KR102634882B1 - Aerosol generating apparatus and operation method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device includes an atomizer that generates an aerosol from an atomizer, a controller that outputs a drive voltage for control of the atomizer, and an atomizer that is operatively connected to the controller to regulate the voltage distribution of the drive voltage to the atomizer, thereby -It includes a voltage divider that controls the input voltage of the atomizer so that a preheating voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is preheated in the puff period and an atomization voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is heated in the puff period.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof {AEROSOL GENERATING APPARATUS AND OPERATION METHOD OF THE SAME}

An aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same, specifically relating to control of the input voltage of the atomizer depending on the operating mode of the atomizer.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of regular cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods in which aerosols are generated by heating an aerosol-generating material rather than by burning a cigarette to generate aerosols. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol generating devices or ultrasonic vibration-type aerosol generating devices is actively underway.

Meanwhile, the ultrasonic vibrating aerosol generating device can utilize a method of vaporizing the liquid aerosol generating material in contact with the ultrasonic vibrator into an aerosol by lowering the viscosity using the heat generated from the ultrasonic vibrator. At this time, in order to atomize the aerosol-generating material within a short period of time, it is desirable that the ultrasonic vibrator performs an appropriate operation to keep the viscosity of the liquid aerosol-generating material low. Therefore, a technology for controlling an ultrasonic oscillator in this manner is required as a way to provide a constant amount of atomization to the user.

Various embodiments aim to provide an aerosol generating device and method of operating the same. The technical problem to be achieved by the present disclosure is not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments.

According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device includes: an atomizer that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; A controller that outputs a driving voltage for controlling the atomizer; and operatively connected to the controller to regulate the voltage distribution of the drive voltage to the atomizer, such that a preheating voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is preheating in a non-puff period and the atomizer is configured to spray the aerosol in a puff period. and a voltage divider that controls the input voltage of the atomizer so that an atomizing voltage is applied to the atomizer while atomizing the product material.

According to another aspect, a method of controlling an aerosol generating device includes outputting, at a controller, a driving voltage for driving an atomizer that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; and a voltage divider operatively connected to the controller, wherein a preheating voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is preheating in a non-puff period and atomizing the atomizer while the atomizer is atomizing the aerosol generating material in a puff period. and controlling the input voltage of the atomizer so that the voltage is applied.

According to another aspect, an aerosol generating device includes: an atomizer that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; A controller that outputs a driving voltage for controlling the atomizer; and operatively connected to the controller to distribute the driving voltage to the atomizer by switching to a first voltage distribution mode for application of a preheating voltage to the atomizer or a second voltage distribution mode for application of an atomization voltage. Includes a voltage divider that regulates

According to the above, in the aerosol generating device using an ultrasonic vibrator, the vibrator is maintained in a preheated state to lower the viscosity of the aerosol generating material even while the user is not puffing, and the vibrator is atomized according to the user's puff. When switching, aerosols can be quickly atomized from low-viscosity aerosol-generating materials, providing a uniform amount of atomization to the user.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a puff pattern during one-time smoking using an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a voltage profile showing a change in input voltage to be applied to an atomizer in a preheating mode and an atomizing mode according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device for controlling the input voltage of an atomizer according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a voltage divider that controls the input voltage of an atomizer according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a mode signal generated by a controller to indicate a preheating mode or an atomizing mode according to an embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an atomization voltage distribution mode of a voltage divider according to an embodiment.
Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining a preheating voltage distribution mode of a voltage divider according to an embodiment.
Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

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

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. In addition, terms such as "...unit" and "...module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. It can be.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, the embodiments are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily perform them. However, the embodiments may be implemented in various different forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 110, an atomizer 120, a sensor 130, a user interface 140, a memory 150, and a controller 160. However, the internal hardware structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. Anyone skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the hardware configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is.

As an example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body, and in this case, hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the main body. As another example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body and a cartridge, and hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located separately in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in each of the main body and the cartridge. Hereinafter, the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 will be described without limiting the space where each component is located.

The battery 110 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. That is, the battery 110 can supply power so that the atomizer 120 can atomize aerosol-generating substances. In addition, the battery 110 is necessary for the operation of other hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device 100, for example, the sensor 130, the user interface 140, the memory 150, and the controller 160. Power can be supplied. The battery 110 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

For example, battery 110 may be a nickel-based battery (e.g., nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium-cobalt battery, lithium-phosphate battery, lithium titanate batteries, lithium-ion batteries, or lithium-polymer batteries). However, the type of battery 110 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited by the above. If necessary, the battery 110 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

The atomizer 120 receives power from the battery 110 under the control of the controller 160. The atomizer 120 can receive power from the battery 110 and atomize the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating device 100.

The atomizer 120 may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer 120 may be located in the cartridge or may be positioned separately between the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer 120 is located in the cartridge, the atomizer 120 may receive power from the battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. In addition, when the atomizer 120 is located separately in the main body and the cartridge, parts of the atomizer 120 that require power supply can receive power from the battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The atomizer 120 generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge. Aerosol refers to suspended liquid and/or solid fine particles dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 120 may mean a mixture of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air. For example, the atomizer 120 may convert a phase of an aerosol-generating material into a gaseous phase through vaporization and/or sublimation. Additionally, the atomizer 120 may generate an aerosol by converting liquid and/or solid aerosol-generating materials into fine particles and releasing them.

For example, the atomizer 120 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one sensor 130. The result sensed by at least one sensor 130 is transmitted to the controller 160, and according to the sensing result, the controller 160 controls the operation of the atomizer 120, limits smoking, and inserts a cartridge (or cigarette). The aerosol generating device 100 can be controlled to perform various functions such as non-judgment, notification display, etc.

