit of the electronic device, and if the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit, the operating frequency of the vibrator is determined by supplying a test signal to the drive circuit, and a target signal having the operating frequency is supplied to the drive 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 vibrator driving circuit. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, the demand for electronic cigarettes has been gradually increasing. As the demand for electronic cigarettes has increased, the functions related to electronic cigarettes have been continuously developed. In particular, the functions related to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarettes have been continuously developed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One embodiment provides a method for controlling a transducer driver circuit.

[0004] One embodiment provides an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for controlling a drive circuit of an electronic device includes an operation of determining whether a vibrator of a cartridge is connected to the drive circuit, an operation of determining an operating frequency of the vibrator by supplying a test signal to the drive circuit when the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit, and an operation of supplying a target signal having the operating frequency to the drive circuit.

[0006] The operation of determining the operating frequency of the oscillator may include an operation of supplying a first test signal having a first test frequency to the drive circuit, and an operation of determining the operating frequency based on a response of the drive circuit to the first test signal.

[0007] The operation of determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal may include an operation of determining the first test frequency as the operating frequency if the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal satisfies a predetermined drive condition.

[0008] The operation of determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal may include an operation of supplying a second test signal having a second test frequency to the drive circuit if the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal does not satisfy a predetermined drive condition, and an operation of determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the second test signal.

[0009] The operation of determining the operating frequency may include an operation of supplying the test signal having a preset test frequency to the drive circuit, and an operation of determining the operating frequency based on a response of the drive circuit to the test signal having the test frequency and pre-stored response data.

[0010] The vibrator can vibrate when the target signal is supplied to the drive circuit.

[0011] The method may further include the act of determining whether to continue driving the transducer based on a response of the drive circuit to the target signal.

[0012] The operation of determining whether to drive the vibrator may include an operation of interrupting the driving of the vibrator when the response of the drive circuit to the target signal exceeds a preset threshold range.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a memory, a driver circuit, and a processor configured to perform the following operations: determine whether a vibrator of a cartridge is connected to the driver circuit; if the vibrator is connected to the driver circuit, determine an operating frequency of the vibrator by supplying a test signal to the driver circuit; and supply a target signal having the operating frequency to the driver circuit.

[0014] When the target signal is supplied to the drive circuit, the transducer can vibrate as an ultrasonic wave.

[0015] The electronic device is an aerosol generating device, and the ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator can aerosolize an aerosol generating material located around the vibrator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one embodiment, a method for controlling a signal in a transducer driver circuit can be provided.

[0017] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, in which the cartridge and the body are separated. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, in which a cartridge and a body part are joined together. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a transducer monitoring circuit connected to a driver circuit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a transducer monitoring circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a signal control method for a drive circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart shown to explain a method for determining an operating frequency according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart shown to explain a method for determining an operating frequency according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart of a signal control method for a drive circuit according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified in various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the technical ideas described in the embodiments.

[0020] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe multiple components, such terms should be construed only to distinguish one component from the other components. For example, a first component may be designated as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be designated as a first component.

[0021] When any component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it is directly linked or connected to the other component, but it should be understood that there may be other components in between.

[0022] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, the words "comprise" or "have" and the like indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used, predefined terms should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 of Fig. 1 includes a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, an atomization unit 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 that shown in Fig. 1. That is, it is understood by a person skilled in the art of this embodiment that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0027] The detection unit 120 can detect the state of the aerosol generation device 100 or the state around the aerosol generation device 100 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 110. Based on the detected information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generation device 100 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the atomization unit 150, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., an aerosol-generating article, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0028] The detection unit 120 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited to these.

[0029] The temperature sensor 122 detects the temperature of the atomizing unit 150 (or the aerosol-generating material). The aerosol-generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the atomizing unit 150, or the atomizing unit 150 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed near the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0030] The insertion detection sensor 124 detects the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0031] The puff sensor 126 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 may detect a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0032] In addition to the above-described sensors 122 to 126, the detection unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The output unit 130 may output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 130 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0034] The display unit 132 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the status of the atomizing unit 150, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 132 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 132 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0035] The haptic unit 134 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0036] The acoustic output unit 136 can audibly provide the user with information relating to the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0037] The battery 140 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 100. The battery 140 can supply power to operate the nebulization unit 150. The battery 140 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 100 (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180). The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0038] The atomization unit 150 can atomize the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol generation device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the converted power to the atomization unit 150. In addition, when the aerosol generation device 100 generates aerosol using an ultrasonic vibration method, the aerosol generation device 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 140 into AC power.

[0039] The control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 can function by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0040] In one embodiment, the atomization unit 150 may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations in response to an applied signal (e.g., power). For example, the vibrator may be made of, but is not limited to, piezoelectric ceramic. The vibrator may also include a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element according to one embodiment is a conversion element that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and can generate ultrasonic vibrations under the control of the control unit 110. In one embodiment, when AC power is applied to a polarized piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element repeatedly expands and contracts. The repeated expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element causes the vibrator to vibrate at a characteristic frequency. When a signal is applied to the vibrator, short, high-frequency vibrations may be generated, and the generated vibrations may break down the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize them into aerosol.

[0041] The user input unit 160 may receive information input by a user and output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared detection type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0042] The memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed by the control unit 110. The memory 170 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 170 can store various information related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 100, such as, but not limited to, the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0043] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices, such as a near field communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0044] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0045] The wireless communication unit 184 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0046] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0047] The control unit 110 can control the operation of the atomization unit 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the atomization unit 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element of the drive circuit 138 located between the battery 140 and the atomization unit 150.

