Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device may include a main body that forms the exterior, a battery including a first battery electrode arranged on a first surface and a second battery electrode arranged on a second surface different from the first surface, a battery coupling portion to which the battery is detachably coupled, and a main body electrode arranged on the battery coupling portion that is selectively electrically connected to one of the first battery electrode and the second battery electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device including a separable battery.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning ordinary cigarettes. For example, research is being carried out on methods such as generating aerosol from aerosol generating substances in a liquid state or a solid state, or generating vapor from an aerosol generating substance in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid perfume medium to supply a flavored aerosol.

[0003] Recently, as a solution for replacing the method of supplying aerosol by burning cigarettes, an aerosol generating device capable of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article has been proposed. For example, an aerosol generating device means a device that can generate aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in a liquid or solid state to a predetermined temperature through a heater.

[0004] The aerosol generating device can be powered by a battery. At this time, the battery is also a battery separable from the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a battery coupling portion that can be coupled to a separable battery.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The aerosol generating device may include a battery coupling portion for coupling a separable battery. The separable battery can be separated from and coupled to the aerosol generating device by the user at any time. By the way, if the battery is not coupled to the aerosol generating device in a predetermined direction, there is a problem that the aerosol generating device does not operate.

[0006] The problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that includes a battery that supplies power regardless of the direction in which the battery is coupled.

[0007] Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve through various embodiments is to provide an aerosol generating device that can prevent damage to internal components regardless of the battery coupling direction.

[0008] The problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device including a battery that can stably supply power regardless of the size of the battery.

[0009] The problems that the embodiments of the present invention seek to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment may include a main body that forms the exterior, a battery including a first battery electrode arranged on a first surface and a second battery electrode arranged on a second surface different from the first surface, a battery coupling portion to which the battery is detachably coupled, and a main body electrode arranged on the battery coupling portion and selectively electrically connected to one of the first battery electrode and the second battery electrode.

[0011] The first and second surfaces of the battery may be facing opposite directions.

[0012] The battery may be cylindrical or elliptical in shape.

[0013] The first and second faces are also the bases of the cylindrical or elliptical cylinders that form the shape of the battery.

[0014] The main electrode is also circular. The first battery electrode and the second battery electrode are also circular, corresponding to the main electrode.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may further include an elastic body that pressurizes the main electrode toward the battery.

[0016] The battery may be rectangular in shape. The first and second faces may be facing opposite directions.

[0017] The first and second surfaces are also inclined surfaces that form a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery. The battery coupling portion may include a main inclined surface positioned opposite either the first or second surface. The main electrodes may be arranged on the main inclined surface.

[0018] The aerosol generator may further include a battery cover that selectively opens or closes the battery connection.

[0019] The battery connection can be opened along the longitudinal direction of the main unit when opened by the battery cover.

[0020] When the battery cover is opened, the battery connection can open in a direction that crosses the longitudinal direction of the main unit.

[0021] The battery cover may include a cover electrode that is selectively electrically connected to one of the first battery electrode and the second battery electrode.

[0022] The cover electrode can supply power to the battery via the first battery electrode or the second battery electrode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The aerosol generating apparatus, including various embodiments of the present invention, provides an aerosol generating apparatus that includes a battery in which multiple battery electrodes are arranged, thereby offering the effect of being able to supply power to the aerosol generating apparatus regardless of the direction in which the battery is coupled.

[0024] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can provide an effect of preventing damage to terminals by inclining the electrodes of the battery and the electrodes of the battery connection part, regardless of the connection direction of the battery.

[0025] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can provide an effect of stably supplying power regardless of the size of the battery by providing an elastic body that presses the terminals.

[0026] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a drawing showing an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a drawing showing an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a drawing showing an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a drawing showing an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a drawing showing an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] It is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B]This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, while taking into account the function of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators, case law, or the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention is not simply a set of names, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0029] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" or "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0030] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of the prior art relating thereto is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are intended solely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical idea disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0031] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are used simply to distinguish one component from another.

[0032] When one component is described as being "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it is either directly linked to or connected to the other component, but that other components may be present in between. On the other hand, when one component is described as being "linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components present in between.

[0033] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] Regardless of the drawing reference numeral, identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations for them are omitted.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The aerosol generating device 1 can generate and provide aerosols.

[0038] The aerosol generator 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 1 and may contain internal space. At least one of the article storage section 11, heater (not shown), control unit (not shown), and battery (not shown) may be located inside the main body 10.

[0039] The article storage section 11 may provide a space into which an aerosol product 2 can be detachably bound (inserted). The aerosol product 2 may include an aerosol-generating substance that generates an aerosol when heated by a heater. The article storage section 11 may provide a space that is open toward the outside of the main body 10 into which the aerosol product 2 can be inserted.

[0040] The article storage section 11 may be recessed inward toward the body 10 so that at least a portion of the aerosol product 2 can be inserted. The depth to which the article storage section 11 is recessed may correspond to the length of the region in the aerosol product 2 that contains the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. A portion of the aerosol product 2 may be inserted into the body 10, while another portion of the aerosol product 2 may protrude toward the outside of the body 10. The user may put the portion of the aerosol product 2 exposed toward the outside of the body 10 into their mouth and inhale the air containing the aerosol.

[0041] A heater (not shown) located inside the main body 10 can heat the aerosol product 2. For example, the heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0042] For example, a heater can also be a resistive heater. A heater includes a conductive track, and the heater can be heated by the flow of current through the conductive track. A heater can be electrically connected to a power source. A heater can be heated by power supplied from the power source.

[0043] For example, a heater can also be a multi-heater. A heater may include a first heater and a second heater. The first and second heaters may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0044] The aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil. The induction coil may generate heat in a heater. The heater may include a susceptor. The susceptor may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the susceptor and generate eddy currents inside it. The eddy currents may generate heat in the susceptor.

