Patent Description:
In recent years, demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of general cigarettes has increased. For example, demand for devices (so-called liquid-type aerosol generation devices) that vaporize a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol has increased. Recently, ultrasonic-based aerosol generation devices that vaporize a liquid through ultrasonic vibrations have been proposed.

Most of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation devices which have been proposed so far adopt a cartridge (or cartomizer) replacement structure in consideration of user convenience. Also, a replaceable cartridge basically consists of a liquid reservoir, a wick, and a vibrator. However, in such a structure, since the vibrator, which is a relatively expensive component, is included in the cartridge, there is a problem in that a cartridge replacement cost (or cartridge unit cost) is increased.

Due to the cost problem, some of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation devices adopt a method in which liquid is refilled without replacing a cartridge. However, the liquid refill method complicates the structure of the aerosol generation device and causes an inconvenience of a user having to refill the liquid. Further, in some cases, the user's clothes or body may be stained with the liquid during the liquid refill process, and this may cause considerable discomfort to the user.

Meanwhile, the vibrator of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device is a component that generates ultrasonic vibrations to vaporize a liquid. However, when the vibrator operates in a state in which a target to which vibrations are transmitted is not present, vibrational energy may be converted to thermal energy and cause severe damage to the vibrator. For example, the vibrator may lose its inherent functions as the vibrator is physically damaged or properties thereof change due to high temperature.

Document <CIT> describes an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol in the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol generator comprising a membrane and a vibrator which is configured to vibrate a fluid and to aerosolize the fluid by the membrane, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a fluid reservoir for receiving the fluid to be aerosolized, wherein the fluid reservoir is arranged in fluid communication with the membrane, and wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a controller which is configured to operate the vibrator so as to vibrate the fluid, a temperature sensor which is configured to detect a temperature of the vibrator and/or the membrane, and a detector which is configured to detect the presence of fluid in contact with the membrane and/or in the fluid reservoir on the basis of the temperature of the vibrator and/or the membrane detected by the temperature sensor.

Document <CIT> describes an ultrasonic atomizer and electronic cigarette, wherein the ultrasonic atomizer comprises an atomization piece and a liquid guide structure, which guides liquid onto an upper surface of the atomization piece, the liquid guide structure communicates with a liquid storage cavity, the upper surface of the atomization piece communicates with an airflow passage, and the atomization piece comprises a piezoelectric ceramic layer and an electric conductor, which drives vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic layer.

Document <CIT> (D3), cited in the International Search Report, describes an end coupled to the atomizer side having a source inlet and a gas exhaust, an opening for discharging the mist discharged from the gas exhaust of the atomizer and a housing accommodating the source material supplied to the source inlet of the atomizer and having an inner space separate from the opening, an injection hole and an injection hole for opening a part surface of the housing to inject the source material into the internal space, a lid for opening and closing, a surface coupled to the one end of the housing to define at least a portion of the interior space, a first through portion for causing said source material of said interior space to be delivered to said source inlet of said atomizer and at least one second through portion communicating with the gas exhaust of the atomizer and an exhaust passage communicating with the at least one second through portion of the sealing member and the opening of the housing, wherein the atomizer comprises a heating member or an ultrasonic vibration member for atomizing the source material therein, and a wick for transferring the source material from the source lead into the heating member or the ultrasonic vibrating member, and further comprising an auxiliary fastening member configured to press the bottom surface of the atomizer toward the sealing member to closely contact the atomizer to the sealing member, wherein the auxiliary fastening member is electrically connected to the atomizer source container for atomizers.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing an ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device with a new structure capable of reducing a cartridge replacement cost (or cartridge unit cost).

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to providing a control method performed by the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device to protect a vibration member.

Objectives of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objectives, and other unmentioned objectives should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

An ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a replaceable cartridge which is configured to store a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a control main body which includes a controller and a vibration member, which is configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to vaporize the stored aerosol-forming substrate, and is configured to be coupled to the cartridge. Here, the controller may monitor a temperature of the vibration member and control operation of the vibration member on the basis of a monitoring result.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that the temperature of the vibration member or a temperature change rate thereof is a threshold value or more, the controller may stop the operation of the vibration member.

In some embodiments, the controller may control the operation of the vibration member on the basis of a temperature change pattern of the vibration member.

In some embodiments, the controller may estimate a degree of consumption of the stored aerosol-forming substrate on the basis of the temperature change rate of the vibration member.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may further include a vibration transmission member configured to transmit the generated ultrasonic vibrations to the stored aerosol-forming substrate, and as the cartridge is coupled to the control main body, the vibration transmission member may come in close contact with the vibration member.

In some embodiments, the controller may determine whether the vibration member and the vibration transmission member are in close contact and control the operation of the vibration member on the basis of a determined result.

In some embodiments, the vibration member and the vibration transmission member may be made of an electrical conductor, and the controller may determine whether the vibration member and the vibration transmission member are in close contact on the basis of whether electrical conduction occurs between the vibration member and the vibration transmission member.

In some embodiments, the vibration member may be implemented on the basis of a piezoelectric element, and the controller may determine whether the vibration member and the vibration transmission member are in close contact on the basis of a result of measuring a voltage generated in the vibration member.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a vibration member, which is a relatively expensive component, can be disposed at a control main body side instead of being disposed in a cartridge. Accordingly, a cartridge replacement cost (or cartridge unit cost) can be significantly reduced.

Also, since the vibration member is excluded from the cartridge, a structure of the cartridge can be simplified. Accordingly, a defect occurrence rate can be significantly reduced during manufacture of the cartridge, and waterproof design and/or dustproof design thereof can also be facilitated.