[0048] The control unit 110 can analyze the results detected by the detection unit 120 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the atomization unit 150 so that the operation of the atomization unit 150 starts or ends based on the results detected by the detection unit 120. As another example, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the atomization unit 150 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results detected by the detection unit 120 so that the atomization unit 150 can vibrate at a predetermined frequency or maintain an appropriate vibration frequency.

[0049] The control unit 110 can control the output unit 130 based on the result detected by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the audio output unit 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be shut down.

[0050] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the duration and / or amount of power supply to the atomizing unit 150 by controlling the drive circuit 138 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating product detected by the detection unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 can control the vibration frequency of the vibrator of the atomizing unit 150 depending on the type or remaining amount of the aerosol-generating product.

[0051] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 200 (eg, the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1) includes a cartridge 220 that holds an aerosol generating substance and a body portion 210 that is connected to the cartridge 220.

[0054] The cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 can be coupled to the body portion 210 while containing an aerosol generating material therein. For example, the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 are coupled together by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 220 into the body portion 210. As a different example, the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 may be coupled together by inserting at least a portion of the body portion 210 into the cartridge 220.

[0055] The cartridge 220 and the body part 210 can be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw-fit method, a magnetic coupling method, or a forced fitting method, but the method of connecting the cartridge 220 and the body part 210 is not limited to the examples given above.

[0056] According to one embodiment, cartridge 220 includes a housing 222 , a mouthpiece 224 , a storage portion 230 , a transmission portion 230 , a vibrator 250 , and an electrical terminal 260 .

[0057] The housing 222 of the aerosol generating device 200, together with the mouthpiece 224, forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 220, and components for operating the cartridge 220 may be disposed inside the housing 222. For example, the housing 222 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape of the housing 222 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Depending on the 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.

[0058] The mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 is disposed in one region of the housing 222 and includes an outlet 224e for discharging the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material to the outside. For example, the mouthpiece 224 is disposed in another region of the cartridge 220 located in the opposite direction from one region of the cartridge 220 coupled to the body portion 210, and the user can receive the aerosol from the cartridge 220 by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity and inhaling.

[0059] A pressure difference occurs between the outside of cartridge 220 and the inside of cartridge 220 due to the user's inhalation or puffing action, and the aerosol generated inside cartridge 220 due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of cartridge 220 is discharged to the outside of cartridge 220 through outlet 224e. That is, when the user inhales by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity, the aerosol can be supplied to the outside of cartridge 220 through outlet 224e.

[0060] The storage unit 230 of the aerosol generating device 200 is located in the internal space of the housing 222 and can store an aerosol-generating substance. In this disclosure, the expression "the storage unit stores an aerosol-generating substance" means that the storage unit 230 not only functions to simply hold the aerosol-generating substance, as in the case of a container, but also includes an element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or porous ceramic structure, inside the storage unit 230. The above expression will also be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0061] The storage section 230 may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, a gel state, and the like.

[0062] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material may comprise a liquid phase composition, which may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco material.

[0063] The liquid phase composition may contain any one or a mixture of ingredients, such as, for example, water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, and vitamin blends, including, but not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit fragrances, and the like.

[0064] The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid phase composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0065] For example, the liquid phase composition may comprise a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid phase composition may comprise two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt is formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic acid or an inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid phase composition.

[0066] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected taking into consideration the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 200, the flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be, but is not limited to, a single acid selected from the group consisting of 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, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group.

[0067] The transfer unit 240 of the aerosol generating device 200 can absorb the aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material stored or accommodated in the storage unit 230 can be transferred from the storage unit 230 to the vibrator 250 via the transfer unit 240, and the vibrator 250 can atomize the aerosol-generating material in the transfer unit 240 or the aerosol-generating material transferred from the transfer unit 240 to generate an aerosol. Here, the transfer unit 240 can include at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but the transfer unit 240 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the transfer unit 240 is disposed adjacent to the storage unit 230, and the liquid-phase aerosol-generating material can be supplied from the storage unit 230. For example, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 230 is discharged to the outside of the storage unit 230 through a liquid-phase supply port formed in a region of the storage unit 230 facing the transfer unit 240, and the transfer unit 240 can absorb at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material discharged from the storage unit 230, thereby absorbing the aerosol-generating material from the storage unit 230.

[0069] According to one embodiment, cartridge 210 may further include an absorber (not shown) disposed to cover at least a portion of transducer 250, where the aerosol is generated, and which transmits the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by transmitter 240 to transducer 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 of SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and melamine. By further including an absorber in cartridge 220, the aerosol-generating substance is absorbed not only by transmitter 240 but also by the absorber, thereby improving the absorption amount of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0070] The vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 is located inside the housing 222 and can generate an aerosol by changing the phase of the aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge 220. For example, the vibrator 250 can generate an aerosol by heating or vibrating the aerosol generating material.

