Aerosol generating apparatus and method for protecting the aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing that includes a battery housing space, a heater located inside the housing for heating an aerosol generating material, and a power supply that supplies power to the heater, the power supply including a first battery that is detachably coupled to the battery housing space and supplies power to the heater, and a second battery that is located inside the housing and, when the first battery is coupled to the battery housing space, is connected in parallel with the first battery and supplies power to the heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for protecting the aerosol generating device by detecting battery separation.

Background Art

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

[0003] On the other hand, as the worldwide interest in environmental issues has increased, there is a current situation in which environmental friendliness and safety are required throughout the entire life cycle from battery production to recycling. Accordingly, in the field of electronic cigarettes, research on separable batteries has been advanced while promoting the development of related technologies such as battery reuse and recycling.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a detachable battery is provided in an aerosol generating device, the detachable battery may be unintentionally separated due to an external impact or vibration. At this time, if the detachable battery is separated, the aerosol generating device may suffer fatal damage such as data loss due to a sudden power-off of the power supply device. Therefore, a method for protecting the system of the aerosol generating device from abnormal separation of the detachable battery is required.

[0005] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following embodiments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a housing that includes a battery housing space, a heater located inside the housing for heating an aerosol generating substance, and a power supply for supplying power to the heater, wherein the power supply includes a first battery detachably coupled to the battery housing space for supplying power to the heater, and a second battery located inside the housing and connected in parallel with the first battery when the first battery is coupled to the battery housing space for supplying power to the heater.

[0007] A method for protecting an aerosol generator according to one embodiment includes the steps of: calculating the discharge rate of a power source including a first battery detachably coupled to the aerosol generator and a second battery disposed inside the aerosol generator and connected in parallel with the first battery when the first battery is coupled; comparing the calculated discharge rate of the power source with a reference value, and determining that the first battery is in a disconnected state, meaning it is electrically disconnected from the second battery, if the discharge rate of the power source is greater than the reference value; and counting the time of the disconnected state, and if the time of the disconnected state is maintained for a predetermined period of time, performing a protection process to save system data for controlling the heating function of the heater, wherein the first battery has a first discharge rate, and the second battery has a second discharge rate higher than the first discharge rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Aerosol generating apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present invention can protect the aerosol generating apparatus system from abnormal separation of the detachable battery attached to the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0009] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating historical information regarding the first battery generated from an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of a method for protecting an aerosol generator based on the power supply discharge rate according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The terminology used in the embodiments is selected as widely used and general terms as possible, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators in the field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. 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 terms used in the present invention are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0012] 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" and "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0013] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of such prior art is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0014] 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 simply used to distinguish one component from another.

[0015] When it is mentioned that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it must be understood that it is either directly linked to the other component, or connected but with other components in between. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it must be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0016] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] Hereinafter, referring to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0018] Regardless of the drawing reference numerals, the same or similar components are given the same reference numbers, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0020] The aerosol generating device 1 can generate and provide an aerosol.

[0021] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 and may include a space inside. At least one of the article storage unit 10h, a heater (not shown), a control unit (not shown), and a battery (not shown) may be disposed inside the main body 10.

[0022] The article storage unit 10h can provide a space in which the aerosol generating article 2 is detachably coupled (inserted). The aerosol generating article 2 may contain an aerosol generating substance that is heated by a heater to generate an aerosol. The article storage unit 10h can provide a space that is open toward the outside of the main body 10 so that the aerosol generating article 2 can be inserted.

[0023] The article storage section 10h may be recessed inward toward the body 10 so that at least a portion of the aerosol product 2 can be inserted into it. The depth to which the article storage section 10h 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 outward toward the body 10. The user can inhale air containing the aerosol by putting the portion of the aerosol product 2 exposed outward toward the body 10 into their mouth.

[0024] The main body 10 may further include a cover 11 that opens or closes the article storage section 10h. The cover 11 is movably positioned on the main body 10 and may either expose the article storage section 10h to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1, or cover the article storage section 10h so that it is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the cover 11 can open the article storage section 10h in a first position, exposing the article storage section 10h to the outside, thereby allowing the aerosol product 2 to be inserted into the article storage section 10h. Alternatively, the cover 11 can move from the first position to a second position, closing the article storage section 10h and preventing it from being exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the article storage section 10h from external impacts or the inflow of external foreign matter.

[0025] 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.

[0026] For example, a heater is a resistive heater. A heater includes a conductive track, and the heater can be heated by an electric current flowing through the conductive track. A heater can be electrically connected to a power source. A heater can generate heat by receiving power from the power source.

