KR20230028088A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating device includes: a storage configured to store an aerosol generating material; a liquid delivery means configured to absorb the aerosol generating material stored in the storage; and an atomizer configured to atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery means into an aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibrations, wherein the atomizer includes an oscillator, and the oscillator has a capacitance value of 0.6 nF to 1.1 nF. Therefore, optimum efficiency can be generated by determining a capacitance value of an ultrasonic vibrator.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol using ultrasonic vibrations.

In recent years, demand for technology to replace a method of supplying an aerosol by burning a general cigarette is increasing. For example, an aerosol is generated from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state or a solid state, or a vapor is generated from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state, and then the generated vapor is passed through a solid-state flavor medium to supply an aerosol having a flavor. Research on such methods is in progress.

In the conventional aerosol generating device using ultrasonic vibration, ultrasonic vibration is generated when AC voltage is applied to the ultrasonic vibrator, and after the viscosity of the liquid phase in contact with the ultrasonic vibrator is lowered by heat generated from the ultrasonic vibrator, the frequency included in the AC voltage is reduced. It is a method of generating an aerosol by breaking the liquid phase into small pieces by ultrasonic vibration vibrating at a frequency. At this time, the atomization performance is changed according to the property of the ultrasonic vibrator.

On the other hand, heat is generated according to the characteristics of the ultrasonic vibrator, and when the generated heat deviates from the Curie temperature, the characteristics of the ultrasonic vibration are lost. Therefore, it is important to secure the optimal physical properties of the ultrasonic vibrator.

According to the present disclosure, by determining a capacitance value of an ultrasonic transducer according to a circuit configuration for driving ultrasonic waves, it is possible to determine physical properties of an ultrasonic transducer capable of generating optimal efficiency.

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

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a storage unit in which an aerosol generating material is stored; liquid delivery means for absorbing the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir; and an atomizer that generates ultrasonic vibrations 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.

A property of the vibrator may be determined within a range of capacitance values of the vibrator of the aerosol generating device.

The physical properties of the vibrator may include at least one of a piezoelectric constant, an electromechanical coupling coefficient, a quality coefficient, a query temperature, and additives.

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

The vibrator may have a thickness of 0.69 mm to 0.71 mm.

The vibrator may have a diameter of 7 mm to 9 mm.

The vibrator may be lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

The liquid delivery means includes: a first liquid delivery means disposed adjacent to the reservoir and receiving an aerosol generating material from the reservoir; and a second liquid delivery means positioned between the first liquid delivery means and the atomizer and transferring the aerosol generating material supplied to the first liquid delivery means to the atomizer.

The aerosol generating device includes a mouthpiece including an outlet through which atomized aerosol is discharged to the outside; and a discharge passage connecting the atomizer and the outlet, and the aerosol atomized by the atomizer may move in a direction toward the outlet along the discharge passage.

The first liquid delivery means may limit the 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 converting the battery voltage and supplying an AC voltage to the vibrator, wherein a capacitance value of the vibrator may be determined according to an inductance value and a resonant frequency of an inductor of the power conversion circuit.

A processor controlling the power conversion circuit may be further included.

The aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiments may determine the physical properties of the ultrasonic vibrator capable of generating optimal efficiency by determining the capacitance value of the ultrasonic vibrator according to the circuit configuration for ultrasonic driving.

The aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiments can generate aerosol at a relatively low temperature compared to when using a heater by pulverizing an aerosol generating material into fine particles using ultrasonic vibration, and as a result, the user's smoking feeling can be improved. can

In addition, the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiments prevents liquid droplets bouncing from the atomizer from reaching the user during the process of atomizing the aerosol, thereby improving the user's smoking feeling.

In addition, the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiments prevents leakage of the aerosol generating material, thereby reducing failure or malfunction of the cartridge or the aerosol generating device.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

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

The terms used in the embodiments have been selected from general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present disclosure, but they may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, there are also terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, terms used in the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the general content of the present disclosure, not simply the name of the term.

In the present disclosure, when a part "includes" a certain component, it means that it may further include other components without excluding other components unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" described in this disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

As used in this disclosure, when an expression such as "at least one of" precedes an array of components, it modifies the entire array of components, not each individual component. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including 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 which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

Also, in the present disclosure, an “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 the present disclosure, “puff” refers to a user's inhalation, and inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user's mouth or nose is pulled into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the embodiments of the present disclosure. can 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 , an 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 . Depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1000, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be further added. .

As an example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a body, and in this case, hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 1000 are located in the 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 separately located 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 the main body and the cartridge, respectively.

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

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

The atomizer 400 may be located in the 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 separately located in the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer 400 is located in the cartridge, the atomizer 400 may receive power from the battery 510 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. In addition, when the atomizer 400 is divided into a main body and a cartridge, parts requiring power supply in the atomizer 400 may be supplied with power from the battery 510 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The atomizer 400 generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge. Aerosol means a suspension in which liquid and/or solid fine particles are dispersed in a gas. Accordingly, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 400 may refer to a state in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material and air are mixed. For example, the atomizer 400 may convert the phase of an aerosol-generating material into a gaseous phase through vaporization and/or sublimation. In addition, the atomizer 400 may generate an aerosol by discharging liquid and/or solid aerosol-generating substances into fine particles.

For example, the atomizer 400 may 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 an aerosol by atomizing an 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 an aerosol generating material by generating heat. The aerosol-generating material may be heated by a heater, resulting in the creation of an aerosol.

The heater may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials are 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. In addition, the heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

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

As another example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include an accommodation space capable of accommodating cigarettes, and the heater may heat the cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 1000 . As the cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater may be located inside and/or outside the cigarette. As such, the heater may heat the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette to generate an aerosol.