For example, at least one sensor 130 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may detect the user's puff based on at least one of a change in flow rate of an external airflow, a change in pressure, and detection of sound. The puff detection sensor can detect the start and end timing of the user's puff, and the controller 160 determines the puff period and non-puff according to the start and end timing of the detected puff. The period can be determined.

Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a user input sensor. A user input sensor may be a sensor that can receive user input, such as a switch, physical button, or touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor that changes capacitance when the user touches a predetermined area made of metal, and can detect the user's input by detecting the change in capacitance. there is. The controller 160 may determine whether a user input has occurred by comparing the before and after values of the change in capacitance received from the capacitive sensor. If the values before and after the capacitance change exceed a preset threshold, the controller 160 may determine that a user input has occurred.

Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a motion sensor. Information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the tilt, moving speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100, can be obtained through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor detects the state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is moving, the stationary state of the aerosol generating device 100, the state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for puffing, and the state of each puff operation. Information about the tilted state of the aerosol generating device 100 can be measured at an angle different from that during the puff operation. The motion sensor may measure motion information of the aerosol generating device 100 using various methods known in the relevant technical field. For example, the motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor capable of measuring acceleration in three directions: x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and a gyro sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in three directions.

Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or distance of an approaching object or a nearby object using the power of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays, etc., without mechanical contact, and allows the user to approach the aerosol generating device 100 through this. It can be detected whether it is done or not.

Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a consumable detachment sensor capable of detecting the installation or removal of consumables (eg, cartridges, cigarettes, etc.) that can be used in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the consumable product detachment sensor may detect whether the consumable product is in contact with the aerosol generating device 100, or the image sensor may determine whether the consumable product is detached. Additionally, the consumable detachment sensor may be an inductance sensor that detects a change in the inductance value of a coil that can interact with the marker of the consumable product, or a capacitance sensor that detects a change in the capacitance value of a capacitor that can interact with the marker of the consumable product.

Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, at least one sensor 130 may include a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the surrounding environment, a moisture sensor that detects liquid leakage or water immersion in the aerosol generating device 100, and a surrounding environment. It may include an atmospheric pressure sensor that measures environmental pressure.

The sensor 130 that may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the types described above and may further include various sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a fingerprint sensor capable of acquiring fingerprint information from the user's finger for user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor that analyzes the iris pattern of the eye, and an intravenous sensor from an image taken of the palm. It may include a vein recognition sensor that detects the amount of infrared absorption of reduced hemoglobin, a facial recognition sensor that recognizes feature points such as eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contour in 2D or 3D, and an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) sensor. .

The aerosol generating device 100 may be implemented by selecting only some of the various examples of sensors 130 illustrated above. In other words, the aerosol generating device 100 can utilize information sensed by at least one of the above-described sensors by combining them.

The user interface 140 may provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. The user interface 140 includes a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, and an input/output (I/O) that receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. ) Terminals for data communication or receiving charging power with interfacing means (e.g., buttons or touch screens), wireless communication with external devices (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC) (Near-Field Communication, etc.) may include various interfacing means such as a communication interfacing module.

However, the aerosol generating device 100 may be implemented by selecting only some of the various examples of the user interface 140 illustrated above.

The memory 150 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100. The memory 150 may store data processed by the controller 160 and data to be processed. The memory 150 is a variety of memory such as random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). It can be implemented in different types.

The memory 150 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The controller 160 controls the overall operations of the aerosol generating device 100. The controller 160 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the controller 160 may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The controller 160 analyzes the results sensed by at least one sensor 130 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the controller 160 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 120 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 120 based on the results sensed by at least one sensor 130. there is. In addition, based on the results sensed by at least one sensor 130, the controller 160 generates an appropriate amount of aerosol or operates the atomizer (120) to allow the atomizer 120 to remain in a preheated state for a certain period of time. 120), the amount of power supplied and the time at which power is supplied can be controlled. Meanwhile, the controller 160 can control the current or voltage supplied to the vibrator of the atomizer 120 so that the vibrator vibrates at a predetermined frequency.

In one embodiment, the controller 160 may initiate operation of the atomizer 120 after receiving a user input regarding the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, the controller 160 may control the operation of the atomizer 120 after detecting the user's puff period or non-puff period using a puff detection sensor. In addition, the controller 160 may count the number of puffs and then stop supplying power to the atomizer 120 when the number of puffs reaches a preset number or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the atomizer 120 is initiated. there is.

The controller 160 may control the user interface 140 based on a result sensed by at least one sensor 130. For example, after counting the number of puffs using a puff detection sensor, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the controller 160 uses at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker to inform the user of the aerosol generating device (100). ) can foreshadow that it will end soon.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may be included in an aerosol generating system along with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 by receiving power from the cradle's battery while accommodated in the accommodation space inside the cradle.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1.

The aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a cartridge 100b holding an aerosol generating material, and a main body 100a supporting the cartridge 100b.

The cartridge 100b may be coupled to the main body 100a while containing an aerosol-generating material therein. For example, the cartridge 100b may be mounted on the main body 100a by inserting a portion of the cartridge 100b into the main body 100a, or by inserting a portion of the main body 100a into the cartridge 100b. At this time, the main body 100a and the cartridge 100b may remain coupled by a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, or an interference fit method, but the main body 100a and the cartridge The binding method of (100b) is not limited by the above.

Cartridge 100b may include a mouthpiece 210. The mouthpiece 210 may be formed in the opposite direction to the part coupled to the main body 100a, and is a part inserted into the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 210 may include a discharge hole 211 that discharges the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge 100b to the outside.