[0045] As another example, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol product 2. The susceptor inside the aerosol product 2 may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through an induction coil. The susceptor is located inside the aerosol product 2 and is not electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. The susceptor may be inserted into the article storage section 11 together with the aerosol product 2 and may be removed from the article storage section 11 together with the aerosol product 2. If an alternating current flows through the induction coil, the aerosol product 2 may be heated by the susceptor inside the aerosol product 2.

[0046] The power supply can provide power to operate the components of the aerosol generator 1. The power supply is also a battery that stores power. The power supply can provide power to components such as the heater, induction coil, and control unit.

[0047] The control unit can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit can control the operation of components such as heaters, induction coils, and power supplies. The control unit can control the operation of displays, actuators (motors), and other components provided in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether or not the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state. Embodiments of the Invention

[0048] Figures 2 to 4 are drawings illustrating aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of a battery 12, a control unit 13, a sensor unit 14, and an aerosol generator 15. At least one of the battery 12, the control unit 13, the sensor unit 14, and the aerosol generator 15 may be located inside the main body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0050] The main body 10 may provide a space that opens on one side into which an aerosol product 2 can be inserted. This space that opens on one side may be referred to as an article storage section. The article storage section may be formed by recessing into the main body 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol product 2 can be inserted. The depth of the article storage section may correspond to the length of the region in the aerosol product 2 that contains the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the main body 10, and a portion of the aerosol product 2 may protrude outside the main body 10. The user may inhale air by putting the portion of the aerosol product 2 that is exposed to the outside into their mouth.

[0051] The aerosol generator 15 can heat the aerosol product 2. The aerosol generator 15 may extend outward in the longitudinal direction of the space into which the aerosol product 2 is inserted. For example, the aerosol generator 15 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The aerosol generator 15 may be inserted into one end of the aerosol product 2. The aerosol generator 15 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0052] For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 15 is also a resistive heater. For example, the aerosol generator 15 may include a conductive track, and the aerosol generator 15 may be heated by current flowing through the conductive track. The aerosol generator 15 may be electrically connected to a battery 12. The aerosol generator 15 may be directly heated by current supplied from the battery 12.

[0053] For example, the aerosol generator 15 is also a multiple heater. The aerosol generator 15 may include a first heater 15A and a second heater 15B. The first and second heaters 15A and 15B may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 15A and 15B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0054] For example, referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator may include an induction coil 151 surrounding the aerosol generator 15. The induction coil 151 can generate heat in the aerosol generator 15. The aerosol generator 15 is a susceptor and can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 151. The magnetic field penetrates the aerosol generator 15 and can generate eddy currents within the aerosol generator 15. The current can generate heat in the aerosol generator 15.

[0055] For example, referring to Figure 4, a susceptor 152 is included inside the aerosol product 2, and the susceptor 152 inside the aerosol product 2 may be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 151. The susceptor 152 is located inside the aerosol product 2 and is not electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1. The susceptor 152 can be inserted into the article storage section together with the aerosol product 2 and can be removed from the article storage section together with the aerosol product 2. The aerosol product 2 may be heated by the susceptor 152 inside the aerosol product 2. In this case, the aerosol generating device is not equipped with an aerosol generator 15.

[0056] The battery 12 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator. The battery 12 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 13, the sensor unit 14, and the aerosol generator 15. The battery 12 can supply power to the induction coil 151.

[0057] The control unit 13 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 13 can control the operation of at least one of the following: the battery 12, the sensor unit 14, and the aerosol generator 15. The control unit 13 can control the operation of the induction coil 151. The control unit 13 can control the operation of the display, actuator (motor), etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 13 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0058] The control unit 13 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor unit 14 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 14, the control unit 13 can control the power supplied to the aerosol generator 15 so that the operation of the aerosol generator 15 starts or stops. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 14, the control unit 13 can control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 15 and the duration of power supply so that the aerosol generator 15 is heated to a specified temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0059] The sensor unit 14 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, or an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor unit 14 may sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the aerosol generator 15, the temperature of the battery 12, or the temperature inside or outside the main unit 10. For example, the sensor unit 14 may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor unit 14 may sense whether or not the aerosol product 2 has been inserted into the article storage compartment. For example, the sensor unit 14 may sense the movement of the aerosol generator.

[0060] Figures 5 and 6 are drawings showing an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to Figure 5, the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 3 and a main body 10. The aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a battery 12, a control unit 13, and a sensor (not shown). At least one of the control unit 13 and the battery 12 may be located inside the main body 10. The main body 10 may be fitted with a cartridge 3 containing an aerosol generating substance. The user can inhale the aerosol by putting a mouthpiece (not shown) provided at one end of the cartridge 3 into their mouth.

[0062] Cartridge 3 may contain an aerosol-generating substance in its internal storage space 31, which may be in one of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include 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.

[0063] Cartridge 3 can be detachably attached to the main unit 10. By being attached to the main unit 10, cartridge 3 can be installed in the main unit 10.

[0064] The main unit 10 may have a structure that allows outside air to flow into the main unit 10 while the cartridge 3 is attached. In this case, the outside air that flows into the main unit 10 can pass through the cartridge 3 and flow into the user's mouth via the airflow channel CN.

[0065] Cartridge 3 may include a storage space 31 containing aerosol-generating material and / or a generating section 32. The generating section 32 may heat the aerosol-generating material in the storage space 31. Cartridge 3 may include a liquid transfer means 33 for absorbing the aerosol-generating material. Here, the liquid transfer means 33 may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The conductive track of the generating section 32 may consist of a coiled structure that winds the liquid transfer means 33 or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means 33. The generating section 32 may be referred to as a "cartridge heater".

[0066] Cartridge 3 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid transmission means 33 by the generation unit 32. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through the airflow channel CN.

