Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a main body containing a containment space for containing aerosol products, a heater for heating the aerosol products contained in the containment space, a battery that moves in a direction that rotates relative to the main body and is inserted into the interior of the main body and is detachably coupled to the main body, and an airflow passage through which air moves along the space between the battery coupled to the main body and the main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device having a structure for stably coupling a battery.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. As a result, research on heat-type aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] On the other hand, as global interest in environmental issues has grown, there is a growing demand for evidence of environmental friendliness and safety throughout the entire life cycle of a battery, from production to recycling. As a result, in the field of aerosol generating devices, research on separable batteries has been newly advanced while promoting the development of related technologies such as battery reuse and recycling.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An embodiment provides an aerosol generating device having a structure for stably coupling a battery.

[0005] Also, an embodiment provides an aerosol generating device that utilizes the coupling space of a battery as an air flow path.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment may include a main body containing a containment space for containing aerosol products, a heater for heating the aerosol products contained in the containment space, a battery that moves in a direction that rotates relative to the main body and is inserted into the interior of the main body and is detachably coupled to the main body, and an airflow passage through which air moves along the space between the battery coupled to the main body and the main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the aerosol generating device of this embodiment, the battery can be stably coupled simply by rotating and inserting it.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generating apparatus of this embodiment, there is no need to arrange a separate airflow passage.

[0010] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a battery applicable to the aerosol generator. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the battery taken along the III-III direction. [Figure 4]This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a battery connected to the main body applicable to the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5A] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a battery is coupled to the main body of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a battery is coupled to the main body of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows an airflow path applicable to the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the rear end of a battery applicable to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing how the battery and cover are connected to the main body, which can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, but regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0013] The suffixes "module" and "part" used with respect to the constituent elements in the following description are added or used interchangeably solely for the purpose of facilitating the creation of the specification, and do not have any distinct meaning or role on their own.

[0014] In addition, when explaining the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific explanation of such known technology is determined to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are merely for facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it must be understood that all modifications, equivalents or alternatives included in the idea and technical scope of the present invention are included.

[0015] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are merely used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0016] When it is mentioned that a certain component is "connected to" or "attached to" another component, it must be understood that it is directly connected to the other component or, even if connected, other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a certain component is "directly connected to" or "directly attached to" another component, it must be understood that no other components exist in between.

[0017] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0018] FIGS. 1A to 1C are drawings showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 1A to 1C are drawings showing an example of an aerosol generating device. FIGS. 1A to 1C show an example in which a cigarette (hereinafter, may be used in the same meaning as "aerosol generating article" or "stick") is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a battery 11, a control unit 12, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1A, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 18. Referring to Figure 1B, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a cartridge 19. The aerosol product S can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0022] When the aerosol product S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 activates the heater 18 and / or cartridge 19 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 18 and / or cartridge 19 is transmitted to the user via the aerosol product S. If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can also heat the heater 18 even when the aerosol product S is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0023] On the other hand, the heater 18 may be omitted. Referring to Figure 1C, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a cartridge 19. The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 1C does not have a space into which an aerosol product S can be inserted, and therefore does not have a heater 18 for heating the aerosol product S.

[0024] Figures 1A to 1C show the aerosol generator 1, which includes components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 1A to 1C, other general-purpose components are also included in the aerosol generator 1.

[0025] Figures 1A to 1C show the aerosol generator 1 with its components arranged in a single line. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown. For example, the cartridge 19 and the heater 18 may be arranged in parallel. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 18 and cartridge 19 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0026] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 18 or cartridge 19, and can also supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc. installed in the aerosol generator 1.

[0027] The battery 11 is a removable (detachable, separate) power source. The battery 11 is equipped with electrical contacts, and when the battery 11 is installed in the aerosol generator 1, the electrical contacts of the battery 11 are electrically connected to electrical contacts provided in the aerosol generator 1, thereby supplying power to the aerosol generator 1. As another example, the battery 11 may be equipped with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generator 1 wirelessly, instead of separate electrical contacts. In other words, the power supply method of the battery 11 is diverse, and the electrical connection method between the battery 11 and the aerosol generator 1 changes depending on the power supply method supported by the battery 11.

[0028] The detachable battery 11 may be equipped with a charger interface that connects to an external charger. Power for charging the detachable battery 11 may be supplied to the battery 11 through the charger interface. The battery 11 may be charged by an external charger either while coupled to the aerosol generator 1 or while separated from the aerosol generator 1.

[0029] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 18, and cartridge 19, but also other components of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is operational.