The cartridge 100b may contain, for example, an aerosol-generating material in any one state, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. Aerosol-generating materials may include liquid compositions. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

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

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

The acid for forming nicotine salt may be appropriately selected considering the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 100, flavor or flavor, solubility, etc. For example, acids for the formation of nicotine salts include benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid. , citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid or a single acid selected from the group consisting of the above. It may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The cartridge 100b may include a liquid storage portion 220 containing an aerosol-generating material therein. The liquid storage unit 220 'accommodates the aerosol-generating material' inside means that the liquid storage unit 220 performs the function of simply containing the aerosol-generating material, such as the use of a container, and the liquid storage unit ( 220) means including an element impregnating (containing) an aerosol-generating material, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or porous ceramic structure, within the interior.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include an atomizer (120 in FIG. 1) that generates an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge 100b.

The atomizer 120 of the aerosol generating device 100 can change the phase of the aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method to atomize the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration. The atomizer 120 includes a vibrator 170 that generates ultrasonic vibration, a liquid delivery means 240 that absorbs aerosol-generating substances and maintains them in an optimal state for converting them into aerosol, and an aerosol of the liquid delivery means 240. It may include a vibration receiving unit 230 that generates an aerosol by transmitting ultrasonic vibration to the generated material.

The vibrator 170 may generate vibration of a short period. The vibration generated from the vibrator 170 may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration may be, for example, 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. The aerosol-generating material may be vaporized and/or particleized by a short period of vibration generated from the vibrator 170 and atomized into an aerosol.

The vibrator 170 may include a piezoelectric element, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic. The piezoelectric ceramic generates electricity (voltage) by physical force (pressure) and, conversely, vibrates (mechanical force) when electricity is applied. It is a functional material that can convert electrical and mechanical power into each other by generating . Therefore, vibration (physical force) is generated by the electricity applied to the vibrator 170, and such small physical vibration can break the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize it into an aerosol.

The vibration receiving unit 230 may receive vibration generated from the vibrator 170 and perform a function of converting the aerosol generating material delivered from the liquid storage unit 220 into an aerosol.

The liquid delivery means 240 may transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit 220 to the vibration receiving unit 230. For example, the liquid delivery means 240 may be a wick containing at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the atomizer 120 has the function of absorbing aerosol-generating materials and maintaining them in an optimal state for converting them into aerosols without using a separate liquid delivery means 240, and transmitting vibration to the aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols. It may be implemented as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration receiving unit that performs all of the generating functions.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the vibrator 170 of the atomizer 120 is disposed in the main body 100a, and the vibration receiving portion 230 and the liquid delivery means 240 are disposed in the cartridge 100b. It is not limited to this. For example, the cartridge 100b may include a vibrator 170, a vibration receiving portion 230, and a liquid delivery means 240. When a portion of the cartridge 100b is inserted into the main body 100a, the main body 100a ) may provide power to the cartridge 100b or a signal related to the operation of the cartridge 100b through a terminal (not shown), and through this, the operation of the vibrator 170 may be controlled. .

The liquid storage portion 220 of the cartridge 100b may include at least a portion of a transparent material so that the aerosol-generating material contained within the cartridge 100b can be visually confirmed from the outside. The entire mouthpiece 210 and the liquid storage unit 220 may be made of a transparent material such as plastic or glass, and only a portion of the liquid storage unit 220 may be made of a transparent material.

The cartridge 100b of the aerosol generating device 100 may include an aerosol discharge passage 250 and an air flow passage 260.

The aerosol discharge passage 250 may be formed inside the liquid storage unit 220 and be in fluid communication with the discharge hole 211 of the mouthpiece 210. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 120 can move along the aerosol discharge passage 250 and be delivered to the user through the discharge hole 211 of the mouthpiece 210.

The airflow passage 260 is a passage through which external air can be introduced into the aerosol generating device 100. External air introduced through the airflow passage 260 may flow into the aerosol discharge passage 250 or may flow into a space where aerosols are generated. Accordingly, an aerosol may be generated by mixing with vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the airflow passage 260 may be formed to surround the outside of the aerosol discharge passage 250. Therefore, the shape of the aerosol discharge passage 250 and the airflow passage 260 may be a double pipe in which the aerosol discharge passage 250 is disposed on the inside and the airflow passage 260 is disposed on the outside of the aerosol discharge passage 250. . Through this, external air can be introduced in the direction opposite to the direction in which the aerosol moves in the aerosol discharge passage 250.

Meanwhile, the structure of the airflow passage 260 is not limited to what has been described above. For example, the airflow passage may be a space formed between the main body 100a and the cartridge 100b when the main body 100a and the cartridge 100b are combined and in fluid communication with the atomizer 120.

In the aerosol generating device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the cross-sectional shape in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the main body 100a and the cartridge 100b is approximately circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal in various shapes. It may be a shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited by the above-mentioned, and the aerosol generating device 100 is not necessarily limited to a structure that extends linearly when extending in the longitudinal direction. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 100 may be curved in a streamlined shape for the user to conveniently hold by hand, or may be bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area and extended long, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 100 may be extended in the longitudinal direction. It can change according to .

Below, a detailed description will be given of the method of controlling the atomizer 120 equipped with the ultrasonic vibrator 170 in order to provide a constant and uniform amount of atomization to the user in the ultrasonic vibrating aerosol generating device 100. .

