Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment comprises: a body having a first switch-on terminal provided on a bottom surface thereof; and a battery having a first battery terminal connected to the first on terminal on a first surface of the battery facing the bottom surface, the battery being detachably coupled to the body, the battery having a cross-sectional shape that coincides with the cross-sectional shape of the body and extending in the longitudinal direction of the body, the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating device is formed together with the body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device including a detachable battery which forms an appearance of the aerosol generating device together with a body. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, there is an increasing demand for a smoking method that replaces a general cigarette. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article within a cigarette rather than burning the cigarette. Accordingly, research into a heating-type cigarette or a heating-type aerosol generating device is actively ongoing.

[0003] An aerosol generating device can receive power from a battery for overall operation of the device and heating of a heater. Recently, in order to improve the global environment, there is a tendency to require environmental friendliness and safety throughout a life cycle from generation to recycling of electronic devices including a battery. SUMMARY

[0004] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION An object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device which does not affect a user's grip feeling and includes a battery having various capacities.

[0005] The technical problems to be solved by the above-described embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those of ordinary skill in the art will clearly understand from the present disclosure and the attached drawings that the problems not mentioned are obvious.

[0006] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a body in which a first on terminal is provided at a bottom surface of the body, and a battery in which a first battery terminal connected to the first on terminal is provided at a first surface of the battery facing the bottom surface, the battery being detachably coupled with the body, the battery having a cross-sectional shape identical to that of the body and extending in a length direction of the body to form an outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating device together with the body.

[0007] EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a detachable battery formed in the same cross-sectional shape as that of a body and extending in a length direction, and thus a battery having various capacities without affecting a user's grip feeling can be provided.

[0008] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those of ordinary skill in the art will clearly understand from the present specification and the attached drawings that the effects not mentioned are obvious. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware structure of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figures 2a to 2e is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 .

[0011] Figures 3a to 3d is a diagram for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figures 4a to 4c is a diagram for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to other embodiments.

[0013] Figures 5a to 5d is a diagram for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to still other embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a plurality of batteries and a power management part.

[0015] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a power management part according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a power management part according to an embodiment in which both batteries are connected to the body and the difference in voltage between the two batteries is above a preset threshold value.

[0017] Figure 10a and Figure 10b is a diagram for explaining the operation of a power management part according to an embodiment in which both batteries are connected to the body and the difference in voltage between the two batteries does not reach a preset threshold value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] With respect to the terms used in various embodiments, common general terms used currently and having the same meaning are selected in consideration of functions in the specification, but the meaning of the terms can be changed according to intentions of a person skilled in the art, the judgment of a judicial case, the appearance of new technologies, and the like. In addition, in a certain case, a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant is also used in the specification. Thus, the meaning of the terms should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the description provided herein.

[0019] Throughout the specification, a certain part "comprises" a certain component means that the part can further include other components, unless otherwise specified, rather than excluding other components. Also, the terms "unit", "module" described in the specification mean a unit for processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so as to be easily practiced by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains. However, the present application can be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described in the specification.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware structure of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 , the aerosol-generating device 300 can include a removable battery 110, a heater 120, a main processor 130, a user interface 140, a main memory 150, a sensor 160, and a power management unit 170. However, the hardware structural elements inside the aerosol-generating device 300 are not limited to those shown in Figure 1 , those skilled in the art can understand that some of the hardware structures shown in Figure 1 may be omitted, or new structures (e.g., a connection port, other communication modules, etc.) can be further added, according to the design of the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0024] Hereinafter, the space in which each structure included in the aerosol-generating device 300 is located is not limited, and the operation of each structure will be described.

[0025] The removable battery 110 supplies power required for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 300. For example, the removable battery 110 can supply power so that the heater 120 can be heated. In addition, the removable battery 110 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware structures (i.e., the heater 120, the main processor 130, the user interface 140, the main memory 150, the sensor 160, or the power management unit 170) provided inside the aerosol-generating device 300. For example, the removable battery 110 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0026] The detachable battery 110, which is a replaceable type (separable type) power supply, can be mounted to or removed from a battery accommodation portion provided inside the aerosol generating device 300. The detachable battery 110 is provided with an electrical contact portion, and when the detachable battery 110 is mounted to the aerosol generating device 300, the electrical contact portion of the detachable battery 110 is electrically connected to an electrical contact portion provided on the aerosol generating device 300, thereby enabling power supply to the aerosol generating device 300. As another example, the detachable battery 110 can also be provided with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generating device 300 in a wireless charging manner instead of a separate electrical contact portion. That is, the power supply method of the detachable battery 110 can be various, and the electrical connection method between the detachable battery 110 and the aerosol generating device 300 can also change according to the power supply method supported by the detachable battery 110.

[0027] The detachable battery 110 can have a charger interface capable of being connected to an external charger. Power for charging the detachable battery 110 can be supplied to the detachable battery 110 through the charger interface. The detachable battery 110 can be charged by an external charger in a state of being combined with the aerosol generating device 300 or a state of being uninstalled from the aerosol generating device 300.

[0028] The detachable battery 110 can include at least one battery cell. The battery cell can be formed in a cylindrical shape with electrodes different from each other at both ends in a length direction. However, the shape of the battery cell is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell can also be formed in a square shape or a pouch shape.

[0029] The heater 120 receives power from the detachable battery 110 under the control of the main processor 130. The heater 120 can heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device 300 or a cartridge installed in the aerosol generating device 300 using the power received from the detachable battery 110. That is, the heater 120 can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material provided in the cigarette or the cartridge.

[0030] The heater 120 can be provided to a body of the aerosol generating device 300. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 300 is configured of a body and a cartridge, the heater 120 can be provided to the cartridge. When the heater 120 is provided to the cartridge, the heater 120 can receive power from the detachable battery 110 provided to the body.