[0030] The control unit 12 comprises at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It can also be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0031] The heater 18 is heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 18 is located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 18 raises the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0032] The heater 18 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 18 may have a conductive track, and current may flow through the conductive track to heat the heater 18. However, the heater 18 is not limited to the above example and can be used without restriction as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0033] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 18 is an induction heater. Specifically, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater 18. When power is supplied to the induction coil by the battery 11, the induction coil can generate heat in the heater 18. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and generates eddy currents within the heater 18. The current generates heat in the heater 18.

[0034] On the other hand, a cigarette may contain a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. The susceptor inside the cigarette may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil.

[0035] Figures 1A and 1B show the heater 18 positioned outside the aerosol product S, but are not limited to this arrangement. The heater 18 includes tubular heating elements, plate-shaped heating elements, needle-shaped heating elements, or rod-shaped heating elements, and heats the inside or outside of the aerosol product S depending on the shape of the heating elements.

[0036] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be equipped with multiple heaters 18. In this case, the multiple heaters 18 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product S, or they may be arranged outside the aerosol product S. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 18 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product S, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product S. In addition, the shape of the heaters 18 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and they may be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0037] Cartridge 19 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user by passing through the aerosol product S.

[0038] In other words, the aerosol generated by cartridge 19 can travel along the airflow path of the aerosol generator 1. In Figures 1A and 1B, the aerosol that has traveled along the airflow path can be transmitted to the user via the aerosol product S. In Figure 1C, the aerosol that has traveled along the airflow path can be transmitted to the user through the mouthpiece 20.

[0039] The cartridge 19 comprises a liquid storage unit, a liquid transmission means, and a cartridge heater, but is not limited to these. For example, the liquid storage unit, liquid transmission means, and cartridge heater may be provided in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0040] The liquid storage section stores a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to be detachable from the cartridge 19, or it may be manufactured integrally with the cartridge 19.

[0041] For example, a liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring agents may include components that provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may also be mixtures of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but are not limited to these. Furthermore, a liquid composition may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0042] The liquid transfer means transfers the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

[0043] A cartridge heater is an element for heating a liquid composition that is transmitted by a liquid transmission means. A cartridge heater may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these, and can include a variety of methods for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials.

[0044] As an example, a cartridge heater may consist of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and be arranged in a structure that is wound around a liquid transport means. The cartridge heater is heated by an electric current supply, transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the cartridge heater, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0045] As another example, a cartridge heater consists of a susceptor material that is heated by an induced magnetic field, and can be heated by an induced magnetic field generated from an induction coil located separately from the heating element.

[0046] As yet another example, a cartridge heater is an ultrasonic transducer that generates aerosols from aerosol-producing substances by utilizing an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-producing substances with ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer.

[0047] Cartridge heaters can be positioned on liquid transport means not only by structural bonding, but also by permanent or reversible attachment to the liquid transport means through methods such as coating, spraying, vapor deposition, plating, immersion, painting, printing, 3D printing, or device use, so that they are wound onto the liquid transport means. Furthermore, cartridge heaters can be positioned on liquid transport means by methods such as sintering them together during the manufacturing process of the liquid transport means. However, the positioning of cartridge heaters is not limited to the examples given above and may include a variety of methods in which the cartridge heaters are positioned on liquid transport means while maintaining their functionality.

[0048] Cartridge heaters are also called cartomizers or atomizers, but are not limited to these terms.

[0049] Cartridge 19 can be inserted into and removed from the main body of the aerosol generator 1. Once all the aerosol-generating material stored in cartridge 19 has been consumed, the cartridge 19 may be refilled with new aerosol-generating material or replaced with another cartridge 19 containing stored aerosol-generating material.

[0050] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 18, and cartridge 19. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be constructed in such a way that outside air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the aerosol product S is inserted.

[0051] Although not shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the aerosol generator 1 may be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 18 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0052] The aerosol product S is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol product S is divided into a first part S1 containing aerosol-generating material and a second part S2 containing a filter, etc. The first part S1 may be referred to as the "medium part" below.

[0053] The second part S2 of the aerosol product S may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part S2.

[0054] The entire first part S1 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, while the second part S2 is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part S1 may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or the entire first part S1 and a portion of the second part S2 may be inserted. The user inhales the aerosol with the second part S2 in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as outside air passes through the first part S1, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth by passing through the second part S2.

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a main body 1100, a heater 1200, and a battery 1300.

[0057] The main body 1100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 1 and may include an internal space in which the components of the aerosol generator 1 are arranged. Although the drawings show only an embodiment in which the main body 1100 is formed in a substantially rectangular prism shape in cross-section, the shape of the main body 1100 is not limited thereto, and the main body 1100 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape or a polygonal prism shape.

[0058] The main body 1100 may include an opening 1100h into which the aerosol product S is inserted. At least a portion of the aerosol product S may be inserted into or contained within the main body 1100 through the opening 1100h.