[0067] An airflow channel CN ​​may be provided in the cartridge 3. The airflow channel CN ​​may connect the generating section 32 of the cartridge 3 to the outside of the cartridge. One end of the airflow channel CN ​​may open to the generating section 32, and the other end may connect to the outside. For example, the airflow channel CN ​​may extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 3 on one side of the storage space 31 of the cartridge 3. For example, the airflow channel CN ​​may extend through the cartridge 3 along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 3.

[0068] Referring to Figure 6, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 can contain the aerosol product 2. For example, the aerosol product 2 can be contained in a cartridge 3. As another example, the aerosol product 2 can be contained in the main body 10.

[0069] The aerosol product 2 can pass through the aerosol generated in the generation unit 32. The aerosol generator 1 includes an article storage unit that contains the aerosol product 2, and the aerosol generated inside the generation unit 32 can pass through the aerosol product 2 stored in the article storage unit and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1. At this time, the user can bring their mouth into contact with the aerosol product 2 and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 through the aerosol product 2.

[0070] Referring to Figure 6, the aerosol generator 1 may further include an aerosol generator 15 for heating the aerosol product 2. The aerosol generator 15 can heat the aerosol product 2. The aerosol generator 15 may be positioned around the space into which the aerosol product 2 is inserted. The aerosol generator 15 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0071] The control unit 13 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 13 may be located on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 13 can control the operation of at least one of the cartridge 3, battery 12, and sensor. For example, the control unit 13 can control the operation of a display (not shown), an acoustic output device (not shown), a haptic unit (not shown), an actuator (motor) (not shown), etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 13 can check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0072] The control unit 13 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor, the control unit 13 can control the power supplied to the generation unit 32 so that the operation of the generation unit 32 starts or stops. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor, the control unit 13 can control the amount of power supplied to the generation unit 32 and the duration of power supply so that the generation unit 32 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0073] The battery 12 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 12 can provide electrical energy to at least one of the control unit 13, a sensor (not shown), and the aerosol generator 15.

[0074] The sensor may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge sensing sensor, and a motion sensing sensor. For example, the sensor may sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the generation unit 32, the temperature of the battery 12, and the temperature inside and outside the main unit 10. For example, the sensor may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor may sense whether a cartridge is installed or not. For example, the sensor may sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1.

[0075] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating in detail the configuration of the battery 12, battery coupling portion 16, and battery cover 17 of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0076] The aerosol generator 1 of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, any one of the embodiments of the aerosol generator 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. To avoid repetitive explanations, descriptions relating to configurations that are identical or similar to any one of the embodiments of the aerosol generator 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 may be omitted.

[0077] The size, volume, thickness, distances between components, and ratios of the components illustrated in the drawings of this invention may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes. The technical concept of this invention is not limited by the physical size, volume, thickness ratios, etc., of the components illustrated in the drawings.

[0078] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 may have an external appearance and contain internal spaces.

[0079] The aerosol generating device 1 may further include a separable battery 12, an aerosol generator 15, a battery coupling 16, and a battery cover 17.

[0080] The battery 12 may be detachably coupled to the battery coupling 16. The battery 12 may include battery electrodes 121. The battery electrodes 121 of the battery 12 may supply power to other components of the aerosol generator 1. The battery electrodes 121 may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The battery 12 may include multiple battery electrodes 121. For example, the battery 12 may include a first battery electrode 121a and a second battery electrode 121b. The battery 12 may include many more electrodes in addition to the first battery electrode 121a and the second battery electrode 121b, and the number of battery electrodes 121 included in the battery 12 is not limited. For example, the battery 12 may include three or four battery electrodes 121.

[0081] The shape of the battery 12 is not limited. The battery 12 can also be one of the shapes of a polyhedron. For example, the battery 12 may be a rectangular parallelepiped, but is not limited to this. If the battery 12 is a rectangular parallelepiped, the first face 12a and the second face 12b may face opposite directions. The first face 12a and the second face 12b of the battery 12 may face each other.

[0082] The battery 12 has an elliptical cylinder shape. The battery 12 can also be cylindrical. If the battery 12 has an elliptical or cylindrical shape, the first surface 12a and the second surface 12b are also the two base surfaces of the elliptical or cylindrical shape that makes up the battery. The first surface 12a and the second surface 12b may face opposite directions. The first surface 12a and the second surface 12b of the battery 12 may face each other.

[0083] With reference to the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 7, the first surface 12a of the battery 12 is the surface facing the +y direction, and the second surface 12b of the battery 12 is the surface facing the -y direction.

[0084] The first battery electrode 121a and the second battery electrode 121b may be located in other areas of the battery 12. For example, the first battery electrode 121a may be located on the first surface 12a of the battery 12, and the second battery electrode 121b may be located on the second surface 12b of the battery 12.

[0085] The battery coupling section 16 may include a space for coupling the battery 12. The battery coupling section 16 may be located in one area inside the main body 10. The main body electrode 161 may be located in one area inside the battery coupling section 16. The main body electrode 161 is configured to be electrically connected to the battery 12. The main body electrode 161 can receive current from the battery 12 and transmit that current to other components of the aerosol generator 1. For example, at least a portion of the control unit 13, the sensor unit (not shown), and the aerosol generator 15 may receive current from the battery via the main body electrode 161.

[0086] The main electrode 161 can be electrically connected to at least one of the battery electrodes 121 of the battery 12 connected to the battery coupling portion 16. For example, the main electrode 161 can be selectively electrically connected to either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b. The main electrode 161 can be supplied with power from either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b.

[0087] According to the present invention, the main electrode 161 can be supplied with power from the battery 12 by electrical connection only with either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the coupling direction of the battery 12 coupled to the battery coupling portion 16.

[0088] According to the present invention, even if the battery 12 is coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 in a direction different from the direction shown in Figure 1, the main body electrode 161 can still receive power from the battery 12.