In addition, an occurrence of a variation in vapor production due to a variation in the vibration member can be prevented. For example, in a case in which the vibration member is included in the cartridge, a variation in vapor production may occur due to the vibration member being changed every time the cartridge is replaced. That is, the variation in the vibration member (e.g., variation in manufacture) may be reflected as it is in the aerosol generation device and cause vapor production to vary every time the cartridge is replaced. However, when the vibration member is disposed at the control main body side, since the vibration member is not replaced, uniformity of vapor production can be maintained.

In addition, a vibration transmission member is disposed in the cartridge. The vibration transmission member can transmit vibrations, which are generated by the vibration member, to a liquid to allow an aerosol to be smoothly generated even when the vibration member is disposed at the control main body side.

In addition, as the cartridge is coupled to the control main body, the vibration transmission member and the vibration member can form a structures in which the vibration transmission member and the vibration member come in close contact with each other. Accordingly, the vibrations generated by the vibration member can be transmitted without loss to a liquid through the vibration transmission member.

In addition, since a porous member including a plurality of holes is disposed at a position properly spaced apart from the vibration transmission member, it is possible to ensure immediate aerosol generation upon a puff. Specifically, as the vibrations transmitted by the vibration transmission member push a liquid between the vibration transmission member and the porous member in a direction toward the porous member and the pushed liquid is rapidly vaporized by passing through the plurality of holes, an aerosol can be generated without delay upon a puff.

In addition, the operation of the vibration member can be controlled on the basis of a result of monitoring a temperature of the vibration member. For example, in a case in which a temperature change rate or a measured temperature is a threshold value or more, the operation of the vibration member can be stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a change in characteristics of the vibration member or physical damage thereto due to high temperature.

In addition, a degree of consumption of a liquid can be estimated on the basis of the result of monitoring the temperature of the vibration member. For example, in a case in which the temperature change rate is a threshold value or more, the liquid may be estimated as having been exhausted. Accordingly, the degree of consumption of the liquid can be accurately determined without an additional component (e.g., sensor) for measuring a residual amount of liquid.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of achieving the same should become clear with embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In assigning reference numerals to components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as much as possible even when the components are illustrated in different drawings. Also, in describing the present disclosure, when detailed description of a known related configuration or function is deemed as having the possibility of obscuring the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In the following embodiments, a singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Also, in describing components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Such terms are only used for distinguishing one component from another component, and the essence, order, sequence, or the like of the corresponding component is not limited by the terms. In a case in which a certain component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that, although the component may be directly connected or linked to the other component, still another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "linked" between the two components.

The terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" used herein do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more components, steps, operations, and/or devices other than those mentioned.

Some terms used in various embodiments of the present disclosure will be clarified prior to description thereof.

In the following embodiments, "aerosol-forming substrate" may refer to a material that is able to form an aerosol. The aerosol may include a volatile compound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid or liquid. For example, solid aerosol-forming substrates may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco leaves, shredded tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco, and liquid aerosol-forming substrates may include liquid compositions based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and/or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-listed examples. In the following embodiments, "liquid" may refer to a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

In the following embodiments, "aerosol generation device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate in order to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to inhalation by a user, and the inhalation may refer to a situation in which a user draws smoke into his or her oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an exemplary view conceptually illustrating a structure of an ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, <FIG> sequentially illustrates states before and after a cartridge <NUM> is mounted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> may include the cartridge <NUM> and a control main body <NUM>. However, only the components relating to the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated in <FIG>. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> may further include general-purpose components other than the components illustrated in <FIG>. Hereinafter, each component of the aerosol generation device <NUM> will be described.

The cartridge <NUM> may refer to a container configured to store a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Also, in some cases, the cartridge <NUM> may further include a mouthpiece and some or all of the components of a vaporizer (e.g., cartomizer). For example, as illustrated, the cartridge <NUM> may be configured to further include a mouthpiece <NUM> and some components of a vaporizer <NUM>. As another example, the cartridge <NUM> may be configured to exclude the mouthpiece <NUM> and only further include some components of the vaporizer <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the control main body <NUM> to form an upper portion of the aerosol generation device <NUM> and the control main body <NUM> forms a lower portion of the aerosol generation device <NUM>, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such a structure. In some other embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> may be a component mounted in a housing of the aerosol generation device <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be a replaceable component. That is, the cartridge <NUM> may be replaced with a new cartridge instead of being refilled with liquid when the liquid therein is used up. In this case, since the overall structure of the aerosol generation device <NUM> may be simplified, advantages in terms of manufacturing processes (e.g., reduction of manufacturing costs, reduction of defect rates, etc.) may be secured. Further, since the inconvenience of a user having to directly refill the cartridge with liquid is eliminated, the market competitiveness of the product may be improved. The cost of replacing the cartridge <NUM> may be a problem, but this problem may be addressed by excluding some components (that is, a vibration member which is relatively expensive) of the vaporizer <NUM> from the cartridge <NUM>. Hereinafter, description will be continued assuming that the cartridge <NUM> is a replaceable component.

As conceptually illustrated in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the mouthpiece <NUM> and some components of the vaporizer <NUM>. More specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> may include components such as a liquid reservoir configured to store a liquid aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>, a vibration member <NUM> configured to vaporizer a liquid through vibrations (ultrasonic vibrations), and an airflow tube <NUM> configured to deliver the vaporized liquid in a direction toward the mouthpiece. Among these components, the vibration member <NUM> may be disposed at the control main body <NUM> side (e.g., below the dotted line in <FIG>), and the other components may be disposed at the cartridge <NUM> side (e.g., above the dotted line in <FIG>). In this case, the vaporizer <NUM> may be configured as the cartridge <NUM> and the control main body <NUM> are coupled to each other, and since the vibration member, which is a relatively expensive component, is excluded from the cartridge <NUM>, the replacement cost (or unit cost) of the cartridge <NUM> may be significantly reduced. The structure of the cartridge <NUM> will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG> and so on.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> may further include a vibration transmission member <NUM> disposed at the cartridge <NUM> side. The vibration transmission member <NUM> may transmit vibrations, which are generated by the vibration member <NUM> at the control main body <NUM> side, to the liquid <NUM> to smoothly generate an aerosol. The vibration transmission member <NUM> will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG> and so on.

