KR102639731B1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a storage unit in which an aerosol-generating material is stored, a liquid delivery means for absorbing the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit, and an ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the liquid delivery means into an aerosol. The device includes an atomizer, the atomizer includes a vibrator, and the vibrator has a capacitance value of 0.6nF to 1.1nF.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol using ultrasonic vibration.

Recently, the demand for technology to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning a typical cigarette is increasing. For example, an aerosol can be produced from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state or a solid state, or an aerosol with a flavor can be supplied by generating vapor from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid-state scent medium. Research on methods such as these is in progress.

A conventional aerosol generating device using ultrasonic vibration generates ultrasonic vibration when an alternating voltage is applied to an ultrasonic vibrator. The heat generated from the ultrasonic vibrator reduces the viscosity of the liquid in contact with the ultrasonic vibrator, and then changes the frequency contained in the alternating voltage. This is a method that generates aerosol by breaking the liquid into small pieces using ultrasonic vibrations that vibrate at a certain frequency. At this time, the atomization performance varies depending on the properties of the ultrasonic vibrator.

Meanwhile, heat is generated depending on the characteristics of the ultrasonic oscillator, and when the generated heat exceeds the Curie temperature, the characteristics of ultrasonic vibration are lost. Therefore, it is important to secure the optimal physical properties of the ultrasonic vibrator.

The present disclosure can determine the physical properties of the ultrasonic oscillator that can generate optimal efficiency by determining the capacitance value of the ultrasonic oscillator according to the circuit configuration for ultrasonic driving.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings. It could be.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a storage portion in which an aerosol generating material is stored; Liquid delivery means for absorbing the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit; And an atomizer that generates ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the liquid delivery means into an aerosol,

The atomizer includes a vibrator, and the vibrator has a capacitance value of 0.6nF to 1.1nF.

Within the range of the capacitance value of the vibrator of the aerosol generating device, the physical properties of the vibrator may be determined.

The physical properties of the vibrator may include at least one of piezoelectric constant, electro-mechanical coupling coefficient, quality factor, query temperature, and additives.

The additive may include at least one of cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), and niobium (Nb).

The thickness of the vibrator may be 0.69 mm to 0.71 mm.

The diameter of the vibrator may be 7mm to 9mm.

The vibrator may be lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

The liquid delivery means includes: a first liquid delivery means disposed adjacent to the storage unit and receiving an aerosol-generating material from the storage unit; And it may include a second liquid delivery means located between the first liquid delivery means and the atomizer, and delivering the aerosol generating material supplied to the first liquid delivery means to the atomizer.

The aerosol generating device includes a mouthpiece including an outlet for discharging the atomized aerosol to the outside; and a discharge passage connecting the atomizer and the outlet, wherein the aerosol atomized by the atomizer can move along the discharge passage in a direction toward the discharge port.

The first liquid delivery means may restrict movement of droplets bouncing from the atomizer toward the discharge passage.

The aerosol generating device includes a battery supplying battery voltage; and a power conversion circuit that converts the battery voltage to supply an alternating voltage to the vibrator, and the capacitance value of the vibrator may be determined according to the inductance value and resonance frequency of the inductor of the power conversion circuit.

It may further include a processor that controls the power conversion circuit.

The aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiments can determine the physical properties of the ultrasonic oscillator that can generate optimal efficiency by determining the capacitance value of the ultrasonic oscillator according to the circuit configuration for ultrasonic driving.

The aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiments uses ultrasonic vibration to fine-particle the aerosol generating material, thereby generating aerosol at a relatively lower temperature compared to using a heater, and as a result, improving the user's smoking experience. You can.

Additionally, the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiments can improve the user's smoking experience by preventing liquid droplets bouncing from the atomizer during the atomization process of the aerosol from reaching the user.

Additionally, the aerosol generating devices according to the above-described embodiments can reduce the failure or malfunction of the cartridge or aerosol generating device by preventing leakage of the aerosol generating material.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
Figure 5 is a driving circuit diagram for driving an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment.
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 6 cut in the AA' direction.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 6 cut in the BB' direction.
Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the electrical connection relationship between the vibrator of the cartridge and the printed circuit board according to another embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electrical connection relationship between the vibrator of the cartridge shown in FIG. 10 and the printed circuit board.

The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present disclosure, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply the name of the term.

In the present disclosure, when a part “includes” a certain component, this means that it does not exclude other components but may further include other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary. Additionally, terms such as “-unit” and “-module” described in the present disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

As used in this disclosure, when an expression such as “at least one of” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all of the arranged elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. do.

In the present disclosure, “aerosol” may refer to a gas in a mixed state of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air.

Additionally, in the present disclosure, the “aerosol generating device” may be a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

In this disclosure, “puff” refers to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may refer to a situation where the puff is pulled into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are available in various different forms. It may be implemented and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a battery 510, an atomizer 400, a sensor 520, a user interface 530, a memory 540, and a processor 550. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1000, some of the hardware configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. .

As an example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a main body, in which case hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 1000 are located in the main body.

As another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a main body and a cartridge, and hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be located separately in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be located in each of the main body and the cartridge.

Hereinafter, the operation of each element included in the aerosol generating device 1000 will be described without limiting the space where each element is located.

The atomizer 400 receives power from the battery 510 under the control of the processor 550. The atomizer 400 can receive power from the battery 510 to atomize the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating device 1000.

The atomizer 400 may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device 1000. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer 400 may be located in the cartridge or may be positioned separately between the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer 400 is located in a cartridge, the atomizer 400 may receive power from a battery 510 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. In addition, when the atomizer 400 is located separately into the main body and the cartridge, parts of the atomizer 400 that require power supply can receive power from the battery 510 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The atomizer 400 generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge. Aerosol refers to suspended liquid and/or solid fine particles dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 400 may mean a mixture of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air. For example, the atomizer 400 may convert a phase of an aerosol-generating material into a gas phase through vaporization and/or sublimation. Additionally, the atomizer 400 may generate an aerosol by converting liquid and/or solid aerosol-generating materials into fine particles and releasing them.

For example, the atomizer 400 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the atomizer 400 may optionally include a heater capable of heating the aerosol-generating material by generating heat. The aerosol-generating material may be heated by a heater, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

The heater may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy containing, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with electrically conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

For example, in one embodiment the heater may be part of cartridge 2000. Additionally, the cartridge 2000 may include a liquid delivery means and a liquid storage unit, which will be described later. The aerosol-generating material contained in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid delivery means, and the heater heats the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the liquid delivery means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater may be wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

As another example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include an accommodating space for accommodating a cigarette, and a heater may heat a cigarette inserted into the accommodating space of the aerosol generating device 1000. As the cigarette is accommodated in the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater may be located inside and/or outside the cigarette. As a result, the heater can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette.

Meanwhile, the heater may be an induction heating type heater. The heater may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the cigarette or cartridge, and the cigarette or cartridge may include a susceptor that may be heated by the induction heater.

The battery 510 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. That is, the battery 510 can supply power so that the atomizer 400 can atomize aerosol-generating substances. Additionally, the battery 510 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware elements provided in the aerosol generating device 1000, that is, the sensor 520, the user interface 530, the memory 540, and the processor 550. there is. The battery 510 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

For example, the battery 510 may be a nickel-based battery (e.g., nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium-cobalt battery, lithium-phosphate battery, lithium titanate batteries, lithium-ion batteries, or lithium-polymer batteries). However, the type of battery 510 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited by the above. If necessary, the battery 510 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

The aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one sensor 520. The result sensed by at least one sensor 520 is transmitted to the processor 550, and according to the sensing result, the processor 550 controls the operation of the atomizer 400, limits smoking, and inserts a cartridge (or cigarette). The aerosol generating device 1000 can be controlled to perform various functions such as non-judgment, notification display, etc.

For example, at least one sensor 520 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may detect the user's puff based on at least one of a change in flow rate of an external airflow, a change in pressure, and detection of sound. The puff detection sensor can detect the start timing and end timing of the user's puff, and the processor 550 determines the puff period and non-puff period according to the start and end timing of the detected puff. can be judged.

Additionally, at least one sensor 520 may include a user input sensor. A user input sensor may be a sensor that can receive user input, such as a switch, physical button, or touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor that changes capacitance when the user touches a predetermined area made of metal, and can detect the user's input by detecting the change in capacitance. there is. The processor 550 may determine whether a user input has occurred by comparing the before and after values of the change in capacitance received from the capacitive sensor. If the values before and after the capacitance change exceed a preset threshold, the processor 550 may determine that a user input has occurred.

Additionally, at least one sensor 520 may include a motion sensor. Information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 1000, such as the tilt, moving speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 1000, can be obtained through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor detects the state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is moving, the stationary state of the aerosol generating device 1000, the state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for puffing, and the state of each puff operation. Information about the tilted state of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be measured at a different angle than during the puff operation. The motion sensor can measure motion information of the aerosol generating device 1000 using various methods known in the art. For example, the motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor capable of measuring acceleration in three directions: x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and a gyro sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in three directions.