[0071] Furthermore, since the absorber is disposed to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250, the absorber functions as a physical barrier to prevent "scattering," in which particles that are not sufficiently atomized during the aerosol generation process are directly discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 200. Here, "scattering" refers to relatively large particles of the aerosol-generating material that are not sufficiently atomized being discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220. The inclusion of an absorber in the cartridge 220 reduces the possibility of scattering, thereby improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0072] In one embodiment, the absorber is located between one surface of the oscillator 250 where the aerosol is generated and the transmitter 240, and can transmit the aerosol supplied to the transmitter 240 to the oscillator 250. For example, one region of the absorber may be in contact with one region of the transmitter 240 facing in the -z direction, and another region of the absorber may be in contact with one region of the oscillator 250 facing in the +z direction. In other words, the absorber is located on the upper surface (e.g., in the +z direction) of the oscillator 250, and can supply the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the transmitter 240 to the oscillator 250.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 can convert the phase of the aerosol-generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method that atomizes the aerosol-generating substance using ultrasonic vibration. For example, the vibrator 250 may generate short-period vibrations, and the vibrations generated by the vibrator 250 may be ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be within the range of about 100 kHz to about 10 MHz (preferably, about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz), but is not limited thereto. When the vibrator generates ultrasonic vibrations in the above-mentioned frequency band, the vibrator can vibrate along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the cartridge 220 or the housing 222. However, the embodiment is not limited by the direction in which the vibrator vibrates, and the direction in which the vibrator vibrates may be changed to various directions (e.g., any one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction, or a combination thereof). The aerosol-forming substance supplied from storage section 230 to oscillator 250 is vaporized and / or atomized by the short-period vibrations generated by oscillator 250, and is atomized into an aerosol.

[0074] For example, vibrator 250 may include a piezoelectric ceramic, which may be a functional material capable of converting between electric power and mechanical power by generating electric power (voltage) when a physical force (pressure) is applied and, conversely, generating vibrations (mechanical force) when electric power is applied. That is, when electric power is applied to vibrator 250, short-period vibrations (physical force) are generated, and the generated vibrations can break down the aerosol-generating substance into small particles and atomize them into an aerosol.

[0075] The vibrator 250 is electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generation device 200 via the electrical terminal 260. The electrical terminal 260 may be arranged on one surface of the cartridge 220. For example, the electrical terminal 260 may be arranged on a coupling surface of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 couples with the body portion 210 of the aerosol generation device 20. The electrical terminal 260 may be arranged on one surface of the housing 222 facing the mouthpiece 224.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to at least one of the drive circuit 212, the control unit 214, and the battery 216 of the body portion 210 via electrical terminals 260 located inside the housing 222 of the cartridge 220.

[0077] For example, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to an electrical terminal 260 located inside the cartridge 220 via a first conductor, and the electrical terminal 260 may be electrically connected to the drive circuit 212 of the body part 210 via a second conductor. In other words, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to components of the body part 210 via the electrical terminal 260.

[0078] The vibrator 250 can generate ultrasonic vibrations by receiving power from the battery 216 in the body part 210 via the electrical terminal 260. The vibrator 250 is also electrically connected to the control unit 214 in the body part 210 via the electrical terminal 260, and the control unit 214 can control the operation of the vibrator 250 via the drive circuit 212.

[0079] 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), and a C-clip, but the electrical terminal 260 is not limited to the above examples.

[0080] In one embodiment, the vibrator 250 may be realized as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration container that performs both the functions of absorbing the aerosol-generating material and maintaining it in an optimal state for converting it into an aerosol without using a separate transmission unit 240, and transmitting vibrations to the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0081] The aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 via the airflow passage 223 and supplied to the user.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the airflow passage 223 may be located inside the cartridge 220 and 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 passage 223 and be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 or the aerosol generation device 200 through the outlet 224e. The user may receive the aerosol by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity and inhaling the aerosol discharged from the outlet 224e.

[0083] Although not shown, the airflow passage 223 may include at least one inlet through which air from outside the cartridge 220 flows into the interior of the cartridge 220. The inlet may be disposed in at least a portion of the housing 222 of the cartridge 220. For example, the inlet may be located on a joining surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 are joined.

[0084] At least one gap may be formed where the cartridge 220 and the body part 210 are joined, so that external air flows in through the gap between the cartridge 220 and the body part 210 and moves into the cartridge 220 through the inlet.

[0085] The airflow passage 223 is connected at its inlet to a space where aerosol is generated by the vibrator 250, and is connected from the space to the outlet 224e.

[0086] Therefore, air flowing in through the inlet is transmitted to the vibrator 250, and the transmitted air moves to the outlet 224e together with the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250, allowing airflow to circulate inside the cartridge 220.

[0087] According to one example, at least a portion of airflow passage 223 may be arranged such that its outer circumferential surface is surrounded by storage portion 230 inside housing 222. According to another example, at least a portion of airflow passage 223 may be arranged between an inner wall of housing 222 and an outer wall of storage portion 230. The arrangement structure of airflow passage 223 is not limited to the above example, and airflow passage 223 may be arranged in various structures that circulate airflow between the inlet, vibrator 250, and outlet 224e.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the body portion 210 includes a drive circuit 212, a control unit 214, and a battery 216 therein, and one end of the body portion 210 can be coupled to one end of the cartridge 220. For example, the body portion 210 can be coupled to the bottom surface or coupling surface of the cartridge 220.

[0089] When the vibrator 250 of the cartridge 220 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 212 via the electrical terminal 260, the drive circuit 212 can supply power to the vibrator 250. For example, the amount of power supplied to the vibrator 250 may be determined by the control unit 214. The vibration frequency of the vibrator 250 is controlled according to the amount of power. The form of the drive circuit 212 according to one embodiment may be a class E power amplifier circuit, a half-bridge circuit, or a full-bridge circuit, but is not limited to the described embodiment.

[0090] The control unit 214 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the control unit 214 can control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 from the battery 216 and control the amount of aerosol generated by the vibrator 250. For example, the control unit 214 can control the power supplied to the vibrator so that the vibrator 250 vibrates at a predetermined frequency.