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

The battery 510 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. That is, the battery 510 may supply power so that the atomizer 400 can atomize the aerosol generating material. In addition, the battery 510 may supply power necessary for the operation of other hardware elements included 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 (eg, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (eg, a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, lithium-ion battery or lithium-polymer battery). However, the type of battery 510 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited as described 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, restricts smoking, inserts a cartridge (or cigarette) / The aerosol generating device 1000 may be controlled to perform various functions such as non-judgment and notification display.

For example, at least one sensor 520 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may detect a user's puff based on at least one of a change in flow of air flowing in from the outside, a change in pressure, and detection of sound. The puff detection sensor may detect the start timing and end timing of the user's puff, and the processor 550 may determine a puff period and a non-puff period according to the detected start timing and end timing of the puff. can judge

Also, at least one sensor 520 may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor may be a sensor capable of receiving a user's input, such as a switch, a physical button, or a touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor capable of detecting a user's input by generating a change in capacitance when the user touches a predetermined area formed of a metal material and detecting the change in capacitance. there is. The processor 550 may determine whether a user's input has occurred by comparing values before and after the change in capacitance received from the capacitive sensor. When the value before and after the capacitance change exceeds a preset threshold, the processor 550 may determine that a user's input has occurred.

Also, at least one sensor 520 may include a motion sensor. Information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 1000, such as an inclination, moving speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 1000, may be obtained through a motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor may include a state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is moving, a state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is stationary, a state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for a puff, and each puff motion. Information about the tilted state of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be measured at an angle different from that during the puff operation. The motion sensor may 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, an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, and a gyro sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in three directions.

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

Also, at least one sensor 520 may include an image sensor. The image sensor may include, for example, a camera for obtaining an image of an object. The image sensor may 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 the user brings the aerosol generating device 1000 close to 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 obtained image to determine that the user is in a situation to use the aerosol generating device 1000 when it is determined as the lips. Through this, the aerosol generating device 1000 may operate the atomizer 400 in advance or preheat the heater.

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

Also, at least one sensor 520 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may 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 for detecting the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may serve as the temperature sensor instead of including the separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, a separate temperature sensor may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1000 while the heater serves as the temperature sensor. In addition, the temperature sensor may detect not only the heater but also the temperature of internal parts such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and a battery of the aerosol generating device 1000.

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

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

In the aerosol generating device 1000, only some of the examples of the various sensors 520 illustrated above may be selected and implemented. In other words, the aerosol generating device 1000 may combine and utilize information sensed by at least one of the sensors described above.

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 a user or outputs information to the user. ) Terminals for data communication with interfacing means (e.g., buttons or touch screens) or receiving charging power, 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, only some of the various user interface 530 examples exemplified above may be selected and implemented in the aerosol generating device 1000 .

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

The memory 540 may store operating 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 a 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 a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executable by the microprocessor are stored. Also, those skilled in the art can understand that the processor 550 may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The processor 550 analyzes a result sensed by at least one sensor 520 and controls subsequent processes to be performed.

The processor 550 may control power supplied to the atomizer 400 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 400 based on a result sensed by the 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 result sensed by the at least one sensor 520. You can control the feeding 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 . In addition, the processor 550 may start the operation of the atomizer 400 after detecting a user's puff using a puff sensor. In addition, the processor 550 may count the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor and then stop supplying power to the atomizer 400 when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined number.

The processor 550 may control the user interface 530 based on a result sensed by the at least one sensor 520 . For example, when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined number after counting the number of puffs using a puff sensor, the processor 550 provides the user with an aerosol generating device 1000 using at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker. ) can be foretold that it will end soon.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 1000 may be included in the 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 battery of the cradle while being accommodated in the accommodation space inside the cradle.

2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

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

The cartridge 10 may be coupled to the main body 20 while accommodating the aerosol generating material therein. For example, as at least a portion of the cartridge 10 is inserted into the main body 20, the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be coupled. As another example, 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.

The cartridge 10 and the 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 body ( 20) is not limited to the above example.

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

A pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the cartridge 10 may occur due to a user's inhalation or puff operation, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 10 due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cartridge 10 It can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet (160e). That is, the user may receive the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e by inhaling the mouthpiece 160 in contact with the oral cavity.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 may include a reservoir 200 located in the inner space of the housing 100 and containing 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 simply performs a function of containing the aerosol generating material, such as the use of a container, and the inside of the storage tank 200, for example. It means including an element impregnated with (containing) an aerosol-generating material such as, for example, a sponge, cotton, fabric, or porous ceramic structure.

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

The liquid composition may include, for example, any one of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these ingredients. Fragrance may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor components, etc., but is not limited thereto. Flavoring agents can include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Liquid compositions may also contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

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

The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000, flavor or taste, solubility, and the like. 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 a single acid selected from the group consisting of malic acid or 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 generating an aerosol by converting a phase of an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge 10 .

In one example, the aerosol generating material stored or accommodated in the reservoir 200 may be supplied to the atomizer 400 by the liquid delivery means 300, and the atomizer 400 is supplied from the liquid delivery means 300. An aerosol can be created by atomizing the aerosol-generating material. The liquid delivery unit 300 may be, for example, a wick including 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 may 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 generating short-period vibration, and the vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibration may be about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

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

In an embodiment, a capacitance value or a range of capacitance values of the ultrasonic vibrator may be determined based on a resonant frequency of the power conversion circuit and an inductance value of the inductor. For example, when 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 according to Equation 1 below The value C can be determined to be 0.6 nanofarads (nF).

[Equation 1]

In addition, 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 a piezoelectric constant, an electromechanical coupling coefficient, a quality factor, a query temperature, and additives, and the additives may include cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), niobidium (Nb), and the like. there is.