[0031] The heater 120 can be implemented by a heater of a resistance heating method formed of a resistance material. For example, the resistance material can be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but is not limited thereto. The heater 120 can be implemented by a metal heating plate configured with a metal heating wire, a conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0032] The heater 120 can also be implemented by a heater of an induction heating method. The heater 120 can correspond to a heater assembly implemented by a combination of a conductive coil and a susceptor for heating a cigarette and a cartridge by an induction heating method.

[0033] The heater 120 can heat a cigarette inserted into an accommodation space provided in the aerosol generating device 300. As the cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 300, the heater 120 can be located inside and / or outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heater 120 can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

[0034] In addition, the heater 120 can also be implemented by a coil heater provided only in the cartridge. The cartridge includes a coil heater, a liquid transfer device, and a liquid storage portion, can transport an aerosol generating material accommodated in the liquid storage portion through the liquid transfer device, and the coil heater heats the aerosol generating material drawn into the liquid transfer device, so that an aerosol can be generated. For example, when the heater 120 is a coil heater, it can be made of a material such as nichrome, and can be wound around or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer device.

[0035] The main processor 130 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 300. The main processor 130 can include at least one processor unit, such as a micro controller unit (MCU). The main processor 130 can be implemented by an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware as long as it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment belongs.

[0036] The main processor 130 analyzes the result sensed by the sensor 160 and can control a process to be performed subsequently based on the sensed result. According to an embodiment, the main processor 130 can determine a combination manner between the battery cells based on the result sensed by the sensor 160. For example, the sensor 160 can be a humidity sensing sensor. At this time, the humidity sensing sensor can be any one of a resistive type, a capacitive type, and an optical type. The main processor 130 can determine whether a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device 300 is a general cigarette having a water content not reaching a preset critical value or a wet cigarette having a water content above the preset critical value using the humidity sensing sensor. In a case where a plurality of battery cells are installed in the detachable battery 110, when it is sensed that the inserted cigarette is a general cigarette, the main processor 130 can connect the plurality of battery cells in parallel, and when it is sensed that the inserted cigarette is a wet cigarette, the main processor 130 can connect the plurality of battery cells in series.

[0037] However, a manner of determining the combination manner of the plurality of battery cells installed in the detachable battery 110 is not limited thereto. For example, when it is sensed that the plurality of battery cells are installed in the detachable battery 110, the user interface 140 can display information confirming whether the plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel on the display. The user of the aerosol generating device 300 can also determine the combination manner of the plurality of battery cells installed in the detachable battery 110 through a response message.

[0038] The main processor 130 analyzes the result sensed by the sensor 160 and can control a process to be performed subsequently based on the sensed result. For example, the main processor 130 can control power supplied to the heater 120 based on the result sensed by the sensor 160 to start or end the operation of the heater 120. In addition, the main processor 130 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 120 and the power supply time based on the result sensed by the sensor 160 to heat the heater 120 to a predetermined temperature or maintain the heater 120 at an appropriate temperature.

[0039] The main processor 130 can control the operation of the heater 120 based on a pre-stored temperature profile. In addition, the main processor 130 can control the temperature of the heater 120 after sensing a puff of a user using a puff sensor within the sensor 160. In addition, after counting the number of puffs using the puff sensor, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the main processor 130 can stop supplying power to the heater 120.

[0040] The main processor 130 can also control the user interface 140 based on the sensed result. For example, after counting the number of puffs using the puff sensor, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the main processor 130 can use a light fixture, a motor, or a speaker to notify the user in advance that the aerosol generating device 300 will soon be turned off.

[0041] In addition, the main processor 130 can determine a heating pattern of the heater 120 based on the number of the plurality of battery cells included in the detachable battery 110 and a connection method between the plurality of battery cells.

[0042] The user interface 140 can provide information on the state of the aerosol generating device 300 to the user. The user interface 140 can include various interface units, such as a display or a lamp that outputs visual information (UI screen), a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs audio information, an input / output (I / O) interface unit (e.g., a button or a touch screen) that receives a user input or outputs information to the user, and a terminal for receiving charging power, etc.

[0043] The main memory 150, which is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 300, can store data processed by the main processor 130 and data to be processed. The main memory 150 can be implemented in various types such as a random access memory (RAM) such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0044] The main memory 150 can store various information such as an action time of the aerosol generating device 300, a maximum number of puffs, a temperature profile, smoking information of a user, information for battery authentication, etc.

[0045] The power management part 170 can change the combination method between the plurality of battery cells mounted to the detachable battery 110 based on the control of the main processor 130, and thus can change the output level and the capacity of the detachable battery 110. More specific contents will be carefully explained below through FIGS. 3 to Figure 7

[0046] In addition, Figure 1 ​Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device 300 can also form an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the removable battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 300 while storing the aerosol generating device 300. That is, the cradle can be a dedicated device used only for the aerosol generating device 300, where power is received from the battery in the cradle to charge the removable battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 300 while the aerosol generating device 300 is housed within the cradle's internal storage space.

[0047] Figures 2a to 2e This demonstrates implementations in multiple types. Figure 1 A diagram of an embodiment of an aerosol generating apparatus. (Refer to...) Figures 2a to 2e The aerosol generating device 300 can be implemented as various types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) that utilize resistance heating, induction heating, a method with an additional vaporizer, or a smoke cartridge. Figures 2a to 2e Only a portion of the elements used to illustrate the types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) are shown, excluding... Figures 2a to 2e Other general elements besides those shown are also included in the aerosol generating apparatus (200a to 200e).

[0048] exist Figures 2a to 2e In this context, the removable battery 110, heaters (120a to 120e), and main processor 130 are respectively connected to... Figure 1 The removable battery 110, heater 120, and main processor 130, corresponding to these components, can perform previously... Figure 1 The functions of the removable battery 110, heater 120, and main processor 130 are explained in the text.

[0049] Figure 2a This is a diagram illustrating a resistive aerosol generating apparatus 200a according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating apparatus 200a may be a type of aerosol generating apparatus 300.