[0091] The control unit 214 may be realized as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control unit 214 may also be realized in other forms of hardware.

[0092] The control unit 214 analyzes the results detected by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device 200 and controls the processes that are subsequently executed. For example, the control unit 214 can control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 so as to start or end the operation of the vibrator 250 based on the results detected by the at least one sensor. Furthermore, the control unit 214 can control the amount of power supplied to the vibrator 250 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the vibrator 250 generates an appropriate amount of aerosol based on the results detected by the at least one sensor.

[0093] The battery 216 provides power used to operate the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the battery 216 can provide power to the vibrator 250 when the body portion 210 is electrically coupled to the cartridge 220.

[0094] The battery 216 can provide the power necessary for the operation of other hardware elements (e.g., sensors, a user interface, memory, and the control unit 214) included in the aerosol generating device 200. The battery 216 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0095] For example, the battery 216 may include a nickel-based battery (e.g., a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium-polymer battery).

[0096] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 220 and / or the body portion 210 of the aerosol generating device 200 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction may be a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, or any of various polygonal shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 220 and / or the body portion 210 is not limited to the above-mentioned shapes, and the aerosol generating device 200 does not necessarily have to be formed into a structure that extends in a straight line when extended in the longitudinal direction.

[0097] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may vary along its length, such as being streamlined to make it easier for the user to hold in their hand, or being curved and elongated at a predetermined angle in certain areas.

[0098] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, in which the cartridge and the body part are separated, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, in which the cartridge and the body part are joined together.

[0099] The aerosol generating device 300 relating to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 is a modified example of the aerosol generating device 200 shown in Figure 2 (or the aerosol generating device 100 in Figure 1), and the cartridge 220-1 and body portion 210-1 relating to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 are modified examples of the cartridge 220 and body portion 210 shown in Figure 2, respectively, and duplicate content will be omitted below.

[0100] 3 and 4, the cartridge 220-1 may be detachably coupled to the body portion 210-1. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the body portion 210-1 by being inserted into the interior of the body portion 210-1.

[0101] The cartridge 220-1 includes a mouthpiece 10m that is movable between an open position and a closed position. For example, the mouthpiece 10m can be opened and closed by rotating between the open and closed positions.

[0102] The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the mouthpiece 10m via a rotation axis. As an example, the mouthpiece 10m may be positioned in an open position. The open state of the mouthpiece 10m refers to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is extended in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so that the mouthpiece 10m can easily be brought into contact with the user's mouth. Here, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction in which the cartridge 220-1 extends the longest among various directions. As a further example, the mouthpiece 10m may be positioned in a closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece 10m refers to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is folded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so as to be accommodated in the body portion 210-1 of the aerosol generation device 300.

[0103] Cartridge 220-1 includes a body 10b that includes multiple components necessary for generating aerosol and discharging the generated aerosol. For example, body 10b may include a housing, a vibrator, and at least a portion of an airflow passage.

[0104] The body portion 210-1 includes a coupling portion 20a into which the cartridge 220-1 can be fitted. For example, the body portion 210-1 includes a receiving groove 20a-1 into which at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 can be received. The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 is inserted into the receiving groove 20a-1. For example, the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be in the shape of a substantially rectangular prism, and the corners of the rectangular prism may 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 may be in the shape of a cylinder or a polygonal prism.

[0105] 2, the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the body part 210-1 by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw-fit method, a magnetic coupling method, and a forced-fit method. For example, the cartridge 220-1 may include a first magnetic body and the body part 210-1 may include a second magnetic body, and the cartridge 220-1 and the body part 210-1 may be magnetically coupled. However, the strength of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may be designed in consideration of ease of attachment and detachment of the cartridge 220-1 and the body part 210-1 and / or operational stability of the aerosol generation device 300.

[0106] The body part 210-1 includes a button 20b. The button 20b may be arranged on one surface of the body part 210-1. For example, the button 20b may be arranged on one surface of the body part 210-1 corresponding to one end 20c-1 of the cover 20c. When using the aerosol generation device 300, a user can operate the aerosol generation device 300 using the button 20b.

[0107] The body 210-1 further includes a storage section 20s that can store the mouthpiece 10m of the cartridge 220-1 when the mouthpiece 10m is moved to the closed position. The storage section 20s is located on one side of the body 210-1 and has a shape or size that corresponds to the mouthpiece 10m.

[0108] As shown in Figure 4, when the mouthpiece 10m is moved to the closed position, the portion that protrudes outside the aerosol generating device 1 in the closed position, i.e., the portion that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the body portion 210-1, is minimized, thereby improving portability.

[0109] In one embodiment, the body portion 210-1 further includes a cover 20c coupled to a portion of the body portion 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to at least one surface of the body portion 210-1. For example, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body portion 210-1 where the coupling portion 20a is located. Alternatively, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body portion 210-1 where the storage portion 20s is located.

[0110] The cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c has an opening 20c-o of a size corresponding to 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 smaller than or equal to the body of the cartridge 220-1 and larger than or equal to the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening 20c-o may be longer than or equal to the mouthpiece 10m.

[0111] The cover 20c extends from one end 20c-1 to the multiple stages 20c-2 and is placed on the mounting portion 20c' of the body portion 210-1. For example, the mounting portion 20c' may have a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c. The mounting portion 20c' is a recessed portion having a predetermined depth, extending in both directions from the entrance side of the coupling portion 20a and the storage portion 20s as the center so that the cover 20c can be coupled thereto.