Description will be continued by referring back to <FIG>.

The control main body <NUM> may perform an overall control function for the aerosol generation device <NUM>. As illustrated, the control main body <NUM> may be coupled to the cartridge <NUM>. In a case in which the cartridge <NUM> is a component embedded in the aerosol generation device <NUM>, the control main body <NUM> may be coupled to an upper housing that includes the cartridge <NUM>.

As illustrated, the control main body <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> and a battery <NUM>. Also, as mentioned above, the control main body <NUM> may further include the vibration member <NUM> and the like. Components of the control main body <NUM> other than the controller <NUM> and the battery <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>, and hereinafter, the controller <NUM> and the battery <NUM> will be briefly described.

The controller <NUM> may control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may control the operation of the vaporizer <NUM> and the battery <NUM> and also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generation device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control the power supplied by the battery <NUM> and the vibration frequency, vibration intensity, or the like of the vibration member <NUM>. In a case in which the aerosol generation device <NUM> further includes a heater (not illustrated), the controller <NUM> may also control a heating temperature of the heater (not illustrated).

Also, the controller <NUM> may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generation device <NUM> and determine whether the aerosol generation device <NUM> is in an operable state.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> are in close contact and may, on the basis of a determined result, recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> (e.g., whether the cartridge <NUM> is coupled, a degree of coupling of the cartridge <NUM>, etc.). For example, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> are in close contact on the basis of whether electrical conduction occurs therebetween or may determine whether the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> are in close contact by using a piezoelectric phenomenon of the vibration member <NUM>. Also, the controller <NUM> may, on the basis of a determined result, recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> without a separate sensor. According to the present embodiment, since an additional sensor is not necessary for recognizing a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM>, manufacturing costs of the aerosol generation device <NUM> may be reduced, and the complexity of an internal structure of the aerosol generation device <NUM> may be reduced. The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The controller <NUM> may be implemented with at least one processor. The processor may also be implemented with an array of a plurality of logic gates or implemented with a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory which stores a program that may be executed by the microprocessor. Also, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should clearly understand that the controller <NUM> may also be implemented with other forms of hardware.

Next, the battery <NUM> may supply the power used to operate the aerosol generation device <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may supply power to allow the vibration member <NUM>, which constitutes the vaporizer <NUM>, to generate vibrations or may supply power required for the controller <NUM> to operate.

Also, the battery <NUM> may supply power required to operate electrical components such as a display (not illustrated), a sensor (not illustrated), and a motor (not illustrated) which are installed in the aerosol generation device <NUM>.

The structure of the control main body <NUM> will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG> and so on.

The ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been schematically described above with reference to <FIG>. According to the above description, the vibration member <NUM>, which is a relatively expensive component, may be disposed at the control main body <NUM> side instead of being disposed in the cartridge <NUM>. Accordingly, a cartridge replacement cost (or cartridge unit cost) may be significantly reduced. Also, since the vibration member <NUM> is excluded from the cartridge <NUM>, the structure of the cartridge <NUM> may be simplified, a defect occurrence rate may be significantly reduced during manufacture of the cartridge, and waterproof design and/or dust-proof design thereof may also be facilitated. In addition, an occurrence of a variation in vapor production due to a variation in the vibration member <NUM> (e.g., a variation in manufacture) may be prevented. For example, in a case in which the vibration member <NUM> is included in the cartridge <NUM>, a variation in vapor production may occur due to the vibration member <NUM> being changed every time the cartridge <NUM> is replaced. However, when the vibration member <NUM> is disposed at the control main body <NUM> side, since the same vibration member <NUM> is continuously used, uniformity of vapor production may be maintained.

Hereinafter, the structure and operation principle of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG> and so on.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating a detailed structure of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, <FIG> sequentially illustrates states before and after the cartridge <NUM> is mounted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> may include a cartridge housing, the mouthpiece <NUM>, a liquid reservoir <NUM>, the vibration transmission member <NUM>, and the airflow tube <NUM>. However, only the components relating to the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated in <FIG>. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that the cartridge <NUM> may further include general-purpose components other than the components illustrated in <FIG>. Hereinafter, each component of the cartridge <NUM> will be described.

The cartridge housing may form an exterior of the cartridge <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the cartridge housing as not being distinct from an outer wall of the liquid reservoir <NUM>, but a portion of the cartridge housing may or may not constitute the outer wall of the liquid reservoir <NUM>. A portion of the cartridge housing may also serve as the mouthpiece <NUM>, or a separate mouthpiece structure may be designed to be mounted in the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing may be made of a suitable material to protect the components inside the cartridge <NUM>.

Also, the cartridge housing may form an open lower end portion. The vibration transmission member <NUM> may be disposed in the vicinity of the open lower end portion. In this way, as the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the control main body <NUM>, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may come in close contact with the vibration member <NUM>. That is, when the cartridge <NUM> is mounted, the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> may form a structure in which the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> come in close contact with each other, and such a structure may maximize a vibration transmission area and minimize loss during vibration transmission, thus ensuring prompt aerosol generation and sufficient vapor production.

Next, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be disposed at one end of the aerosol generation device <NUM> or cartridge <NUM> and may come in contact with the oral region of the user to allow inhalation of the aerosol generated in the cartridge <NUM>. In other words, when the user holds the mouthpiece <NUM> in his or her mouth and inhales, the aerosol generated in the cartridge <NUM> may be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece <NUM>.