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The operation process shown in FIG. 3 may be a process performed in time series in the aerosol generating device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

'Power Off' 310 is a state in which the user is not using the aerosol generating device 100, and may be a state before the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 begins. For example, in the 'Power Off' 310 state of the aerosol generating device 100, the atomizer 120 is not performing any operation, but some sensors periodically perform sensing operations or the user interface 140 It may mean a state such as sleep mode, standby mode, or ship mode that is waiting to receive user input.

When the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 is initiated by a user input, the aerosol generating device 100 may transition from the 'Power Off' 310 state to the 'Power On' state. The 'Power On' state may mean that the input voltage is applied to the atomizer 120 and operation begins.

The 'Pre-Heating State' 320 is a state in which the atomizer 120 is preheating to a predetermined preheating temperature as the input voltage is applied to the atomizer 120 and power is supplied. Specifically, the 'Pre-Heating State' (320) is before the user performs the first puff, and the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material is gradually reduced due to ultrasonic vibration by the vibrator 170 of the atomizer 120. However, atomization of the aerosol-generating material may not have occurred yet.

If the user initiates a puff using the aerosol generating device 100 after preheating in the 'Pre-Heating State' (320) is completed, the aerosol generating device 100 may transition to the 'Puffing State' (330). there is. 'Puffing State' 330 refers to a state in which aerosol is generated by ultrasonic vibration of the vibrator 170 of the atomizer 120 and the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In the 'Puffing State' (330), the vibrator 170 of the atomizer 120 may vibrate faster and have a higher temperature than the 'Pre-Heating State' (320) in order to atomize the aerosol-generating material.

Specifically, the temperature of the vibrator 170 may increase while vibrating. For example, the vibrator 170 may convert some of the electrical energy into kinetic energy and vibrate at a predetermined vibration speed. The temperature of the aerosol-generating material may be adjusted by the vibration of the vibrator 170. The vibrator 170 vibrates by supplying a predetermined voltage at a predetermined frequency, and the vibration energy is transferred to the aerosol-generating material, thereby controlling the temperature of the aerosol-generating material.

The aerosol generating material may be heated to a predetermined temperature for generating an aerosol by being vibrated by the vibrator 170. For example, when the aerosol-generating material is a liquid material with viscosity, in order to generate an aerosol, the temperature of the aerosol-generating material may need to be raised to a predetermined temperature to lower the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material. By lowering the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material, the atomization time due to vibration can be shortened, which can further increase atomization.

The vibrator 170 may vibrate at a target vibration speed. The target vibration speed may be a preset vibration speed to correspond to various functions and purposes of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the target vibration speed may be a vibration speed suitable for the preheating mode of the vibrator 170, or a vibration speed suitable for an atomization mode to generate an atomization amount of aerosol desired by the user.

When the user's one puff is completed, the aerosol generating device 100 may transition from 'Puffing State' (330) to 'Puffing Wait State' (340). 'Puffing Wait State' (340), similar to 'Pre-Heating State' (320), means a state in which the atomizer 120 is preheating to a predetermined preheating temperature. 'Puffing Wait State' (340) is the state of the atomizer (120) between the user's previous puff and the next puff, and the low viscosity of the aerosol-generating material due to ultrasonic vibration by the vibrator (170) of the atomizer (120). is maintained, but atomization of aerosol-generating substances may not be occurring.

When the user starts puffing again, there is a transition from 'Puffing Wait State' (340) to 'Puffing State' (330), and the state transition between 'Puffing State' (330) and 'Puffing Wait State' (340) Repeating may be performed until the smoking end condition preset in the aerosol generating device 100 is satisfied. For example, the smoking end condition may be preset based on the threshold number of puffs or the threshold operation time.

When the smoking end condition is met, the aerosol generating device 100 may transition back to 'Power Off' 310, and thus one-time smoking in the aerosol generating device 100 by a series of puffs will be ended. You can.

When the aerosol generating device 100 is in the 'Puffing State' (330) and in the 'Puffing Wait State' (340) (or 'Pre-Heating State' (320)), the atomizer 120 has different operating conditions. Heating can be performed under (e.g. different operating frequencies, different input voltages, etc.). Specifically, when the aerosol generating device 100 is in the 'Puffing Wait State' (340) (or 'Pre-Heating State' (320)), the atomizer 120 may be operated in pre-heating mode by the pre-heating voltage, When the aerosol generating device 100 is in the 'Puffing State' 330, the atomizer 120 may be operated in an atomizing mode by an atomizing voltage.

In general, the term 'heating' can mean that the atomizer transfers heat directly to the aerosol-generating material. However, in the present embodiments, the term 'heating' refers not only to the temperature of the aerosol-generating material being increased by indirectly vibrating the molecules of the aerosol-generating material due to the kinetic energy generated by the vibration of the atomizer 120, but also to the atomizer 120. It may include anything where the temperature of (120) is directly transmitted. Meanwhile, terms such as 'atomization voltage' and 'atomization mode' may be replaced with terms such as 'normal-heating voltage/normal heating mode' and 'normal atomization voltage/normal atomization mode'. there is. Additionally, terms such as 'preheating mode/preheating voltage' may also be replaced with terms such as 'pre-atomization mode/pre-atomization voltage'.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a puff pattern during one-time smoking using an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The puff pattern 400 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example for convenience of description of the present embodiments, and the puff pattern using the aerosol generating device 100 may be a different pattern from that of FIG. 4 .

In these embodiments, the period in which the user performs a puff is referred to as a 'puff period', and the period in which the user does not perform a puff between puffs is referred to as a 'non-puff period'. However, the term is not limited thereto, and the terms 'puff period' and 'non-puff period' may also be replaced with other terms having similar meanings. In the puff pattern 400, the width of the block corresponding to each puff period represents the relative length of the puff period, and the gap between two puffs represents the relative length of the non-puff period.