[0027] For example, the heater is a multi-heater. The heater may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0028] The aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil. The induction coil can generate heat in a heater. The heater may include a susceptor. The susceptor can be heated by a magnetic field generated from the alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field can penetrate the susceptor and generate eddy currents inside it. The eddy currents can generate heat in the susceptor.

[0029] As another example, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol product 2. The susceptor inside the aerosol product 2 may be heated by the magnetic field generated from the alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The susceptor is located inside the aerosol product 2 and does not need to be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. The susceptor may be inserted into the article containment section 10h together with the aerosol product 2 and may be removed from the article containment section 10h 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.

[0030] The power supply can provide power to operate the components of the aerosol generator 1. The power supply is a battery that stores electrical energy. The power supply can provide power to components such as a heater, induction coil, and control unit. The power supply may be configured by connecting two or more batteries in parallel. The two or more batteries may have different discharge rates. The two or more batteries may have different capacities.

[0031] Of the two or more batteries, the first battery is a detachable power source for the aerosol generator 1. For example, the first battery is detachably connected to a battery housing space (not shown) of the aerosol generator 1, electrically connected to terminals in the battery housing space, and can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1.

[0032] Of the two or more batteries, the second battery is a power source built into the aerosol generator 1. For example, the second battery is a power source mounted on a printed circuit board that connects various electronic elements that make up the aerosol generator.

[0033] The control unit 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 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 installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is operating or not.

[0034] Figures 2 to 6 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0035] The aerosol generator 100 can be embodied in various types of aerosol generators 200a to 200e, such as utilizing an electric resistance heating method or an induction heating method, or a method further equipped with a vaporizer, or a cartridge method. Figures 2 to 6 show only some elements to illustrate the types of aerosol generators 200a to 200e, and other general-purpose elements may be further included in the aerosol generators 200a to 200e in addition to the elements shown in Figures 2 to 6.

[0036] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical resistance type aerosol generator 200a according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generator 200a is a type of aerosol generator 100.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 200a may include a removable battery 110, a heater 120a, and a processor 130.

[0038] A cigarette 20a can be inserted into the internal containment space of the aerosol generator 200a. Once the cigarette 20a is inserted into the aerosol generator 200a, the aerosol generator 200a can generate an aerosol from the cigarette 20a by heating it using the heater 120a. The generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 20a, allowing the user to smoke the cigarette 20a.

[0039] Heater 120a can be heated by power supplied from the removable battery 110. Heater 120a is an electrical resistive heater. For example, heater 120a includes a conductive track, and as current flows through the conductive track, heater 120a can be heated.

[0040] The conductive track of heater 120a is made of an electrically resistive material, the heating temperature is determined by the power consumption of the resistor, and the resistance value of the conductive track can be set based on the power consumption of the resistor of the conductive track. The resistance value of the conductive track can be set in various ways depending on the constituent material, length, width, thickness or pattern of the electrically resistive material.

[0041] Due to its temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, the conductive track's internal resistance can increase as the temperature rises. For example, within a given temperature range, the temperature and resistance of the conductive track are proportional. Utilizing this principle, a heater 120a made of a conductive track can heat a cigarette 20a using an electrical resistance method.

[0042] Conductive tracks can be made from tungsten, gold, platinum, silver-copper, nickel-palladium, or combinations thereof. Conductive tracks may also be doped with appropriate doping materials and may contain alloys.

[0043] The heater 120a can be manufactured in various shapes, such as tubular, plate-shaped, needle-shaped, or rod-shaped. Multiple heaters 120a may also be arranged. The heater 120a can be inserted into the cigarette 20a and used in an internal heating method to heat the inside of the cigarette 20a.

[0044] The detachable battery 110 can be separated from or attached to the aerosol generator 200a. When the detachable battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generator 200a, power is supplied from the detachable battery 110 to the heater 120a for heating operation of the heater 120d, and the temperature of the conductive track can be controlled.

[0045] The processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120a by controlling the power supplied to the heater 120a. For example, the processor 130 can control the temperature at which the cigarette 20a is heated by the heater 120a using a temperature profile.

[0046] Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating aerosol generators 200b and 200c, further equipped with vaporizers 125b and 125c according to exemplary embodiments. Each of the aerosol generators 200b and 200c is a type of aerosol generator 100.

[0047] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the aerosol generators 200b and 200c further include vaporizers 125b and 125c. Cigarettes 20b and 20c can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generators 200b and 200c.