[0050] Reference Figure 2a The aerosol generating device 200a may include a removable battery 110, a heater 120a, and a main processor 130.

[0051] A cigarette 20a can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 200a. When the cigarette 20a is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200a, the aerosol generating device 200a can heat the cigarette 20a using a heater 120a, thereby generating an aerosol from the cigarette 20a. The generated aerosol passes through the cigarette 20a and is delivered to the user, allowing the user to inhale the cigarette 20a.

[0052] The heater 120a can be heated by power received from the detachable battery 110. The heater 120a can be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 120a includes an electrically conductive track, and as current flows on the electrically conductive track, the heater 120a can be heated.

[0053] The electrically conductive track of the heater 120a is made of a resistive material, and the heating temperature can be determined according to power consumption of the resistance, and the resistance value of the electrically conductive track can be set based on the power consumption of the resistance of the electrically conductive track. The resistance value of the electrically conductive track can be differently set according to a constituent substance, length, width, thickness, or pattern, etc. of the resistive material.

[0054] According to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristic, the size of the resistance inside the electrically conductive track can increase as the temperature rises. For example, in a predetermined temperature range, the temperature of the electrically conductive track can be proportional to the size of the resistance. Using the above principle, the heater 120a made of the electrically conductive track can heat the cigarette 20a in a resistive manner.

[0055] The electrically conductive track can be made of tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. In addition, the electrically conductive track can be doped with an appropriate dopant, and can include an alloy.

[0056] The heater 120a can be made in various shapes such as a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, or a rod shape, etc. In addition, a plurality of heaters 120a can be further provided. The heater 120a can be used in an internal heating method in which the heater 120a is inserted into the inside of the cigarette 20a and heats the inside of the cigarette 20a.

[0057] The detachable battery 110 can be mounted to or separated from the aerosol generating device 200a, and when the detachable battery 110 is mounted to the aerosol generating device 200a, in order to make the heater 120d perform a heating operation, power can be supplied from the detachable battery 110 to the heater 120a to control the temperature of the electrically conductive track.

[0058] The main processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120a by controlling the power supplied to the heater 120a. For example, the main processor 130 can control the temperature of the cigarette 20a heated by the heater 120a according to a temperature profile.

[0059] Figure 2b and Figure 2c are diagrams for explaining aerosol generating devices 200b, 200c additionally provided with vaporizers 125b, 125c according to exemplary embodiments. The aerosol generating devices 200b, 200c can each be one type of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2b andFigure 2c The aerosol-generating device 200b, 200c can further include a vaporizer 125b, 125c. The cigarette 20b, 20c can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol-generating device 200b, 200c.

[0061] Figure 2b The vaporizer 125b and the heater 120b are shown to be arranged in a line. However, Figure 2c The vaporizer 125c and the heater 120c are shown to be arranged in parallel. That is, the aerosol-generating device 200b, 200c can be distinguished according to the arrangement of the vaporizer 125b.

[0062] The heaters 120b, 120c can be heated by power supplied by the detachable battery 110. The heaters 120b, 120c, as electric resistance heaters, can include, for example, an electrically conductive track.

[0063] Unlike the heater 120a described in the Figure 2a Figure 2b The heaters 120b, 120c of the Figure 2c The heaters 120b, 120c of the

[0064] The vaporizers 125b, 125c can generate aerosols by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosols can be delivered to a user through the cigarette 20b, 20c. That is, the aerosols generated by the vaporizers 125b, 125c can move along an air flow path of the aerosol-generating device 200b, 200c, which can be configured to enable the aerosols generated by the vaporizers 125b, 125c to pass through the cigarette 20b, 20c and be delivered to the user.

[0065] The vaporizers 125b, 125c can include a liquid storage, a liquid delivery device, and a heating component (or vaporization element). However, the liquid storage, the liquid delivery device, and the heating component can each be arranged at other positions within the aerosol-generating device 300 as independent modules, rather than being arranged inside the vaporizers 125b, 125c.

[0066] ​The liquid storage portion can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or can be a liquid including a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage portion can also be manufactured to be detachable from or mountable to the vaporizer 125b, 125c, or can be integrally manufactured with the vaporizer 125b, 125c. For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a spice, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. In addition, the liquid composition can include an aerosol former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0067] The liquid transfer device can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage portion to the heating member. For example, the liquid transfer device can be a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, a porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The heating member provided in the vaporizer 125b, 125c is an element for heating (vaporizing) the liquid composition transferred through the liquid transfer device. For example, the heating member can be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating member can be configured of an electrically conductive heating wire such as a nichrome wire, and can be configured to be wound around the structure of the liquid transfer device. The heating member can be heated by power supply, and can heat the liquid composition by transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating member. As a result, an aerosol can be generated. Accordingly, the vaporizer 125b, 125c can also be referred to as other terms such as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0069] The detachable battery 110 can be mounted to or separated from the aerosol generating device 200b, 200c, and when the detachable battery 110 is mounted to the aerosol generating device 200b, 200c, the detachable battery 110 can supply power to the heater 120b, 120c and the vaporizer 125b, 125c to cause the heater 120b, 120c and the vaporizer 125b, 125c to perform a heating operation.

[0070] The main processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120b, 120c and the vaporizer 125b, 125c by controlling the power supplied to the heater 120b, 120c and the vaporizer 125b, 125c. For example, the main processor 130 can control the temperature at which the cigarette 20b, 20c is heated by the heater 120b, 120c and the vaporizer 125b, 125c according to a temperature profile.

[0071] Figure 2dis a diagram for explaining an aerosol generating device 200d of an induction heating method according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating device 200d can be a type of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0072] Referring to Figure 2d , the aerosol generating device 200d can include a heater 120d including a coil 121d and a susceptor 122d, a detachable battery 110, and a main processor 130.