Additionally, at least one sensor 520 may include a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or distance of an approaching object or a nearby object without mechanical contact using the power of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays, etc., through which the user approaches the aerosol generating device 1000. It can be detected whether it is done or not.

Additionally, at least one sensor 520 may include an image sensor. The image sensor may include, for example, a camera to acquire an image of an object. An image sensor can recognize an object based on an image acquired by a camera. The processor 550 may determine whether the user is in a situation to use the aerosol generating device 1000 by analyzing the image acquired through the image sensor. For example, when a user approaches the aerosol generating device 1000 near the lips to use the aerosol generating device 1000, the image sensor may acquire an image of the lips. The processor 550 may analyze the acquired image and determine that the user is about to use the aerosol generating device 1000 if the lip is judged to be lips. Through this, the aerosol generating device 1000 can operate the atomizer 400 in advance or preheat the heater.

Additionally, at least one sensor 520 may include a consumable detachment sensor capable of detecting the installation or removal of consumables (eg, cartridges, cigarettes, etc.) that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the consumable product detachment sensor may detect whether the consumable product is in contact with the aerosol generating device 1000, or the image sensor may determine whether the consumable product is detached. Additionally, the consumable detachment sensor may be an inductance sensor that detects a change in the inductance value of a coil that can interact with the marker of the consumable product, or a capacitance sensor that detects a change in the capacitance value of a capacitor that can interact with the marker of the consumable product.

Additionally, at least one sensor 520 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (or aerosol generating material) of the atomizer 400 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may serve as a temperature sensor instead of including a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, while the heater functions as a temperature sensor, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a separate temperature sensor. Additionally, the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of not only the heater but also internal components such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and battery of the aerosol generating device 1000.

Additionally, at least one sensor 520 may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, at least one sensor 520 may include a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the surrounding environment, and an atmospheric pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the surrounding environment.

The sensor 520 that may be provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to the types described above and may further include various sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a fingerprint sensor capable of acquiring fingerprint information from the user's finger for user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor that analyzes the iris pattern of the eye, and an intravenous sensor from an image taken of the palm. It may include a vein recognition sensor that detects the amount of infrared absorption of reduced hemoglobin, a facial recognition sensor that recognizes feature points such as eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contour in 2D or 3D, and an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) sensor. .

The aerosol generating device 1000 may be implemented by selecting only some of the various examples of sensors 520 illustrated above. In other words, the aerosol generating device 1000 can utilize information sensed by at least one of the above-described sensors by combining them.

The user interface 530 may provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user. The user interface 530 includes a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, and an input/output (I/O) that receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. ) Terminals for data communication or receiving charging power with interfacing means (e.g., buttons or touch screens), wireless communication with external devices (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC) (Near-Field Communication, etc.) may include various interfacing means such as a communication interfacing module.

However, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be implemented by selecting only some of the various examples of the user interface 530 illustrated above.

The memory 540 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1000. The memory 540 may store data processed by the processor 550 and data to be processed. The memory 540 is a variety of memory such as random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). It can be implemented in different types.

The memory 540 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The processor 550 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. The processor 550 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 that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the processor 550 may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The processor 550 analyzes the results sensed by at least one sensor 520 and controls subsequent processing.

The processor 550 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 400 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 400 based on a result sensed by at least one sensor 520. In addition, the processor 550 determines the amount and power of power supplied to the atomizer 400 so that the atomizer 400 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol, based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 520. You can control the supply time. For example, the processor 550 may control the current or voltage supplied to the vibrator of the atomizer 400 so that the vibrator vibrates at a predetermined frequency.

In one embodiment, the processor 550 may initiate the operation of the atomizer 400 after receiving a user input for the aerosol generating device 1000. Additionally, the processor 550 may detect the user's puff using a puff detection sensor and then start the operation of the atomizer 400. Additionally, the processor 550 may count the number of puffs using a puff detection sensor and then stop supplying power to the atomizer 400 when the number of puffs reaches a preset number.

The processor 550 may control the user interface 530 based on a result sensed by at least one sensor 520. For example, after counting the number of puffs using a puff detection sensor, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the processor 550 uses at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker to inform the user of the aerosol generating device (1000). ) can foreshadow that it will end soon.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be included in an aerosol generating system along with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 510 of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may charge the battery 510 of the aerosol generating device 1000 by receiving power from the cradle's battery while accommodated in the accommodation space inside the cradle.

Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1000 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a cartridge 10 holding an aerosol generating material, and a body 20 supporting the cartridge 10.

The cartridge 10 may be coupled to the main body 20 while containing an aerosol-generating material therein. For example, by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 10 into the main body 20, the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be coupled. As another example, the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be coupled by inserting at least a portion of the main body 20 into the cartridge 10.

The cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, or an interference fit method, but the cartridge 10 and the main body ( The combination method of 20) is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 may include a mouthpiece 160 that is inserted into the user's mouth during the user's inhalation process. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be disposed in one area coupled to the main body 20 of the cartridge 10 and another area located in the opposite direction, and discharges the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material to the outside. It may include an outlet (160e).

A pressure difference may occur between the outside and inside of the cartridge 10 due to the user's inhalation or puff action, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 10 may be generated due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cartridge 10. It may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the discharge port 160e. That is, the user can receive aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e by contacting the mouthpiece 160 with the mouth and inhaling.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 is located in the interior space of the housing 100 and may include a reservoir 200 that contains an aerosol-generating material. In the present disclosure, the expression 'the storage tank accommodates the aerosol-generating material' refers to the fact that the storage tank 200 performs the function of simply containing the aerosol-generating material, such as the use of a container, and the inside of the storage tank 200, for example. For example, it means including an element that impregnates (contains) an aerosol-generating material such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or porous ceramic structure.

The cartridge 10 may contain, for example, an aerosol-generating material in any one state, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. Aerosol-generating materials may include liquid compositions. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

The liquid composition may include, for example, any one or a mixture of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, and vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

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

The acid for forming nicotine salt may be appropriately selected considering the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000, flavor or flavor, solubility, etc. For example, acids for the formation of nicotine salts include 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 single acid selected from the group consisting of the above. It may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device 1000 may include an atomizer 400 that generates an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge 10.

In one example, the aerosol-generating material stored or contained in the storage tank 200 may be supplied to the atomizer 400 by the liquid delivery means 300, and the atomizer 400 may be supplied from the liquid delivery means 300. Aerosols can be generated by atomizing aerosol-generating substances. The liquid delivery means 300 may be, for example, a wick containing at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer 400 of the aerosol generating device 1000 can change the phase of the aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method to atomize the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration.

For example, the atomizer 400 may include a vibrator that generates vibration of a short period, and the vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of ultrasonic vibration may be about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The ultrasonic oscillator may have a capacitance value of 0.6nF to 1.1nF. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator has various shapes and capacitance values in the form of electrodes having various sizes. In order to provide alternating current power to the ultrasonic vibrator, power is provided through an inductor-coupled power switch to apply alternating current power to the electrodes of the vibrator, thereby generating ultrasonic vibration.

In an embodiment, the capacitance value or range of the capacitance value of the ultrasonic vibrator may be determined based on the resonance frequency of the power conversion circuit and the inductance value of the inductor. For example, if the resonant frequency of the circuit or the frequency (f) set in the system is 3 megahertz (MHz), and the inductance value (L) of the inductor is 4.7 microhenry (uH), the capacitance is calculated according to the following equation 1: The value (C) can be determined to be 0.6 nanofarads (nF).

[Equation 1]

Additionally, the physical properties of the vibrator may be determined within the capacitance value or range of the capacitance value of the vibrator. Here, the physical properties of the vibrator include piezoelectric constant, electro-mechanical coupling coefficient, quality coefficient, query temperature, and additives, and the additives may include cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), niobidium (Nb), etc. there is.

Heat is generated in the vibrator depending on the physical properties of the vibrator, and if the heat exceeds the query temperature, the characteristics of ultrasonic vibration are lost. Therefore, it is an important issue to secure and reflect the optimal physical properties of the ultrasonic vibrator. In an embodiment, after determining the capacitance value or range of capacitance values of the vibrator, the physical properties of the ultrasonic vibrator having these values are determined.

The piezoelectric constant is a constant that indicates the amount of displacement when an alternating voltage is applied to the vibrator. When an electric field (V/m) is applied to a piezoelectric material, it can be expressed as d33, d31, d15, etc. depending on the electric field direction and displacement direction as a coefficient that indicates how much it is displaced. The unit of the piezoelectric constant can be expressed as [m/V]. The ultrasonic vibrator of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment may have a piezoelectric constant of d33 (piezoelectric constant, 10-12 m/V). Here, as the value of the piezoelectric constant increases, the piezoelectric properties (vibration amount) increase, and as a result, the atomization amount of the aerosol generating device increases.

Electromechanical coupling coefficient (%) is a coefficient that represents the conversion efficiency between electrical energy and mechanical energy. The higher this value, the better the performance. The electromechanical coupling coefficient (K) can be calculated according to the following equation 2:

[Equation 2]

The electromechanical coupling coefficient can be expressed as k33, k31, k15, kp, and kt depending on the vibration mode.