Depending on the physical properties of the vibrator, heat is generated in the vibrator, and when the heat deviates from 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 a capacitance value or a range of capacitance values of the vibrator, physical properties of the ultrasonic vibrator having such a value are determined.

The piezoelectric constant is a constant indicating how much the vibrator is displaced when an AC voltage is applied. When an electric field (V/m) is applied to a piezoelectric body, it is a coefficient indicating how much it is displaced and can be expressed as d33, d31, d15, etc. according to the electric field direction and the displacement direction. 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 characteristic (vibration amount) increases, and as a result, the amount of atomization of the aerosol generating device increases.

Electromechanical coupling coefficient (%) is a coefficient representing 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 Equation 2 below.

[Equation 2]

The electromechanical coupling coefficient can be expressed as k33, k31, k15, kp, kt according to the vibration mode.

The 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 body. is a value representing The quality coefficient can be calculated as 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 stiffness and the higher the durability. The smaller the resonance impedance and the smaller the capacitance value, the higher the quality factor.

The lower the 33 (dielectric constant), the lower the heating performance. The temperature increase graph of the vibrator can be adjusted by adjusting the dielectric constant value. The query temperature is the temperature at which the characteristics (impedance, frequency) of the vibrator change.

Losses are reduced when the additive cobalt (Co) is added. 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 robustness (stiffness) of the vibrator increases.

The query temperature refers to a temperature at which characteristics of a vibrator, for example, impedance and frequency change. Regarding the relationship between the resonant frequency of the vibrator and heat generation, the resonant impedance becomes minimum at the resonant frequency (Fr). Therefore, when the vibrator is operated at the resonance frequency, it means that the efficiency is maximized. After the resonant frequency, the impedance increases, and heat is generated due to the impedance increase. An increase in impedance means an increase in the capacitance value, and the capacitance value becomes the maximum at the query temperature.

In an embodiment, physical properties of the vibrator may be determined within the capacitance value or range of capacitance values of the vibrator. As described above, a piezoelectric constant, an electromechanical coupling coefficient, a quality factor, a query temperature, an additive, and the like may be adjusted or determined within a capacitance value or range of values.

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, but is not limited thereto, and may be variously modified according to the application or design of the aerosol generating device. In addition, 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 reservoir 200 to the atomizer 400 by the short-cycle vibration generated by the vibrator may be vaporized and/or made into particles to be atomized into an aerosol.

The vibrator may include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic, and the piezoelectric ceramic generates electricity (voltage) by a physical force (pressure) and, conversely, generates vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied thereto. It may be a functional material capable of mutually converting mechanical forces. That is, as electricity is applied to the vibrator, vibration (physical force) of a short period may be generated, and the generated vibration may 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 circuitry of the aerosol generating device 1000 through an electrical connection member, but electrically with the vibrator. Components to be connected are not limited to the above examples.

The vibrator may receive current or voltage from the battery 510 through an electrical connection member to generate ultrasonic vibration, or the processor 550 may control its operation.

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 above examples. 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 a function of absorbing the aerosol-generating material and maintaining it in an optimal state for converting the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol without using a separate liquid delivery means 300 and the aerosol-generating material It may also be implemented as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration receiving unit that performs all of the functions of generating aerosol by transmitting vibration to the body.

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

The cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a discharge passageway 150 . The discharge passage 150 is located inside the cartridge 10 and may connect or communicate with the atomizer 400 and the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160. Accordingly, the aerosol generated in 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 configured to allow air located outside the aerosol generating device 1000 (hereinafter referred to as "external air") to flow into the aerosol generating device 1000. It may include at least one air inlet passage.

External air may be introduced into a space where aerosol is generated by the discharge passage 150 inside the cartridge 10 or the atomizer 400 through at least one air introduction passage. The entrained outside air may mix with vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material, resulting in an aerosol.

In the aerosol generating device 1000, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction may be approximately circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or various polygonal cross-sectional shapes. However, the shape of the cross section 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 to extend in a straight line 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 to make it easier for a user to hold by hand, or may be bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area and extended long. It can change along the length direction.

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

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

3 and 4, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment includes a housing 100 forming the overall appearance of the cartridge 10 and a mouthpiece 160 connected to one area of the housing 100. can include

Components of the cartridge 10 according to an embodiment are not limited to the above-described examples, and at least one component may be added or any one component (eg, the mouthpiece 160) may be omitted according to the embodiment. may be

The housing 100 includes an internal space in which components of the cartridge 10 can be disposed, and may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 10 . In the drawings, the housing 100 is shown only for an embodiment in which the overall shape is cylindrical, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment (not shown), the housing 100 may be formed in a polygonal pillar (eg, triangular pillar, quadrangular pillar) shape as a whole.

According to one 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 may include the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The second housing 120 may protect components of the cartridge 10 disposed in the inner space formed by the combination of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 .

For example, the second housing 120 (or 'lower housing') may be coupled to a region located at the lower end (eg, -z direction) of the first housing 110 (or 'upper housing'). It is not limited to this.

In the present disclosure, "the lower end of the first housing" may mean the -z direction of the first housing 110, and "the upper end of the first housing" may mean the z direction of the first housing 110, Corresponding expressions may be used in the same meaning below.

The mouthpiece 160 is a part inserted into the user's oral cavity 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 (eg, the top area of the first housing 110) located in the opposite direction. 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 integrally formed.

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

The cartridge 10 includes a reservoir 200 disposed in the inner space of the housing 100 (eg, the reservoir 200 of FIG. 2 ), a liquid delivery unit 300 (eg, the liquid delivery unit 300 of FIG. 2 ) and an atomizer 400 (eg, the atomizer 400 of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, the reservoir 200 is located inside the first housing 110, and an aerosol generating material may be stored in the reservoir 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 transferred to the atomizer 400 by the liquid delivery unit 300. .