[0059] The main body 1100 may include a containment space 1100i for containing the aerosol product S. The containment space 1100i may be formed in the upper part of the main body 1100. The containment space 1100i may be open on the upper side and connected to an opening 1100h.

[0060] The containment space 1100i may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated vertically. At least a portion of the aerosol product S can be contained inside the main body 1100 through the upper opening 1100h of the containment space 1100i. In this case, the depth of the containment space 1100i may correspond to the length of the region in the aerosol product S that contains the aerosol-generating substance or medium.

[0061] The heater 1200 (for example, heater 18 in Figures 1A and 1B) can generate an aerosol from the aerosol product S contained in the containment space 1100i. The heater 1200 may be extended vertically along the containment space 1100i.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the heater 1200 can surround at least a portion of the containment space 1100i. For example, the heater 1200 is a cylindrical electrical resistive heater surrounding at least a portion of the containment space 1100i. As another example, the heater 1200 may include a cylindrical susceptor surrounding at least a portion of the containment space 1100i and an induction coil surrounding the susceptor. The heater 1200 can heat the outside of the aerosol product S contained in the containment space 1100i. However, the embodiment is not limited to the shape and arrangement of the heater 1200. In other embodiments, the heater may be inserted inside the aerosol product S.

[0063] At least one region of the aerosol product S contained in the containment space 1100i is heated by the heater 1200, and vaporized particles generated by heating the aerosol product S are mixed with air flowing into the internal space of the main body 1100 through an air inlet (e.g., opening 1100h) formed in one region of the main body 1100, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0064] On the other hand, heater 1200 is the cartridge heater shown in Figures 1B and 1C. In this case, the aerosol product S is not a cigarette or stick, but the cartridge 19 shown in Figures 1B and 1C.

[0065] An aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include a battery 1300 that supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. In this case, the battery 1300 is the battery 11 shown in Figures 1A to 1C.

[0066] Referring to Figure 2, the battery 1300 can be detachably coupled to the main body 1100. For example, the battery 1300 can be inserted into the main body 1100 from a position separated from the main body 1100 in the -z direction in the +z direction and coupled to a region of the main body 1100. Specifically, the battery 1300 can be coupled to the main body 1100 by rotating relative to the main body 1100 and moving in the direction of insertion into the main body 1100 (for example, in the +z direction). Hereafter, the method by which the battery 1300 is coupled will be referred to as "screw-in".

[0067] The structure of the battery 1300 for connection to the main unit 1100 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0068] Figure 3A is a perspective view showing a battery applicable to the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the battery in Figure 3A along the III-III direction.

[0069] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, battery 1300 is identical or similar to battery 11 in Figures 1A or 1C, or battery 1300 in Figure 2.

[0070] The battery 1300, as shown in Figure 3A, includes, but is not limited to, a cylindrical shape and can include a variety of shapes that can rotate and be coupled to the main body. Also, although Figure 3A shows the battery as circular in the xy plane and extended in the z-axis direction, the specifications of the battery are not limited to those shown.

[0071] The battery 1300 may include a protrusion 1310 that extends from its outer surface in order to be detachably coupled to the main body (for example, the main body 1100 in Figure 2). The protrusion 1310 is configured to be used for coupling with the main body.

[0072] The projection 1310 may include a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction (for example, the z-axis direction) of the battery 1300 while covering the outer circumferential surface of the battery 1300. In this case, the number of times the projection 1310 covers the battery is not limited to those shown in the illustration.

[0073] The protrusion 1310 is inserted into a guide groove formed on the inner surface of the main body by screwing the battery 1300 into the main body, and can be supported by a region of the main body facing the guide groove. With the protrusion 1310 supported by the guide groove, the battery 1300 can be supported by the main body.

[0074] On the other hand, one end of the battery 1300 inserted into the main unit is designated as the front end 1300a of the battery 1300, and the other end of the battery 1300 facing in the opposite direction is designated as the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300.

[0075] The front end 1300a of the battery may be provided with power supply terminals 1320 for supplying power to internal components of the main body 1100. As shown in the illustration, two power supply terminals 1320 are provided, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of power supply terminals. The rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 faces outward from the main body 1100. The rear end 1300b may be inserted into the main body 1100 or exposed to the outside of the main body 1100.

[0076] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a battery is coupled to the main body applicable to the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2.

[0077] Referring to Figure 4, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a main unit 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, and an airflow passage 1500.

[0078] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 4 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 in Figure 2 and the battery 1300 in Figure 3A, and therefore redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0079] The main body 1100 may include a coupling space 1100c for coupling with a battery, separate from the housing space (for example, the housing space 1100i in Figure 2). The coupling space 1100c of the main body 1100 may be open in the -z direction so that a separate battery can be inserted into the coupling space 1100c.