Next, the liquid reservoir <NUM> may store the liquid aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>. The liquid reservoir <NUM> may include a single storage space or a plurality of storage spaces. For example, the liquid reservoir <NUM> may include a plurality of storage spaces to separately store aerosol-forming substrates having different components or composition ratios.

Next, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may transmit the vibrations generated by the vibration member <NUM> to the liquid <NUM>. For example, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may transmit the vibrations generated by the vibration member <NUM> to the liquid <NUM> disposed nearby to vaporize the liquid <NUM>. The vibration transmission member <NUM> may also serve to prevent the liquid <NUM> from leaking in a downward direction (that is, a direction toward the control main body <NUM>).

The vibration transmission member <NUM> may be disposed in the vicinity of the open lower end portion of the cartridge <NUM> and may include a flat portion and have a shape that protrudes downward. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may include a flat lower surface <NUM> and an inclined surface <NUM> that allows the lower surface <NUM> to protrude downward. In this case, the flat lower surface <NUM> may easily come in close contact with the vibration member <NUM> as the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the control main body <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may be made of a material that facilitates vibration transmission and/or formed in a shape that facilitates vibration transmission. Specific materials and/or shapes thereof may vary according to an embodiment.

In some embodiments, a thickness of at least a portion (e.g., the lower surface) of the vibration transmission member <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably, in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> or about <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably, in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM> to <NUM>. Within such numerical ranges, loss may be minimized during vibration transmission, and suitable durability may also be secured. For example, in a case in which the thickness of the vibration transmission member <NUM> is too thick, vibrations may be absorbed by the vibration transmission member <NUM>, and in a case in which the thickness of the vibration transmission member <NUM> is too thin, a problem may occur in which the vibration transmission member <NUM> is easily damaged due to not securing suitable durability.

Also, in some embodiments, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may be made of a material having suitable strength (e.g., a hard material) such as a metal. For example, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel and aluminum. In this case, the absorption of vibrations by the vibration transmission member <NUM> may be minimized, and material deformation due to contact with the liquid <NUM> may also be minimized.

Also, in some embodiments, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may include a flat lower surface (e.g., <NUM>) and an inclined surface (e.g., <NUM>) that allows the lower surface (e.g., <NUM>) to protrude downward (see <FIG>), and an angle between the inclined surface (e.g., <NUM>) and a side perpendicular to the lower surface (that is, a direction in which the cartridge <NUM> is inserted) may be in a range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Preferably, the angle may be in a range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or about <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Within such numerical ranges, a close contact area between the lower surface (e.g., <NUM>) and the vibration member <NUM> may be sufficiently secured, vibration transmission may be concentrated toward the airflow tube <NUM> due to the angle of the inclined surface (e.g., <NUM>) and thus a vaporization rate may be increased, and vapor production may also be enhanced.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> may further include a fixing member <NUM> configured to fix an outer periphery of the vibration transmission member <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> may fix an outer periphery portion of the vibration transmission member <NUM> to allow a central portion (that is, a flat portion) of the vibration transmission member <NUM> to transmit vibrations well. Accordingly, the vaporization rate may be increased, and vapor production may be further enhanced. In addition, the fixing member <NUM> may serve to absorb vibrations which have reached the vibration transmission member <NUM> so that the vibrations are not transmitted to the outside of the aerosol generation device <NUM>. Therefore, preferably, the fixing member <NUM> may be made of a material, such as a silicone material, that is able to absorb vibrations and is hardly changed physically and chemically (e.g., a material which is not changed physically and chemically upon contact with a liquid). Also, the fixing member <NUM> may seal a gap between the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the cartridge housing to prevent the liquid <NUM> or aerosol from leaking downward.

A specific shape of the fixing member <NUM> and/or the number of fixing members <NUM> may be designed in various ways. For example, the fixing member <NUM> may be designed as a single ring that extends along a periphery of the vibration transmission member <NUM>, or a plurality of fixing members <NUM> may be designed to fix the outer periphery of the vibration transmission member <NUM>.

Also, in some embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> may further include a porous member <NUM> disposed to be spaced apart from the vibration transmission member <NUM>. Here, the porous member <NUM> may refer to a member including a plurality of holes <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Examples of the porous member <NUM> may include a perforated member (e.g., a perforated plate), a mesh member (e.g., a mesh plate), and the like but are not limited thereto. As illustrated in <FIG> and the like, the porous member <NUM> may be spaced apart from the vibration transmission member <NUM> and disposed in the vicinity of a lower end portion of the airflow tube <NUM>. In this case, the vibrations transmitted by the vibration transmission member <NUM> may push the liquid <NUM> between the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the porous member <NUM> in a direction toward the porous member <NUM>, and the pushed liquid <NUM> may be promptly vaporized by passing through the plurality of holes <NUM>. Accordingly, since an aerosol may be generated immediately upon a puff, a user's smoking satisfaction may be improved.

For example, the porous member <NUM> may be made of materials such as plastics, metals (e.g., stainless steel), and silicones. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Also, the shape of the porous member <NUM> and the size, separation distance, or the like of the holes <NUM> may be designed in various ways and may vary according to an embodiment.

In some embodiments, the size of the holes <NUM> (e.g., a diameter D in <FIG>) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably, in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. The size of the holes <NUM> is related to a particle size of an aerosol, and within the above numerical ranges, an aerosol having a suitable particle size may be generated, and sufficient vapor production may be ensured. For example, when the size of the holes <NUM> is too small, an aerosol may be generated in the form of very small particles that are not visible, and thus visible vapor production may be reduced. Also, vaporization may not be performed well, and thus the amount of generated aerosol itself may also decrease.