According to one embodiment, the liquid delivery means 300 may serve to receive an aerosol generating material from the reservoir 200 and deliver the supplied aerosol generating material to the atomizer 400 . For example, the liquid delivery means 300 can 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. 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 may be disposed adjacent to the reservoir 200 to receive the liquid aerosol generating material from the reservoir 200 . For example, the first liquid delivery unit 310 may absorb at least a portion of the aerosol generating material discharged from the reservoir 200 to receive the aerosol generating material from the reservoir 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 unit 310 facing the reservoir 200 and the other area facing the opposite direction are located in one area of the second liquid delivery unit 320 facing the first liquid delivery unit 310. can contact As another example, one area of the second liquid delivery unit 320 and another area facing the opposite direction may contact one area of the atomizer 400 .

That is, the atomizer 400, the second liquid delivery unit 320, and the first liquid delivery unit 310 may be sequentially disposed along the longitudinal direction (eg, z direction) of the cartridge 10 or the housing 100. As a result, the second liquid delivery means 320 and the first liquid delivery means 310 may be sequentially stacked on the atomizer 400 .

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. can In addition, the aerosol generating material moved to the second liquid delivery means 320 may reach the atomizer 400 in contact with the second liquid delivery means 320 while moving along 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 generating ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator may be about 100 kHz to 10 MHz, preferably about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. The vibrator may vibrate along the longitudinal direction (or 'up and down direction') of the cartridge 10 or the housing 100 by the above-described frequency band.

The atomizer 400 may generate an aerosol at a relatively low temperature compared to a method of heating the aerosol generating material by atomizing the aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic method. For example, in the case of a method of heating an aerosol generating material using a heater, a situation in which the aerosol generating material is unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200 °C or higher may occur, and the user may feel a burnt taste in the aerosol.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol at 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 an ultrasonic method. Accordingly, the cartridge 10 can minimize the feeling of burnt taste in the aerosol, thereby improving the user's smoking feeling.

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

The aerosol introduced into the housing 100 through the air inlet 130i flows along an air inlet passage (not shown) that connects or communicates between the air inlet 130i and the atomizer 400, thereby forming the atomizer 400. , and the external air reaching the atomizer 400 may be mixed with the vaporized particles generated from the atomizer 400 to form an aerosol.

The aerosol formed as the external air and the particles generated from the atomizer 400 are mixed flows along the discharge passage (eg, the discharge passage 150 of FIG. 2) and passes through the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160 through the cartridge. 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 described later.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment is a structure 140 for preventing droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400 from being supplied to the user, and a first structure 140 for fixing or supporting the structure 140. A support member 141 may be further included.

In the process of atomizing the aerosol-generating material by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400, some aerosol-generating material may not be atomized yet and droplets may be generated, and the generated droplet may be generated by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400. It may occur that it is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the discharge port 160e by jumping up.

The structure 140 may be disposed adjacent to the discharge passage 150 to restrict the movement or flow of the splashed liquid in a direction toward the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160 .

For example, the structure 140 includes a material capable of absorbing droplets (eg, a felt material) and absorbs droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400, thereby directing the droplets toward the outlet 160e. Movement or flow may be restricted, but is not limited thereto.

When liquid droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400 are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e and delivered to the user, the user feels uncomfortable and the overall smoking feeling may be reduced. In the present disclosure, “smoking feeling” may refer to a sensation experienced by a user during a smoking process, and the corresponding expression may be used in the same meaning below.

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 liquids bouncing from the atomizer 400 in the direction toward the discharge port 160e, It is possible to reduce the deterioration of the user's smoking sensation. In the present disclosure, "action bounce" may mean that a droplet that has not yet been atomized in the atomizer 400 bounces up and is delivered to the user, and the expression may be used in the same meaning below.

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 hold or fix the structure 140 to an area (eg, an upper area) adjacent to the mouthpiece 160 of the first housing 110, but is limited thereto. It is not.

In one embodiment, the first support member 141 may be disposed to surround at least one area of the structure 140 to accommodate the structure 140, and the first support member 141 accommodating the structure 140 As is coupled to one region of the first housing 110 , the structure 140 may be fixed to one region 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 press-fitted to the first housing 110. , The coupling method of the first housing 110 and the first support member 141 is not limited to the above example. 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, and a magnetic coupling method.

The first support member 141 includes a material (eg, rubber) having a predetermined rigidity and water resistance, and not only fixes the structure 140 to the first housing 110, but also keeps the storage tank 200 in place. Leakage of aerosol-generating substances generated can be prevented. For example, the first support member 141 blocks an 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 holding the liquid delivery means 300 and/or the atomizer 400 inside the first housing 110. .

The second support member 340 is disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first liquid delivery means 310, the second liquid delivery means 320, and/or the atomizer 400, so that the first liquid delivery means 310 ), the second liquid delivery means 320 and/or the atomizer 400 may be accommodated. 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 held or fixed in different areas of the first housing 110 .

For example, the second support member 340 may be coupled to another region (eg, a lower region) located in the opposite direction to one region to which the first support member 141 of the first housing 110 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 press-fitted to the first housing 110, but the first housing 110 And the coupling method of the second support member 340 is not limited to the above-described example. 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, and a magnetic coupling method.