[0089] For example, referring to Figure 7, the battery 12 is connected to the battery coupling portion 16 with its first surface 12a facing the +y direction, the first battery electrode 121a is electrically connected to the main body electrode 161, and power from the battery 12 can be supplied to the main body electrode 161 via the first battery electrode 121a.

[0090] As another example, unlike the illustration in Figure 7, the battery 12 is connected to the battery coupling portion 16 such that the second surface 12b faces the +y direction, and the second battery electrode 121b is electrically connected to the main electrode 161, and power from the battery 12 can be supplied to the main electrode 161 via the second battery electrode 121b.

[0091] Therefore, the coupling direction of the battery 12 that supplies power to the main electrode 161 is not limited to the coupling direction shown in Figure 7. Even if the battery 12 is coupled to the battery coupling part 16 in an inverted state compared to the direction shown in Figure 7, it will still supply power to the main electrode 161, and the aerosol generator 1 can operate without any problems.

[0092] According to the present invention, the user can connect the battery 12 to the battery coupling part 16 and operate the aerosol generating device 1 without having to worry about the direction in which the battery 12 is connected, thereby improving user convenience and user experience.

[0093] The aerosol generator 1 may include a battery cover 17 that selectively opens or closes the battery coupling portion 16. The battery cover 17 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10.

[0094] Referring to Figure 7, the battery 12 is located inside the battery coupling 16, and the battery cover 17 is in the closed position, closing the battery coupling 16 to prevent the battery 12 from being ejected to the outside.

[0095] The battery cover 17 may be positioned in one area of ​​the main body 10. The battery cover 17 may be positioned in an area corresponding to the battery coupling portion 16. For example, the battery cover 17 may be detachably coupled to a position where the battery coupling portion 16 is open in the -y direction.

[0096] Referring to Figure 7, the battery cover 17 may extend in a direction that crosses the longitudinal direction (±y) of the main body 10. The battery cover 17 may open or close the battery coupling portion 16 in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10.

[0097] The battery cover 17 can move to a closed position that closes the battery coupling portion 16, thereby closing the battery coupling portion 16 from the outside. By moving the battery cover 17 away from the closed position, the battery coupling portion 16 can be opened to the outside.

[0098] The battery cover 17 can be connected to the main body 10 in a closed position that closes the battery coupling portion 16. The battery cover 17 can be separated from the main body 10 by being released from the closed position.

[0099] When the battery cover 17 moves to the closed position and connects with the main body 10, the battery coupling portion 16 is closed to the outside, preventing the battery (not shown) from being coupled to or detached from the battery coupling portion 16, and potentially blocking foreign matter from the outside of the aerosol generator 1 from flowing into the battery coupling portion 16.

[0100] When the battery cover 17 is separated from the main body 10, the battery coupling portion 16 is opened to the outside, so the battery 12 can be coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 or removed from the battery coupling portion 16.

[0101] The aerosol generator 1 may further include an elastic body 162. The elastic body 162 may be connected to the main electrode 161. The elastic body 162 may apply an elastic force to the main electrode 161 and pressurize it. The elastic body 162 may pressurize the main electrode 161 toward the battery 12. The elastic body 162 may allow the main electrode 161 to make more stable contact and / or coupling with the battery electrode 121 of the battery 12. The elastic body 162 may allow the main electrode 161 to be more stably electrically coupled with the battery electrode 121 of the battery 12.

[0102] The main electrode 161 includes a pogo pin that is pressurized by the elastic body 162, or it is the pogo pin itself.

[0103] The elastic body 162 can stably fix the battery 12 within the battery coupling portion 16 without it oscillating. The size of the battery 12 coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 may vary from battery to battery 12. With the elastic body 162 in place, the battery 12 can be stably positioned in the battery coupling portion 16 regardless of its size. The presence of the elastic body 162 can increase the degree of freedom in the size of the battery 12 coupled to the battery coupling portion 16.

[0104] The elastic body 162 can pressurize the battery connected to the battery coupling portion 16. The elastic body 162 can be positioned inside the battery coupling portion 16. One or more elastic bodies 162 may be positioned.

[0105] The battery cover 17 may have cover electrodes 171 and charging terminals 172.

[0106] The cover electrode 171 is also configured to electrically connect the charging terminal 172 and the battery electrode 121. The cover electrode 171 can be selectively electrically connected to either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b. The cover electrode 171 can connect either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b to the charging terminal 172.

[0107] The charging terminal 172 is configured to charge the battery 12 by supplying power to the battery 12 from an external charger (not shown). The cover electrode 171 can supply power to the battery 12 via the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b.

[0108] According to the present invention, the cover electrode 171 can supply power to the battery 12 even with only an electrical connection to either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the coupling direction of the battery 12 coupled to the battery coupling portion 16.

[0109] According to the present invention, even if the battery 12 is coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 in a direction different from the direction shown in Figure 1, the cover electrode 171 can supply power to the battery 12.

[0110] For example, if the battery 12 is coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 such that its first surface 12a faces the +y direction, the second battery electrode 121b is electrically connected to the cover electrode 171, and power can be supplied to the battery 12 via the second battery electrode 121b.

[0111] As another example, if the battery 12 is coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 such that its second surface 12b faces the +y direction, the first battery electrode 121a is electrically connected to the cover electrode 171, and power can be supplied to the battery 12 via the first battery electrode 121a.

[0112] Therefore, the direction in which the battery 12 is connected for charging is not limited to the connection direction shown in Figure 1. Even if the battery 12 is connected to the battery connection part 16 in an inverted state compared to the direction shown in Figure 1, power can still be supplied from the cover electrode 171.

[0113] According to the present invention, the user can connect the battery 12 to the battery coupling part 16 and operate the aerosol generating device 1 without paying attention to the direction in which the battery 12 is coupled, thereby improving user convenience and user experience.

[0114] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a cradle (not shown). The aerosol generator 1 may constitute a system with a separate cradle. The cradle may include a charger capable of charging the battery 12. For example, the cradle may charge the battery 12 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 15 may be heated with the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 coupled together.