In some embodiments, the separation distance between the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the porous member <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably, in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM> to <NUM>. Within such numerical ranges, transfer of the liquid <NUM> and aerosol generation may smoothly occur. For example, when the separation distance is too large, vibrations transmitted by the vibration transmission member <NUM> may be absorbed into the liquid <NUM>, and vapor production may be reduced. Conversely, when the separation distance is too small, the transfer of the liquid <NUM> may not occur smoothly between the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the porous member <NUM>, and accordingly, vapor production may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the porous member <NUM> may be formed in a flat shape (e.g., plate shape) and have a thickness in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the thickness may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> or about <NUM> to <NUM>. Within such numerical ranges, aerosol generation may smoothly occur, the vaporization rate may be improved, and suitable durability may be secured. For example, in a case in which the porous member <NUM> has a suitable small thickness like the above-listed values, the porous member <NUM> may also vibrate due to the transmitted vibrations such that vaporization is accelerated, and a phenomenon in which a condensed aerosol is adhered to the hole <NUM> and blocks the hole <NUM> may be prevented. Accordingly, aerosol generation may more smoothly occur.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> may further include a heater (not illustrated). The heater may be disposed around the vibration transmission member <NUM> or porous member <NUM> to heat the liquid <NUM> so that vaporization by vibration is accelerated. The heater may operate as an auxiliary component to assist vaporization of the liquid <NUM>. For example, since the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> is a viscous liquid, it may be difficult to obtain satisfactory vaporization performance just by ultrasonic vibrations, and in this case, the vaporization performance of the aerosol generation device <NUM> may be improved through the heater (not illustrated). A heating temperature of the heater may be set to be much lower than a temperature of a heater of a typical heating-type aerosol generation device, and thus an increase in power consumption may be insignificant. The heater may be controlled by the controller <NUM> using various control methods.

For example, the controller <NUM> may increase the heating temperature of the heater every time a puff by the user is detected. Puff detection may be performed through an airflow sensor, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

As another example, the controller <NUM> may constantly maintain the heating temperature of the heater during smoking regardless of whether a puff by the user occurs. In this case, during smoking, the liquid <NUM> may maintain a state in which it is easily vaporized.

As still another example, the controller <NUM> may determine the heating temperature of the heater in response to a user input. For example, in a case in which the user selects a high level as a vapor production level, the controller <NUM> may increase the heating temperature of the heater, and in the opposite case, the controller <NUM> may decrease the heating temperature of the heater. In this case, vapor production may be provided according to the user's preferences, and thus the user's smoking satisfaction may be improved.

As yet another example, the controller <NUM> may analyze the user's puff pattern to determine the heating temperature of the heater. Here, the puff pattern may be defined on the basis of a puff length, a puff intensity, a puff interval, or the like but is not limited thereto. As a specific example, in a case in which the puff length or puff intensity is increased or the puff interval is shortened, the controller <NUM> may increase the heating temperature of the heater. This is because longer or stronger inhalation by the user during smoking is highly likely to mean that the user is not satisfied with vapor production. In the opposite case, the controller <NUM> may decrease the heating temperature of the heater. Also, in a case in which the puff interval, puff length, or puff intensity is determined as being constantly maintained, the controller <NUM> may constantly maintain the heating temperature of the heater.

As yet another example, the controller <NUM> may control the heater on the basis of various combinations of the examples described above.

The description of the components of the control main body <NUM> will be continued by referring back to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control main body <NUM> may include a main body housing <NUM>, the vibration member <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and the battery <NUM>. However, only the components relating to the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated in <FIG>. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that the control main body <NUM> may further include general-purpose components other than the components illustrated in <FIG>. Hereinafter, each component of the control main body <NUM> will be described.

The main body housing <NUM> may form an exterior of the control main body <NUM>. In some cases, the main body housing <NUM> may form an exterior of the aerosol generation device <NUM>. The main body housing <NUM> may be made of a suitable material to protect the components inside the control main body <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example in which the main body housing <NUM> forms a space in which the cartridge <NUM> may be inserted (mounted). However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cartridge <NUM> and the control main body <NUM> may also be coupled in other ways.

The descriptions of the controller <NUM> and the battery <NUM> will be omitted to avoid repeated description. Refer to the above descriptions relating to <FIG> for the descriptions of the controller <NUM> and the battery <NUM>.

The vibration member <NUM> may generate vibrations (ultrasonic vibrations) to vaporize the liquid aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>. For example, the vibration member <NUM> may be implemented as a piezoelectric element capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy and may generate vibrations according to control of the controller <NUM>. Since those of ordinary skill in the art should clearly understand the operation principle of the piezoelectric element, further description thereof will be omitted. The vibration member <NUM> may be electrically connected to the controller <NUM> and the battery <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the vibration member <NUM> may include a flat portion (e.g., a plate shape), and as the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the vibration member <NUM>, the flat portions of the vibration member <NUM> and the vibration transmission member <NUM> may come in close contact with each other (refer to the right side in <FIG>). In such a coupling structure, a vibration transmission area may be maximized, vibration loss may be minimized, and vapor production may be enhanced. Also, since the vibration member <NUM> is disposed in an open form (e.g., is open in the upward direction) at a portion where the vibration member <NUM> is coupled to the cartridge <NUM>, the vibration member <NUM> may come in close contact with the vibration transmission member <NUM> as the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the vibration member <NUM>. In this case, not only is it convenient and easy to clean the vibration member <NUM>, but also it is easy for the vibration member <NUM> to come in close contact with the vibration transmission member <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> is mounted. In some embodiments, a coupling gel may be applied between the vibration member <NUM> and the vibration transmission member <NUM>. In this case, ultrasonic vibrations may be transmitted without further loss to the liquid <NUM> through the vibration transmission member <NUM>.