[0048] Figure 3 shows the steamer 125b and heater 120b arranged in a single row. However, Figure 4 shows the steamer 125c and heater 120c arranged in parallel. In other words, the aerosol generators 200b and 200c can be distinguished by the arrangement of the steamer 125b.

[0049] Heaters 120b and 120c may be heated by power supplied from a removable battery 110. Heaters 120b and 120c are electrically resistive heaters and may include, for example, conductive tracks.

[0050] Unlike heater 120a described in Figure 2, heaters 120b and 120c in Figures 3 and 4 can be implemented by an external heating method, where heaters are positioned around the outside of the cigarettes 20b and 20c and heat the outer surface of the cigarettes 20b and 20c.

[0051] The vaporizers 125b and 125c heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be transmitted to the user through the cigarettes 20b and 20c. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizers 125b and 125c is transported along the airflow passage of the aerosol generators 200b and 200c, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizers 125b and 125c is transmitted to the user through the cigarettes 20b and 20c.

[0052] The vaporizers 125b and 125c may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element (or vaporization element). However, the liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and heating element may each be an independent module and may be located in other locations within the aerosol generator 100, not inside the vaporizers 125b and 125c.

[0053] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to detach from / adhere to the vaporizers 125b and 125c, or it may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizers 125b and 125c. For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The liquid composition may also include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0054] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic, but is not limited to these.

[0055] The heating elements provided within the vaporizers 125b and 125c are for heating (vaporizing) the liquid composition transmitted by the liquid transmission means. For example, the heating elements may be metal heating wires, metal heating plates, ceramic heaters, etc., but are not limited to these. Alternatively, the heating elements may consist of conductive filaments such as nichrome wire and be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating elements are heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating elements, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated. For this reason, the vaporizers 125b and 125c may also be referred to by other terms such as cartomizer or atomizer.

[0056] The detachable battery 110 can be separated from or attached to the aerosol generators 200b and 200c. When the detachable battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generators 200b and 200c, power can be supplied from the detachable battery 110 to the heaters 120b and 120c and the vaporizers 125b and 125c for heating operation.

[0057] The processor 130 can control the heating operation of heaters 120b, 120c and vaporizers 125b, 125c by controlling the power supplied to these heaters. For example, the processor 130 can control the heating temperature of cigarettes 20b, 20c by heaters 120b, 120c and vaporizers 125b, 125c using a temperature profile.

[0058] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an induction heating type aerosol generator 200d according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generator 200d is a type of aerosol generator 100.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5, the aerosol generator 200d may include a heater 120d with a coil 121d and a susceptor 125, a removable battery 110, and a processor 130.

[0060] The aerosol generator 200d can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette 20d housed within it using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of heating a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field by applying an alternating magnetic field that periodically changes direction. Therefore, the aerosol generator 200d can heat the cigarette 20d by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic material, causing it to release thermal energy, and then transferring this released thermal energy to the cigarette. Here, the magnetic material that generates heat in response to the external magnetic field is a susceptor 125. The susceptor 125 may be provided in the aerosol generator 200d. Alternatively, instead of being provided in the aerosol generator 200d, the susceptor 125 may be provided inside the cigarette 20d in the form of a section, slice, or strip.

[0061] Susceptor 125 is made of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the material of susceptor 125 may contain metal or carbon. The material of susceptor 125 may contain at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of susceptor 125 may contain at least one of ceramics such as graphite and zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P).

[0062] The aerosol generator 200d can accommodate a cigarette 20d. The aerosol generator 200d may have a space for accommodating the cigarette 20d. A susceptor 125 may be positioned around the space for accommodating the cigarette 20d. For example, the susceptor 125 may have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outside of the cigarette 20d. Therefore, when the cigarette 20d is accommodated in the aerosol generator 200d, the cigarette 20d is housed in the accommodation space of the susceptor 125, and the susceptor 125 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette 20d. However, the shape of the susceptor 125 is not limited to this and can be diverse.

[0063] The heater 120d uses an induction heating method and can heat the cigarette 20d contained in the aerosol generator 200d by utilizing a susceptor 125 that generates heat due to an external magnetic field generated by the coil 121d.

[0064] The coil 121d is arranged to be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor 125, and an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the susceptor 125. When power is supplied to the coil 121d from the aerosol generator 200d, a magnetic field can be formed in the internal region of the coil 121d. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 121d, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 121d can be continuously changed. When the susceptor 125 is located inside the coil 121d and exposed to a periodically changing alternating magnetic field, the susceptor 125 may generate heat, and the cigarette housed in the susceptor 125 may be heated. The shape of the coil 121d is cylindrical, wound along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 20d, but is not limited thereto, and the coil 121d may be embodied in various types, such as a planar coil.