[0080] The coupling space 1100c may include a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery. For example, the coupling space 1100c is a cylindrical groove that is circular in the xy-plane and extends elongated in the z-axis direction.

[0081] A receiving terminal 1400 protruding toward the coupling space 1100c may be positioned at the bottom of the coupling space 1100c. As the battery 1300 rotates relative to the main body 1100 and moves in the longitudinal direction of the battery 1300, a supply terminal 1320 positioned at the front end 1300a of the battery 1300 can come into contact with the receiving terminal 1400. This allows power to be supplied to the internal components of the aerosol generator 1.

[0082] The receiving terminal 1400 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the supply terminal 1320 of the battery 1300 when the battery 1300 is inserted into the coupling space 1100c. For example, in Figure 4, two receiving terminals 1400 are arranged and located around the connecting passage 1100p, which will be described later, but the embodiment is not limited to the number and position of the receiving terminals 1400.

[0083] The main body 1100 may include a guide groove 1110 that extends along the rotational direction of the battery 1300 so that the projection 1310 is inserted into it, and is positioned at an angle toward the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the battery 1300. That is, the projection 1310 and the guide groove 1110 may have corresponding shapes that fit together. As described above, the battery 1300 can be screwed into the main body 1100 by the projection 1310 being inserted into the guide groove 1110 and moving along the guide groove 1110.

[0084] In this case, the space between the battery 1300 coupled to the main body 1100 and the main body 1100 becomes an airflow passage 1500 through which air moves. In order to secure the space between the screwed-in battery 1300 and the main body 1100, the volume of the protrusion 1310 is smaller than the volume of the guide groove 1110. As explained with reference to Figure 4, on the longitudinal cross-section of the battery 1300, the area of ​​the protrusion 1310 is smaller than the area of ​​the guide groove 1110.

[0085] As a result, an open space is positioned between the protrusion 1310 and the guide groove 1110, covering the outer surface of the battery 1300 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery 1300 (for example, in the z-axis direction). This open space becomes an airflow passage 1500 through which outside air from the aerosol generator 1 flows.

[0086] The airflow passage 1500 begins at the entrance to the coupling space 1100c where the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 is located. The gap between the outer surface of the battery 1300 and the inner surface of the main body 1100 that forms the coupling space 1100c is the starting point of the airflow passage 1500.

[0087] Air moving along the open space between the protrusion 1310 and the guide groove 1110 can reach the bottom surface of the coupling space 1100c. The main body 1100 may include a connecting passage 1100p that connects the bottom surface of the coupling space 1100c to the containment space 1100i. Therefore, the air that reaches the bottom surface of the coupling space 1100c can move along the connecting passage 1100p which is open in the center of the bottom surface. In this case, the position of the connecting passage 1100p is not limited to that shown in the figure.

[0088] On the other hand, the protrusion 1310 and the guide groove 1110 can be arranged in opposite directions. As shown in Figure 4, the protrusion 1310 is located on the outer circumferential surface of the battery 1300, and the guide groove is located on the inner surface of the main body 1100 which forms the coupling space 1100c. However, in some embodiments, the protrusion 1310 may be located on the inner surface of the main body 1100, and the guide groove 1110 may be located on the outer circumferential surface of the battery 1300.

[0089] A typical engineer in this field would easily understand that the protrusion 1310 is located on either the battery 1300 or the main body 1100, and the guide groove 1110 is located on the other of the battery 1300 or the main body 1100.

[0090] The following describes a configuration for interrupting the movement of the battery 1300 relative to the main unit 1100, with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0091] Figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing examples of a battery coupled to a main body applicable to an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, respectively.

[0092] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, and an airflow passage 1500.

[0093] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 5A and 5B is identical or similar to that of the aerosol generator 1 in Figure 4, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0094] Referring to Figure 5A, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a stopper 1600 that contacts the front end 1300a of the battery 1300 and limits the range of movement of the protrusion 1310. The stopper 1600 may be positioned on the inner surface of the main body 1100 that forms a coupling space (for example, the coupling space 1100c in Figure 4).

[0095] When the battery 1300 rotates relative to the main body 1100 and moves in the longitudinal direction of the battery 1300, and the front end 1300a of the battery 1300 reaches the stopper 1600, the battery 1300 is no longer able to rotate or move linearly. At this time, the supply terminal 1320 and the receiving terminal 1400 of the battery 1300 can come into contact with each other.

[0096] According to this, when the battery 1300 does not move any further relative to the main unit 1100, power can be supplied from the battery 1300 to the internal components of the aerosol generator 1. The user will know that the battery 1300 is fully coupled to the coupling space 1100c (for example, the supply terminal and the receiving terminal are in contact) if they feel that the battery 1300 is not rotating or moving linearly relative to the main unit 1100.