Also, in some embodiments, a vibration frequency of the vibration member <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, or in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. Within such numerical ranges, an appropriate vaporization rate and vapor production may be ensured. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the control main body <NUM> may further include a fixing member <NUM> disposed to fix an outer periphery of the vibration member <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> may serve to protect the vibration member <NUM> and absorb vibrations so that vibrations generated by the vibration member <NUM> are not transmitted to the outside of the main body housing <NUM>. Therefore, preferably, the fixing member <NUM> may be made of a material, such as a silicone material, that is able to absorb vibrations. Also, the fixing member <NUM> may be made of a material that is waterproof or moisture-proof to seal a gap between the vibration member <NUM> and the main body housing <NUM>. In this case, it is possible to significantly reduce an occurrence of a problem in which a failure occurs in the control main body <NUM> due to a liquid (e.g., the liquid <NUM>) or a gas (e.g., an aerosol) leaking through the gap between the main body housing <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM>. For example, damage to the control main body <NUM> or a failure thereof due to moisture may be prevented.

A specific shape of the fixing member <NUM> and/or the number of fixing members <NUM> may be designed in various ways. For example, the fixing member <NUM> may be designed as a single ring that extends along a periphery of the vibration member <NUM>, or a plurality of fixing members <NUM> may be designed to fix the outer periphery of the vibration member <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an airflow path structure of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating an airflow path structure of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> also illustrates flows of air (e.g., outside air, an aerosol), which are generated when a puff occurs, using arrows of different shapes.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an airflow path through which outside air (see dotted arrows) enter from one side surface or both side surfaces of the aerosol generation device <NUM> to the vicinity of a lower portion of the airflow tube <NUM> where the porous member <NUM> is disposed may be formed. The introduced outside air may pass through the porous member <NUM> and be mixed with a vaporized aerosol. Due to puffs, the mixed outside air and aerosol may be moved in a direction toward the mouthpiece <NUM> along an airflow path inside the airflow tube <NUM>. In such an airflow path structure, the outside air and vaporized aerosol may be appropriately mixed in the airflow tube <NUM>, and thus a high-quality aerosol may be formed.

The detailed structure and operation principle of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to <FIG>. According to the above description, the vibration transmission member <NUM> disposed at the cartridge <NUM> side may transmit the vibrations generated by the vibration member <NUM> to the liquid <NUM> in order to allow an aerosol to be smoothly generated even when the vibration member <NUM> is disposed at the control main body <NUM> side. Also, as the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the control main body <NUM>, the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> may form a structure in which the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> come in close contact with each other. Accordingly, since the vibrations generated by the vibration member <NUM> may be transmitted without loss to the liquid <NUM> through the vibration transmission member <NUM>, a vaporization rate and vapor production may be improved. Also, since the porous member <NUM> including a plurality of holes is disposed at a position properly spaced apart from the vibration transmission member <NUM>, it is possible to ensure immediate aerosol generation upon a puff.

Hereinafter, a control method of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG> and so on. The control method, which will be described below, may be performed by the controller <NUM> of the aerosol generation device <NUM>. Therefore, in the following description, when the subject of a specific operation is omitted, the specific operation may be understood as being performed by the controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the control method of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control method may start with monitoring the temperature of the vibration member <NUM> (S10). In this step, a specific method in which the controller <NUM> monitors the temperature of the vibration member <NUM> may vary according to an embodiment.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, a temperature sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the vicinity of the vibration member <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may measure and monitor the temperature of the vibration member <NUM> through the temperature sensor <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may measure the temperature of the vibration member <NUM> using a temperature coefficient of resistance. For example, the controller <NUM> may measure and monitor the temperature of the vibration member <NUM> using a degree of change in a resistor connected to the vibration member <NUM> and a temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistor.

In step S20, the controller <NUM> may, on the basis of a result of monitoring the temperature of the vibration member <NUM>, estimate a degree of consumption of the liquid or control the operation of the vibration member <NUM>. However, a specific estimation method or control method may vary according to an embodiment.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may estimate the degree of consumption of the liquid <NUM> on the basis of the measured temperature of the vibration member <NUM> or the temperature change rate thereof. For example, in a case in which the measured temperature of the vibration member <NUM> or the temperature change rate thereof is a threshold value or more, the controller <NUM> may estimate the liquid <NUM> as having been exhausted. This is because, when the liquid <NUM> is exhausted, the vibration member <NUM> operates without a target to which vibrations are transmitted, and thus the temperature of the vibration member <NUM> may rapidly increase instantaneously.

Also, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may estimate the degree of consumption of the liquid <NUM> on the basis of a temperature change pattern of the vibration member <NUM>. Here, for example, the temperature change pattern may be defined on the basis of a temperature change rate, an increasing/decreasing trend, a duration of a specific temperature (e.g., a duration of a high temperature), and the like but is not limited thereto. For example, in a case in which an increasing trend continues at a temperature change rate of a reference value or more (or a temperature of a threshold value or more lasts for a predetermined amount of time), the controller <NUM> may estimate the liquid <NUM> as having been exhausted. As another example, in a case in which the temperature increases at the temperature change rate of the reference value or more and then shows a decreasing trend (or the temperature of the threshold value or more does not last for the predetermined amount of time), the controller <NUM> may estimate the liquid <NUM> as not having been exhausted. This is because, in a case in which a high temperature does not last for a predetermined amount of time or more, a temporary liquid transfer failure is highly likely to have occurred.

Also, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may estimate the degree of consumption of the liquid <NUM> further on the basis of a user's puff information. Here, for example, the puff information may include a puff number, a puff intensity, a puff length, or the like but is not limited thereto. More specifically, the controller <NUM> may predict a use amount of the liquid <NUM> on the basis of the puff information and may estimate the degree of consumption of the liquid <NUM> in further consideration of the predicted use amount. For example, the controller <NUM> may predict the use amount of the liquid <NUM> to be larger as the puff intensity is higher, the puff length is longer, and the puff number is larger. Also, in a case in which a difference between the predicted use amount and the capacity of the cartridge <NUM> is a reference value or more, the controller <NUM> may estimate the liquid <NUM> as not having been exhausted even when the measured temperature of the vibration member <NUM> or the temperature change rate thereof is the threshold value or more. In this case, the controller <NUM> may determine that an abnormal high temperature phenomenon has occurred in the vibration member <NUM> due to other reasons (e.g., a defective coupling state of the cartridge <NUM>) and may provide a message which informs the abnormal high temperature phenomenon in a form recognizable by the user. Here, the form recognizable by the user may include any form that is visually recognizable (e.g., displaying on a display, flickering of a light emitting diode (LED), etc.), aurally recognizable (e.g., voice, sound effects, etc.), or tactually recognizable (e.g., vibration, etc.).