[0065] The detachable battery 110 can be separated from or attached to the aerosol generator 200d, and when the detachable battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generator 200d, it can, for example, supply power to the coil 121d for the heating operation of the heater 120d.

[0066] The processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120d by controlling the power supplied to the coil 121d. For example, the processor 130 can control the heating temperature of the cigarette 20d by inductive heating of the susceptor 125 by adjusting the magnetic field strength induced by the coil 121d using a temperature profile.

[0067] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generator 200e equipped with a replaceable cartridge 210e containing an aerosol generating substance 20e according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] The aerosol generator 200e in Figure 6 includes a cartridge 210e containing an aerosol generating substance 20e and a main body 220e supporting the cartridge 210e. The aerosol generator 200e is one type of the aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1. In this case, the hardware configuration included in the aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1 can be divided and located as the main body 220e and the cartridge 210e.

[0069] Cartridge 210e can be attached to the main body 220e with the aerosol-generating substance 20e contained inside. Cartridge 210e can be attached to the main body 210 by inserting a portion of cartridge 210e into the receptacle of the main body 210.

[0070] Cartridge 210e contains an aerosol-generating substance 20e in the form of a liquid composition, but is not limited thereto; it may also contain an aerosol-generating substance 20e in any one of the following states: solid, gaseous, or gel-like. 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.

[0071] The heater 120e located inside the cartridge 210e performs a heating operation in response to an electrical signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main unit 220e. As a result, the aerosol-generating substance 20e inside the cartridge 210e is vaporized by the heating of the heater 120e, which can generate an aerosol.

[0072] The heater 120e generates heat through electrical resistance to heat the aerosol-generating substance transmitted to the liquid transmission means. It is embodied in a conductive filament of a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten, or a ceramic heating element, and may be wound around the liquid transmission means or positioned adjacent to the liquid transmission means.

[0073] The detachable battery 110 can be separated from or attached to the aerosol generator 200e, and when the detachable battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generator 200e, power can be supplied from the detachable battery 110 to the heater 120e for heating operation.

[0074] The processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120e by controlling the power supplied to the heater 120e. For example, the processor 130 can control the temperature at which the aerosol-generating substance 20e is heated by the heater 120e using a temperature profile.

[0075] On the other hand, although not shown in Figures 2 to 6, the aerosol generators 200a to 200e may be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can store the aerosol generators 200a to 200e or charge the removable batteries 110 of the aerosol generators 200a to 200e.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1 is embodied in at least one of the types of aerosol generators 200a to 200e shown in Figures 2 to 6, but is not necessarily limited to these and can be embodied in other types as well.

[0077] The aerosol generators 200a to 200e shown in Figures 2 to 6 can all utilize a detachable battery 110 as a power source. The detachable battery 110 is a battery that is replaced by being attached to or detached from the aerosol generators 200a to 200e.

[0078] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. Although only the housing 710, detachable battery 720, and battery cover 712 of the aerosol generator 700 are shown in Figure 7, the components of the aerosol generator 100 are not limited to the configuration shown in the drawing.

[0079] Referring to Figure 7, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 700 may include a housing 710, a battery cover 712, a removable battery 720, and a battery protection circuit 740. The aerosol generator 700 is one embodiment of the aerosol generator shown in Figures 1 to 6, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0080] The housing 710 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 700, and various components of the aerosol generator 700, including a processor (for example, the processor 130 in Figures 2 to 6), can be arranged within the housing 710.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the housing 710 may include a battery housing space 710h for housing a removable battery 720. For example, the battery housing space 710h is formed in a region of the housing 710 (for example, a region facing the x-direction) to house the removable battery 720, but the location of the battery housing space 710h is not limited to this.

[0082] At least one terminal 711 is provided in the battery housing space 710h, and at least one terminal 711 can contact the electrodes 721 of the removable battery 720 when the removable battery 720 is coupled to or housed in the battery housing space 710h. Although only an embodiment in which two terminals 711 are provided on the side of the battery housing space 710h is shown in the drawings, the arrangement structure or number of at least one terminal 711 is not limited thereto.