[0073] The aerosol generating device 200d can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette 20d accommodated in the aerosol generating device 200d in an induction heating method. The induction heating method can refer to a method of heating a magnetic body that heats by an external magnetic field by applying an alternating magnetic field that periodically changes direction to the magnetic body. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 200d can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying the alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can heat the cigarette 20d by transferring the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the cigarette. Among them, the magnetic body that heats by the external magnetic field can be the susceptor 122d. The susceptor 122d can be provided to the aerosol generating device 200d. In addition, the susceptor 122d can not be provided to the aerosol generating device 200d, but can be provided inside the cigarette 20d in the shape of a piece, a sheet, a strip, or the like.

[0074] The susceptor 122d can be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the substance of the susceptor 122d can include a metal or carbon. The substance of the susceptor 122d can include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum. In addition, the substance of the susceptor 122d can include at least one of graphite, a ceramic material such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0075] The aerosol generating device 200d can accommodate the cigarette 20d. The aerosol generating device 200d can form a space for accommodating the cigarette 20d. The circumference of the space accommodating the cigarette 20d can be configured with the susceptor 122d. For example, the susceptor 122d can have a cylindrical shape surrounding the outside of the cigarette 20d. Accordingly, when the cigarette 20d is accommodated in the aerosol generating device 200d, the cigarette 20d can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the susceptor 122d, and the susceptor 122d can be configured at a position surrounding at least a portion of the outer side surface of the cigarette 20d. However, the shape of the susceptor 122d is not limited thereto, and can be more various.

[0076] As for the heater 120d of the induction heating method, the heater 120d can heat the cigarette 20d accommodated in the aerosol generating device 200d using the susceptor 122d that generates heat by the external magnetic field generated by the coil 121d.

[0077] The coil 121d can be wound along the outer side surface of the susceptor 122d to apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122d. When the aerosol generating device 200d supplies power to the coil 121d, a magnetic field can be formed in the inner region of the coil 121d. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 121d, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 121d can continuously change. When the susceptor 122d is located inside the coil 121d and exposed to the alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes, the susceptor 122d can generate heat, and the cigarette accommodated in the susceptor 122d can be heated. The shape of the coil 121d can be a cylindrical shape wound in the length direction of the cigarette 20d, but is not limited thereto, and can be implemented in various types, for example, a planar coil, etc.

[0078] The detachable battery 110 can be mounted to or separated from the aerosol generating device 200d, and when the detachable battery 110 is mounted to the aerosol generating device 200d, for example, power can be supplied to the coil 121d for the heater 120d to perform a heating operation.

[0079] The main processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120d by controlling the power supplied to the coil 121d. For example, the main processor 130 can adjust the strength of the magnetic field induced by the coil 121d according to a temperature profile, thereby controlling the temperature of the cigarette 20d heated by the induction heating of the susceptor 122d.

[0080] Figure 2e FIG. 1 is a view for explaining an aerosol generating device 200 provided with a replaceable cartridge 210 containing an aerosol generating material 20 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0081] Figure 2eThe aerosol generating device 200e according to an embodiment can include a cartridge 210e containing an aerosol generating material 20e, and a body 220e supporting the cartridge 210e. The aerosol generating device 200e can be Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 300 according to an embodiment can be one type of the aerosol generating device 200e according to an embodiment. Figure 1 The hardware structure included in the aerosol generating device 300 according to an embodiment can be respectively provided in the body 220e and the cartridge 210e.

[0082] The cartridge 210e can be combined with the body 220e in a state in which the cartridge 210e internally contains the aerosol generating material 20e. A portion of the cartridge 210e can be inserted into a receptacle of the body 210, thereby allowing the cartridge 210e to be mounted to the body 210.

[0083] The cartridge 210e can contain the aerosol generating material 20e in a liquid form, but is not limited thereto and can contain the aerosol generating material 20e in any one of a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state, etc. For example, the liquid form can be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or can be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0084] The heater 120e provided in the cartridge 210e performs a heating operation by means of an electrical signal or a wireless signal, etc. transmitted from the body 220e. Accordingly, the aerosol generating material 20e inside the cartridge 210e is vaporized due to the heating of the heater 120e, and thus an aerosol can be generated.

[0085] The heater 120e generates heat by resistance, and in order to heat the aerosol generating material transferred to the liquid transfer device, can be implemented by a conductive wire of a metal material such as copper, nickel, tungsten, etc. or a ceramic heating element, and can be wound around the liquid transfer device or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer device.

[0086] The detachable battery 110 can be mounted to or separated from the aerosol generating device 200e, and when the detachable battery 110 is mounted to the aerosol generating device 200e, the detachable battery 110 can supply power to the heater 120e to allow the heater 120e to perform a heating operation.

[0087] The main processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120e by controlling the power supplied to the heater 120e. For example, the main processor 130 can control the temperature at which the aerosol generating material 20e is heated by the heater 120e according to a temperature profile.

[0088] In addition, although not shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 200e can further include a user interface, a communication interface, a memory, etc. Figures 2a to 2eThe aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) can be configured as a system together with a separate cradle, as shown in FIG. 1, but are not limited thereto. For example, the cradle can store the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) or perform charging of the detachable battery 110 of the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e).

[0089] According to various embodiments, Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 300 according to an embodiment can be implemented by at least one of the types of the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto. Figures 2a to 2e The aerosol generating device 300 according to an embodiment can be implemented by at least one of the types of the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] Figures 2a to 2e The aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) according to an embodiment can use the detachable battery 110 as a common power source. The detachable battery 110 is a battery that can be mounted to or detached from the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) to be replaced.