[0097] Referring to Figure 5B, the battery 1300 may include a stepped portion 1330 at its rear end 1300b that restricts the movement of the battery 1300 toward the main body 1100. The stepped portion 1330 may protrude outward from the rear end 1300b.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 1100 may include a circular groove 1120 that extends longitudinally through the joint space 1100c, with the stepped portion 1330 inserted into the entrance of the joint space 1100c corresponding to the stepped portion 1330. The circular groove 1120 may have a shape corresponding to the stepped portion 1330. For example, the inner diameter of the circular groove 1120 may be larger than the inner diameter of the joint space 1100c.

[0099] The circular groove 1120 can restrict the movement of the stepped portion 1330 in the longitudinal direction of the coupling space 1100c or in the longitudinal direction of the battery 1300 (for example, in the z-axis direction). Once the battery 1300 rotates relative to the main body 1100 and moves in the longitudinal direction of the battery 1300, if the stepped portion 1330 located at the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 is placed in the circular groove 1120, the circular groove 1120 blocks the movement of the stepped portion 1330 in the z-axis direction, so the battery 1300 cannot rotate or move linearly any further. At this time, the supply terminal 1320 and the receiving terminal 1400 of the battery 1300 can come into contact with each other.

[0100] According to this, when the battery 1300 does not move any further relative to the main body 1100, power can be supplied from the battery 1300 to the internal components of the aerosol generator 1. The user can tell that the battery 1300 is fully coupled to the coupling space 1100c (for example, the supply terminal and the receiving terminal are in contact) by feeling that the battery 1300 does not rotate or move linearly relative to the main body 1100, or by visually confirming that the stepped portion 1330 is housed in the circular groove 1120.

[0101] On the other hand, the stepped portion 1330 protruding from the outer surface of the battery 1300 covers the airflow passage 1500, so air cannot flow into the airflow passage 1500. To solve this, an inlet 1330h for the inflow of outside air from the aerosol generator 1 may be provided in the stepped portion 1330 of the battery 1300.

[0102] Because the battery 1300 includes an inlet 1330h that penetrates the stepped portion 1330, air can flow through the stepped portion 1330 of the battery 1300 into the coupling space 1100c and then move along the airflow passage 1500 formed between the battery 1300 and the main body 1100.

[0103] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an airflow path applicable to the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2.

[0104] Referring to Figure 6, the aerosol generator 1 according to other embodiments may include a main body 1100, a heater 1200, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, and an airflow passage 1500.

[0105] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 6 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 2 and 4, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0106] As mentioned above, the airflow passage 1500 begins at the entrance to the coupling space 1100c where the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 is located. The gap between the outer surface of the battery 1300 and the inner surface of the main body 1100 that forms the coupling space 1100c is the starting point of the airflow passage 1500.

[0107] Air can surround the outer surface of the battery 1300 and move along the open space extending longitudinally of the battery. The moved air can reach the bottom surface of the coupling space 1100c. The air can flow into the coupling passage 1100p, bypassing the area where the receiving terminal 1400 and the supply terminal 1320 are located.

[0108] Air moving from the bottom of the bonding space 1100c along the connecting passage 1100p can reach the containment space 1100i. Air flowing into one end of the aerosol product S contained in the containment space 1100i mixes with vaporized particles generated when the aerosol product S is heated by the heater 1200, forming an aerosol.

[0109] The aerosol moves along the aerosol product S and can flow into the user's mouth of the aerosol generator 1 through the other end of the aerosol product S located around the opening 1100h.

[0110] To summarize, the coupling space 1100c of the battery 1300 can be fluidly connected to the aerosol product S containment space 1100i through the connecting passage 1100p. In this case, "fluidly connected" or "fluidly connected" means that the elements are connected in such a way that a fluid, such as air, can pass through and flow through them.

[0111] The coupling space 1100c and the containment space 1100i may be open in opposite directions to each other. The airflow passage 1500 is arranged to extend from outside the aerosol generator 1 along the coupling space 1100c and the containment space 1100i, and the aerosol generator 1 may include the airflow passage 1500 of a relatively simple structure. Here, the airflow passage 1500 means not only the open space between the battery 1300 and the main body 1100, but also the passage that fluidly connects the coupling space 1100c, the connecting passage 1100p, and the containment space 1100i.

[0112] On the other hand, the battery 1300, which is coupled to the main unit 1100, can be detached by the user. The configuration for detaching the battery 1300 will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0113] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the rear end 1300b of a battery applicable to an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0114] Referring to Figure 7, another embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1 may include a main unit 1100 and a battery 1300.

[0115] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 2 and 4, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0116] The battery 1300 may include an insertion groove 1340 located at one end. The insertion groove 1340 is located at the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 and is configured to transmit the operating force applied by the user in order to separate the battery 1300, which is coupled to the main body 1100, from the main body 1100.