Quality factor (Mechanical quality factor, Qm) represents the reciprocal of the mechanical loss that occurs inside the specimen during energy conversion, and represents the loss of the vibrator or piezoelectric material, and the sharpness or degree of sharpness of the mechanical vibration at the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric vibrator. It is a value representing . The quality coefficient can be calculated as shown in Equation 3 below.

[Equation 3]

33(유전상수)는 낮을수록 발열 성능이 떨어진다. 유전상수 값을 조절하여 진동자의 승온 그래프를 조절할 수 있다. 쿼리온도는 진동자의 특성(임피던스, 주파수)이 변하는 온도이다. Here, fr is the resonance frequency, fa is the anti-resonance frequency, Zr: resonance impedance, and C: capacitance value. The higher the quality factor (Qm), the higher the rigidity and durability. The smaller the resonance impedance and the smaller the capacitance value, the higher the quality factor.

The lower the 33 (dielectric constant), the poorer the heat generation performance. By adjusting the dielectric constant value, the temperature rise graph of the oscillator can be adjusted. Query temperature is the temperature at which the characteristics (impedance, frequency) of the vibrator change.

When the additive cobalt (Co) is added, the loss is reduced. Accordingly, the piezoelectric constant or piezoelectric performance (d33) increases. When the additives antimony (Sb) and niodium (Nb) are added, the quality factor (Qm) increases, and the solidity (stiffness) of the oscillator increases.

Query temperature refers to the temperature at which the characteristics of the vibrator, such as impedance and frequency, change. The relationship between the resonance frequency of the vibrator and heat generation is that the resonance impedance is minimum at the resonance frequency (Fr). Therefore, this means that when the oscillator is operated at the resonant frequency, its efficiency is maximized. After passing the resonance frequency, the impedance increases, and heat is generated due to the increase in impedance. An increase in impedance means an increase in capacitance, and the capacitance value becomes maximum at the query temperature.

In an embodiment, the physical properties of the vibrator may be determined within the capacitance value or range of the capacitance value of the vibrator. As described above, within the capacitance value or range of values, the piezoelectric constant, electro-mechanical coupling coefficient, quality factor, query temperature, additives, etc. can be adjusted or determined.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the vibrator may be 0.69 mm to 0.71 mm, and the diameter of the vibrator may be 7 mm to 9 mm. The shape of the vibrator may be a disk, a rectangular plate, or a ring shape, but is not limited thereto, and can be modified in various ways depending on the application or design of the aerosol generating device. Additionally, it may have a constant thickness and a constant area, which are factors that determine the capacitance value.

The aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage tank 200 to the atomizer 400 by the short-cycle vibration generated from the vibrator may be vaporized and/or particleized and atomized into aerosol.

The vibrator may include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic. The piezoelectric ceramic generates electricity (voltage) by physical force (pressure) and conversely generates vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied, thereby generating electricity and electricity. It can be a functional material that can mutually convert mechanical forces. In other words, as electricity is applied to the vibrator, a short period of vibration (physical force) can occur, and the generated vibration can break the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize it into an aerosol.

The vibrator may be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device 1000 through an electrical connection member. For example, the vibrator may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 510 of the aerosol generating device 1000, the processor 550, or the circuit of the aerosol generating device 1000 through an electrical connection member, but may be electrically connected to the vibrator. Connected components are not limited to the examples described above.

The vibrator may generate ultrasonic vibration by receiving current or voltage from the battery 510 through an electrical connection member, or its operation may be controlled by the processor 550.

The electrical connection member may include, for example, at least one of a pogo pin or a C-clip, but the electrical connection member is not limited to the examples described above. As another example, the electrical connection member may include at least one of a cable or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

In another embodiment (not shown), the atomizer 400 also has the function of maintaining the aerosol-generating material in an optimal condition for absorbing and converting the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol without using a separate liquid delivery means 300. It may be implemented as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration receiving part that performs both the function of generating aerosol by transmitting vibration to the body.

In the drawing, only an embodiment in which the liquid delivery means 300 and the atomizer 400 are disposed on the cartridge 10 is shown, but the arrangement structure of the liquid delivery means 300 and the atomizer 400 is shown in the embodiment. It is not limited to. In another embodiment, the liquid delivery means 300 may be disposed in the cartridge 10 and the atomizer 400 may be disposed in the body 20.

The cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may include an exhaust passage 150. The discharge passage 150 is located inside the cartridge 10 and may be connected to or communicate with the discharge port 160e of the atomizer 400 and the mouthpiece 160. Accordingly, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 may flow along the discharge passage 150, and may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the discharge port 160e and delivered to the user.

For example, the discharge passage 150 may be arranged to be surrounded by the reservoir 200 inside the cartridge 10, but is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in the drawing, the cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 is used to allow air located outside the aerosol generating device 1000 (hereinafter referred to as “outside air”) to flow into the aerosol generating device 1000. It may include at least one air intake passage.

External air may be introduced into the space where aerosols are generated by the discharge passage 150 or the atomizer 400 inside the cartridge 10 through at least one air inlet passage. The incoming outside air may mix with vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material, resulting in aerosol generation.

In the aerosol generating device 1000, the cross-sectional shape in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be approximately circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal in various shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to the above-described shape, or the aerosol generating device 1000 does not necessarily have to be formed into a structure that extends linearly when extending in the longitudinal direction.

In another embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be curved in a streamlined shape for the user to easily hold by hand, or may be bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area and extended long, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be It can change along the length direction.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 may be an example of the cartridge 10 applied to the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIG. 2, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

3 and 4, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment includes a housing 100 that forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 10, and a mouthpiece 160 connected to one area of the housing 100. It can be included.

The components of the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment are not limited to the above-described examples, and depending on the embodiment, at least one component may be added or one component (e.g., mouthpiece 160) may be omitted. It may be possible.

The housing 100 includes an internal space where the components of the cartridge 10 can be placed, and can form the overall appearance of the cartridge 10. In the drawing, only an embodiment in which the housing 100 has an overall cylindrical shape is shown, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited to this. According to another embodiment (not shown), the housing 100 may be formed as an overall polygonal pillar (eg, a triangular pillar or a square pillar).

According to one embodiment, the housing 100 may include a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 connected to an area of the first housing 110, and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may include 2 The housing 120 can protect the components of the cartridge 10 disposed in the internal space formed by combining the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

For example, the second housing 120 (or ‘lower housing’) may be coupled to an area located at the bottom (e.g., -z direction) of the first housing 110 (or ‘upper housing’). It is not limited to this.

In the present disclosure, “the bottom of the first housing” may mean the -z direction of the first housing 110, and “the top of the first housing” may mean the z direction of the first housing 110, The corresponding expressions may be used with the same meaning below.

The mouthpiece 160 is a part inserted into the user's mouth and may be connected to one area of the housing 100. For example, the mouthpiece 160 may be connected to one area of the first housing 110 connected to the second housing 120 and another area located in the opposite direction (e.g., the upper area of the first housing 110). You can.

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be detachably coupled to one area of the housing 100, but depending on the embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 and the housing 100 may be formed as one piece.

The mouthpiece 160 may include at least one outlet 160e for discharging the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 10 to the outside of the cartridge 10. The user may contact the mouthpiece 160 with his or her mouth and receive aerosol discharged to the outside through the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160.

The cartridge 10 includes a storage tank 200 (e.g., the storage tank 200 in FIG. 2) and a liquid delivery means 300 (e.g., the liquid delivery means 300 in FIG. 2) disposed in the internal space of the housing 100. And it may include an atomizer 400 (e.g., the atomizer 400 of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, the storage tank 200 is located inside the first housing 110, and an aerosol generating material may be stored in the storage tank 200. For example, a liquid aerosol-generating material may be stored in the storage tank 200, and the liquid aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 200 may be delivered to the atomizer 400 by the liquid delivery means 300. .

According to one embodiment, the liquid delivery means 300 may serve to receive an aerosol-generating material from the storage tank 200 and deliver the supplied aerosol-generating material to the atomizer 400. For example, the liquid delivery means 300 may absorb aerosol-generating material moving from the reservoir 200 in the direction of the liquid delivery means 300, and the absorbed aerosol-generating material moves along the liquid delivery means 300. Thus, it can be supplied to the atomizer 400.

According to one embodiment, the liquid delivery means 300 may include a plurality of liquid delivery means. For example, the liquid delivery means 300 may include a first liquid delivery means 310 and a second liquid delivery means 320.

The first liquid delivery means 310 is disposed adjacent to the storage tank 200 and can receive a liquid aerosol-generating material from the storage tank 200. For example, the first liquid delivery means 310 can receive the aerosol-generating material from the storage tank 200 by absorbing at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material discharged from the storage tank 200.

The second liquid delivery means 320 is located between the first liquid delivery means 310 and the atomizer 400, and can deliver the aerosol supplied to the first liquid delivery means 310 to the atomizer 400. there is.