The second support member 340 not only fixes the liquid delivery means 300 and the atomizer 400 to the first housing 110 by including a material (eg, rubber) having a certain rigidity and water resistance. In addition, leakage of the aerosol generating material generated in the storage tank 200 can be prevented. For example, the second support member 340 blocks an area adjacent to the liquid delivery unit 300 or the atomizer 400 of the reservoir 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 an embodiment and after storing the cartridge 10 for 96 hours at a temperature of 60 ° C and a humidity of 80%, for 2 hours This is a 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, as at least a part of the aerosol generating material leaks out of the cartridge 10, 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 about 0.321 g on average after evaluation compared to before evaluation, and through the results of Table 1, it can be seen that leakage does not occur in the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment. You can check.

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

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

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 a first voltage. The battery voltage may be included in the range of 3.4V to 4.2V, but is not limited thereto. The battery voltage may be included in the range of 3.8V to 6V, and may be included in the range of 2.5V to 3.6V. The first voltage V1 may be included in the range of 10V to 13V, but is not limited thereto. The first voltage V1 may be included in the range of 7V to 10.5V, or may be included in the range of 12V to 20V. In one example, the first voltage may be at least three times the battery voltage or more. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto.

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

The step-up 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 so as to generate a vibrator Applies to (P).

When the first switching voltage V _{SW_P} is in a first state (eg, high or low state) and the second switching voltage V _{SW_N} is in a second state (eg, low or high state), As current flow between one of the first inductor (L1) and the second inductor (L2) and the ground is allowed, energy corresponding to a change in current flowing through the one inductor is stored in the one inductor, As current flow between the other one of the first inductor L1 and the second inductor L2 and the ground is blocked, energy stored in the other one inductor can 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 the ground may be permitted. The first inductor L1 is also connected to the transducer P, but the transducer P has a non-zero load value (eg, capacitance), whereas the resistance of the ground is zero or substantially close to zero, Substantially all of the current I ₁ flowing through the first inductor L1 may be transferred to the ground. Meanwhile, since current I 1 flows through the first inductor _L1 , the first inductor L1 may 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, energy stored in the second inductor L2 may be supplied to the vibrator P. For example, the current I flowing through the vibrator P may correspond to the current I ₂ flowing through the second inductor L2.

An 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, energy stored in the first inductor L1 may be supplied to the vibrator P. For example, the current I flowing through the vibrator 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 the 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 (eg, capacitance), the resistance of the ground is 0 or substantially close to 0, Substantially all of the current I ₂ flowing through the second inductor L2 may be transferred to the ground. Meanwhile, since current I 2 flows through the second inductor _L2 , the second inductor L2 may store energy corresponding to the current I ₂ .

)에 비례할 수 있다.On the other hand, each of the first switching voltage (V _{SW_P} ) and the second switching voltage (V _{SW_N} ) has a frequency corresponding to the PWM signal and corresponds to a voltage signal that repeats a high state or a low state, so that the switching states are quickly repeated. It can be. The counter 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 and the current I flowing through the inductor increases, or as the switching speed increases (ie, as the cycle of the PWM signal decreases), a higher voltage can be applied to the vibrator. . In an embodiment, the peak-to-peak voltage value of the AC voltage applied to the vibrator P may correspond to a range of 55V to 70V. This may be a value corresponding to a range of 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 in consideration of the resonant frequency of the inductor L1 or L2 and the vibrator in the circuit, or the frequency of the PWM signal or the frequency of the switching voltage signal provided from the processor 550. . Determination of the capacitance value or range of the vibrator is as described with reference to Equation 1 above.

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 vibrator, T is the thickness, Zr is the impedance, C is the capacitance, and Fr is the resonant frequency. In addition, during the test, the inductance value of the inductor and the system frequency were fixed at 4.7uH and 3MHz, respectively, and the result of the atomization test with the following specifications. Sample 2 confirmed that the capacitance value was 0.53 nF and the atomization amount was 1.5 mg, and the atomization performance was reduced.

)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 1.5 mg 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 ranging from 0,6 nF to 1.1 nF, and exhibited relatively excellent atomization performance.

In an embodiment, after determining the capacitance value or value range of the vibrator, the vibrator having the optimal efficiency may be designed by adjusting physical properties of the vibrator.

Table 3 below is a result table of the physical properties of the ultrasonic transducer based on the capacitance value. Here, the initial value is the physical property value of the vibrator before the atomization test, and the final value is the physical property value after the 20 cycle (10 puffs/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 late value 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, no decrease in atomization, and an increase in Qm. 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 another embodiment of the cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIG. 2, and redundant descriptions 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', 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 is added or one component (for example, the mouthpiece 160) is omitted. It could be.

The housing 100' may form an internal space in which components of the cartridge 10' may be disposed while forming an overall appearance of the cartridge 10'. In the drawings, the housing 100' of the cartridge 10' is shown only for an embodiment in which the overall shape is a rectangular pillar, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing 100 ′ may be formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, or may be formed in a polygonal column shape other than a quadrangular column (eg, a triangular column or a pentagonal column).

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') and the second housing 120' may protect components of the cartridge 10' disposed in the inner 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 a region located at the top (eg, z direction) of the second housing 120' (or 'lower housing'), An internal space in which components of the cartridge 10' can be disposed may be formed between the housing 110' and the second housing 120', but is not limited thereto.

In the present disclosure, 'top' refers to the 'z' direction of FIGS. 6 to 9, and 'bottom' may mean the '-z' direction of FIGS. 6 to 9 pointing in the opposite direction to the top, and the expression These can be used in the same meaning below.

The mouthpiece 160' is a part inserted into the user's oral cavity 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 (eg, 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 according to the embodiment, the mouthpiece 160' may be integrally formed with the housing 100'. may be

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 oral cavity with the mouthpiece 160' and receive the aerosol discharged to the outside through the outlet 160e' of the mouthpiece 160'.