[0117] When the battery 1300 is in the process of being inserted into or separated from the coupling space 1100c, the user can grasp the outer surface of the battery 1300 and rotate it safely.

[0118] However, when the battery 1300 is fully inserted into the coupling space 1100c, the user cannot grasp the outer surface of the battery 1300, making it difficult to rotate the battery 1300. In this case, an insertion groove 1340 may be provided at the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 that is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator 1. If the user applies an operating force to the insertion groove 1340 to separate the battery 1300, the battery 1300 can move in the longitudinal direction of the battery 1300 while rotating in the opposite direction to the direction in which it rotates when coupled to the main body 1100.

[0119] For example, if the battery 1300 rotates clockwise relative to the main body 1100 and moves in the +z direction to attach to the main body, then the battery 1300 can rotate counterclockwise relative to the main body 1100 and move in the z direction to separate from the main body 1100.

[0120] To rotate the battery 1300 through the insertion groove 1340, a general tool or the user's fingernail may be inserted into the insertion groove 1340. The insertion groove 1340 can be used not only for separating the battery 1300 but also for rotating the battery 1300 to fully connect it.

[0121] As shown in the illustration, the insertion groove 1340 includes a groove shape that extends in a straight line in the xy plane, but the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the insertion groove 1340. The insertion groove 1340 may include a variety of shapes that allow the battery 1300 to rotate and move linearly when an operating force is applied by the user to rotate the battery.

[0122] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery and cover coupled to the main body, which can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0123] Referring to Figure 8, an aerosol generator 1 according to another embodiment may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, and a cover 1700.

[0124] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 8 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 2 and 4, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0125] The cover 1700 is positioned at one end of the battery (for example, the rear end 1300b) and is configured to protect the battery 1300 which is coupled to the main body 1100. The cover 1700 can also be coupled to the main body 1100 to protect the battery 1300.

[0126] The main body 1100 may include a guide 1130 positioned inside the cover 1700 for coupling with the cover 1700 and fitting into the cover 1700. The manner in which the cover 1700 is coupled to the guide 1130 is not limited to any particular embodiment. For example, the guide 1130 may be screw-fitted to the cover 1700, or conversely, the cover 1700 may be screw-fitted to the guide 1130. As another example, the guide 1130 and the cover 1700 may be screw-fitted. As yet another example, the guide 1130 and the cover 1700 may be magnetically coupled using magnets.

[0127] The cover 1700 encloses the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 to protect it, and can also close off the inside of the cover 1700. As a result, the inlet where the airflow passage 1500 between the battery 1300 and the main body 1100 begins is closed by the cover 1700, and is not fluidly connected to the outside of the aerosol generator 1.

[0128] In other words, for the airflow passage 1500 of the aerosol generator 1 to function properly, the cover 1700 must have a separate hole through which air can pass. The cover 1700 may include a first airflow hole 1710 for the inflow of outside air. Even with the cover 1700 in place, the airflow passage 1500 can be fluidly connected to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 by the first airflow hole 1710.

[0129] On the other hand, the battery 1300 may include a protrusion 1350 located at one end. The protrusion 1350 is located at the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 and may protrude to the outside of the main body 1100 when the battery 1300 is inserted into the main body 1100.

[0130] The protrusion 1350, similar to the insertion groove (for example, the insertion groove 1340 in Figure 7), is configured such that when the battery 1300 is fully inserted into the coupling space 1100c, the user cannot grasp the outer surface of the battery 1300, and the battery 1300 is positioned in a way that makes it difficult for the battery 1300 to rotate.

[0131] The protrusion 1350 extends from the rear end 1300b of the battery 1300 and is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator 1, allowing the user to grasp the protrusion 1350 and apply operating force to separate the battery 1300, thereby rotating the battery.

[0132] This allows the battery 1300 to move along its longitudinal direction while rotating in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation when it is coupled to the main body 1100. Similar to the insertion groove, the protrusion 1350 can be used not only for separating the battery 1300 but also for rotating the battery 1300 in order to fully connect it.

[0133] In this case, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a pressurizing member 1800 that contacts the protrusion 1350 of the battery 1300 to pressurize the battery 1300 toward the main body 1100. The space between the protrusion 1310 of the battery 1300 and the guide groove 1110 of the main body 1100 allows the battery 1300 to move in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the battery 1300.

[0134] According to this, the receiving terminal (for example, the receiving terminal 1400 in Figure 4) and the supply terminal of the battery 1300 (for example, the supply terminal 1320 in Figure 4) may be released from contact. The pressurizing member 1800 can pressurize the protrusion 1350 of the battery 1300 in the insertion direction of the battery 1300 in order to prevent the power supply from being interrupted due to the two terminals being released from contact.