For example, one area of the first liquid delivery means 310 facing the reservoir 200 and the other area facing the opposite direction are one area of the second liquid delivery means 320 facing the first liquid delivery means 310. can be contacted. As another example, one area of the second liquid delivery means 320 and another area facing in the opposite direction may contact one area of the atomizer 400.

That is, the atomizer 400, the second liquid delivery means 320, and the first liquid delivery means 310 will be sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-direction) of the cartridge 10 or housing 100. As a result, the second liquid delivery means 320 and the first liquid delivery means 310 can be stacked on the atomizer 400 in that order.

At least a portion of the aerosol generating material supplied from the reservoir 200 to the first liquid delivery means 310 through the above-described arrangement structure moves to the second liquid delivery means 320 in contact with the first liquid delivery means 310. You can. Additionally, the aerosol-generating material that has moved to the second liquid delivery means 320 may move along the second liquid delivery means 320 and reach the atomizer 400 in contact with the second liquid delivery means 320.

In the drawing, only an embodiment of the liquid delivery means 300 consisting of two liquid delivery means is shown, but depending on the embodiment, the liquid delivery means 300 may include one or three or more liquid delivery means.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer 400 may generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material supplied from the liquid delivery means 300.

For example, the atomizer 400 may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be about 100 kHz to 10 MHz, and preferably about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. The vibrator can vibrate along the longitudinal direction (or 'up and down direction') of the cartridge 10 or the housing 100 by the above-mentioned frequency band.

The atomizer 400 can generate aerosol at a relatively lower temperature than a method of heating the aerosol-generating material by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic waves. For example, in the case of heating the aerosol-generating material using a heater, a situation may occur where the aerosol-generating material is unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200 °C or higher, causing the user to feel a burnt taste in the aerosol.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can generate aerosol in a temperature range of about 100 °C to 160 °C, which is lower than when heated with a heater, by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic waves. Accordingly, the cartridge 10 can minimize the sensation of a burnt taste in aerosol, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

According to one embodiment, air outside the cartridge 10 (hereinafter referred to as 'outside air') may be introduced into the interior of the cartridge 10 through the air inlet 130i located in one area of the housing 100. .

The aerosol flowing into the interior of the housing 100 through the air inlet 130i flows along an air inlet passage (not shown) connecting or communicating with the air inlet 130i and the atomizer 400. The external air that reaches the atomizer 400 may be mixed with the vaporized particles generated from the atomizer 400 to form an aerosol.

The aerosol formed as the outside air and the particles generated from the atomizer 400 are mixed flows along the discharge passage (e.g., the discharge passage 150 in FIG. 2) and enters the cartridge through the discharge port 160e of the mouthpiece 160. It can be discharged to the outside of (10) and supplied to the user. However, a detailed description of the flow direction of the aerosol will be provided later.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment includes a structure 140 to prevent droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400 from being supplied to the user, and a first structure for fixing or supporting the structure 140. It may further include a support member 141.

In the process of atomizing aerosol-generating materials by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400, some aerosol-generating materials may not be atomized and droplets may be generated, and the generated droplets may be generated by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400. There may be a case where it bounces and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the discharge port 160e.

The structure 140 may be disposed adjacent to the discharge passage 150 to restrict the movement or flow of the bouncing droplet in the direction toward the discharge port 160e of the mouthpiece 160.

For example, the structure 140 includes a material capable of absorbing droplets (e.g., felt material) to absorb droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400, thereby directing the droplets toward the outlet 160e. Movement or movement may be restricted, but it is not limited to this.

When liquid droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400 are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the discharge port 160e and delivered to the user, the user may feel uncomfortable and the overall smoking sensation may be reduced. In the present disclosure, “smoking sensation” may refer to the sensation felt by the user during the smoking process, and the corresponding expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment is not atomized through the above-described structure 140 and restricts the movement of liquid droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400 in the direction toward the discharge port 160e, thereby preventing liquid droplets from being atomized by splashing. It can reduce the user's decline in the feeling of smoking. In the present disclosure, “liquid splash” may mean that droplets that have not yet been atomized bounce out of the atomizer 400 and are delivered to the user, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

The first support member 141 may accommodate at least one region of the structure 140 and maintain the accommodated structure 140 in one region of the first housing 110 . For example, the first support member 141 may maintain or fix the structure 140 in an area (e.g., an upper area) adjacent to the mouthpiece 160 of the first housing 110, but is limited thereto. That is not the case.

In one embodiment, the first support member 141 is arranged to surround at least one area of the structure 140 to accommodate the structure 140, and the first support member 141 accommodates the structure 140. As is coupled to one area of the first housing 110, the structure 140 may be fixed to one area of the first housing 110.

The first support member 141 accommodating the structure 140 and the first housing 110 may be coupled in such a way that at least a portion of the first support member 141 is pressed into the first housing 110. , the method of coupling the first housing 110 and the first support member 141 is not limited to the examples described above. In another example, the first housing 110 and the first support member 141 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, or a magnetic coupling method.

The first support member 141 has a predetermined rigidity and includes a waterproof material (e.g., rubber) to not only fix the structure 140 to the first housing 110 but also to maintain the structure 140 in the storage tank 200. It can prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances. For example, the first support member 141 blocks the area of the reservoir 200 facing the mouthpiece 160, thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol-generating material.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may further include a second support member 340 for maintaining the liquid delivery means 300 and/or the atomizer 400 within the first housing 110. .

The second support member 340 is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first liquid delivery means 310, the second liquid delivery means 320, and/or the atomizer 400 to form the first liquid delivery means 310. ), it can accommodate the second liquid delivery means 320 and/or the atomizer 400. The second support member 340 accommodating the first liquid delivery means 310, the second liquid delivery means 320 and/or the atomizer 400 may be coupled to another area of the first housing 110, , As a result, the first liquid delivery means 310, the second liquid delivery means 320 and/or the atomizer 400 can be maintained or fixed in different areas of the first housing 110.

For example, the second support member 340 may be coupled to another region (e.g., lower region) of the first housing 110 located in the opposite direction from the region where the first support member 141 is coupled. It is not limited to this.

The second support member 340 and the first housing 110 may be coupled in such a way that at least a portion of the second support member 340 is pressed into the first housing 110, but the first housing 110 The coupling method of the and second support members 340 is not limited to the above-described examples. In another example, the first housing 110 and the second support member 340 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, or a magnetic coupling method.

The second support member 340 includes a material (e.g., rubber) that has a predetermined rigidity and is waterproof, and not only fixes the liquid delivery means 300 and the atomizer 400 to the first housing 110. In addition, leakage of aerosol-generating substances generated in the storage tank 200 can be prevented. For example, the second support member 340 blocks the area adjacent to the liquid delivery means 300 or the atomizer 400 of the storage tank 200, thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol-generating material.

specification #One #2 #3 #4 #5 weight
change Before evaluation 9.458 (g) 9.545 (g) 9.384 (g) 9.371 (g) 9.420 (g) After evaluation 9.758 (g) 9.904 (g) 9.698 (g) 9.683 (g) 9.738 (g) amount of change +0.300 (g) +0.359 (g) +0.314 (g) +0.312 (g) +0.318(g)

Table 1 shows the initial weight (before evaluation) of the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment and the cartridge 10 for 2 hours after storing the cartridge 10 at a temperature of 60 °C and humidity of 80% for 96 hours. This is the result of comparing the weight (after evaluation) of the cartridge 10 measured after being left at room temperature.

When leakage occurs in the cartridge 10, at least part of the aerosol-generating material leaks out of the cartridge 10, so that the weight of the cartridge 10 after evaluation is reduced compared to the weight of the cartridge 10 before evaluation. .

On the other hand, the weight of the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment increases by an average of about 0.321 g after evaluation compared to before evaluation, and the results in Table 1 show that no liquid leakage occurs in the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment. You can check it.

At this time, in the results of Table 1, the reason why the weight of the cartridge 10 after evaluation increases compared to before evaluation is because the cartridge 10 is stored at relatively high humidity (80% humidity) and then left at room temperature. This may be due to moisture forming.

That is, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material from the storage tank 200 through the above-described first support member 141 and/or second support member 340. As a result, failure or malfunction of the cartridge 10 due to leakage can be minimized.

Figure 5 is a driving circuit diagram for driving an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the driving circuit includes a battery 510, a DC/DC converter 511, a power driving circuit 512, a processor 550, an inductor, and a power switch 513.

The DC/DC converter 511 boosts the battery voltage of the battery 510 to the first voltage. The battery voltage may range from 3.4V to 4.2V, but is not limited thereto. The battery voltage may range from 3.8V to 6V, and may also range from 2.5V to 3.6V. The first voltage V1 may be in the range of 10V to 13V, but is not limited thereto. The first voltage V1 may be within the range of 7V to 10.5V, and may also be within the range of 12V to 20V. In one example, the first voltage may be at least three times the battery voltage. However, it is not necessarily limited to this.