[0112] When the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body part 210-1, the cover 20c can be coupled to the body part 210-1 after the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body part 210-1. The cover 20c can be coupled to one side of the body part 210-1 by at least one of a snap fit, a forced fit, or a magnetic coupling, but is not limited to these.

[0113] The cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o through which the mouthpiece 10m can pass, thereby protecting the cartridge 220-1 while not interfering with the opening and closing of the mouthpiece 10m when the cartridge 220-1 is connected to the body portion 210-1, and maintaining the connection between the cartridge 220-1 and the body portion 210-1.

[0114] 4 illustrates the aerosol generating device 300 in which the cartridge 220-1 and the cover 20c are all coupled to the body 210-1, and the mouthpiece 10m is in the closed position. As illustrated, the body 210-1 includes a storage section 20s having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m, a mounting section 20c' having a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c, and the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m, thereby providing a solid and smooth overall finish to the aerosol generating device 300.

[0115] When the cartridge 220-1 is separated from the body part 210-1, the cover 20c is separated from the body part 210-1 first, and then the cartridge 220-1 is separated from the body part 210-1. In this manner, the cover 20c and the cartridge 220-1 may be sequentially separated from or coupled to the body part 210-1.

[0116] FIG. 5 illustrates a transducer monitoring circuit connected to a driver circuit according to one embodiment.

[0117] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 2, or aerosol generating device 300 of FIG. 3) includes a transducer monitoring circuit 502. For example, the transducer monitoring circuit 502 of the aerosol generating device is connected to a drive circuit 500 (e.g., drive circuit 138 of FIG. 1 or drive circuit 212 of FIG. 2). Alternatively, the drive circuit 500 may include the transducer monitoring circuit 502.

[0118] The driving circuit 500 according to one embodiment includes a first electrode 511 and a second electrode 513, and power is supplied to the vibrator 510 (e.g., the atomization unit 150 in FIG. 1 or the vibrator 250 in FIG. 2) via the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513. 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 driving circuit 500 also includes a first switch (SW1) 531 having a source terminal connected to the first electrode 511, a second switch (SW2) 533 having 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 having a drain terminal connected to the second electrode 513, a first power supply 501 providing a voltage to the drain terminal of the first switch 531 and the drain terminal of the third switch 535, a second power supply (V2) 503 providing a voltage to the gate terminal of the first switch 531 and the gate terminal of the fourth switch 537, and a third power supply (V3) 505 providing a voltage to the gate terminal of the second switch 533 and the gate terminal of the third switch 535. For example, the first switch 531, the second switch 533, the third switch 535, and the fourth switch 537 may each be a switch based on a field effect transistor (FET). As shown in FIG. 5, the source terminal of the second switch 533 is connected to ground, and the source terminal of the fourth switch 537 is connected to ground.

[0119] Here, when two elements are "connectable," this refers to a configuration in which the elements get connected to each other when a detachable part of the aerosol generating device 200 containing one element (e.g., cartridge 220) is coupled to another detachable part of the aerosol generating device 200 containing the other element (e.g., body portion 210).

[0120] The driving circuit 500 according to one embodiment may include a vibrator monitoring circuit 502 connected to a first electrode 511 and a second electrode 513. As described below with reference to FIG. 6 , the vibrator monitoring circuit 502 includes an integrated circuit, a first power supply for supplying power to the integrated circuit, and a processor. The integrated circuit includes a first input terminal connected to a first electrode of the driving circuit of the aerosol generating device and a second input terminal connected to a second electrode of the driving circuit. A first resistor may be connected between the first input terminal and the second input terminal. The integrated circuit also includes a third input terminal connected to the first power supply; an internal circuit for generating an output signal based on a first signal at the first input terminal and a second signal at the second input terminal; an output terminal for outputting the output signal generated by the internal circuit; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting the value of the output signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. The processor determines whether the vibrator 510 of the cartridge is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 of the driving circuit based on the output signal and controls the signal supplied to the driving circuit 500.

[0121] An internal circuit according to one embodiment includes a plurality of resistor elements including a third resistor element, a fourth resistor element, a fifth resistor element, and a sixth resistor element, which are connectable to one of a first input terminal or a second input terminal of an integrated circuit, and an operational amplifier connected to the plurality of resistor elements.

[0122] In one embodiment, the third resistor element has a first terminal connected to the second input terminal of the integrated circuit and a second terminal connected to the first terminal of the fourth resistor element. The fifth resistor element has a first terminal connected to the first input terminal of the integrated circuit and a second terminal connected to the first terminal of the sixth resistor element. The operational amplifier can generate an output voltage based on a first input voltage supplied between the third resistor element and the fourth resistor element and a second input voltage supplied between the fifth resistor element and the sixth resistor element.

[0123] According to one embodiment, when a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 220 in FIG. 2 or cartridge 220-1 in FIG. 3) of an aerosol generating device is coupled to a body part (e.g., body part 210 in FIG. 2 or body part 210-1 in FIG. 3), a vibrator 510 of the cartridge is electrically connected to a driving circuit 500. For example, an electrical terminal of the cartridge (e.g., electrical terminal 260 in FIG. 2) connected to the vibrator 510 may be electrically connected to a first electrode 511 and a second electrode 513 of the driving circuit 500.

[0124] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a transducer monitoring circuit according to an embodiment.