[0091] Figures 3a to 3d FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0092] Referring to Figure 3a and Figure 3d , the aerosol generating device 300 according to an embodiment can include a body 310 into which an aerosol generating article 30 is inserted and a detachable battery 320. At this time, a heater 311 can correspond to the heaters (120a to 120e) shown in Figures 2a to 2e , the aerosol generating article 30 can correspond to the cigarettes (20a to 20d) shown in Figures 2a to 2d and the aerosol generating substance 20e shown in Figure 2e , the main processor 312 can correspond to the main processor 130 shown in Figures 2a to 2e , and the detachable battery 320 can correspond to the detachable battery 110 shown in Figures 2a to 2e . Hereinafter, differences will be mainly explained and repeated explanations will be omitted through Figures 3a to 3d .

[0093] Referring to Figure 3a and Figure 3b , the body 310 can refer to a housing configured to accommodate various electronic / mechanical components. The body 310 can include the heater 311 that heats the aerosol generating article 30 and the main processor 312.

[0094] The main processor 312 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 300 as a whole. For example, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the heater 311 and the battery 320, and can control the operation of other constituent elements included in the aerosol generating device 300. The main processor 312 can control the power supplied from the battery 320, the heating temperature of the heater 311, and the like.

[0095] The main processor 312 can be implemented by at least one processor. The processor can be implemented by an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, the main processor 312 can also be implemented by other forms of hardware, as long as it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0096] The battery 320 supplies power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 300. For example, the battery 320 can supply power to the heater 311, and can supply power required for the operation of the main processor 312. In addition, the battery 320 can supply power required for the operation of the display, the sensor, the motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generating device 300.

[0097] Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device 300 can further include an input device for receiving a user input. The input device can be implemented by a switch or a button, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the main processor 312 can control the aerosol generating device 300 in response to a user input received through the input device. For example, the main processor 312 can control the aerosol generating device 300 in such a manner that aerosol is generated as the user operates the switch or the button.

[0098] Referring to Figure 3c , the body 310 according to an embodiment can include a bottom surface SB exposed to the outside when the battery 320 is separated. The bottom surface SB can include a first connection terminal CT1 electrically connected to electronic components (for example, the heater 311, the main processor 312, and the like) disposed inside the body 310.

[0099] The battery 320 according to an embodiment can be detachably coupled with the body 310. Although not illustrated, the battery 320 and the body 310 respectively include a magnet in a corresponding area according to an embodiment, and can be coupled with each other by using magnetic force between the magnets. However, the coupling method of the body 310 and the battery 320 is not limited thereto, and can be variously changed according to the design requirements. For example, an inner thread is formed on the body 310, and an outer thread is formed on the battery 320, and thus a thread coupling method of being coupled with each other can be used. In addition, a hook elastically deformed by an external force is formed in an area of the battery 320, and a rib is formed in an area of the body 310 corresponding to the hook, and thus a hook coupling method of being coupled with each other can be used.

[0100] The battery 320 has a cross-sectional shape identical to that of the body 310 and extends in the length direction (i.e., the z direction) of the body 310 to form an outer peripheral surface (or an appearance) of the aerosol generating device 300 together when coupled with the body 310. Surfaces (e.g., side surfaces, bottom surfaces) of the battery 320 other than the first surface S1 of the bottom surface SB facing the body 310 are exposed to the outside.

[0101] For example, the shape of the body 310 can be substantially any one of a cylinder, an elliptic cylinder, and a polygonal column (e.g., a triangular column, a square column, a pentagonal column, a hexagonal column, etc.). That is, the cross-sectional shape of the body 310 can be substantially any one of a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon (e.g., a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc.). To make the shape of the body 310 identical to that of the battery 320, the shape of the battery 320 can also be substantially any one of a cylinder, an elliptic cylinder, and a polygonal column (e.g., a triangular column, a square column, a pentagonal column, a hexagonal column, etc.).

[0102] The battery 320 can include a first surface S1 (e.g., an upper surface) facing the bottom surface SB of the body 310. The first surface S1 can include a first battery terminal BT1 electrically connected with the first contact terminal CT1.

[0103] Referring to Figure 3d , the battery 320 according to an embodiment can include a grip portion on an outer peripheral surface (e.g., a side surface) thereof to prevent a hand from slipping when a user grips the battery 320. The grip portion can include a plurality of grooves and / or protrusions. Figure 3d An embodiment in which the grooves and the protrusions are formed in the length direction (e.g., the z direction) is illustrated in FIG. 2, but is not limited thereto, and can be variously formed according to the design requirements. The grip portion can be formed of a material (e.g., rubber, etc.) that increases friction when a user grips the battery 320.

[0104] Figures 4a to 4c is a diagram for explaining an aerosol generating device according to other embodiments.

[0105] Figure 4a The aerosol generating device 300 shown is only included in devices having a ratio of Figure 3a The aerosol generating device 300 shown includes a battery 320 with a larger capacity. Figure 3a The aerosol generating apparatus 300 shown may differ, but the remaining structures are essentially the same. Therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0106] Reference Figure 3a and Figure 4a , Figure 3a The battery 320 (or the first battery) shown may have a first length H1. Figure 4a The battery 321 (or the second battery) shown may have a second length H2 that is longer than the first length H1. The capacity of batteries 320 and 321 may increase proportionally to their length.

[0107] For example, Figure 3a The battery 320 (or the first battery) shown may have a first capacity. Figure 4a The battery 321 (or second battery) shown may have a second capacity that is larger than the first capacity. The second capacity may be approximately twice the first capacity.

[0108] According to embodiments of the present invention Figure 3a The battery 320 (or the first battery) shown is... Figure 4a The batteries 321 (or the second battery) shown are all attached to the bottom SB side of the body 310, and differ only in length (e.g., H1, H2) in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z direction). The first battery and the second battery have the same cross-sectional shape, so that the user's grip feel when holding the aerosol generating device 300 is not substantially different.

[0109] Generally, in conventional removable batteries, the high-capacity battery (i.e., the second battery) typically has a larger cross-sectional area in the transverse direction compared to the low-capacity battery (i.e., the first battery), which can lead to discomfort in the user's grip. Conversely, the batteries 320 and 321 according to embodiments of the present invention maintain a constant cross-sectional shape (or cross-sectional area) while extending in the longitudinal direction, thereby increasing the battery capacity while achieving a substantially similar effect of maintaining a comfortable grip for the user.