The power driving circuit 512 generates switching voltages (Vsw_p, Vsw_n) to switch the power switches (TR1 and TR2) based on the PWM control signals (PWM_P, PWM_N) input from the processor 550. Here, each of the PWM control signals (PWM_P, PWM_N) may be complementary to each other. It may be a pulse signal with a constant duty ratio or frequency.

The boosting circuit 513 boosts the first voltage (V1) output from the DC/DC converter 511 to the second voltage (V2) according to the first switching voltage (Vsw_p) and the second switching voltage (Vsw_n) to (P) is approved.

When the first switching voltage (V _{SW_P} ) is in the first state (e.g., high or low state) and the second switching voltage (V _{SW_N} ) is in the second state (e.g., low or high state), the As current flow is allowed between one of the first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) and ground, energy corresponding to the change in current flowing through the one inductor is stored in the one inductor, As the current flow between the other of the first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) and the ground is blocked, the energy stored in the other inductor may be transferred to the vibrator.

When the first switching voltage V _{SW_P} is in a high state, current flow between the source electrode and the drain terminal of the first transistor TR1 may be allowed. Accordingly, current flow between the first inductor L1 and ground may be permitted. The first inductor (L1) is also connected to the oscillator (P), but since the oscillator (P) has a non-zero load value (e.g., capacitance), the resistance of the ground is 0 or substantially close to 0, Substantially all of the current (I ₁ ) flowing through the first inductor (L1) may be transmitted to ground. Meanwhile, since the current (I ₁ ) flows through the first inductor (L1), the first inductor (L1) can store energy corresponding to the current (I ₁ ).

When the second switching voltage V _{SW_N} is in a low state, current flow between the source electrode and the drain terminal of the second transistor TR2 may be blocked. Accordingly, the energy stored in the second inductor (L2) can be supplied to the vibrator (P). For example, the current (I) flowing through the oscillator (P) may correspond to the current (I ₂ ) flowing through the second inductor (L2).

The equivalent circuit of the second boost circuit 320 when the first switching voltage (V _{SW_P} ) is in a low state and the second switching voltage (V _{SW_N} ) is in a high state is shown.

When the first switching voltage V _{SW_P} is in a low state, current flow between the source electrode and the drain terminal of the first transistor TR1 may be blocked. Accordingly, the energy stored in the first inductor (L1) can be supplied to the vibrator (P). For example, the current (I) flowing through the oscillator (P) may correspond to the current (I ₁ ) flowing through the first inductor (L1).

When the second switching voltage V _{SW_N} is in a high state, current flow between the source electrode and the drain terminal of the second transistor TR2 may be allowed. Accordingly, current flow between the second inductor L2 and ground may be permitted. The second inductor L2 is also connected to the oscillator P, but since the oscillator P has a non-zero load value (e.g. capacitance), the ground resistance is 0 or substantially close to 0. Substantially all of the current (I ₂ ) flowing through the second inductor (L2) may be transmitted to ground. Meanwhile, since the current (I ₂ ) flows through the second inductor (L2), the second inductor (L2) can store energy corresponding to the current (I ₂ ).

Meanwhile, the first switching voltage (V _{SW_P} ) and the second switching voltage (V _{SW_N} ) each have a frequency corresponding to the PWM signal and correspond to a voltage signal that repeats a high state or a low state, so the switching states repeat quickly. It can be. The back electromotive force of the inductor is the inductance value (L) of the inductor and the change in current over time ( ) can be proportional to

[Equation 4]

Therefore, as the first voltage (V ₁ ) increases, the current (I) flowing through the inductor itself increases, or the higher the switching speed (in other words, the shorter the period of the PWM signal), the higher the voltage can be applied to the oscillator. . In an embodiment, the peak-to-peak voltage value of the alternating current voltage applied to the oscillator P may range from 55V to 70V. This may be a value ranging from a minimum of 13.1 times to a maximum of 20.6 times the battery voltage (eg, 3.4V to 4.2V).

In an embodiment, the capacitance value or value range of the vibrator may be determined by considering the resonance frequency of the inductor (L1 or L2) in the circuit and the vibrator, or the frequency of the PWM signal or the frequency of the switching voltage signal provided from the processor 550. . Determining the capacitance value or value range of the vibrator is as described above with reference to Equation 1.

Table 2 below shows the results of comparing the atomization performance of various samples according to the capacitance value of the vibrator. Here, D is the diameter of the oscillator, T is the thickness, Zr is the impedance, C is the capacitance, and Fr is the resonance frequency. In addition, during the test, the inductance value of the inductor and the system frequency were fixed to 4.7uH and 3MHz, respectively, and then the atomization amount was tested with the specifications below. Sample 2 had a capacitance value of 0.53 nF and the atomization amount was 1.5 mg, which confirmed that the atomization performance was poor. Sample 5 had a capacitance value of 1.240 nF, and it was confirmed that atomization did not occur.

)D(

) T(mm) Zr(

) C(nF) Fr(MHz) Atomization amount (liquid reduction amount) sample 1 8 0.71 1.55 0.726 2.93 15mg sample 2 8 0.73 9.78 0.530 3.00 1.5mg sample 3 8 0.69 3.50 1.05 2.91 21.8mg sample 4 8 0.68 2.11 0.670 3.15 7.2mg sample 5 8 0.68 2.7 1.240 3.03 fig x sample 6 8 0.68 6 0.690 3.02 8.6mg

Accordingly, samples 1, 3, 4, and 6 had capacitance values in the range of 0.6 nF to 1.1 nF and showed relatively excellent atomization performance.

In an embodiment, a vibrator with optimal efficiency can be designed by determining the capacitance value or value range of the vibrator and then adjusting the physical properties of the vibrator.

The following Table 3 is a table of the results of testing the physical properties of the ultrasonic vibrator based on the capacitance value. Here, the initial value is the physical property of the vibrator before the atomization amount test, and the latter value is the physical property after the 20 cycle (10 puff/1 cycle) test.

Final characteristic change value item C(nF) Fa(MHz) Fr(MHz) Zr Qm initial value 1.05 3.16 2.91 3.50 97.93 Huchichi 1.15 3.13 2.91 1.66 211.23 amount of change 0.1 -0.03 0 -1.84 113.30

According to the test results, when the physical properties were determined based on the capacitance value, it was confirmed that there was little change in the characteristics of the vibrator compared to the initial value, there was no decrease in atomization amount, and Qm increased. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the durability of the vibrator is good.

The cartridge 10' according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 may be a different embodiment of the cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIG. 2, and redundant description will be omitted below. .

6 to 9, a cartridge 10' according to another embodiment includes a housing 100', a discharge passage 150', a mouthpiece 160', a reservoir 200', and a liquid delivery means 300. '), an atomizer 400', and a printed circuit board 500'. The components of the cartridge 10' according to other embodiments are not limited to the above-described examples, and depending on the embodiment, one component may be added or one component (e.g., mouthpiece 160) may be omitted. It could be.

The housing 100' may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 10' and form an internal space in which components of the cartridge 10' can be placed. In the drawing, only an embodiment in which the housing 100' of the cartridge 10' has an overall square pillar shape is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing 100' may be formed entirely in a cylindrical shape, or may be formed in a polygonal pillar shape other than a square pillar (eg, a triangular pillar, a pentagonal pillar).

According to another embodiment, the housing 100' may include a first housing 110' and a second housing 120' connected to one area of the first housing 110', and the first housing (110') 110') and the second housing 120' can protect the components of the cartridge 10' disposed in the internal space formed by the combination of the first housing 110' and the second housing 120'. there is

For example, the first housing 110' (or 'upper housing') is coupled to an area located at the top (e.g., z-direction) of the second housing 120' (or 'lower housing') to form the first housing 110' (or 'upper housing'). An internal space in which components of the cartridge 10' can be placed may be formed between the housing 110' and the second housing 120', but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the present disclosure, 'top' may refer to the 'z' direction of FIGS. 6 to 9, and 'bottom' may refer to the '-z' direction of FIGS. 6 to 9 facing the opposite direction to the top, and the corresponding expression They may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

The mouthpiece 160' is a part inserted into the user's mouth and may be connected to one area of the housing 100'. For example, the mouthpiece 160' has one area connected to the second housing 120' of the first housing 110' and another area located in the opposite direction (e.g., the top of the first housing 110'). area) can be connected.

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160' may be detachably coupled to one area of the housing 100', but depending on the embodiment, the mouthpiece 160' may be formed integrally with the housing 100'. It may be possible.

The mouthpiece 160' may include at least one outlet 160e' for discharging the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 10' to the outside of the cartridge 10'. The user may contact the mouthpiece 160' with his or her mouth and receive aerosol discharged to the outside through the outlet 160e' of the mouthpiece 160'.

The storage tank 200' may be placed in the internal space of the first housing 110', and an aerosol-generating material may be stored inside the storage tank 200'. For example, a liquid aerosol-generating material may be stored in the storage tank 200', but the storage tank 200' is not limited thereto.

The liquid delivery means 300' may be located between the storage tank 200' and the atomizer 400', and the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank 200' may be transferred to the atomizer through the liquid delivery means 300'. (400') can be supplied.