[0135] Specifically, the pressurizing member 1800 may include a second airflow hole 1800h for air movement, a contact portion 1810 that contacts the protrusion 1350, and an elastic portion 1820 positioned between the cover 1700 and the contact portion 1810 to pressurize the contact portion 1810 toward the protrusion 1350.

[0136] If the cover 1700 is attached to the main body 1100 so as to cover the protrusion 1350 of the battery 1300, the elastic portion 1820 of the pressurizing member 1800 can be compressed between the cover 1700 and the contact portion 1810. Since the cover 1700 is supported and fixed by the main body 1100, the elastic portion 1820 can apply elastic force to the contact portion 1810, which is connected to the other end of the cover 1700, with the cover 1700 to which the elastic portion 1820 is connected as a reference, thereby allowing the contact portion 1810 to pressurize the protrusion 1350.

[0137] Furthermore, one or more protrusions may be arranged on the contact portion 1810. The convex portion 1350 of the battery 1300 has a groove that accommodates the protrusion of the contact portion 1810, and the protrusion of the contact portion 1810 can be inserted into the groove of the convex portion 1350. In this way, the protruding portion 1310 can be supported by the contact portion 1810 without moving. The action of such a protrusion and groove prevents the protruding portion 1310 from moving along the guide groove 1110 in the opposite direction of coupling and separating from the main body 1100.

[0138] According to the aerosol generating device 1 of the embodiment, the battery 1300 can be stably connected to the main body 1100 simply by rotating the battery 1300 and inserting it into the main body 1100 through a screw connection.

[0139] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generating device 1 of the embodiment, the empty space between the battery 1300 and the main body 1100 can be utilized as an airflow passage 1500, thus eliminating the need for a separate airflow passage.

[0140] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] The aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 9. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 9 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0142] Sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether or not the stick S and / or cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0143] Sensor 13 includes at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, cartridge sensor 135, cap sensor 136, and motion sensor 137.

[0144] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 themselves may act as the temperature sensor.

[0145] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 includes a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. This is embodied by an element such as a thermistor, which utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 is composed of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0146] The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned around the battery 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the battery 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the power source, which is the battery 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0147] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the main unit 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the main unit 10.

[0148] The puff sensor 132 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 is also a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0149] The insertion sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensor 133 can detect the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensor 133 can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensor 133 is also an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0150] An inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0151] An inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0152] A capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal finial is inserted into the insertion space, the finial of the stick S can alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0153] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the trumpet surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect values ​​related to the optical properties corresponding to the hue of an object based on the light reflected from the object. For example, the optical properties are also the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0154] At least a portion of the flaps that make up the stick S may change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned in a location corresponding to where at least a portion of the flaps whose hue changes due to aerosols are located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by a user, at least a portion of the flaps has a first hue. In this case, as the aerosols generated by the aerosol generator 1 pass through the stick S, at least a portion of the flaps may be wetted by the aerosols, causing at least a portion of the flaps to change to a second hue. On the other hand, at least a portion of the flaps may remain at the second hue after being changed from the first hue to the second hue.

[0155] The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can be implemented as an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0156] The cap sensing sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the main body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and the main body 10 that was covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0157] The motion sensing sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensing sensor 137 is embodied by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0158] Sensor 13 may include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 137, at least one of the following: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS position sensor, and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0159] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0160] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display 141 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 141 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0161] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 generates vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0162] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0163] The battery 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The battery 11 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The battery 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 11 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0164] The battery 11 is a removable (detachable, separate) power source. The battery 11 is equipped with electrical contacts, and when the battery 11 is installed in the aerosol generator 1, the electrical contacts of the battery 11 are electrically connected to electrical contacts provided in the aerosol generator 1, thereby supplying power to the aerosol generator 1. As another example, the battery 11 may be equipped with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generator 1 wirelessly, instead of separate electrical contacts. In other words, the power supply method of the battery 11 is diverse, and the electrical connection method between the battery 11 and the aerosol generator 1 changes depending on the power supply method supported by the battery 11.

[0165] The detachable battery 11 may be equipped with a charger interface that connects to an external charger. Power for charging the detachable battery 11 may be supplied to the battery 11 through the charger interface. The battery 11 may be charged by an external charger either while coupled to the aerosol generator 1 or while separated from the aerosol generator 1.

[0166] Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery 11 and may include a switching element.

[0167] The power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 11 if the voltage level of the battery 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 11 if the voltage level of the battery 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0168] The heater 18 is powered by the battery 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Also, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power from the battery 11 to AC power.

[0169] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by being powered by the battery 11. Although not shown in Figure 9, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the battery 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 9, a noise filter may be provided between the battery 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter is also a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the battery 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0170] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may consist of any suitable electrical resistant material. Suitable electrical resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 18 may also be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0171] In other embodiments, the heater 18 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0172] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 is also a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor includes, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0173] The display 141 and the touch panel can be realized as a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel can be added on top of the display 141 (add-on type).