Referring to FIG. 4, after the user starts operating the aerosol generating device 100 for smoking, the user may repeatedly perform puffs a predetermined number of times (eg, n times).

During the non-puff period 401 between the start of operation and before the first puff 402 is performed, the atomizer 120 maintains operation in the preheating mode. When the user performs the first puff 402, the state of the atomizer 120 transitions from the preheating mode to the atomization mode (or normal atomization mode), and the atomizer 120 generates an aerosol and provides it to the user. Once the first puff 402 is complete, the atomizer 120 transitions from the atomization mode back to the preheat mode, and the atomizer 120 operates in the preheat mode during the non-puff period 403.

Such repetition of the puff period and the non-puff period is performed until the number of puffs counted using the puff detection sensor reaches a preset threshold number of puffs (for example, n times) or until a predetermined operation time elapses. It can be done. Likewise, the atomizer 120 may perform mode switching between preheating mode and atomizing mode, corresponding to repetition of puff periods and non-puff periods.

The aerosol generating device 100 using an ultrasonic vibrator 170 generates ultrasonic vibration by applying an alternating voltage to the vibrator 170, and the aerosol generating material is vibrated by the vibrator 170, thereby generating an aerosol. It can be heated up to a temperature of At this time, in order to generate an aerosol when the aerosol-generating material is a liquid material with viscosity, it is desirable to lower the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material by raising the temperature of the aerosol-generating material to a certain temperature.

By keeping the viscosity of the aerosol generating material low, the atomization time due to ultrasonic vibration can be shortened, and thus the aerosol generating device 100 can provide a uniform amount of atomization to the user when the user puffs. Therefore, as a way to keep the viscosity of the aerosol generating material low even when the user is not puffing (i.e., non-puff period), the atomizer 120 performs a pre-heat operation in the non-puff period. It is advisable to do so. The 'preheating mode' described above is a mode in which the atomizer 120 performs a preheating operation during the non-puff period, and the 'atomization mode' is a mode in which the atomizer 120 performs an atomizing operation (or normal atomizing operation) during the puff period. The mode will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a voltage profile showing a change in input voltage to be applied to an atomizer in a preheating mode and an atomizing mode according to an embodiment.

Referring to the voltage profile 500 of FIG. 5, upon initiation of operation 501 of the atomizer 120, the atomizer 120 operates in a preheating mode, and the atomizer 120 is supplied with an input voltage for preheating. A preheating voltage B [V] may be applied. Afterwards, the atomizer 120 is switched to the atomization mode according to the detection 502 of the user's puff, and the atomization voltage A [V] can be applied to the atomizer 120 as an input voltage for aerosol generation.

Here, the atomization voltage A [V] may be a constant voltage at a higher level than the preheating voltage B [V]. That is, when the atomization voltage A [V] is applied, the atomizer 120 operates at a faster vibration speed than when the preheating voltage B [V] is applied, thereby atomizing the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. In contrast, the atomizer 120 does not atomize the aerosol-generating material when the preheating voltage B [V] is applied, but performs preheating to a temperature sufficient to keep the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material low. That is, the atomizer 120 maintains a low viscosity of the aerosol-generating material in the preheated state, so that the atomizer 120 can atomize the aerosol-generating material more quickly when the next puff starts, thereby allowing the atomizer 120 to atomize the aerosol-generating material more quickly when the next puff begins. The amount becomes uniform, allowing users to experience a more satisfying smoking experience.

When the end of the user's puff (503) is detected after the atomization mode, the atomizer 120 switches back to the preheating mode. That is, as in the voltage profile 500, the input voltage to be applied to the atomizer 120 according to the transition between the atomization mode and the preheating mode will be repeatedly switched between the atomization voltage A [V] and the preheating voltage B [V]. You can.

The aerosol generating device 100 is operationally connected to the controller 160 to switch the level of the input voltage of the atomizer 120 to the atomizing voltage A [V] or the preheating voltage B [V]. It may include a voltage divider that adjusts the voltage distribution of the driving voltage of the controller 160 with respect to the firearm 120.

Meanwhile, for example, the atomization voltage A [V] described in FIG. 5 may be 13 [V], and the preheating voltage B [V] may be 10 [V]. When the atomization voltage 13 [V] is applied as the input voltage of the atomizer 120, the atomizer 120 converts the atomization voltage 13 [V] to 65 [V] for the atomization operation of the vibrator (170 in FIG. 2). Aerosols can be generated by operating under increased pressure. In addition, when the preheating voltage 10 [V] is applied as the input voltage to the atomizer 120, the atomizer 120 boosts the preheating voltage 10 [V] to 60 [V] for the preheating operation of the vibrator 170. By operating it, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material can be kept low. However, the voltage values described here are only exemplary values for convenience of explanation, and the present embodiments are not limited thereto and other appropriate voltage values may be used.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device for controlling the input voltage of an atomizer according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (100 in FIG. 1) may further include a voltage divider 610 connected between the controller 160 described in FIG. 1 and the atomizer 120.

The controller 160 outputs a driving voltage for controlling the atomizer 120, and the voltage divider 610 adjusts the ratio of voltage distribution to the driving voltage and applies the input voltage to the atomizer 120. Specifically, the voltage divider 610 is operatively connected to the controller 160 to regulate the voltage distribution of the drive voltage to the atomizer 120 so that the atomizer 120 is preheated in the non-puff period. The input voltage of the atomizer 120 can be controlled so that the preheating voltage is applied to the atomizer 120 and the atomization voltage is applied to the atomizer 120 while the atomizer 120 atomizes the aerosol-generating material in the puff period. .