According to one embodiment, the liquid delivery means 300' may serve to receive an aerosol-generating material from the storage tank 200' and deliver the supplied aerosol-generating material to the atomizer 400'. For example, the liquid delivery means 300' may absorb the aerosol-generating material moving from the reservoir 200' toward the liquid delivery means 300', and the absorbed aerosol-generating material may be absorbed into the liquid delivery means 300'. ) can be supplied to the atomizer (400') by moving along.

According to one embodiment, the liquid delivery means 300' may include a plurality of liquid delivery means. For example, the liquid delivery means 300' may include a first liquid delivery means 310' and a second liquid delivery means 320'.

The first liquid delivery means 310' is disposed adjacent to the storage tank 200' and can receive a liquid aerosol-generating material from the storage tank 200'. For example, the first liquid delivery means 310' may receive the aerosol-generating material from the storage tank 200' by absorbing at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material discharged from the storage tank 200'.

For example, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 200' is stored in the storage tank 200' through a liquid supply hole (not shown) formed in an area facing the first liquid delivery means 310' of the storage tank 200'. ), but is not limited to this.

The second liquid delivery means 320' is located between the first liquid delivery means 310' and the atomizer 400', and transfers the aerosol supplied to the first liquid delivery means 310' to the atomizer 400'. '). For example, the second liquid delivery means 320' is located at the bottom (e.g., -z direction) of the first liquid delivery means 310' to generate aerosol absorbed by the first liquid delivery means 310'. The material can be supplied to the atomizer (400').

In one embodiment, one area of the second liquid delivery means 320' is in contact with an area facing the -z direction of the first liquid delivery means 310', and another area of the second liquid delivery means 320' is in contact with the other area of the second liquid delivery means 320'. The area may be in contact with an area facing the z direction of the atomizer 400'.

That is, the atomizer 400', the second liquid delivery means 320', and the first liquid delivery means 310' move in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z direction) of the cartridge 10' or the housing 100'. They can be arranged sequentially, and as a result, the second liquid delivery means 320' and the first liquid delivery means 310' can be stacked in that order on the atomizer 400'.

At least a portion of the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage tank 200' to the first liquid delivery means 310' through the above-described arrangement structure is formed in a second liquid delivery means 320 in contact with the first liquid delivery means 310'. You can move to '). In addition, the aerosol-generating material moved to the second liquid delivery means 320' moves along the second liquid delivery means 320' and is directed to the atomizer 400' in contact with the second liquid delivery means 320'. It can be reached.

In the drawing, only an embodiment of the liquid delivery means 300' including two liquid delivery means is shown, but depending on the embodiment, the liquid delivery means 300' includes one liquid delivery means or three or more liquids. A means of delivery may also be included.

The atomizer 400' can generate an aerosol by atomizing the liquid aerosol-generating material supplied from the liquid delivery means 300'.

For example, the atomizer 400' may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be about 100 kHz to 10 MHz, and preferably about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. As the vibrator generates ultrasonic vibration in the above-described frequency band, the vibrator may vibrate along the longitudinal direction (eg, z-direction or -z-direction) of the cartridge 10' or housing 100'. However, embodiments are not limited by the direction in which the vibrator vibrates, and the direction in which the vibrator vibrates may be in various directions (e.g., z and -z directions, x and -x directions, y and -y directions, or any of these directions). combination) can be changed.

The atomizer 400' can generate aerosol at a relatively lower temperature than a method of heating the aerosol-generating material by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic waves. For example, in the case of heating the aerosol-generating material using a heater, a situation may occur where the aerosol-generating material is unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200 °C or higher, causing the user to feel a burnt taste in the aerosol.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10' according to one embodiment can generate aerosol in a temperature range of about 100 °C to 160 °C, which is lower than when heated with a heater, by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic waves. . Accordingly, the cartridge 10' can minimize the sensation of a burnt taste in aerosol, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

The atomizer 400' may be electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., the battery 510 located inside the main body 20 of FIG. 2) through a printed circuit board 500', and may be electrically connected to the battery 510 located inside the main body 20 of FIG. 2. Ultrasonic vibration can be generated by electric power. For example, the atomizer 400' is electrically connected to a printed circuit board 500' located inside the cartridge 10', and the printed circuit board 500' is located outside the cartridge 10'. By being electrically connected to a power source, the atomizer 400' can receive power from an external power source.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer 400' may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 500' through the first conductor 410' and the second conductor 420'.

In one embodiment, the first conductor 410' includes an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal) and is located on the top of the atomizer 400' to connect the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board ( 500') can be electrically connected.

For example, a portion (e.g., upper portion) of the first conductor 410' is disposed to surround at least one area of the outer peripheral surface of the atomizer 400' and contacts the atomizer 400'. 1 Another part (e.g., lower part) of the conductor 410' is formed to extend from one part in a direction toward the printed circuit board 500' and may contact one area of the printed circuit board 500'. . The atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' can be electrically connected by the above-described contact structure of the first conductor 410'.

In one example, an opening 410h is formed in a portion of the first conductor 410' so that at least a portion of the atomizer 400' is exposed to the outside of the first conductor 410'. . A region of the atomizer 400' exposed to the outside of the first conductor 410' through the opening 410h' of the first conductor 410' is in contact with the second liquid delivery means 320'. Thus, the aerosol generating material can be supplied from the second liquid delivery means 320'.

In one embodiment, the second conductor 420' includes an electrically conductive material and is located at the bottom of the atomizer 400' or between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500'. Thus, the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' can be electrically connected. For example, one end of the second conductor 420' is in contact with the lower area of the atomizer 400', and the other end is in contact with an area of the printed circuit board 500' facing the atomizer 400'. As a result, the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' can be electrically connected.

According to one embodiment, the second conductor 420' includes an elastic conductive material and not only serves to electrically connect the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500', but also serves to connect the atomizer (400') to the printed circuit board (500'). It can even play the role of elastically supporting 400'). For example, the second conductor 420' may include a conductive spring, but the second conductor 420' is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The cartridge 10' according to one embodiment further includes an elastic support 430' positioned between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' to support the second conductor 420'. can do. For example, the elastic support 430' includes a material having flexible characteristics and is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the second conductor 420' to elastically support the second conductor 420'. can do. However, the embodiment of the cartridge 10' is not limited to this, and the elastic support 430' may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board 500' is located inside the second housing 120' and is connected to the atomizer 400 through the first conductor 410' and the second conductor 420'. ') and at the same time can be electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., the battery 510 in FIG. 2) through an electrical connection member (not shown).

The electrical connection member may include, for example, at least one of a pogo pin, a wire, a cable, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and a C-clip. is not limited to the examples described above.

In one embodiment, the second housing 120' may include a plurality of through holes 121', 122', and 123' penetrating the inside of the second housing 120' and the outside of the cartridge 10'. An electrical connection member may be disposed within the plurality of through holes to electrically connect the printed circuit board 500' located inside the cartridge 10' to an external power source of the cartridge 10'.

The printed circuit board 500' is electrically connected to the atomizer 400' by a first conductor 410' and a second conductor 420', and is connected to the cartridge 10' by an electrical connection member. As it is electrically connected to an external power source, the atomizer 400' is electrically connected to the external power source via the printed circuit board 500' and can receive power from the external power source.

A resistor (R) may be mounted on at least one area of the printed circuit board 500' to remove noise (or 'noise signal') generated during the operation of the cartridge 10', and the above-mentioned resistor (R ) can prevent damage to the atomizer 400' by removing noise.

The atomized aerosol by ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400' may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10' through the discharge passage 150' and supplied to the user. For example, the discharge passage 150' is formed to connect or communicate with the internal space of the housing 100' and the discharge port 160e' of the mouthpiece 160', so that the discharge generated by the atomizer 400' The aerosol may flow along the discharge passage 150' and then be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10' through the discharge port 160e'.

According to one embodiment, the discharge passage 150' is located in the inner space of the housing 100', and at least one area of the outer peripheral surface of the discharge passage 150' may be arranged to be surrounded by the storage tank 200'. However, it is not limited to this.

The cartridge 10' according to one embodiment may further include a sealing means 130' to prevent leakage generated from the reservoir 200' from flowing into the discharge passage 150'. there is.

As the outer peripheral surface of the discharge passage 150' is arranged to be surrounded by the storage tank 200', there may be cases where leakage generated from the storage tank 200' flows into the discharge passage 150' and reduces the user's smoking experience. You can.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10' according to one embodiment blocks leakage generated from the reservoir 200' from flowing into the discharge passage 150' through the sealing means 130', thereby providing a user's smoking experience. Deterioration can be prevented.

In one embodiment, the sealing means 130' is located inside the discharge passage 150' to prevent leakage from flowing into the discharge passage 150'. For example, the sealing means 130' may be fitted into the discharge passage 150' and may be in close contact with the inner wall of the discharge passage 150', but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the sealing means 130' is formed in a hollow shape, preventing leakage generated from the reservoir 200' from flowing into the discharge passage 150', and preventing the leakage generated from the atomizer 400' from flowing into the discharge passage 150'. May not impede the flow of aerosol.