[0115] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating in detail the battery 12 and battery coupling 16 of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The battery 12 and battery coupling 16 in Figure 8 are identical or have a similar configuration to the battery 12 and battery coupling 16 of the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 7.

[0117] For the sake of clarity, Figure 8 omits the illustration of the configuration excluding the battery 12 and the battery connector 16.

[0118] The battery 12 may include curved surfaces. For example, the battery 12 may be cylindrical, but its shape is not limited to that.

[0119] If the battery 12 is cylindrical, then the first surface 12a and the second surface 12b are also the bottom surfaces of the cylinder that forms the shape of the battery. The first surface 12a and the second surface 12b may face opposite directions. The first surface 12a and the second surface 12b of the battery 12 may face each other.

[0120] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the inner surface of the battery coupling portion 16 may be curved, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] A main electrode 161 may be positioned in one region inside the battery coupling section 16. The main electrode 161 is configured to be electrically connected to the battery 12. The main electrode 161 can receive current from the battery 12 and transmit that current to other components of the aerosol generator 1. For example, at least some of the control unit (not shown), sensors (not shown), and aerosol generator (not shown) may receive current from the battery 12 via the main electrode 161.

[0122] The main electrode 161 can be electrically connected to at least one of the battery electrodes 121 of the battery 12 connected to the battery coupling portion 16. For example, the main electrode 161 can be selectively electrically connected to either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b. The main electrode 161 can be supplied with power from either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b.

[0123] According to the present invention, the main electrode 161 can be supplied with power from the battery 12 by electrical connection only with either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the coupling direction of the battery 12 coupled to the battery coupling portion 16.

[0124] According to the present invention, even if the battery 12 is coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 in a direction different from the direction shown in Figure 1, the main body electrode 161 can still receive power from the battery 12.

[0125] For example, referring to Figure 8, the battery 12 is connected to the battery coupling portion 16 with its first surface 12a facing the +y direction, the first battery electrode 121a is electrically connected to the main body electrode 161, and power from the battery 12 can be supplied to the main body electrode 161 via the first battery electrode 121a.

[0126] As another example, unlike the illustration in Figure 8, the battery 12 is connected to the battery coupling portion 16 such that the second surface 12b faces the +y direction, and the second battery electrode 121b is electrically connected to the main electrode 161, and power from the battery 12 can be supplied to the main electrode 161 via the second battery electrode 121b.

[0127] Therefore, the coupling direction of the battery 12 that supplies power to the main electrode 161 is not limited to the coupling direction shown in Figure 8. Even if the battery 12 is coupled to the battery coupling part 16 in an inverted orientation compared to the direction shown in Figure 8, it will still supply power to the main electrode 161, and the aerosol generator 1 can operate without any problems.

[0128] According to the present invention, the user can connect the battery 12 to the battery coupling part 16 and operate the aerosol generating device 1 without having to worry about the direction in which the battery 12 is connected, thereby improving user convenience and user experience.

[0129] The shapes of the battery electrode 121 and the main body electrode 161 are also corresponding to each other so as to be electrically connected. The main body electrode 161 is also circular. The main body electrode 161 may include a positive circular electrode and a negative circular electrode. The battery electrode 121 is also circular in shape to correspond to the main body electrode 161. The battery electrode 121 may include a positive circular electrode and a negative circular electrode.

[0130] According to the embodiment described with reference to Figure 8, if the battery 12 is cylindrical, the degree of freedom in the coupling direction of the battery 12 can be further improved by forming the battery electrode 121 and the main body electrode 161 in a circular shape. The battery 12 can be coupled to the battery coupling part 16 independently of both the up and down (±y) direction and the left and right (±x) direction, thereby operating the aerosol generating device 1.

[0131] Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] The aerosol generator 1 of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, any one of the embodiments of the aerosol generator 1 described with reference to other drawings.

[0133] Figures 9A and 9B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating in detail the configuration of the battery 12, battery coupling 16, and battery cover 17 of the aerosol generator 1.

[0134] To avoid repetitive explanations, descriptions relating to configurations identical or similar to any one of the embodiments of the aerosol generator 1 described with reference to other drawings may be omitted.

[0135] Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, the battery 12 can be connected to the battery coupling 16. As previously mentioned with reference to Figure 7, the battery coupling 16 can be opened or closed by the battery cover 17.

[0136] When the battery coupling portion 16 is opened, the battery 12 can be inserted into the battery coupling portion 16 or ejected to the outside of the battery coupling portion 16.

[0137] After the battery 12 is inserted into the battery coupling portion 16, the battery cover 17 moves to the closed position and the battery coupling portion 16 is closed, thereby fixing the battery 12 inside the battery coupling portion 16.

[0138] Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, the battery 12 is located inside the battery coupling 16, and the battery cover 17 is in the closed position, closing the battery coupling 16 to prevent the battery 12 from being ejected to the outside.

[0139] The extension direction of the battery cover 17 of the aerosol generator 1 is not restricted.

[0140] For example, referring to Figure 9A, the battery cover 17 may extend in the same or a similar direction as the longitudinal direction (±y) of the main body 10. The battery cover 17 may open or close the battery coupling portion 16 in a direction that crosses the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. In that case, when the battery coupling portion 16 is opened by the battery cover 17, it may be opened in a direction that crosses the longitudinal direction of the main body 10.

[0141] As another example, referring to Figure 9B, the battery cover 17 may extend in a direction that transcends the longitudinal direction (±y) of the main body 10. The battery cover 17 may open or close the battery coupling portion 16 toward the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. In this case, when the battery coupling portion 16 is opened by the battery cover 17, it may open in the same direction as or similar to the longitudinal direction of the main body 10.