[0110] The following describes other embodiments. In the following embodiments, descriptions of structures identical to those in the already described embodiments will be omitted or simplified, and the description will focus primarily on the differences.

[0111] Figures 5a to 5d This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0112] Figure 5a The aerosol generating device 300 shown is different from the aerosol generating device 300 shown in Figure 3a and Figure 4a only powered by one battery, in that it includes a modular battery that powers the device alone or in combination with two batteries, and the remaining structure is substantially the same. Hereinafter, repeated explanations will be omitted, and explanations will be made mainly on the differences.

[0113] Referring to Figure 5a and Figure 5b , the aerosol generating device 300 can include a third battery 322 and a fourth battery 323 that have the same length H3 and the same capacity as each other.

[0114] The body 310 can refer to a housing configured in such a manner as to accommodate various electronic / mechanical components. The body 310 can include a heater 311 for heating an aerosol generating article 30, a main processor 312, and a power management part 313.

[0115] The main processor 312 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 300 as a whole. For example, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the heater 311, the third battery 322, and the fourth battery 323, and can also control the operation of other constituent elements included in the aerosol generating device 300. The main processor 312 can control the power supplied from the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323, the heating temperature of the heater 311, and the like.

[0116] The power management part 313 can receive power from at least one of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 based on the control of the main processor 312. More specific contents will be carefully explained later through Figures 6 to 1 0.

[0117] Referring to Figure 5c , the body 310 according to an embodiment can include a bottom surface SB that is exposed to the outside when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are separated. The bottom surface SB can include a first connection terminal CT1 and a second connection terminal CT2 that are electrically connected to electronic components (for example, the heater 311, the main processor 312, and the power management part 313, etc.) disposed inside the body 310.

[0118] The first connection terminal CT1 can include a first node NB1 and a second node NB2 that are to be described later through Figures 7 to 1 0, and the second connection terminal CT2 can include a third node NB3 and a fourth node NB4 that are to be described later through Figures 7 to 1 0.

[0119] The third battery 322 according to an embodiment can be detachably coupled with the body 310. The fourth battery 323 can be detachably coupled with the third battery 322.

[0120] Although not illustrated, the third battery 322 and the body 310 according to an embodiment respectively include magnets in corresponding regions, and can be coupled with each other using magnetic force between the magnets. However, the coupling method of the body 310 and the third battery 322 is not limited thereto, and can be variously changed according to design requirements. For example, an internal thread can be formed on the body 310, and an external thread can be formed on the third battery 322, and thus a thread coupling method in which the threads are coupled with each other can be used. In addition, a region of the third battery 322 can be formed with a hook that is elastically deformed by an external force, and a region of the body 310 corresponding to the hook can be formed with a locking rib, and thus a hook coupling method in which the hook and the locking rib are coupled with each other can be used. In addition, the coupling method between the third battery 322 and the body 310 can be directly applied to the coupling method between the third battery 323 and the fourth battery 323.

[0121] The third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 have cross-sectional shapes identical to that of the body 310 and extend in the length direction (i.e., the z direction) of the body 310 to form an outer peripheral surface (or an outer appearance) of the aerosol generating device 300 together when coupled with the body 310.

[0122] When the third battery 322 is coupled with the body 310 alone, a surface (e.g., a side surface, a second surface S2 (or a bottom surface)) of the third battery 322 other than a first surface S1 (e.g., an upper surface) facing the bottom surface SB of the body 310 can be exposed to the outside. When the third battery 322 is coupled with the body 310 and the fourth battery 323, a surface (e.g., a side surface) of the third battery 322 other than the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 can be exposed to the outside. In addition, when coupled with the third battery 322, a surface (e.g., a side surface, a bottom surface) of the fourth battery 323 other than a third surface S3 facing the second surface S2 of the third battery 322 can be exposed to the outside.

[0123] For example, the shape of the body 310 can be substantially any one of a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, and a polygonal cylinder (e.g., a triangular prism, a square prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, etc.). That is, the shape of the cross section of the body 310 can be substantially any one of a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon (e.g., a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc.). To make the shape of the body 310 identical to that of the batteries 322, 323, the shape of the batteries 322, 323 can also be substantially any one of a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, and a polygonal cylinder (e.g., a triangular prism, a square prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, etc.).

[0124] The third battery 322 can include a first surface S1 (e.g., an upper surface) facing the bottom surface SB of the main body 310. The first surface S1 can include a first battery terminal BT1 electrically connected to the first connection terminal CT1 and a first connection terminal BRT electrically connected to the second connection terminal CT2.

[0125] In addition, the third battery 322 can include a second surface S2 (e.g., a bottom surface) facing a third surface S3 of the fourth battery 323. The second surface S2 can include a third connection terminal CT3 electrically connected to the first connection terminal BRT. For convenience of explanation, Figure 5c The first connection terminal BRT of the first surface S1 and the third connection terminal CT3 of the second surface S2 are electrically connected by a connection lead BRL in the middle. However, the first connection terminal BRT and the third connection terminal CT3 can be electrically connected by a printed circuit substrate or an electrode, but are not limited thereto.

[0126] In addition, the fourth battery 323 can include a third surface S3 (e.g., an upper surface) facing the second surface S2 of the third battery 322. The third surface S3 can include a second battery terminal BT2 electrically connected to the third connection terminal CT3.

[0127] Figure 5b The main processor 312 and the power management unit 313 are shown as separate blocks in the middle, but for design convenience, the main processor 312 and the power management unit 313 can be integrated together.

[0128] Referring to Figure 5c When the third battery 322 or the fourth battery 323 is connected to the main body 310 individually, the aerosol generating device 300 does not have a problem of balancing between the batteries. However, in the case where the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are combined with the main body 310 (in series or in parallel), when the condition that the voltages and capacities of the two batteries are the same cannot be met, a problem of battery damage or heating can occur.