In another embodiment, the sealing means 130' may include an elastic material (e.g., rubber) to absorb ultrasonic vibration generated from the atomizer 400', and as a result, the atomizer 400' may absorb ultrasonic vibrations. It is possible to minimize the transmission of ultrasonic vibration generated in the cartridge 10' to the user through the housing 100' of the cartridge 10'.

In another embodiment, the sealing means 130' is located on top of the liquid delivery means 300' and presses the liquid delivery means 300' in a direction toward the atomizer 400', thereby forming the liquid delivery means ( 300') and the atomizer (400') can be maintained in contact. For example, the sealing means 130 is connected to the second liquid delivery means 320' by pressing the first liquid delivery means 310' and/or the second liquid delivery means 320' in the -z direction. Contact between the firearms 400' can be maintained.

The cartridge 10' according to one embodiment fixes or supports the structure 140' and the structure 140' to prevent droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400' from being supplied to the user. ) may further include a first support means 141'.

In the process of atomizing aerosol-generating materials by ultrasonic vibration generated from the atomizer 400', some aerosol-generating materials may not be atomized and droplets may be generated, and the generated droplets may be generated from the atomizer 400'. There may be a case where it bounces due to ultrasonic vibration and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10' through the discharge port 160e'.

The structure 140' may be disposed adjacent to the discharge passage 150' to restrict the movement or flow of the bounced droplet in the direction toward the discharge port 160e' of the mouthpiece 160'.

For example, the structure 140' includes a material capable of absorbing droplets (e.g., felt material), absorbs the droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400', thereby forming the droplet discharge port 160e'. ) may restrict movement or flow toward, but is not limited to this.

If liquid droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400' are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10' through the discharge port 160e' and delivered to the user, the user may feel uncomfortable and the overall smoking sensation may be reduced.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10' according to one embodiment is not atomized through the above-described structure 140' and restricts the movement of liquid droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400' in the direction toward the discharge port 160e'. , it can reduce the decrease in the user's feeling of smoking due to liquid splash. In the present disclosure, “liquid splash” may mean that a droplet that has not yet been atomized bounces from the atomizer 400', and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

The first support means 141' may accommodate at least one area of the structure 140' and may maintain or fix the received structure 140' to one area of the first housing 110'. For example, the first support means 141' may maintain or fix the structure 140' in an area (e.g., an upper area) adjacent to the mouthpiece 160' of the first housing 110'. , but is not limited to this.

In one embodiment, the first support means 141' is arranged to surround at least one area of the structure 140' and can accommodate the structure 140', and the first support means 141' can accommodate the structure 140'. As the means 141' is coupled to a region (eg, a region in the z-direction) of the first housing 110', the structure 140' may be fixed to a region of the first housing 110'.

The first support means 141' and the first housing 110', which accommodate the structure 140', are configured such that at least a portion of the first support means 141' is press-fitted into the first housing 110'. However, the coupling method of the first housing 110' and the first support means 141' is not limited to the above-described examples. In another example, the first housing 110' and the first support means 141' may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, or a magnetic coupling method.

The first support means 141' has a predetermined rigidity and includes a waterproof material (e.g., rubber), and not only fixes the structure 140' to the first housing 110', but also holds the storage tank ( It is possible to prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances generated at 200'). For example, the first support means 141' blocks the area of the reservoir 200' facing the mouthpiece 160', thereby preventing leakage of aerosol-generating substances.

The cartridge 10' according to one embodiment includes a second support means 330' for maintaining the liquid delivery means 300' and/or the atomizer 400' within the first housing 110'. More may be included.

The second support means 330' is disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first liquid delivery means 310', the second liquid delivery means 320', and/or the atomizer 400' to apply the first liquid. It may accommodate a delivery means 310', a second liquid delivery means 320', and/or an atomizer 400'.

In one embodiment, the second support means 330' may be coupled to one area of the first housing 110' and another area located in the opposite direction (e.g., a region in the -z direction), resulting in the first housing 110' The liquid delivery means 310', the second liquid delivery means 320', and/or the atomizer 400' may be held or fixed to different areas of the first housing 110'.

The second support means 330' may be coupled to the first housing 110' in such a way that at least some areas are tightly fitted to the first housing 110', but the first housing 110' and the second support means 330' may be coupled to the first housing 110'. The coupling method of the support means 330' is not limited to the above-described example. In another example, the first housing 110' and the second support means 330' may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, or a magnetic coupling method.

According to one embodiment, the second support means 330' includes a material (e.g., rubber) having a predetermined rigidity and waterproofness, and provides the liquid delivery means 300' and the atomizer 400'. 1 In addition to being fixed to the housing 110', it is possible to prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances generated in the storage tank 200'. For example, the second support means 330' blocks the area adjacent to the liquid delivery means 300' or the atomizer 400' of the reservoir 200', thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol-generating material. can do.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the electrical connection structure of the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' and the resistor R mounted on the printed circuit board 500' and the atomizer 400'. Let's take a closer look at the electrical connection relationship.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the electrical connection relationship between the vibrator of the cartridge and the printed circuit board according to one embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the electrical connection relationship between the vibrator of the cartridge and the printed circuit board shown in FIG. 10. This is a cross-sectional view.

10 and 11, a cartridge according to one embodiment (e.g., cartridge 10' of FIGS. 6 to 9) includes an atomizer 400', a printed circuit board 500', and an atomizer 400'. ) may include a first conductor 410' and a second conductor 420' for electrically connecting the printed circuit board 500'.

The printed circuit board 500' may include a first side disposed in a direction toward the atomizer 400' and a second side disposed in a direction opposite to the first side. On the first and second sides, a plurality of electrical contacts are provided to electrically connect the printed circuit board 500' to the atomizer 400' and/or an external power source (e.g., the battery 510 in FIG. 2). contacts can be placed.

According to one embodiment, a first electrical contact 501' and a second electrical contact 502' spaced apart from the first electrical contact 501' are disposed on the first surface of the printed circuit board 500'. It can be.

A portion (or 'upper portion') of the first conductor 410' is arranged to surround at least one area of the outer peripheral surface of the atomizer 400' and is in contact with the atomizer 400', and the first conductor 410' Another portion (the 'bottom portion') of 410' may contact the first electrical contact 501' of the printed circuit board 500'. The atomizer 400' and the first electrical contact point 501' can be electrically connected by the above-described arrangement structure of the first conductor 410'.

The second conductor 420' is located between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500', and one end (e.g., one end in the z direction) of the second conductor 420' is connected to the atomizer. It contacts one area of the printed circuit board 500' of 400', and the other end (e.g., one end in the -z direction) of the second conductor 420' is connected to the second conductor 420' of the printed circuit board 500'. It may contact the electrical contact point 502'. The atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact point 502' can be electrically connected by the above-described arrangement structure of the second conductor 420'.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer 400' has a first electrode 401' (or 'upper electrode') disposed in an area facing in the opposite direction to the printed circuit board 500' of the atomizer 400'. ) and a second electrode 402' (or 'lower electrode') disposed in an area facing the printed circuit board 500' of the atomizer 400'.

The first electrode 401' and/or the second electrode 402' include a material with high electrical conductivity, and the atomizer 400' and the first conductor 410' and/or the second conductor ( 420') can perform the role of electrically connecting. The first electrode 401' and/or the second electrode 402' may be, for example, silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), iron (Fe), ), platinum (Pt), and lead (Pb), but is not limited thereto.

In the drawing, the first electrode 401' is disposed along the edge of the atomizer 400', and the second electrode 402' is at the center of the area facing the printed circuit board 500' of the atomizer 400'. However, the arrangement structure of the first electrode 401' and/or the second electrode 402' is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the first electrode 401' may be placed only on a portion of the edge of the atomizer 400', or the second electrode 402' may be placed in an off-center area of the atomizer 400'. there is.

In one embodiment, a portion of the first conductor 410' is disposed to surround the outer peripheral surface of the atomizer 400' and includes a first electrode 401' disposed in one area of the atomizer 400' and The other portion of the first conductor 410' is in contact with the first electrical contact 501' of the printed circuit board 500', thereby forming the atomizer 400' and the first electrical contact 501'. This can be electrically connected.

In another embodiment, one end of the second conductor 420' is in contact with the second electrode 402' of the atomizer 400', and the other end of the second conductor 420' is connected to the printed circuit board 500. '), the atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact point 502' may be electrically connected.

That is, the cartridge 10' according to one embodiment has a first conductor contacting the first electrode 401' of the atomizer 400' and the first electrical contact 501' of the printed circuit board 500'. Through the second conductor 420' in contact with the second electrode 402' of the sieve 410' and the atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact 502' of the printed circuit board 500'. The atomizer (400') and the printed circuit board (500') can be electrically connected.

According to one embodiment, a third electrical contact 501-1' and a fourth electrical contact 502-1' are disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board 500', which is located in the opposite direction to the first side. It can be.