[0142] A main electrode 161 may be positioned in one region inside the battery coupling section 16. The main electrode 161 is configured to be electrically connected to the battery 12. The main electrode 161 can receive current from the battery 12 and transmit that current to other components of the aerosol generator 1.

[0143] A battery electrode 121 may be arranged in one area of ​​the battery 12. The battery electrode 121 is configured to be electrically connected to the main electrode 161. The battery electrode 121 can supply current to other components of the aerosol generator 1 via the main electrode 161. The battery 12 may contain multiple battery electrodes 121. For example, the battery 12 may contain a first battery electrode 121a and a second battery electrode 121b. The battery 12 may contain many more electrodes in addition to the first battery electrode 121a and the second battery electrode 121b, and the number of battery electrodes 121 included in the battery 12 is not limited.

[0144] The battery 12 may have multiple surfaces. Of the surfaces of the battery 12, the first surface 12a and the second surface 12b are inclined surfaces that make a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery 12. The first battery electrode 121a located on the first surface 12a may be inclined in the same way as the first surface 12a, and the second battery electrode 121b located on the second surface 12b may be inclined in the same way as the second surface 12b.

[0145] The aerosol generator 1 may include a main body inclined surface 163 positioned opposite the first surface 12a or the second surface 12b when the battery 12 is connected to the battery coupling portion 16. The main body inclined surface 163 may be inclined at an angle corresponding to the degree to which the first surface 12a or the second surface 12b of the battery 12 connected to the battery coupling portion 16 is inclined.

[0146] The main electrode 161 may be positioned on the main inclined surface 163. The main electrode 161 positioned on the main inclined surface 163 may be inclined in the same way as the main inclined surface 163.

[0147] When the battery 12 is connected to the battery coupling portion 16, the main body electrode 161 and the battery electrode 121, which are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, can be electrically coupled.

[0148] By positioning the battery electrode 121 at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, and the main electrode 161 at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, the degree of freedom in the insertion direction of the battery 12 for coupling to the battery coupling portion 16 is improved, and damage to the main electrode 161 and / or battery electrode 121 can be prevented.

[0149] For example, if the main electrode 161 is positioned in the -y direction as shown in Figure 7, there is no problem when the battery 12 moves in the +y direction and is coupled. However, when the battery 12 moves in the -x direction and is coupled, the protruding area of ​​the main electrode 161 is damaged by the battery 12, and if the protrusion of the main electrode 161 is severe, the battery 12 may get caught on the main electrode 161, making it difficult to couple to the battery coupling part 16.

[0150] Referring to Figure 9A, when the battery cover 17 is moved to the open position, the battery 12 can be connected to the battery coupling portion 16 in the -x direction. In this case, the main electrode 161 is positioned at an angle in the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, and the battery electrode 121 is also positioned at an angle in the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, and they can be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the angled main electrode 161 is less likely to be damaged by the battery 12 and is less likely to interfere with the connection of the battery 12.

[0151] As another example, referring to Figure 9B, when the battery cover 17 is moved to the open position, the battery 12 can be connected to the battery coupling portion 16 in the +y direction. In this case, the main electrode 161 is positioned at an angle in the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, and the battery electrode 121 is also positioned at an angle in the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, and they can be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the angled main electrode 161 is less likely to be damaged by the battery 12 and is less likely to interfere with the connection of the battery 12.

[0152] In summary, by arranging the battery electrode 121 and the main body electrode 161 at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, the degree of freedom in the coupling direction of the battery 12 is improved, and the possibility of damage to the main body electrode 161 by the battery 12 can be reduced.

[0153] The battery cover 17 may have cover electrodes 171 and charging terminals 172.

[0154] The cover electrode 171 is also configured to electrically connect the charging terminal 172 and the battery electrode 121. The cover electrode 171 can be selectively electrically connected to either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b. The cover electrode 171 can connect either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b to the charging terminal 172.

[0155] The cover electrode 171 may be positioned at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery 12. By being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery 12, the cover electrode 171 may be electrically connected to the battery electrode 121 which is similarly inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery 12.

[0156] The charging terminal 172 is configured to charge the battery 12 by supplying power to the battery 12 from an external charger (not shown). The cover electrode 171 can supply power to the battery 12 via the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b.

[0157] According to the present invention, the cover electrode 171 can supply power to the battery 12 even with only an electrical connection to either the first battery electrode 121a or the second battery electrode 121b, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the coupling direction of the battery 12 coupled to the battery coupling portion 16.

[0158] According to the present invention, even if the battery 12 is coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 in a direction different from the direction shown in Figure 1, the cover electrode 171 can supply power to the battery 12.

[0159] For example, if the first surface 12a of the battery 12 is connected to the battery coupling portion 16 so that it faces the +y direction, the second battery electrode 121b is electrically connected to the cover electrode 171, and power can be supplied to the battery 12 via the second battery electrode 121b.

[0160] As another example, if the second surface 12b of the battery 12 is connected to the battery coupling portion 16 so that it faces the +y direction, the first battery electrode 121a is electrically connected to the cover electrode 171, and power can be supplied to the battery 12 via the first battery electrode 121a.

[0161] Therefore, the direction in which the battery 12 is connected for charging is not limited to the connection direction shown in Figure 1. Even if the battery 12 is connected to the battery connection part 16 in an inverted state compared to the direction shown in Figure 1, power can still be supplied from the cover electrode 171.

[0162] According to the present invention, the user can connect the battery 12 to the battery coupling part 16 and operate the aerosol generating device 1 without paying attention to the direction in which the battery 12 is coupled, thereby improving user convenience and user experience.

[0163] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a cradle (not shown). The aerosol generator 1 may constitute a system with a separate cradle. The cradle may include a charger for charging the battery 12. For example, the cradle may charge the battery 12 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 15 may be heated with the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 coupled together.