[0174] On the other hand, the input section 15 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0175] Memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data being processed. Memory 17 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0176] The communication unit 16 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 includes at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0177] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth® communication units, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee® communication units, infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0178] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0179] Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 11.

[0180] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0181] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0182] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the battery 11 between the battery 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil (not shown). The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element is embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), etc. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0183] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is also an inverter that converts the DC power output from the battery 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter is composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0184] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the battery 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the battery 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0185] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the battery 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the battery 11. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery 11. For example, the power conversion circuit is implemented through a buck boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0186] The control unit 12 can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit and adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the voltage level output from the battery 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the battery 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may be. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0187] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0188] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0189] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0190] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0191] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the battery 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the battery 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0192] When a power line is connected to the power terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the battery 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the battery 11. If the temperature of the battery 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the battery 11 to be charged based on a predetermined charging current. If the temperature of the battery 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the battery 11.

[0193] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the battery 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the battery 11. If the temperature of the battery 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the system to use the power stored in the battery 11. If the temperature of the battery 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the battery 11.

[0194] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 11 relative to the power stored in the battery 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the battery 11.

[0195] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space via the insertion sensing sensor 133. Based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 133, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0196] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S has been removed from the insertion space through the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature, or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0197] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can determine the level range that includes the level of the capacitance sensor signal based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the determined level range.

[0198] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to the normal state.

[0199] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is to be reused through the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick S is not being used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0200] The control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 via the cartridge sensing sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0201] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether or not the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0202] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time the cartridge heater 24 has been heated is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0203] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, or if no puff is detected for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0204] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed via the cap sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0205] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will soon shut off through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that there is no stick S in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0206] The control unit 12 can save and update a history of events in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, start of stick S heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of stick S heating, power on / off of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the battery 11, detection of overcharge of the battery 11, and end of charging of the battery 11. The history of events includes the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event includes data such as the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event will include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0207] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data includes data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0208] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, etc., through the external device's display.

[0209] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0210] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware version data and transmit the new firmware version data to the aerosol generator 1. Upon receiving the new firmware version data, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0211] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server through machine learning such as deep learning. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store sensing value data from at least one sensor 13 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database related to each component of the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0212] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The respective configurations or functions of the embodiments of the present invention described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other.

[0213] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that such combination is impossible.

[0214] The detailed description set forth herein should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention shall be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A main body including a containment space for containing aerosol products, A heater for heating the aerosol product contained in the aforementioned containment space, A battery that moves in a direction that allows it to be inserted into the body while rotating relative to the main body, and which is detachably coupled to the main body, An aerosol generating device comprising an airflow passage through which air moves along the space between the battery coupled to the main body and the main body.

2. A protruding portion is disposed on either the battery or the main body, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide groove extending along the rotational direction of the battery and positioned at an angle toward the longitudinal direction of the battery, into which the protrusion is inserted, in the battery and the other body.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the area of ​​the protrusion on the longitudinal cross-section of the battery is smaller than the area of ​​the guide groove.

4. The protrusion is located on the outer surface of the battery, and the guide groove is located on the inner surface of the main body. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a stopper that contacts the front end of the battery and limits the range of movement of the protruding portion.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery includes a stepped portion at its rear end that restricts the movement of the battery relative to the main body.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the battery is arranged in a stepped portion of the battery and includes an inlet for the inflow of outside air.

7. The main body includes a coupling space for housing the battery, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bonding space is in fluid communication with the containment space.

8. The aforementioned containment space and the aforementioned coupling space are open in opposite directions. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the airflow passage is arranged to extend from outside the aerosol generating apparatus along the coupling space and the containment space.

9. It further includes a receiving terminal protruding toward the coupling space, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the battery rotates relative to the main body and moves in the longitudinal direction of the battery, thereby bringing the battery into contact with the receiving terminal.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery is disposed at one end of the battery and includes an insertion groove for transmitting an operating force applied by the user to separate the battery, which is coupled to the main body, from the main body.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cover disposed at one end of the battery to protect the battery coupled to the main body.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the main body further includes a guide positioned inside the cover for coupling with the cover and fitting with the cover.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cover includes a first airflow hole for the inflow of outside air.

14. The battery includes a protrusion that protrudes to the outside of the main body when the battery is inserted into the main body. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a pressurizing member that contacts the protrusion and pressurizes the battery toward the main body.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the pressurizing member includes a second airflow hole for the movement of air, a contact portion that contacts the protrusion, and an elastic portion disposed between the cover and the contact portion for pressurizing the contact portion toward the protrusion.

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