[0129] To prevent such a situation, the aerosol-generating device 300 can further include a power management portion 313 controlled by the main processor 312. When both the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are combined with the body 310, the main processor 312 according to an embodiment can compare the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 using a voltage sensor. On the basis thereof, when the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 is above a preset critical value, the main processor 312 can cause only the battery having a greater voltage among the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 to be electrically connected with the body 310. In contrast, when the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 does not reach the critical value, both the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be caused to be electrically connected with the body 310. At this time, the preset critical value can be a voltage value in which the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 can be considered to be substantially the same. As for the method of controlling the electrical combination of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323, a more detailed description will be made below with reference to FIG. 0. Figures 6 to 1 0.

[0130] Referring to Figure 5d , the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 according to an embodiment can include a grip portion for preventing hand slippage when a user grips on the outer circumferential surface (e.g., side surface) thereof. The grip portion can include a plurality of grooves and / or protrusions. Figure 5d An embodiment in which the grooves and the protrusions are formed in the length direction (e.g., z direction) is shown in FIG. 0, but is not limited thereto, and can be variously formed according to the design requirements. The grip portion can be formed of a material (e.g., rubber, etc.) that increases the frictional force when a user grips.

[0131] Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plurality of batteries and the power management portion.

[0132] Referring to Figure 6 , the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 according to an embodiment can be detachable from the body 310. For example, the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be separately combined with the body 31, respectively. Alternatively, the third battery 322 can be combined with the body 310, and the fourth battery 323 can be combined with the third battery 322.

[0133] The third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel. When the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in series, the output voltage can have a voltage of a magnitude proportional to the number of batteries connected in series. In addition, when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in series, the total capacity can be substantially the same as the capacity of a single battery.

[0134] In contrast, when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in parallel, the output voltage can be substantially the same as the voltage of a single battery. In addition, when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in parallel, the total capacity can have a capacity that is proportional in size to the number of batteries connected in parallel.

[0135] The power management part 313 can supply power of the third battery 322 and / or the fourth battery 323 to a system load. Here, the system load can be understood in the concept of a general term of elements (for example, the heater 311, the main processor 312, etc.) that consume power inside the aerosol generating device 300. In general, an integrated circuit such as a power management IC (PMIC) is connected to a system node Nsys to generate various voltages required inside the system and then provide the elements inside the system, and such a configuration is common. Figure 5b

[0136] The power management part 313 can connect the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 in series or in parallel and discharge at least one of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 to supply power to the system load. To this end, the power management part 313 can include a switch network that changes the connection relationship of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 in such a way that the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be connected in series to each other or in parallel to each other.

[0137] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a power management part according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0138] Referring to Figure 7 , the power management part 313 can include a switch network SN, a buck-boost converter BBC, and a voltage sensor VM.

[0139] In addition, the power management part 313 can include an input node Nc connected to one end (or an input end) of the buck-boost converter BBC, a system node Nsys connected to the system load, a first node Nb1 connected to the positive terminal of the third battery 322, a second node Nb2 connected to the negative terminal of the third battery 322, a third node Nb3 connected to the positive terminal of the fourth battery 323, and a fourth node Nb4 connected to the negative terminal of the fourth battery 323.

[0140] The switch network SN can selectively connect the second node Nb2 with the third node Nb3 or the fourth node Nb4, and can selectively connect the third node Nb3 with the second node Nb2 or the input node Nc. ​

[0141] For this purpose, exemplarily, the switch network SN may include: a first switch Q11 configured between the second node Nb2 and the fourth node Nb4; a second switch Q12 configured between the second node Nb2 and the third node Nb3; and a third switch Q13 configured between the third node Nb3 and the input node Nc. The fourth node Nb4 may be connected to a reference potential GND.

[0142] The switches Q11 to Q13 included in the switching network SN can be implemented by semiconductor switching elements such as MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), MCT (MOS-Controlled Thyristor), and BJT (Bipolar Transistor).

[0143] A buck-boost converter (BBC) is configured between the input node Nc and the system node Nsys, and can increase or decrease the voltage of the input node Nc and supply it to the system node Nsys. A buck-boost converter (BBC) can use step-down converters such as buck converters and step-up converters such as boost converters.

[0144] The voltage sensor VM can measure the positive voltage of the third battery 322 and the positive voltage of the fourth battery 323.

[0145] The main processor 312 can acquire at least one of the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and control the operation of the switching network SN.

[0146] As described above, the power management unit 313 can connect the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 to the system load for power supply while switching the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 to be connected in series or in parallel.

[0147] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the operation of a power management unit where both batteries are connected to the main body according to an embodiment, and the voltage difference between the two batteries is above a preset threshold.

[0148] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8, the main processor 312 acquires all of the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and when it is determined that the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 is above a preset threshold value, it electrically connects only the fourth battery 323 having a larger voltage among them to the main body 310 by comparing the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323.

[0149] Specifically, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the switch network SN in a manner of turning on only the first switch Q11 and turning off the second switch Q12 and the third switch Q13. The first switch Q11 is turned on so that the second node Nb2 and the fourth node Nb4 can be connected.

[0150] Through such a switching operation, the voltage of the third battery 322 can be provided as an input voltage to the input terminal (or input node Nc) of the buck-boost converter BBC. When the input voltage conforms to a preset output level, the buck-boost converter BBC can directly provide an output voltage to the system node Nsys. On the contrary, when the input voltage does not conform to the preset output level, the buck-boost converter BBC can change it to the preset output level by stepping down or stepping up the input voltage and then provide it as an output voltage to the system node Nsys. At this time, the buck-boost converter BBC can adjust the output range through a procedure such as I2C communication.

[0151] On the contrary, with reference to Figure 9 , the main processor 312 acquires all of the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and when it is determined that the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 is above a preset threshold value, it electrically connects only the fourth battery 323 having a larger voltage among them to the main body 310 by comparing the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323.