[0125] 6, the oscillator monitoring circuit 502 of FIG. 5 can be in contact with the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 and connected to the drive circuit 500. The oscillator monitoring circuit 502 can determine whether a cartridge is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 and control the signal supplied to the drive circuit 500. To that end, the oscillator monitoring circuit 502 includes an integrated circuit 601, a first power supply 604, and a processor 602.

[0126] The first power supply 604 has a first terminal connected to a first terminal of the second capacitor 615 and a second terminal connected to ground. The first power supply 604 supplies power to a third input terminal 620 of the integrated circuit 601.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the integrated circuit 601 includes 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 terminal 625. The first input terminal 622 of the integrated circuit 601 is connected to a first electrode 511 of the driving circuit 500 of the aerosol generating device. The second input terminal 621 of the integrated circuit 601 is connected to a second electrode 513 of the driving circuit 500 of the aerosol generating device. Here, a first resistor 611 and a first capacitor 613 may 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 may be connected to a first power source 604 that supplies power to the integrated circuit.

[0128] The integrated circuit 601 includes an internal circuit 605 that generates an output signal based on a first signal at a first input terminal 622 and a second signal at a second input terminal 621. The internal circuit 605 includes a plurality of resistors and an operational amplifier connected to the plurality of resistors. The resistors include a third resistor R1, a fourth resistor R3, a fifth resistor R2, and a sixth resistor R4 that can be connected to the first input terminal 622 or the second input terminal 621 of the integrated circuit 601. The third resistor R1 and the fourth resistor R3 can be connected to the second input terminal 621 of the integrated circuit 601, and the fifth resistor R2 and the sixth resistor R4 can be connected to the first input terminal 622 of the integrated circuit 601.

[0129] For example, a first end of the fourth resistor R3 may be connected to the second input terminal 621 of the integrated circuit 601, and a second end of the fourth resistor R3 may be connected to the first end of the third resistor R1. For example, a first end of the sixth resistor R4 may be connected to the first input terminal 622 of the integrated circuit 601, and a second end of the sixth resistor R4 may be connected to the first end of the fifth resistor R2.

[0130] The input voltage applied to the fifth resistor R2 and the sixth resistor R4 is applied to a fourth input terminal 624 of the integrated circuit 601 and a ground terminal 625 of the integrated circuit 601. The fourth input terminal 624 to which the input voltage is applied and the ground terminal 625 are connected to the same ground.

[0131] The operational amplifier of the internal circuit 605 can generate an output voltage based on a first input voltage supplied between the third resistor R1 and the fourth resistor R3 and a second input voltage supplied between the fifth resistor R2 and the sixth resistor R4. For example, the operational amplifier of the internal circuit 605 can integrate a nonlinear element and a feedback circuit to perform a calculation based on a certain functional relationship between the input voltage and the output voltage.

[0132] The output terminal 623 of the integrated circuit 601 can output an output signal generated by the operational amplifier of the internal circuit 605. Here, a first terminal of the output terminal 623 is connected to a first terminal of a second resistor element 617, and a second terminal of the second resistor element is connected to an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter). A third capacitor 619 can be connected between the second resistor element and the ADC.

[0133] The ADC 603 can convert the value of the output signal from an analog signal to a digital signal, and the converted digital signal is transmitted to the processor 602.

[0134] The processor 602 can determine whether or not a cartridge vibrator (e.g., vibrator 510 in Figure 5) 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 supplied to the drive circuit 500.

[0135] Here, the integrated circuit 601 can generate an output signal that changes depending on whether or not a cartridge is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 of the driving circuit 500 .

[0136] In detail, the integrated circuit 601 is connected to the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513 of the driving circuit 500, so that a constant voltage can be applied from the driving circuit 500 even when a cartridge is not inserted. The integrated circuit 601 can generate an output signal related to the aerosol generating device using the constant applied voltage. Here, the output signal can be used as a reference signal for determining whether a cartridge is inserted. For example, the reference signal can indicate an average value of the output signal generated by the integrated circuit 601.

[0137] Furthermore, when a cartridge is inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513, a voltage different from the voltage applied when no cartridge is inserted is applied via the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513. The integrated circuit 601 can generate an output signal based on the voltage indicating that a cartridge has been inserted.

[0138] The processor 602 can then compare the reference signal for the aerosol generating device with the output signal generated by the integrated circuit 601 to determine whether a cartridge has been inserted between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513.

[0139] If the value of the output signal is equal to or less than the value of the reference signal, the processor 602 determines that a cartridge is not inserted. If the processor 602 determines that a cartridge is not inserted, the processor 602 disables the user input. Disabling the user input means canceling or halting the power supply to the transducer and liquid phase of the cartridge due to the user input.

[0140] The processor 602 can provide a user with an alarm indicating that the cartridge is not inserted by disabling user input. For example, the processor 602 can notify the user that the cartridge is not inserted by using an alarm sound, vibration, digital tactile sensation, light emission, or the like via the aerosol generating device or a user terminal linked to the aerosol generating device.

[0141] If the value of the output signal is greater than the value of the reference signal, the processor 602 determines that a cartridge has been inserted. If the processor 602 determines that a cartridge has been inserted, it can control the supply of power to heat the transducer and liquid phase of the cartridge according to user input.

[0142] Additionally, after determining that a cartridge is inserted, the processor 602 may determine the coupling of the cartridge based on the strength of the output signal. Here, the coupling of the cartridge indicates the connection strength between the electrodes of the cartridge connected between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 513, and the strength of the output signal may differ depending on the connection state.