Voltage divider 610 may be operatively connected to controller 160 by receiving from controller 160 a mode signal generated by controller 160 indicating whether atomizer 120 is in preheat mode or atomization mode. You can. The voltage divider 610 performs voltage division based on the mode signal.

The voltage divider 610 divides the voltage divider 610 according to the preheating mode signal (or first mode signal) corresponding to the preheating mode or the atomization mode signal (or second mode signal) corresponding to the atomization mode received from the controller 160. ), the voltage distribution can be adjusted by switching the connections of the loads included.

The mode signal generated by the controller 160 may be based on the non-puff period and the puff period determined by the puff detection sensor. Accordingly, the controller 160 may control the voltage distribution of the voltage divider 610 based on the non-puff period and the puff period determined by the puff detection sensor.

Meanwhile, the controller 160 may generate a driving voltage based on the supply voltage of the battery (110 in FIG. 1). Specifically, a DC/DC converter (not shown) may be provided between the battery 110 and the controller 160 to convert the supply voltage of the battery 110 to a constant level of constant voltage. For example, when the supply voltage of the battery 110 is 4.3 [V], a constant voltage of a predetermined level (e.g., 3.3 [V]) converted from DC/DC from the supply voltage of 4.3 [V] is applied to the controller 160. It can be entered as . However, the supply voltage value and the DC/DC converted constant voltage value here are only examples, and the present embodiments are not limited thereto.

In the embodiments of FIG. 6 and the drawings to be described below, for convenience of explanation, the controller 160 and the voltage divider 610 are shown as separate components, but implementation of the present embodiments is not limited thereto. In other words, the voltage divider 610 may be a component provided in the controller 160 or a component provided in the atomizer 120, and such modifications may be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present embodiments. You can.

Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a voltage divider that controls the input voltage of an atomizer according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the voltage divider 610 is once connected to the node 701 between the voltage output terminal of the driving voltage (V _drive ) of the controller 160 and the voltage input terminal of the input voltage (V _input ) of the atomizer 120. This connected first load (R1), a second load (R2) connected in series to the first load (R1), a first load (R1) and a second load to which a reference voltage (V _reference ) is applied from the controller 160 A reference voltage node 702 between (R2), a third load (R3) with one end connected to the second load (R2) and the other end connected to ground, and a second load according to the mode signal received from the controller 160. It includes a switch (S1) for switching the current flow between (R2) and a third load (R3).

The driving voltage (V _driving ) output from the controller 160 is voltage dropped by the first load (R1) and the second load (R2), or the first load (R1), the second load (R2), and the third load (R2) The voltage may drop due to the load (R3). That is, each of the first load (R1), the second load (R2), and the third load (R3) may be implemented with resistance elements of different resistance values for the voltage drop of the driving voltage (V _driving ). Not limited.

Meanwhile, the voltage distribution of this driving voltage (V _driving ) may be determined by the operation of the switch S1 according to the mode signal. The switch (S1) has a gate terminal that receives the mode signal transmitted from the controller 160, a source terminal connected to ground, and a drain terminal connected to the node 703 between the second load (R2) and the third load (R3). It can be implemented as a semiconductor switch having a. For example, the switch S1 may be implemented as an N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), as shown in FIG. 7 . Accordingly, the switch S1 may switch the current flow between the source terminal connected to ground and the drain terminal connected to the node 703, depending on the type of mode signal received at the gate terminal. Meanwhile, the switch S1 may be implemented with a P-channel MOSFET or other types of semiconductor switching elements, rather than an N-channel MOSFET.

The circuit configuration of the voltage divider 610 shown in FIG. 7 can also be implemented as another equivalent circuit for applying the input voltage (V _input ) of the atomizer 120 according to the mode signal received from the controller 160. and the implementation of such an equivalent circuit can be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a mode signal generated by a controller to indicate a preheating mode or an atomizing mode according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the signal indicating the preheating mode (preheating mode signal) is a digital signal with a logic value of 0 (LOW), and the signal indicating the atomization mode (atomization mode signal) is a digital signal with a logic value of 1 (HIGH). You can. That is, the mode signal may correspond to a digital pulse signal.

As described above, the controller 160 controls the atomization voltage to be applied to the atomizer 120 to operate the atomizer 120 in the atomization mode during the puff period, and the atomizer 120 operates in the preheating mode during the non-puff period. In order to operate (120), a preheating voltage is controlled to be applied to the atomizer (120). Accordingly, a pulse section with a logic value of 0 (LOW) may correspond to a non-puff period, and a pulse section with a logic value of 1 (HIGH) may correspond to a puff period.

Specifically, the switch S1 described in FIG. 7 is switched to a turn-off state in response to the preheating mode signal LOW in the preheating mode, and the switch S1 is switched to the atomization mode signal (LOW) in the atomization mode. HIGH) and switches to the turn-on state.

The voltage divider 610 blocks the current flow between the source terminal and the drain terminal according to the turn-off state of the switch S1 and lowers the driving voltage (V _driving ) at the third load R3, thereby atomizing the atomizer 120 ) Apply the preheating voltage to the voltage input terminal. In contrast, the voltage divider 610 blocks the current flow to the third load (R3) according to the turn-on state of the switch (S1) and allows the current to flow between the source terminal and the drain terminal, thereby atomizing the atomizer (120). Apply the atomizing voltage to the voltage input terminal.