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

The liquid delivery means 300' may be positioned between the reservoir 200' and the atomizer 400', and the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 200' is transferred to the atomizer through the liquid delivery means 300'. (400').

According to one embodiment, the liquid delivery unit 300' may serve to receive an aerosol generating material from the reservoir 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' toward the liquid delivery means 300', and the absorbed aerosol generating material may absorb the liquid delivery means 300'. ) and 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' may be disposed adjacent to the reservoir 200' to receive the liquid aerosol generating material from the reservoir 200'. For example, the first liquid delivery unit 310' may receive the aerosol generating material from the reservoir 200' by absorbing at least a portion of the aerosol generating material discharged from the reservoir 200'.

For example, the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank 200' passes through a liquid supply hole (not shown) formed in one area of the storage tank 200' toward the first liquid delivery means 310'. ), but may be discharged to the outside, but is not limited thereto.

The second liquid delivery means 320' is located between the first liquid delivery means 310' and the atomizer 400', and supplies the aerosol supplied to the first liquid delivery means 310' to the atomizer 400'. ') can be passed on. For example, the second liquid delivery means 320' is located at the lower end (eg, -z direction) of the first liquid delivery means 310' to generate an aerosol absorbed by the first liquid delivery means 310'. The material may be supplied to the atomizer 400'.

In one embodiment, one area of the second liquid delivery means 320' is in contact with one area of the first liquid delivery means 310' facing the -z direction, and another area of the second liquid delivery means 320' is in contact. The area may contact one area toward 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' follow the longitudinal direction (eg, z direction) of the cartridge 10' or the housing 100'. As a result, the second liquid delivery means 320' and the first liquid delivery means 310' may be sequentially stacked on the atomizer 400'.

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 is in contact with the first liquid delivery means 310'. ') to move. In addition, the aerosol generating material moved to the second liquid delivery means 320' moves along the second liquid delivery means 320' and is transferred to the atomizer 400' in contact with the second liquid delivery means 320'. can be reached

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

The atomizer 400' may 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 generating ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator may be about 100 kHz to 10 MHz, 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 the housing 100'. However, the 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 (eg, z and -z directions, x and -x directions, y and -y directions, or any one of these directions). combination) can be changed.

The atomizer 400' atomizes the aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic method, thereby generating an aerosol at a relatively low temperature compared to a method of heating the aerosol-generating material. For example, in the case of a method of heating an aerosol generating material using a heater, a situation in which the aerosol generating material is unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200 °C or higher may occur, and the user may feel a burnt taste in the aerosol.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10' according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol at 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 an ultrasonic method. . Accordingly, the cartridge 10' can minimize a burnt taste in the aerosol, thereby improving the user's smoking feeling.

The atomizer 400 'may be electrically connected to an external power source (eg, the battery 510 located inside the body 20 of FIG. 2) through the printed circuit board 500', and is supplied from the external power source. Ultrasonic vibration can be generated by electric power. For example, the atomizer 400' is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 500' located inside the cartridge 10', and the printed circuit board 500' is the outside of the cartridge 10'. As it is electrically connected to the power source, the atomizer 400' may 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 a material (eg, metal) having electrical conductivity, and is located on top of the atomizer 400' so that the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board ( 500') can be electrically connected.

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

In one example, an opening 410h (opening) is formed in a portion of the first conductor 410' so that at least a portion of the atomizer 400' may be 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 may be supplied from the second liquid delivery unit 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' may be electrically connected. For example, the second conductor 420' has one end in contact with the lower area of the atomizer 400' and the other end in contact with one area of the printed circuit board 500' facing the atomizer 400'. Accordingly, the atomizer 400 'and the printed circuit board 500' may be electrically connected.

According to one embodiment, the second conductor 420 'including a conductive material having elasticity, serves not only to electrically connect the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500', but also to the atomizer ( 400') can even play a role of elastic support. 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 an embodiment further includes an elastic supporter 430' positioned between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' to support the second conductor 420'. can do. The elastic support 430' includes, for example, a material having a flexible property, and is arranged to surround the outer circumferential 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 thereto, and the elastic support 430' may be omitted according to the embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board 500' is located inside the second housing 120', and the atomizer 400 passes through the first conductor 410' and the second conductor 420'. ') and at the same time electrically connected to an external power source (eg, the battery 510 of 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, but the electrical connection member is not limited to the above examples.

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 in the plurality of through holes to electrically connect the printed circuit board 500' positioned 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 the first conductor 410' and the second conductor 420', and the cartridge 10' by the electrical connection member. As it is electrically connected to an external power source, the atomizer 400' may be electrically connected to the external power source via the printed circuit board 500' to receive power from the external power source.

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

The aerosol atomized by the 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 inner space of the housing 100' and the outlet 160e' of the mouthpiece 160', so that the atomizer 400' generates After flowing along the discharge passage 150', the aerosol may 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 circumferential surface of the discharge passage 150' may be disposed to be surrounded by the storage tank 200'. However, it is not limited thereto.

The cartridge 10' according to an embodiment may further include a sealing means 130' for preventing leakage generated from the reservoir 200' from entering the discharge passage 150'. there is.

As the outer circumferential surface of the discharge passage 150' is surrounded by the storage tank 200', leakage generated from the storage tank 200' may flow into the discharge passage 150' and deteriorate the user's smoking sensation. can

On the other hand, the cartridge 10' according to an embodiment blocks leakage generated from the reservoir 200' from flowing into the discharge passage 150' through the sealing means 130', so that the user feels smoking. degradation can be prevented.

In one embodiment, the sealing member 130' is located inside the discharge passage 150' to prevent leakage of liquid from entering the discharge passage 150'. For example, the sealing means 130' may be fitted to the discharge passage 150' and closely adhere to 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 with an empty inside, preventing leakage generated from the storage tank 200' from flowing into the discharge passage 150', and generating air from the atomizer 400'. The flow of the aerosol may not be hindered.