[0143] For example, the processor 602 may determine that the cartridge is correctly inserted and coupled to the aerosol generating device if the intensity of the output signal based on the reference signal is greater. Conversely, the processor 602 may determine that the cartridge is incorrectly inserted into the aerosol generating device or that a foreign object has been inserted if the intensity of the output signal based on the reference signal is smaller. If the processor 602 determines that the cartridge has been inserted incorrectly or that a foreign object has been inserted, it may provide an alarm to the user informing them of the status of the currently inserted cartridge.

[0144] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a signal control method for a drive circuit according to an embodiment.

[0145] In operation 710, the electronic device (e.g., the aerosol generation device 100 of FIG. 1, the aerosol generation device 200 of FIG. 2, or the aerosol generation device 300 of FIG. 3) determines whether or not a vibrator (e.g., the nebulizer 150 of FIG. 1, the vibrator 250 of FIG. 2, or the vibrator 510 of the cartridge of FIG. 5) of a cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 220 of FIG. 2 or the cartridge 220-1 of FIG. 3) is connected to a drive circuit (e.g., the drive circuit 138 of FIG. 1, the drive circuit 212 of FIG. 2, or the drive circuit 500 of FIG. 5) of the electronic device. A method for determining whether or not a vibrator of a cartridge is connected has been described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, and therefore a repeated description will be omitted.

[0146] In operation 720, the electronics determines the operating frequency of the vibrator by providing a test signal to the driver circuit when the vibrator is connected to the driver circuit. A method for determining the operating frequency of the vibrator is described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0147] In operation 730, the electronic device provides a target signal having an operating frequency to the driver circuit. When the target signal is provided to the driver circuit, the vibrator vibrates. A user of the electronic device is provided with the aerosol from the electronic device, which is activated by the target signal.

[0148] FIG. 8 is a flowchart shown to explain a method for determining an operating frequency according to an embodiment.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the method for determining the operating frequency described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9 is performed before the user puffs on the electronic device. The operating frequency of the transducer can be determined (or calibrated) at least once after the electronic device is activated and before the user begins to puff.

[0150] According to one embodiment, operation 720 described above with reference to FIG. 7 includes the following operations 810-830.

[0151] In operation 810, the electronic device supplies a test signal having a test frequency to the driver circuit. The test frequency is a frequency within a predetermined frequency range, similar to the natural frequency of the resonator. For example, the test frequency may be a frequency between 2.5 MHz and 3.5 MHz.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may provide a first test signal having a first test frequency to the driver circuit.

[0153] In operation 820, the electronic device determines an operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the test signal. Specifically, the electronic device can determine the operating frequency based on whether the response of the drive circuit to the test signal satisfies preset drive conditions. The response of the drive circuit refers to the value of a digital output signal output from an ADC (e.g., ADC 603 in FIG. 6) in response to the test signal supplied to the drive circuit and transmitted to a processor (e.g., processor 602 in FIG. 6). The preset drive conditions are stored in a memory (e.g., memory 170 in FIG. 1) of the electronic device. For example, the preset drive conditions indicate one or more parameters of the output signal (e.g., current or voltage size, frequency, pulse width range, etc.) that cause the vibrator to maintain an appropriate temperature. As another example, the preset drive conditions may indicate one or more parameters of the output signal that can generate an appropriate amount of atomization. The preset drive conditions may be stored in the form of a digital signal.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the electronic device determines the first test frequency as the operating frequency if the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal having the first test frequency satisfies a preset driving condition (operation 830). Specifically, the processor of the electronic device may determine the first test frequency as the operating frequency if the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal (i.e., the value of the output signal in digital form for the first test signal) is within a preset digital signal range corresponding to the preset driving condition.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may provide a second test signal having a second test frequency to the drive circuit if the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal does not satisfy a predetermined drive condition. The second test frequency is within a predetermined frequency range similar to the natural frequency of the resonator and is different from the first test frequency. Specifically, the processor of the electronic device may provide the second test signal having the second test frequency to the drive circuit if the value of the output signal in digital form in response to the first test signal exceeds a predetermined digital signal range corresponding to the predetermined drive condition.

[0156] According to one embodiment, if the response of the drive circuit to the second test signal satisfies the preset drive condition, the electronic device determines the second test frequency as the operating frequency of the resonator (operation 830). On the other hand, if the response of the drive circuit to the second test signal does not satisfy the preset drive condition, the electronic device provides a third test signal having a third test frequency to the drive circuit. The third test frequency is also within a preset frequency range similar to the natural frequency of the resonator and is different from the first test frequency and the second test frequency.

[0157] According to one embodiment, operations 810 and 820 may be repeated until the response of the drive circuit to any test signal within a preset frequency range meets the preset drive condition.

[0158] FIG. 9 is a flowchart shown to explain a method for determining an operating frequency according to an embodiment.

[0159] According to one embodiment, operation 720 described above with reference to FIG. 7 includes the following operations 910 and 920.

[0160] In operation 910, the electronic device supplies a test signal having a preset test frequency to the driver circuit. The preset test frequency is a frequency within a preset frequency range, similar to the natural frequency of the resonator. For example, the preset test frequency may be a frequency between 2.5 MHz and 3.5 MHz.