Also, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may control the operation of the vibration member <NUM> on the basis of the measured temperature of the vibration member <NUM> or the temperature change rate thereof. For example, in response to determining that the measured temperature or temperature change rate is a threshold value or more, the controller <NUM> may stop the operation of the vibration member <NUM>. In this case, it is possible to prevent damage to the vibration member <NUM> due to high temperature.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may control the operation of the vibration member <NUM> on the basis of the temperature change pattern of the vibration member <NUM>. For example, in a case in which an increasing trend continues at a temperature change rate of a reference value or more (or a temperature of a threshold value or more lasts for a predetermined amount of time), the controller <NUM> may stop the operation of the vibration member <NUM>. This is because, in this case, the liquid <NUM> is highly likely to have been exhausted, and thus, when the vibration member <NUM> continues to operate, the vibration member <NUM> may be damaged. As another example, in a case in which the temperature increases at the temperature change rate of the reference value or more and then shows a decreasing trend (or the temperature of the threshold value or more does not last for the predetermined amount of time), the controller <NUM> may maintain the operation of the vibration member <NUM> without change. This is because, in this case, a temporary liquid transfer failure is highly likely to have occurred, and the temperature of the vibration member <NUM> should decrease when the liquid is smoothly transferred again.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> and control the operation of the vibration member <NUM> on the basis of whether the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> are in close contact. For example, in a case in which the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> are determined as not being in close contact (e.g., the coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> is defective or the cartridge <NUM> is not mounted), the controller <NUM> may stop the operation of the vibration member <NUM>. This is because, when the vibration member <NUM> operates without a target to which vibrations are transmitted, vibrational energy may be directly converted into thermal energy, and thus the vibration member <NUM> may be damaged. In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> are in close contact and recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> on the basis of whether electrical conduction occurs between the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> or using a piezoelectric phenomenon of the vibration member <NUM>. This will be described in detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The control method of the ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to <FIG>. According to the method described above, the operation of the vibration member <NUM> may be controlled on the basis of a result of monitoring the temperature of the vibration member <NUM>. For example, in a case in which the temperature change rate or measured temperature is a threshold value or more, the operation of the vibration member <NUM> may be stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a change in characteristics of the vibration member <NUM> or physical damage thereto due to high temperature. Also, the degree of consumption of the liquid may be estimated on the basis of a result of monitoring the temperature of the vibration member <NUM>. For example, in a case in which the temperature change rate is a threshold value or more, the liquid may be estimated as having been exhausted. Accordingly, the degree of consumption of the liquid may be accurately determined without an additional component (e.g., sensor) for measuring a residual amount of liquid.

Hereinafter, a cartridge recognition method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an exemplary view for describing a cartridge recognition method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> may be made of an electrical conductor. Also, each of the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> may be electrically connected to the controller <NUM>. For example, the vibration transmission member <NUM> may be configured to be electrically connected to the controller <NUM> as the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the control main body <NUM>.

Then, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> are in close contact on the basis of whether electrical conduction occurs between the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM>. Specifically, as illustrated, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the vibration transmission member <NUM> and the vibration member <NUM> are in close contact by applying a predetermined test current C to the vibration member <NUM> and checking whether the applied test current C flows through the vibration member <NUM> and the vibration transmission member <NUM> (that is, whether electrical conduction occurs). This is because electrical conduction should occur only when the vibration member <NUM> and the vibration transmission member <NUM> are in close contact.

Also, when the vibration member <NUM> and the vibration transmission member <NUM> are determined as being in close contact, the controller <NUM> may recognize the cartridge <NUM> as being coupled to the control main body <NUM>. That is, when the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the control main body <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may recognize the coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> using the fact that the two members <NUM> and <NUM> come in close contact when the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the control main body <NUM>.

Also, in a case in which the vibration member <NUM> and the vibration transmission member <NUM> are determined as having been detached after coming in close contact with each other, the controller <NUM> may recognize the cartridge <NUM> as having been removed from the control main body <NUM>. In this case, the controller <NUM> may automatically stop the operation of the vibration member <NUM>. This is because, when the vibration member <NUM> solely operates without a target to which vibrations are transmitted, a considerable amount of heat may be generated and cause damage to the expensive vibration member <NUM>, or the control main body <NUM> may become hot and cause a user to get burned.

Meanwhile, the controller <NUM> may periodically or non-periodically determine whether the two members <NUM> and <NUM> are in close contact. For example, the controller <NUM> may automatically determine whether the two members <NUM> and <NUM> are in close contact according to a predetermined cycle to automatically recognize mounting of the cartridge <NUM>. As another example, the controller <NUM> may periodically determine whether the two members <NUM> and <NUM> are in close contact during operation (e.g., smoking) of the aerosol generation device <NUM> to monitor a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM>. As still another example, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the two members <NUM> and <NUM> are in close contact and recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> in a case in which a designated user input (e.g., power on, operation request, etc.) is received. Also, in a case in which the cartridge <NUM> is recognized as being in a non-coupled state, the controller <NUM> may provide a message which informs the recognized result (e.g., an error message that informs of the non-coupling of the cartridge) in the form recognizable by the user.