Meanwhile, the mode signal described in FIG. 8 can be used in conjunction with the circuit configuration of the voltage divider 610 described in FIG. 7, and if the circuit configuration of the voltage divider 610 is changed, the logic values of the mode signal also change. It needs to change. For example, if the switch S1 of the voltage divider 610 is implemented with a P-channel MOSFET, the mode signal may have logic values opposite to those of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an atomization voltage distribution mode of a voltage divider according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the atomization voltage distribution mode of the voltage divider 610 is a state in which an atomization mode signal is input to the switch S1 of the voltage divider 610, and the switch S1 is turned on.

In the atomized voltage distribution mode (or second voltage distribution mode) of the voltage divider 610, one end of the second load (R2) is connected to ground through the switch (S1) due to the turn-on state of the switch (S1). Current flow to the third load (R3) is blocked, and the driving voltage (V _driving ) does not drop in the third load (R3). That is, the driving voltage (V _driving ) is lowered by the first load (R1) and the second load (R2), and accordingly, the voltage input terminal of the atomizer 120 is supplied with atomization for the atomization mode of the atomizer 120. Voltage (V _atomization ) may be applied.

Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining a preheating voltage distribution mode of a voltage divider according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the preheating voltage distribution mode (or first voltage distribution mode) of the voltage divider 610 is a state in which the preheating mode signal is input to the switch S1 of the voltage divider 610, and the switch S1 is It is in turn-off state.

In the preheating voltage distribution mode of the voltage divider 610, the current flow through the switch (S1) is blocked by the turn-off state of the switch (S1), thereby allowing the current to flow to the third load (R3), and thus the driving voltage (V _Drive ) is the voltage drop at the third load (R3). That is, the driving voltage (V _driving ) is lowered by the first load (R1), the second load (R2), and the third load (R3), and accordingly, the atomizer (120) is applied to the voltage input terminal of the atomizer (120). ) A preheating voltage (V _preheat ) for the preheating mode may be applied. For example, in the preheating voltage distribution mode of the voltage divider 610, the preheating voltage (V _preheating ) can be calculated by Equation 1 below.

That is, according to Equation 1, in the preheating mode, a preheating voltage (V _preheating ) lower than the atomizing voltage (V _atomizing ) may be applied to the atomizer 120 due to an additional voltage drop due to the third load (R3). .

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the voltage divider 610 is operatively connected to the controller 160 and operates in a _preheating voltage distribution mode (FIG. 10) or Switches to the atomization voltage distribution mode (FIG. 9) for application of the atomization voltage (V _atomization ), and accordingly adjusts the voltage distribution of the driving voltage (V _drive ) to the atomizer 120 to preheat the atomizer 120. Apply voltage (V _preheating ) or atomizing voltage (V _atomizing ).

Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. The control method of FIG. 11 corresponds to steps processed in time series in the aerosol generating device 100 described in the previous drawings. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, the content described in the drawings above can also be applied to the control method of FIG. 11.

In step 1101, when a user command is input by a user who wishes to use the aerosol generating device 100, the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 may be initiated.

In step 1102, the puff detection sensor provided in the aerosol generating device 100 may detect the user's puff. After the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 starts and until the user's puff is detected, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform steps 1103 to 1105 to perform a preheating mode. However, when a user puff is detected, step 1106 is performed.

In step 1103, the controller 160 of the aerosol generating device 100 generates a preheating mode signal indicating the preheating mode. The generated preheating mode signal is transmitted to the voltage divider 610 operatively connected to the controller 160.

In step 1104, the switch S1 of the voltage divider 610 is turned off according to the received preheating mode signal, and current flow through the switch S1 is blocked. Accordingly, as the current flows to the third load (R3) of the voltage divider 610, the driving voltage (V _drive ) drops in the third load (R3).

In step 1105, the voltage divider 610 applies a preheating voltage (V _preheat ) to the atomizer 120 based on the voltage drop by the loads (R1, R2, and R3) in the voltage divider 610. Until the user's puff is detected by the puff detection sensor (step 1102), the atomizer 120 maintains the preheating mode by the preheating voltage (V _preheat ).

In step 1106, when the user's puff is detected, the controller 160 generates an atomization mode signal indicating the atomization mode. The generated atomization mode signal is transmitted to the voltage divider 610.

In step 1107, the switch S1 of the voltage divider 610 is turned on according to the received atomization mode signal, and one end of the second load R2 is connected to ground through the switch S1, thereby connecting the third load ( Current flow to R3) is blocked. Accordingly, the driving voltage (V _driving ) of the voltage divider 610 drops at the first load (R1) and the second load (R2).

In step 1108, the voltage divider 610 applies an atomization voltage (V _atomization ) to the atomizer 120 based on the voltage drop by the loads (R1 and R2) within the voltage divider 610.

In step 1109, the controller 160 determines whether the smoking end condition is met based on the current number of puffs or the current operation time. If the smoking cessation condition is met, step 1110 is performed. However, if the smoking end condition is not met, steps 1103 to 1105 are performed so that the atomizer 120 re-enters the preheating mode during the non-puff period.

In step 1110, when the smoking end condition is met, the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 ends to end smoking.

Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. The control method of FIG. 12 corresponds to steps processed in time series in the aerosol generating device 100 described in the previous drawings. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, the content described in the drawings above can also be applied to the control method of FIG. 12.

In step 1201, the controller 160 outputs a driving voltage (V _driving ) for driving the atomizer 120 that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material.