[0152] Specifically, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the switch network SN in a manner of turning on only the third switch Q13 and turning off the first switch Q11 and the second switch Q12. The third switch Q13 is turned on so that the third node Nb3 and the reference potential GND can be connected. Through such a switching operation, the voltage of the fourth battery 323 can be provided as an input voltage to the input terminal (or input node Nc) of the buck-boost converter BBC.

[0153] In addition, after only any one of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 is electrically connected to the body 310, the main processor 312 periodically acquires all of the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and when the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 does not reach a predetermined threshold value, the main processor 312 controls the operation of the switch network SN in such a manner that only the second switch Q12 is turned on and the first switch Q11 and the third switch Q13 are turned off, as will be described below. Figure 10a and Figure 10b Both the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be electrically connected to the body 310.

[0154] Figure 10a and Figure 10b is a diagram for explaining the operation of the power management unit according to an embodiment in which both the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected to the body 310 and the difference between the voltages of the two batteries does not reach a predetermined threshold value. At this time, the connection mode (for example, series or parallel) between the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be selected according to a predetermined setting or by input from the user.

[0155] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 10a , it can be understood that two batteries are installed in the body 310, and the embodiment in which the system load is supplied with power by discharging the power that has been charged in the case of series connection between the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323.

[0156] The power management unit 313 can discharge in a state in which the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in series, thereby supplying power to the system load. Specifically, the main processor 312 acquires all of the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and when it is determined that the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 does not reach a predetermined threshold value, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the switch network SN in such a manner that only the second switch Q12 is turned on and the first switch Q11 and the third switch Q13 are turned off. The second switch Q12 is turned on so that the second node Nb2 and the third node Nb3 can be connected.

[0157] Through such switching operation, a voltage of the same magnitude as the sum of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the voltage of the fourth battery 323 can be supplied as an input voltage to the input terminal (or input node Nc) of the step-up / down converter BBC. In this case, the step-up / down converter BBC can operate as a step-down chopper. In other words, the step-up / down converter BBC can generate an output voltage by stepping down the input voltage.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, it can be understood that two batteries are installed in the body 310, and an embodiment in which the system load is supplied with power by discharging the power that has been charged in the case where the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in parallel.

[0159] The power management unit 313 can discharge in the state where the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in parallel, thereby supplying the system load with power. Specifically, the main processor 312 acquires all of the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and when it is judged that the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 does not reach a preset critical value, it can control the operation of the switch network SN in a manner in which the first switch Q11 and the third switch Q13 are turned on and the second switch Q12 is turned off. The first switch Q11 is turned on so that the second node Nb2 and the fourth node Nb4 can be connected, and the third switch Q13 is turned on so that the input node Nc and the third node Nb3 can be connected.

[0160] Through such a switching operation, a voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 (or the voltage of the fourth battery 323) can be supplied as an input voltage to the input terminal (or the input node Nc) of the buck-boost converter BBC. When the input voltage conforms to a preset output level, the buck-boost converter BBC can directly supply an output voltage to the system node Nsys. Conversely, when the input voltage does not conform to the preset output level, the buck-boost converter BBC can change it to the preset output level by stepping down or stepping up the input voltage, and then supply it as an output voltage to the system node Nsys.

[0161] It can be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that it can be embodied in a modified form within the scope of the essential characteristics recited above. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure should be considered merely illustrative examples, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is described in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and any modification, substitution, and improvement of the embodiments of the present disclosure should be construed as included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, characterized by, comprises: a main body provided with a first connection terminal at a bottom surface thereof, and a battery provided with a first battery terminal connected to the first connection terminal at a first surface thereof facing the bottom surface, the battery being coupled to the main body in a detachable manner; the battery has a cross-sectional shape identical to that of the main body and extends in a length direction of the main body to form an outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating device together with the main body. 2.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the battery is any one of a cylinder, an elliptic cylinder, and a polygonal cylinder. 3.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein in a state in which the battery is coupled to the bottom surface of the main body, a remaining surface of the battery other than the first surface is exposed to the outside. 4.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein a side surface of the battery includes a grip portion for preventing a hand from slipping when a user grips the battery. 5.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the main body includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating article. 6.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the battery is any one of a first battery having a first length and a second battery having a second length longer than the first length, the first battery has a first capacity, and the second battery has a second capacity greater than the first capacity. 7.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the battery is coupled to the main body by any one of a hook, a magnet, and a screw. 8.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the main body further includes a second connection terminal at a position different from the first connection terminal at the bottom surface. 9.The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the battery includes a third battery, a first battery terminal connected to the first connection terminal and a first connection terminal connected to the second connection terminal are provided at one surface of the third battery, and a third connection terminal connected to the first connection terminal is provided at the other surface of the third battery. 10.The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the battery further includes a fourth battery coupled to the other surface of the third battery, a second battery terminal connected to the third connection terminal is provided at one surface of the fourth battery. 11.The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein a control portion compares a magnitude of a voltage of the third battery and a magnitude of a voltage of the fourth battery when both the third battery and the fourth battery are coupled to the main body. 12.The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein when a difference above a predetermined threshold value occurs, the control section electrically connects only the battery having a greater voltage between the third battery and the fourth battery to the body, when a difference not reaching the threshold value occurs, the control section electrically connects both the third battery and the fourth battery to the body. 13.The aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, wherein when a difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery does not reach the threshold value after electrically connecting only either one of the third battery and the fourth battery to the body, the control section electrically connects both the third battery and the fourth battery to the body. 14.The aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, wherein the body further includes a power management section; the power management section includes: a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage of each of the third battery and the fourth battery, a switch section for changing the combination between the third battery and the fourth battery, and a step-up / down converter capable of increasing or decreasing the output level. 15.The aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the capacity of the third battery and the capacity of the fourth battery are identical to each other.

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