In another embodiment, the sealing means 130 'can absorb ultrasonic vibration generated from the atomizer 400' by including a material having elasticity (eg, rubber), and as a result, the atomizer 400 It is possible to minimize transmission of ultrasonic vibration generated in ') to the user through the housing 100' of the cartridge 10'.

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

The cartridge 10' according to an embodiment fixes or supports a structure 140' and a structure 140' for preventing 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 the aerosol-generating material by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400', some aerosol-generating materials may not be atomized and droplets may be generated. A case may occur in which the cartridge is bounced up by ultrasonic vibration and 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 splashed liquid in a direction toward the outlet 160e' of the mouthpiece 160'.

For example, the structure 140' includes a material capable of absorbing droplets (eg, a felt material) to absorb droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400', thereby discharging the droplets 160e'. ), but may limit movement or flow towards, but is not limited thereto.

When liquid droplets bouncing from the atomizer 400' are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10' through the outlet 160e' and delivered to the user, the user feels uncomfortable and the overall smoking feeling may be reduced.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10' according to an embodiment is not atomized through the above-described structure 140' and restricts the movement of liquids bouncing from the atomizer 400' in the direction toward the outlet 160e'. , it is possible to reduce the decrease in the user's smoking feeling caused by the action. In the present disclosure, "action bounce" may mean that a droplet that has not been atomized in the atomizer 400' bounces, and the corresponding expression may be used in the same meaning below.

The first supporting means 141' may accommodate at least one region of the structure 140' and hold or fix the accommodated structure 140' to one region of the first housing 110'. For example, the first supporting means 141' may hold or fix the structure 140' to a region (eg, an upper region) adjacent to the mouthpiece 160' of the first housing 110'. , but is not limited thereto.

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

The first support means 141' accommodating the structure 140' and the first housing 110' are formed in such a way that at least a part of the first support means 141' is press-fitted to 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 example. In another example, the first housing 110' and the first supporting means 141' may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, and a magnetic coupling method.

The first supporting means 141' includes a material (eg, rubber) having a predetermined rigidity and waterproofness, and not only fixes the structure 140' to the first housing 110', but also includes a storage tank ( 200') can prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances. For example, the first supporting means 141' blocks an area of the reservoir 200' facing the mouthpiece 160', thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol generating material.

The cartridge 10' according to one embodiment includes a second support means 330' for holding the liquid delivery means 300' and/or the atomizer 400' inside the first housing 110'. can include more.

The second support means 330' is disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first liquid delivery means 310', the second liquid delivery means 320' and/or the atomizer 400', so as to cover the first liquid delivery means 310'. A delivery means 310', a second liquid delivery means 320' and/or an atomizer 400' may be accommodated.

In one embodiment, the second support means 330' may be coupled to another region (eg, a region in the -z direction) located opposite to one region of the first housing 110', and as a result, the first The liquid delivery means 310', the second liquid delivery means 320', and/or the atomizer 400' may be held or secured to other 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 a partial area is press-fitted to the first housing 110', but the first housing 110' and the second The coupling method of the support means 330' is not limited to the above example. In another example, the first housing 110' and the second supporting means 330' may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, and a magnetic coupling method.

According to one embodiment, the second support means 330' includes a material (eg, rubber) having water resistance while having a predetermined rigidity to provide the liquid delivery means 300' and the atomizer 400'. In addition to being fixed to the housing 110', leaking of aerosol-generating substances generated in the reservoir 200' can be prevented. For example, the second supporting means 330' blocks an 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.

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 of

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

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

The printed circuit board 500' may include a first surface disposed in a direction toward the atomizer 400' and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, and the printed circuit board 500' The first and second surfaces have a plurality of electrical contacts for electrically connecting the printed circuit board 500' to the atomizer 400' and/or an external power source (eg, the battery 510 of FIG. 2). contacts) can be placed.

According to an 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 part (or 'upper part') of the first conductor 410' is arranged to surround at least one area of the outer circumferential surface of the atomizer 400' and contacts the atomizer 400', and the first conductor Another portion ('lower portion') of 410' may contact the first electrical contact 501' of the printed circuit board 500'. Due to the above-described arrangement structure of the first conductor 410', the atomizer 400' and the first electrical contact 501' may be electrically connected.

The second conductor 420' is located between the atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500', and one end (eg, one end in the z direction) of the second conductor 420' is the atomizer. 400' is in contact with one area facing the printed circuit board 500', and the other end (eg, one end in the -z direction) of the second conductor 420' is the second conductor 420' of the printed circuit board 500'. Electrical contact 502' may be contacted. The atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact 502' may 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 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 of the atomizer 400' facing the printed circuit board 500'.

The first electrode 401' and/or the second electrode 402' include a material having high electrical conductivity, so that the atomizer 400' and the first conductor 410' and/or the second conductor ( 420') may serve to electrically connect them. The first electrode 401' and/or the second electrode 402' may be, for example, silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), or iron (Fe). ), may include any one of 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 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 another embodiment, the first electrode 401' may be disposed only on a part of the edge of the atomizer 400', or the second electrode 402' may be disposed in an area deviating from the center of the atomizer 400'. there is.

In one embodiment, a portion of the first conductor 410' is arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the atomizer 400', and the first electrode 401' disposed in one area of the atomizer 400' and the other part of the first conductor 410' is in contact with the first electrical contact 501' of the printed circuit board 500', so that the atomizer 400' and the first electrical contact 501' can be electrically connected.