At step 1202, the voltage divider 610 operatively connected to the controller 160 applies a preheating voltage (V _preheat ) to the atomizer 120 while the atomizer 120 is preheating in the non-puff period and puffs. During this period, the input voltage of the atomizer 120 is controlled so that an atomization voltage (V _atomization ) is applied to the atomizer 120 while the atomizer 120 is heated. At this time, the controller 160 generates one of a preheating mode signal corresponding to the preheating mode and an atomization mode signal corresponding to the atomization mode. The voltage divider 610 controls the operation of the switch S1 included in the voltage divider 610 in response to the preheating mode signal or the atomization mode signal, and controls the operation of the switch S1 included in the voltage divider 610 in response to the operation of the switch S1. By switching the connections of the loaded loads, the voltage distribution of the driving voltage (V _driving ) can be adjusted. Based on the adjusted voltage distribution, a preheating voltage (V _preheat ) or an atomization voltage (V _atomization ) is applied to the atomizer 120 as an input voltage.

Meanwhile, the above-described method can be written as a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that operates the program using a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. Additionally, the data structure used in the above-described method can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording media includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical read media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) do.

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the above-described substrate can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an explanatory rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of this embodiment is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in this embodiment.

Claims (15)

In the aerosol generating device,
An atomizer that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibration;
A controller that outputs a driving voltage for controlling the ultrasonic vibration frequency of the atomizer; and
operatively connected to the controller to adjust the voltage distribution of the drive voltage to the atomizer, such that the atomization voltage corresponds to an ultrasonic vibration frequency for atomizing the aerosol-generating material during the puff period during which the user puffs. A preheating voltage corresponding to an ultrasonic vibration frequency is applied to the atomizer to maintain a state of a predetermined viscosity in which the atomization of the aerosol-generating material does not occur during a non-puff period in which puffing between puffs is not performed. Including a voltage divider that controls the input voltage of the firearm,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The preheating voltage is a constant voltage at a level lower than the atomization voltage,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The controller generates a mode signal indicating whether the atomizer is in preheat mode or atomization mode,
The voltage divider performs the voltage division based on the mode signal,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 3,
The voltage divider is
Adjusting the voltage distribution by switching connections of loads included in the voltage divider according to a first mode signal corresponding to the preheating mode or a second mode signal corresponding to the atomization mode received from the controller.
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The voltage divider is
a first load with one end connected to a node between the voltage output terminal of the driving voltage of the controller and the voltage input terminal of the atomizer;
a second load connected in series to the first load;
a reference voltage node between the first load and the second load to which a reference voltage is applied from the controller;
a third load with one end connected to the second load and the other end connected to ground; and
Comprising a switch for switching current flow between the second load and the third load according to the mode signal received from the controller,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 5,
The switch is
a semiconductor switch that switches current flow between a source terminal connected to ground and a drain terminal connected to a node between the second load and the third load, depending on the type of the mode signal received at the gate terminal,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 6,
The switch is
Turned off in response to a first mode signal corresponding to the preheating mode received from the controller,
The voltage divider is
Applying the preheating voltage to the voltage input terminal of the atomizer by blocking current flow between the source terminal and the drain terminal and lowering the driving voltage at the third load according to the turn-off state of the switch.
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 6,
The switch is
Turned on in response to a second mode signal corresponding to the atomization mode received from the controller,
The voltage divider is
Applying the atomizing voltage to the voltage input terminal of the atomizer by blocking current flow to the third load and allowing current flow between the source terminal and the drain terminal according to the turn-on state of the switch,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 5,
The third subordinate is
In preheating mode, current flow is permitted by the switch,
In atomization mode, current flow is blocked by the switch,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 5,
The atomizer is
In the preheating mode, the preheating voltage lower than the atomization voltage is applied due to a voltage drop by the third load,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The atomizer is
Comprising a vibrator that generates the ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol-generating material into the aerosol,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a puff detection sensor that detects the user's puff,
The controller is
Controlling the voltage distribution of the voltage divider based on the non-puff period and the puff period determined by the puff detection sensor,
Aerosol generating device. In a method of controlling an aerosol generating device,
In the controller, outputting a driving voltage for controlling the ultrasonic vibration frequency of an atomizer that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibration; and
By a voltage divider operatively connected to the controller, an atomizing voltage corresponding to an ultrasonic vibration frequency for atomizing the aerosol-generating material is applied to the atomizer during the puff period during which the user's puff is performed and no puff is performed between puffs. Controlling the input voltage of the atomizer so that a preheating voltage corresponding to an ultrasonic vibration frequency is applied to the atomizer to maintain a state of a predetermined viscosity in which the atomization of the aerosol-generating material does not occur during the non-puff period. doing,
method. According to claim 13,
Further comprising generating, in the controller, one of a first mode signal corresponding to a preheating mode and a second mode signal corresponding to an atomization mode,
The controlling step is
controlling the operation of a switch included in the voltage divider in response to the first mode signal or the second mode signal;
adjusting voltage distribution of the driving voltage by switching connections of loads included in the voltage divider in response to the operation of the switch; and
Comprising applying the preheating voltage or the atomizing voltage to the atomizer as the input voltage based on the adjusted voltage distribution,
method. In the aerosol generating device,
An atomizer that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibration;
A controller that outputs a driving voltage for controlling the ultrasonic vibration frequency of the atomizer; and
A first voltage distribution mode or non-puff operatively connected to the controller for applying an atomizing voltage to the atomizer corresponding to an ultrasonic vibration frequency for atomizing the aerosol-generating material during the puff period during which the user puffs. The driving voltage for the atomizer by switching to a second voltage distribution mode for applying to the atomizer a preheating voltage corresponding to an ultrasonic vibration frequency for maintaining a state of a predetermined viscosity in which the atomization of the aerosol-generating material does not occur for a period of time. Including a voltage divider, which regulates the voltage distribution of,
Aerosol generating device.

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