[0161] In operation 920, the electronic device determines the operating frequency of the transducer based on the response of the driver circuit to the test signal and pre-stored response data. The response of the driver circuit refers to the value of an output signal, which is a digital signal output from an ADC (e.g., ADC 603 in FIG. 6) and transmitted to a processor (e.g., processor 602 in FIG. 6) in response to providing the test signal to the driver circuit. The pre-stored response data can be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 170 in FIG. 1) of the electronic device. For example, the pre-stored response data can be information regarding the response of the driver circuit to characteristics of the test signal (e.g., current or voltage size, frequency, or pulse width range). The pre-stored response data can be stored in the form of a digital signal.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can determine a frequency at which the vibrator can maintain an appropriate temperature by comparing the response of the drive circuit to the test signal with pre-stored response data, and determine the corresponding frequency as the operating frequency of the vibrator. Alternatively, the electronic device can determine a frequency at which an appropriate amount of atomization can be generated, and determine the corresponding frequency as the operating frequency of the vibrator.

[0163] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a signal control method for a driving circuit according to an example.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the following operation 1010 is further performed after operation 730 described above with reference to FIG. 7 is performed.

[0165] In operation 1010, the electronic device determines whether to continue to drive the transducer based on the response of the drive circuit to the target signal.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the electronic device interrupts driving of the vibrator when the response of the drive circuit to the target signal exceeds a preset threshold range. The response of the drive circuit to the target signal includes the value of the output signal converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by an ADC. The preset threshold range is a digital signal range of the drive circuit response (i.e., the digital signal output from the ADC) that causes the vibrator to maintain an appropriate temperature and generate an appropriate amount of atomization when the target signal has a specific size range (e.g., current size or voltage size). For example, the preset threshold range may be a digital signal range corresponding to a target signal having a size range of 800 mV to 1700 mV. However, the preset threshold range is not limited to this disclosure and may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0167] According to one embodiment, if the response of the drive circuit to the target signal is below a preset threshold range, the electronic device can determine that the cartridge is not inserted, is inserted incorrectly, or the cartridge's transducer is not connected to the drive circuit.

[0168] According to one embodiment, if the response of the drive circuit to the target signal exceeds a preset threshold range, the electronic device can determine that the vibrator in the cartridge is not functioning properly, that a foreign object has been inserted into the electronic device or cartridge, or that there is insufficient liquid phase in the cartridge.

[0169] According to one embodiment, if the response of the drive circuit to the target signal exceeds a preset threshold range, the electronic device may provide the current status as an alarm to the user, for example, the current status may indicate whether a cartridge is inserted or not.

[0170] The above-described embodiments may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer, such as a processor, a controller, 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 other adaptive supersampling device capable of executing and responding to commands. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and software applications that run on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of software. For ease of understanding, a single processing device may be described as being used, but those skilled in the art will recognize 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 one processor and one controller. Other processing configurations are also possible, such as parallel processors.

[0171] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or any combination thereof, capable of configuring a processing device or instructing the processing device, either individually or collectively, as desired. The software and / or data may be permanently embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium, or device, or transmitted signal wave, to be interpreted by the processing device or to provide instructions or data to the processing device. The software may be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0172] The method according to the present invention may be embodied in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The recording medium and program instructions may be specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or may be well-known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language code, such as that generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that is executed by a computer using an interpreter, for example.

[0173] The hardware adaptive supersampling devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software models to perform the operations shown in this invention, and vice versa.

[0174] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, and may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, while still achieving suitable results.

[0175] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a drive circuit of an electronic device, comprising: determining whether a transducer of a cartridge is connected to the drive circuit; determining an operating frequency of the vibrator by supplying a test signal to the drive circuit when the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit; providing a target signal having the operating frequency to the driver circuit; A signal control method for a drive circuit, comprising:

2. The operation of determining the operating frequency of the oscillator includes: providing a first test signal having a first test frequency to the driver circuit; determining the operating frequency based on a response of the drive circuit to the first test signal; The signal control method for a drive circuit according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. 3. The signal control method for a drive circuit according to claim 2, wherein the operation of determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal includes an operation of determining the first test frequency as the operating frequency if the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal satisfies a predetermined drive condition.

4. The act of determining the operating frequency based on the response of the drive circuit to the first test signal comprises: supplying a second test signal having a second test frequency to the driving circuit when a response of the driving circuit to the first test signal does not satisfy a preset driving condition; determining the operating frequency based on a response of the drive circuit to the second test signal; The signal control method for a drive circuit according to claim 2 , comprising:

5. The operation of determining the operating frequency includes: providing the test signal having a preset test frequency to the driver circuit; determining the operating frequency based on a response of the driver circuit to the test signal having the test frequency and pre-stored response data; The signal control method for a drive circuit according to claim 1 , comprising:

6. The signal control method for a drive circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the vibrator vibrates when the target signal is supplied to the drive circuit.

7. The signal control method for a drive circuit according to claim 1 , further comprising an operation of determining whether to continue driving the vibrator based on a response of the drive circuit to the target signal.

8. 8. The signal control method for a drive circuit according to claim 7, wherein the operation of determining whether or not to drive the vibrator includes an operation of interrupting the drive of the vibrator when a response of the drive circuit to the target signal exceeds a preset threshold range.

9. The electronic device Memory and A drive circuit; determining whether a transducer of a cartridge is connected to the drive circuit; determining an operating frequency of the vibrator by supplying a test signal to the drive circuit when the vibrator is connected to the drive circuit; providing a target signal having the operating frequency to the driver circuit; 1. An electronic device comprising: a processor configured to:

10. The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the transducer vibrates ultrasonically when the target signal is supplied to the drive circuit.

11. the electronic device is an aerosol generating device; The electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer aerosolize an aerosol-forming substance located in the vicinity of the transducer.

Images