In another embodiment, one end of the second conductor 420' contacts the second electrode 402' of the atomizer 400', and the other end of the second conductor 420' contacts the printed circuit board 500. By contacting the second electrical contact 502' of '), the atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact 502' may be electrically connected.

That is, the cartridge 10' according to an embodiment is a first conductive contact with 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 atomizer 400' and the second electrical contact 502' of the printed circuit board 500' The atomizer 400' and the printed circuit board 500' may be electrically connected.

According to an embodiment, the third electrical contact 501-1' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1' are disposed on the second surface opposite to the first surface of the printed circuit board 500'. 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 surface of the printed circuit board 500', and the first electrical via It may be electrically connected to the first electrical contact 501′ through (V ₁ ).

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

The first conductive via (V ₁ ) is disposed to pass through, for example, the first and second surfaces of the printed circuit board 500' to form a first electrical contact 501' and a 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 surface of the printed circuit board 500', and the second electrical via It may be electrically connected to the second electrical contact 502′ through (V ₂ ).

For example, when viewed from the first surface of the printed circuit board 500', the fourth electrical contact 502-1' may be disposed overlapping with the second electrical contact 502', and A second conductive via (V ₂ ) is positioned between the electrical contact 502' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1', thereby forming the second electrical contact 502' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1'. can be connected.

The second conductive via (V ₂ ) is disposed to pass through, for example, the first and second surfaces of the printed circuit board 500' to form the second electrical contact 502' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1. ') can be electrically connected.

The third electrical contact 501-1' corresponds to the first through hole (eg, the first through hole 121' in FIG. 8) of the second housing (eg, the second housing 120' in FIG. 8). It is disposed at a position to 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 a battery (eg, the battery 510 of FIG. 2) of the main body (eg, the main body 20 of FIG. 2) through an electrical connection member disposed in the first through hole. )) and electrically connected.

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

In the printed circuit board 500' of the cartridge 10' according to an embodiment, a first electrical contact 501' and a second electrical contact 502' are disposed on a first surface, and a first electrical contact 502' is disposed on the second surface. As the third electrical contact 501-1' and the fourth electrical contact 502-1' electrically connected to the electrical contact 501' and the second electrical contact 502' are disposed, the atomizer ( 400') and an external power source (eg, the battery of the body) can be operated as a medium electrically connected.

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' As the 4 electrical contacts 502-1' are electrically connected to the battery of the main body, an electrical circuit may be formed between the atomizer 400' and an external power source.

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

According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board 500' includes a fifth electrical contact 503' disposed on the first surface and a first surface disposed on a region of the second surface corresponding to the fifth electrical contact 503'. 6 electrical contacts 503-1' may be further included.

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

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

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

The cartridge according to an embodiment includes two electrical contacts electrically connected to a first conductor 410' on a first surface of a printed circuit board 500' (a first electrical contact 501' and a fifth electrical contact). 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 contacts. can

Even if the first conductor 410' is in contact with 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 electrical contact 501' to the sixth electrical contact 503-1' may be, for example, conductive pads or soldering pads mounted on the printed circuit board 500', but are not limited thereto.

In one area of the printed circuit board 500', there is a resistance for removing or filtering noise generated in the process of supplying power to the atomizer 400' from an external power source or in the circuit of the printed circuit board 500'. (R) may be placed.

According to one embodiment, the resistor (R) is mounted on one area of the printed circuit board 500 'to remove noise generated when the aerosol generating device operates (or "power on") so that the atomizer ( 400') may be applied with a stable voltage.

Unintended noise may occur in an electrical circuit between the atomizer 400' and an external power source at the time when power supply to the atomizer 400' starts or in the course of power supply. For example, noise may occur in the voltage signal supplied to the atomizer 400', and a voltage higher than a specified value may be applied to the atomizer 400', and accordingly, the temperature of the atomizer 400' is rapidly increased. A case in which the atomizer 400' is damaged may occur when the temperature rises (eg, rises above the Curie temperature).

On the other hand, the cartridge according to one embodiment is generated in an electrical circuit formed between the atomizer 400' and an external power source in the atomizer 400' through a resistor R mounted on the printed circuit board 500'. noise can be removed or filtered, resulting in stable operation of the cartridge or aerosol generating device.

An embodiment may be implemented in the form of a recording medium including 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 nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Also, computer readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, 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 in a modulated data signal such as program modules, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will be able to understand that it may be implemented in a modified form within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent range 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 in which aerosol-generating substances are stored;
liquid delivery means for absorbing the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir; and
An atomizer that generates ultrasonic vibrations 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 0.6 nF to 1.1 nF. According to claim 1,
Within a range of capacitance values of the vibrator, a property of the vibrator is determined. According to claim 2,
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
0.69 mm to 0.71 mm, an aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The diameter of the vibrator is
7 mm to 9 mm, an aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The vibrator is
Lead zirconate titanate (PZT), an aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The liquid delivery means,
first liquid delivery means disposed adjacent to the reservoir and receiving an aerosol generating material from the reservoir; and
and 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 through which the atomized aerosol is discharged to the outside; and
Further comprising a discharge passage connecting the atomizer and the outlet,
The aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol atomized by the atomizer moves in a direction toward the outlet along the discharge passage. According to claim 8,
wherein the first liquid delivery means restricts movement of droplets bouncing from the atomizer toward the discharge passage. According to claim 1,
a battery supplying battery voltage; and
Further comprising a power conversion circuit for converting the battery voltage and supplying an AC voltage to the vibrator;
The aerosol generating device, wherein the capacitance value of the vibrator is determined according to the inductance value and the resonant frequency of the inductor of the power conversion circuit. According to claim 11,
Further comprising a processor for controlling the power conversion circuit, aerosol generating device.

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