Next, <FIG> is an exemplary view for describing a cartridge recognition method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to <FIG>.

In the present embodiment, the vibration member <NUM> may be implemented on the basis of a piezoelectric element, and the controller <NUM> may use a piezoelectric phenomenon of the vibration member <NUM> to recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM>. That is, the controller <NUM> may recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> on the basis of an operation principle of the piezoelectric element that is capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy and mechanical energy into electrical energy.

More specifically, as illustrated, when the cartridge <NUM> is mounted on the control main body <NUM>, as the lower end portion of the cartridge <NUM> comes in close contact with the vibration member <NUM>, a pressure P may be applied to the vibration member <NUM>. For example, the pressure P may be applied to the vibration member <NUM> as the vibration transmission member <NUM>, which is disposed in the vicinity of the open lower end portion of the cartridge <NUM> and protrudes downward, comes in close contact with the vibration member <NUM>. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above example, and the cartridge <NUM> may also be designed so that a portion other than the vibration transmission member <NUM> applies the pressure P to the vibration member <NUM>. When the pressure P is applied to the vibration member <NUM>, due to the piezoelectric phenomenon, a voltage (that is, electrical energy) may be generated in the vibration member <NUM>. Therefore, the controller <NUM> may measure the voltage (or power) generated in the vibration member <NUM> to recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> (e.g., whether the cartridge <NUM> is coupled, a degree of coupling of the cartridge <NUM>, etc.).

In order to recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may include a measurement device <NUM> configured to measure a voltage (or power). Here, the measurement device <NUM> may be implemented using a circuit element such as a voltmeter or may be implemented in other ways. The measurement device <NUM> may be implemented in any way as long as the measurement device <NUM> is able to measure a voltage (or power) generated in the vibration member <NUM>.

In response to determining that a voltage measured through the measurement device <NUM> is a reference value or more, the controller <NUM> may recognize the cartridge <NUM> as being coupled to the control main body <NUM>. Here, the reference value may be a predetermined fixed value or a variation value that varies according to situations. For example, the reference value may be a fixed value that is experimentally determined through a cartridge mounting experiment. As another example, the reference value may be a variation value that is adjusted on the basis of a size of a voltage previously generated when the cartridge was coupled (mounted). For example, the controller <NUM> may increase or decrease an experimentally determined voltage value on the basis of the size of a voltage generated upon coupling of the cartridge, thereby updating the reference value. Also, the reference value may be set as a single value or set as a range of values. In a case in which the reference value is set as a range of values, in response to determining that a measured voltage is within the set range, the controller <NUM> may recognize the cartridge <NUM> as being coupled to the control main body <NUM>.

Conversely, in response to determining that a measured voltage is less than the reference value, the controller <NUM> may recognize the cartridge <NUM> as not being coupled to the control main body <NUM> (or as having been removed therefrom).

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> also on the basis of a duration of a generated voltage in addition to the size of the voltage. For example, the controller <NUM> may determine the cartridge <NUM> as being coupled only when a measured voltage size is a reference value or more and the voltage has been generated for a predetermined amount of time or more. In this case, it is possible to address a problem in which the controller <NUM> mistakenly recognizes a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> due to a voltage generated upon momentary contact of a specific object (e.g., a finger, an iron rod) with the vibration member <NUM>.

Also, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may distinguish and recognize the type of cartridge <NUM> on the basis of a measured voltage size. Specifically, a degree to which pressure is applied to the vibration member <NUM> upon mounting of the cartridge <NUM> may be designed to vary according to the type of the cartridge <NUM>. For example, a degree to which the vibration transmission member <NUM> protrudes downward may be designed to vary according to the type of the cartridge <NUM>. In this case, the controller <NUM> may recognize the coupled cartridge <NUM> as a first type of cartridge in a case in which a measured voltage is a first reference value or more and may recognize the coupled cartridge <NUM> as a second type of cartridge in a case in which a measured voltage is higher than or equal to a second reference value which is higher than the first reference value. According to the present embodiment, the controller <NUM> may accurately recognize a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> and even the type of the cartridge <NUM> without an additional cartridge recognition sensor.

The cartridge recognition methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to <FIG>. According to the above description, a coupling state of the cartridge <NUM> may be recognized using the piezoelectric phenomenon of the vibration member <NUM> or whether electrical conduction occurs, and thus there is no need to adopt an additional sensor. Accordingly, manufacturing costs of the aerosol generation device <NUM> may be reduced, and the complexity of an internal structure of the aerosol generation device <NUM> may be further reduced.

The present disclosure described above with reference to <FIG> may be implemented with computer-readable code on computer-readable recording media. Examples of the computer-readable recording media may include removable recording media (a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-Ray disk, a universal serial bus (USB) storage device, a removable hard disk) or non-removable recording media (a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a built-in hard disk). Computer programs recorded in the computer-readable recording media may be sent to other computing devices through a network, such as the Internet, and installed in the other computing devices so as to be used in the other computing devices.

Claim 1:
An ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device (<NUM>) comprising:
a replaceable cartridge (<NUM>) which is configured to store a liquid aerosol-forming substrate (<NUM>); and
a control main body (<NUM>) which includes a controller (<NUM>) and a vibration member(<NUM>), which is configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to vaporize the stored aerosol-forming substrate (<NUM>), and is configured to be coupled to the cartridge (<NUM>),
wherein the controller (<NUM>) monitors a temperature of the vibration member (<NUM>) and controls operation of the vibration member (<NUM>) on the basis of a monitoring result,
characterized by
further comprising a vibration transmission member (<NUM>) configured to transmit the generated ultrasonic vibrations to the stored aerosol-forming substrate (<NUM>),
wherein, as the cartridge (<NUM>) is coupled to the control main body (<NUM>), the vibration transmission member (<NUM>) comes in close contact with the vibration member (<NUM>).