In one embodiment, the third electrical contact 501-1' is disposed at a position corresponding to the first electrical contact 501' disposed on the first side of the printed circuit board 500', and has a first electrical via. It may be electrically connected to the first electrical contact 501' through (V ₁ ).

For example, the third electrical contact 501-1' may be disposed at a position overlapping with the first electrical contact 501' when viewed from the first side of the printed circuit board 500', A first conductive via (V ₁ ) is located between the electrical contact point 501' and the third electrical contact point 501-1' to connect the first electrical contact point 501 and the third electrical contact point 501-1'. You can connect.

For example, the first conductive via (V ₁ ) is disposed to penetrate the first and second surfaces of the printed circuit board 500' and connects the first electrical contact 501' and the third electrical contact 501-1. ') can be electrically connected.

In another embodiment, the fourth electrical contact 502-1' is disposed at a position corresponding to the second electrical contact 502' disposed on the first side of the printed circuit board 500', and has a second electrical via. It may be electrically connected to the second electrical contact 502' through (V ₂ ).

For example, the fourth electrical contact 502-1' may be disposed at a position overlapping with the second electrical contact 502' when viewed from the first side of the printed circuit board 500', A second conductive via (V ₂ ) is located between the electrical contact point 502' and the fourth electrical contact point 502-1' to connect the second electrical contact point 502' and the fourth electrical contact point 502-1'. can be connected.

For example, the second conductive via (V ₂ ) is disposed to penetrate the first and second sides of the printed circuit board 500' and connects the second electrical contact point 502' and the fourth electrical contact point 502-1. ') can be electrically connected.

The third electrical contact 501-1' corresponds to the first through hole (e.g., the first through hole 121' in FIG. 8) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing 120' in FIG. 8). It is disposed in a position where it can be electrically connected to an external power source through an electrical connection member disposed in the first through hole. For example, the third electrical contact 501-1' is connected to a battery (e.g., battery 510 of FIG. 2) of the main body (e.g., main body 20 of FIG. 2) through an electrical connection member disposed in the first through hole. )) can be electrically connected to.

Additionally, the fourth electrical contact 502-1' is disposed at a position corresponding to the second through hole of the second housing (e.g., the second through hole 122' in FIG. 8) and is disposed within the second through hole. It can be electrically connected to an external power source through an electrical connection member. For example, the fourth electrical contact point 502-1' may be electrically connected to the battery of the main body through an electrical connection member disposed in the second through hole.

The printed circuit board 500' of the cartridge 10' according to one embodiment has a first electrical contact 501' and a second electrical contact 502' disposed on the first side, and a first electrical contact 502' on the second side. As the third electrical contact point 501-1' and the fourth electrical contact point 502-1', which are respectively electrically connected to the electrical contact point 501' and the second electrical contact point 502', are disposed, the atomizer ( 400') and an external power source (e.g., the battery of the main body).

The first electrical contact 501' and the second electrical contact 502' of the printed circuit board 500' are electrically connected to the atomizer 400', and the third electrical contact 501-1' and the second electrical contact 502' are electrically connected to the atomizer 400'. 4 As the electrical contact 502-1' is electrically connected to the battery of the main body, an electrical circuit can be formed between the atomizer 400' and an external power source.

The atomizer 400' can receive power from an external power source through an electrical circuit formed between the atomizer 400' and an external power source to atomize the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. For example, power supplied from an external power source may be transmitted to the atomizer 400' via a printed circuit board 500' disposed inside the cartridge, and the atomizer 400 may use ultrasonic waves through the supplied power. Vibration can generate aerosols.

According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board 500' has a fifth electrical contact point 503' disposed on the first side and a fifth electrical contact point 503' disposed in an area of the second side corresponding to the fifth electrical contact point 503'. It may further include 6 electrical contacts 503-1'.

The fifth electrical contact 503' may be disposed at a position corresponding to or overlapping with the sixth electrical contact 503-1' when viewed from the first side of the printed circuit board 500'. A third conductive via (V ₃ ) is disposed between (503') and the sixth electrical contact point (503-1') so that the fifth electrical contact point (503') and the sixth electrical contact point (503-1') are electrically connected. It can be connected to .

In one example, the fifth electrical contact point 503' contacts a region of the first conductor 410', so that the atomizer 400' and the fifth electrical contact point 503' may be electrically connected. .

In another example, the sixth electrical contact point 503-1' is disposed at a position corresponding to the second through hole (e.g., the third through hole 123' in FIG. 8) of the second housing, It may be electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., a battery of the main body) through an electrical connection member disposed in the hole.

The cartridge according to one embodiment has two electrical contacts (a first electrical contact 501' and a fifth electrical contact) electrically connected to the first conductor 410' on the first side of the printed circuit board 500'. By arranging (503')), the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' can be electrically connected even if the first conductor 410' contacts only one of the two electrical contact points. You can.

Even if the first conductor 410' contacts only one of the first electrical contact 501' and the fifth electrical contact 503', the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' Since this can be electrically connected, the electrical connection relationship between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' can be maintained regardless of the arrangement direction of the printed circuit board 500'.

The first to sixth electrical contacts 501' to 503-1' may be, for example, conductive pads or soldering pads mounted on the printed circuit board 500', but are not limited thereto.

One area of the printed circuit board 500' has a resistor for removing or filtering noise generated in the process of supplying power from an external power source to the atomizer 400' or in the circuit of the printed circuit board 500'. (R) can be placed.

According to one embodiment, the resistor (R) is mounted in one area of the printed circuit board 500' to remove noise generated when the aerosol generating device is operated (or "powered on") to generate an atomizer ( 400') can ensure that a stable voltage is applied.

When power supply to the atomizer 400' begins or while power supply is in progress, unintended noise may occur in the electrical circuit between the atomizer 400' and an external power source. For example, noise may occur in the voltage signal supplied to the atomizer 400', causing a voltage higher than the specified value to be applied to the atomizer 400', resulting in a rapid increase in the temperature of the atomizer 400'. If the temperature rises rapidly (e.g., rises above the Curie temperature), the atomizer 400' may be damaged.

On the other hand, the cartridge according to one embodiment generates electricity in an electrical circuit formed between the atomizer 400' and an external power source in the atomizer 400' through a resistor (R) mounted on a printed circuit board 500'. The noise can be removed or filtered, and as a result, the cartridge or aerosol generating device can be operated stably.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules, modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery medium.

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the above-described substrate can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an explanatory rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

10: Cartridge 20: Body
100: housing 110: first housing
120: second housing 130: air inlet passage
130i: air inlet 131: first air inlet passage
131i: first air inlet 132: second air inlet passage
132i: second air inlet 140: structure
141: first support member 150: discharge passage
151: first discharge passage 152: second discharge passage
160: mouthpiece 160e: outlet
200: reservoir 210: connection passage
300: liquid delivery means 310: first liquid delivery means
320: second liquid transmission means 330: vibration transmission means
340: second support member 400: atomizer
510: Battery 520: Sensor
530: User Interface 540: Memory
550: Processor 1000: Aerosol generating device

Claims (12)

A storage unit where aerosol-generating substances are stored;
Liquid delivery means for absorbing the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit; and
It includes an atomizer that generates ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery means into an aerosol,
The atomizer includes a vibrator, and the vibrator has a capacitance value of 0.6nF to 1.1nF,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the properties of the vibrator are determined within a range of the capacitance value of the vibrator. delete According to claim 1,
The physical properties of the vibrator are,
An aerosol generating device comprising at least one of a piezoelectric constant, an electro-mechanical coupling coefficient, a quality factor, a query temperature, and an additive. According to claim 3,
The additives are:
An aerosol generating device comprising at least one of cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), and niobidium (Nb). According to claim 1,
The thickness of the vibrator is,
An aerosol generating device measuring between 0.69 mm and 0.71 mm. According to claim 1,
The diameter of the vibrator is,
An aerosol generating device measuring between 7 mm and 9 mm. According to claim 1,
The vibrator is,
An aerosol generating device, which is lead zirconate titanate (PZT). According to claim 1,
The liquid delivery means is,
a first liquid delivery means disposed adjacent to the storage unit and receiving an aerosol-generating material from the storage unit; and
An aerosol generating device, comprising a second liquid delivery means positioned between the first liquid delivery means and the atomizer and delivering the aerosol generating material supplied to the first liquid delivery means to the atomizer. According to claim 8,
A mouthpiece including an outlet for discharging the atomized aerosol to the outside; and
Further comprising a discharge passage connecting the atomizer and the discharge port,
The aerosol atomized by the atomizer moves along the discharge passage in a direction toward the discharge port. According to clause 9,
wherein the first liquid delivery means restricts the movement of droplets bouncing from the atomizer toward the discharge passage. According to claim 1,
Battery supplying battery voltage; and
It further includes a power conversion circuit that converts the battery voltage to supply an alternating voltage to the oscillator,
An aerosol generating device in which the capacitance value of the vibrator is determined according to the inductance value and resonance frequency of the inductor of the power conversion circuit. According to claim 11,
An aerosol generating device further comprising a processor that controls the power conversion circuit.

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