[0164] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] The aerosol generator 1 may include a battery 12, a control unit 13, a sensor unit 14, an output unit 40, an input unit 70, a communication unit 50, a memory 60, and at least one aerosol generator 15. The aerosol generator 15 may also be a stick heater and / or a cartridge heater. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 10. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, some of the components shown in Figure 10 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0166] The sensor unit 14 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 13. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 13 can control the aerosol generator 1 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, restricting smoking, determining whether or not the stick and / or cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0167] The sensor unit 14 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 141, a puff sensor 142, an insertion sensor 143, a reuse sensor 144, a cartridge sensor 145, a cap sensor 146, and a motion sensor 147.

[0168] The temperature sensor 141 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater and / or stick heater are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, or the cartridge heater and / or stick heater itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor.

[0169] The temperature sensor 141 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the temperature sensor 141 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. This can be embodied by a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 141 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the temperature sensor 141 may consist of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. In this case, the temperature sensor 141 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater.

[0170] The temperature sensor 141 may be positioned around the battery 12 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 141 may be positioned adjacent to the battery 12. For example, the temperature sensor 141 may be attached to one side of the battery 12. For example, the temperature sensor 141 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0171] The temperature sensor 141 is located inside the main unit 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the main unit 10.

[0172] The puff sensor 142 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 142 can output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 142 is also a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 142 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 142 can be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0173] The insertion sensor 143 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion sensor 143 can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion sensor 143 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion sensor 143 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick by changes in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensor 143 is also an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0174] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be 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 may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0175] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of a coil.

[0176] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick including a metal ferrule is inserted into the insertion space, the ferrule of the stick may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0177] The reuse detection sensor 144 can detect whether the stick has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 144 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick. The color sensor can detect the hue of a part of the flaps that enclose the outside of the stick. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object, based on the light reflected from the object. For example, an optical property is also the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented in one configuration with the proximity sensor, or in a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0178] At least a portion of the flaps that make up the stick may change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 144 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 is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick is used by a user, at least a portion of the flaps has the first hue. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick, at least a portion of the flaps may be wetted by the aerosol, causing at least a portion of the flaps to change to the 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.

[0179] The cartridge sensing sensor 145 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 145 can be implemented as an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) utilizing the Hall effect.

[0180] The cap sensing sensor 146 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 146 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0181] The motion sensing sensor 147 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensing sensor 147 can be embodied in at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0182] In addition to the sensors 141 to 147 mentioned above, the sensor unit 14 may further include at least one of the following: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0183] The output unit 40 may output and provide to the user information relating to the state of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 40 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 41, the haptic unit 42, and the acoustic output unit 43. If the display unit 41 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 41 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0184] The display unit 41 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 1 can include a variety of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 12 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the stick heater, the insertion / removal status of the stick 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 unit 41 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display unit 41 can also be an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display unit 41 can also be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0185] The haptic unit 42 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater for a set time, the haptic unit 42 may generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 42 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0186] The acoustic output unit 43 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 43 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0187] Battery 12 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. Battery 12 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. Battery 12 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor unit 14, output unit 40, input unit 70, communication unit 50, and memory 60. Battery 12 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 12 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to these.

[0188] Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery 12 and may include a switching element.

[0189] The power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the battery 12 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the battery 12 if the voltage level of the battery 12 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the battery 12 if the voltage level of the battery 12 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0190] The stick heater can be powered by the battery 12 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 12 and supplies it to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater. Furthermore, 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 12 to AC power.

[0191] The control unit 13, sensor unit 14, output unit 40, input unit 70, communication unit 50, and memory 60 can perform their functions by being powered by the battery 12. Although not shown in Figure 10, the circuit may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery 12 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 10, a noise filter may be provided between the battery 12 and the stick heater. 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 may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the battery 12 to the stick heater. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor unit 14, such as the insertion sensing sensor 143.

[0192] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 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 stick heater may also be embodied in, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with conductive tracks, or a ceramic heating element.

[0193] In other embodiments, the stick heater is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the stick heater may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-producing material.

[0194] The input unit 70 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 70 is also a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, 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.

[0195] The display unit 41 and the touch panel can be realized as a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display unit 41 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel can be added on top of the display unit 41 (add-on type).

[0196] On the other hand, the input section 70 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0197] Memory 60 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 13 and data being processed. Memory 60 may include 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 60 may 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 the user's smoking pattern.

[0198] The communication unit 50 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 50 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0199] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and others.

[0200] The wireless communication unit may include, 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.

[0201] Although not shown in Figure 10, 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 12.

[0202] The control unit 13 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 13 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates and may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It will also be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0203] The control unit 13 can control the temperature of the stick heater by controlling the supply of power from the battery 12 to the stick heater. The control unit 13 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater sensed by the temperature sensor 141. The control unit 13 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the control unit 13 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater and / or stick heater based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 60.

[0204] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the battery 12 between the battery 12 and a cartridge heater and / or a stick heater. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater, the stick heater, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 13 can control the power supply circuit.

[0205] The control unit 13 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 12 into AC power. For example, the inverter may consist of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0206] The control unit 13 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the battery 12 to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. The control unit 13 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater is cut off. The control unit 13 can adjust the current supplied from the battery 12 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0207] The control unit 13 can control the voltage output from the battery 12 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 12. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery 12. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented through a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0208] The control unit 13 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the battery 12. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the battery 12. 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 stick heater may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0209] The control unit 13 can control the supply of power to the stick heater using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0210] For example, the control unit 13 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the stick heater. The control unit 13 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the stick heater.

[0211] For example, the control unit 13 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 13 can control the power supplied to the stick heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the stick heater temperature and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0212] The control unit 13 can prevent overheating of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the control unit 13 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater exceeding a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 13 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater exceeding a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 13 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeding the limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater.

[0213] The control unit 13 can control the charging and discharging of the battery 12. The control unit 13 can check the temperature of the battery 12 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 141.

[0214] When a power line is connected to the main body electrode of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 13 can check whether the temperature of the battery 12 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the battery 12. If the temperature of the battery 12 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 13 can control the battery 12 to be charged based on a previously set charging current. If the temperature of the battery 12 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 13 can shut off the charging of the battery 12.

[0215] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 13 can check whether the temperature of the battery 12 is above the second limit temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the battery 12. If the temperature of the battery 12 is below the second limit temperature, the control unit 13 can control the system to use the power stored in the battery 12. If the temperature of the battery 12 is above the second limit temperature, the control unit 13 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the battery 12.

[0216] The control unit 13 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 12 relative to the power stored in the battery. For example, the control unit 13 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 12 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the battery 12.

[0217] The control unit 13 can determine whether or not a stick has been inserted into the insertion space via the insertion sensing sensor 143. Based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 143, the control unit 13 can determine that a stick has been inserted. If it determines that a stick has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 13 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the control unit 13 can supply power to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 60.

[0218] The control unit 13 can determine whether or not the stick has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 13 can determine whether or not the stick has been removed from the insertion space via the insertion sensing sensor 143. For example, the control unit 13 determines that the stick has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the stick heater is above a limit temperature, or if the temperature change gradient of the stick heater is above a set gradient. If the control unit 13 determines that the stick has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater.

[0219] The control unit 13 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the stick heater based on the state of the stick sensed by the sensor unit 14. The control unit 13 can determine the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 13 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick based on the determined level range.

[0220] If the stick is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 13 may control the power supply time to the stick heater to increase the preheating time of the stick compared to the normal state.

[0221] The control unit 13 can determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space is being reused via the reuse sensing sensor 144. For example, the control unit 13 compares the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and determines that the stick is not being used if the sensing value falls within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 13 compares the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and determines that the stick has been used if the sensing value falls within the second reference range. If it is determined that the stick has been used, the control unit 13 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater.

[0222] The control unit 13 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 via the cartridge sensing sensor 145. For example, the control unit 13 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0223] The control unit 13 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 13 preheats the cartridge heater and / or stick heater by applying power, and determines whether the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 13 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. If the control unit 13 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater.

[0224] The control unit 13 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable or not. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 60, the control unit 13 determines that the cartridge 19 is unusable 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 13 determines that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater has been heated is greater than or equal to the previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is greater than or equal to the previously set maximum amount of power.

[0225] The control unit 13 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor 142. For example, the control unit 13 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 13 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 142. If the number of puffs reaches a pre-set maximum number of puffs, or if no puff has been detected for a pre-set time or longer, the control unit 13 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater.

[0226] The control unit 13 can determine whether to attach and / or remove the cap via the cap sensing sensor 146. For example, the control unit 13 can determine whether to attach and / or remove the cap based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0227] The control unit 13 can control the output unit 40 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 14. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 142 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 13 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will soon shut off via at least one of the display unit 41, the haptic unit 42, and the acoustic output unit 43. For example, the control unit 13 can notify the user via the output unit 40 based on the determination that there is no stick in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 13 can notify the user via the output unit 40 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 13 can transmit information related to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater to the user via the output unit 40.

[0228] The control unit 13 can save and update a history of events in the memory 60 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events may include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick insertion, start of stick heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, end of stick heating, turning the aerosol generator 1 on / off, start of charging of the battery 12, detection of overcharge of the battery 12, and end of charging of the battery 12. The history of events may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is detection of stick insertion, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 143, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data relating to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater and / or stick heater.

[0229] The control unit 13 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 13 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine that the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data related to the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data related to the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. If user authentication is completed, the control unit 13 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, if user authentication is completed, the control unit 13 can remove restrictions on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the stick heater.

[0230] The control unit 13 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 12 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, etc., via the external device's display.

[0231] An external device may 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 13 receives a location search request from the external device, it may 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 42 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display unit 41 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0232] The control unit 13 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update upon receiving 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. If 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 13 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0233] The control unit 13 can transmit data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor unit 14 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 50, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning. The control unit 13 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 13 can store sensing value data from at least one sensor unit 14 and data for learning the artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 60. For example, the memory 60 can store a database related to each component of the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 13 can learn data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor unit 14, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 60, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0234] The embodiments described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The respective configurations or functions of the embodiments described above, or other embodiments, may be used in combination or in combination.

[0235] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing may 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 combination is impossible.

[0236] The above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention. Industrial Applicability

[0237] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus that includes a separable battery.

Claims

1. The main body that forms the exterior, A battery including a first battery electrode arranged on a first surface and a second battery electrode arranged on a second surface different from the first surface, The battery coupling portion to which the aforementioned battery is detachably coupled, An aerosol generating apparatus comprising a main electrode disposed in the battery coupling portion and selectively electrically connected to one of the first battery electrode and the second battery electrode.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces of the battery face in opposite directions.

3. The battery has a cylindrical or elliptical shape. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are the bottom surfaces of a cylinder or elliptical cylinder that forms the shape of the battery, respectively.

4. The aforementioned main electrode is circular, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first battery electrode and the second battery electrode are each circular and correspond to the main body electrode.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic body that pressurizes the main body electrode toward the battery.

6. The aforementioned battery has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface face in opposite directions to each other.

7. The first and second surfaces are inclined surfaces that make a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery. The battery coupling portion includes a main body inclined surface positioned opposite either the first or second surface, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body electrode is arranged on the inclined surface of the main body.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a battery cover that selectively opens or closes the battery coupling portion.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the battery coupling portion is opened toward the longitudinal direction of the main body when opened by the battery cover.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the battery coupling portion is opened in a direction that transcends the longitudinal direction of the main body when opened by the battery cover.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the battery cover includes a cover electrode that is selectively electrically connected to one of the first battery electrode and the second battery electrode.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cover electrode supplies power to the battery via the first battery electrode or the second battery electrode.

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