[0083] The removable battery 720 is detachably coupled to the battery housing space 710h of the housing 710 and can supply power for the operation of the components of the aerosol generator 700. For example, when the removable battery 720 is coupled to the battery housing space 710h, the electrodes 721 of the removable battery 720 make contact with at least one terminal 711, thereby electrically coupling the removable battery 720 with the components of the aerosol generator 700 (e.g., heater, processor). The removable battery 720 can supply power to the electrically coupled components of the aerosol generator 700 and operate the components of the aerosol generator 700.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 700 may further include a battery cover 712 for securing a removable battery 720 in a battery housing space 710h. The battery cover 712 is detachably coupled to the housing 710 and can open or close the battery housing space 710h. For example, when the battery cover 712 is removed from the housing 710, the battery housing space 710h is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator 700, and the removable battery 720 can be coupled to the battery housing space 710h. As another example, when the battery cover 712 is coupled to the housing 710, the battery housing space 710h does not have to be covered and exposed to the outside by the battery cover 712, and the battery 120h housed in the battery housing space 710h can be secured inside the battery housing space 710h by the battery cover 712.

[0085] In other embodiments, the aerosol generator 700 may further include a fixing member (not shown) located in the battery housing space 710h for fixing a removable battery 720 to the battery housing space 710h. In this case, the aerosol generator 700 may fix the removable battery 720 to the battery housing space 710h without a battery cover 712, and the removable battery 720 may form the appearance of the aerosol generator 700 together with the housing 710.

[0086] The battery protection circuit 740 (or "protection circuit module (PCM)") is electrically connected to the removable battery 720 when the removable battery 720 is coupled to the battery housing space 710h, and can protect and / or manage the removable battery 720. For example, the battery protection circuit 740 is arranged to be electrically connected to at least one terminal 711, thereby being electrically connected to the removable battery 720 in contact with at least one terminal 711.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit 740 may be placed on a printed circuit board 730 located in a region of the housing 710 adjacent to the battery housing space 710h. The printed circuit board 730 is located in a region of the housing 710 that is separated from a heater (not shown), thereby allowing the battery protection circuit 740 to be placed at a predetermined distance from the heater.

[0088] As explained above in Figures 1 to 7, the aerosol generator according to one embodiment employs a detachable, separable battery as the power source, which has the advantage that the battery can be reused and recycled when the battery reaches the end of its lifespan, when a battery of a different capacity is required, or when the user wishes to replace it with a new battery for any other reason.

[0089] However, if an aerosol generator is equipped with a detachable battery, the detachable battery may be unintentionally separated due to external shock or vibration. In this case, if the detachable battery is separated, the aerosol generator will suffer fatal damage such as data loss due to a sudden power off. Therefore, a method is required to protect the aerosol generator system in the event that the detachable battery is abnormally separated due to shock or other reasons.

[0090] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the aerosol generator 100 may include a power supply 105, a heater 120, a processor 130, a user interface 140, a memory 150, a sensor 160, a current detection unit 170, and a voltage detection unit 180. However, the internal hardware components of the aerosol generator 100 are not limited to those shown in Figure 8. A person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the design of the aerosol generator 100 may omit some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 8, or that new configurations (e.g., a communication module) may be added.

[0092] In the following, the operation of each component in the aerosol generator 100 will be described without limiting the spatial location of each component.

[0093] The power supply 105 provides the power used to operate the aerosol generator 100. For example, the power supply 105 can supply power to heat the heater 120. That is, the power supply 105 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other hardware components provided within the aerosol generator 100, such as the heater 120, processor 130, user interface 140, memory 150, sensor 160, or current detection unit 170.

[0094] The power supply 105 may include a first battery 110 and a second battery 115 connected in parallel with the first battery 110. The first battery 110 may have a first discharge rate, and the second battery 115 may have a second discharge rate higher than the first discharge rate. In the present invention, "discharge rate" means the rate of change of the battery voltage over a specified time interval when the battery is discharged. The first battery 110 is a main power supply and has a first capacity, and the second battery 115 is an auxiliary power supply and may have a second capacity smaller than the first capacity.

[0095] The first battery 110, as described in Figure 8, is a replaceable (separable) type power supply and has the same configuration as the detachable battery 110 described in Figures 2 to 6 or the detachable battery 720 described in Figure 7. When the first battery 110 is separated from the aerosol generator 100, the power supply 105 may have a second discharge rate. On the other hand, when the first battery 110 is installed, the power supply 105 may have a third discharge rate, which is smaller than the first and second discharge rates, due to the parallel connection of the first battery 110 and the second battery 115.

[0096] When the first battery 110 is installed, the third discharge rate of the power supply 105 can be calculated using the following formula.

[0097] 3rd discharge rate = (1st discharge rate x 2nd discharge rate) / (1st discharge rate + 2nd discharge rate)

[0098] The first battery 110 is a replaceable (separable) power source that is installed in a battery housing space provided within the aerosol generator 100 or can be removed from the battery housing space 710h. The first battery 110 is, for example, a lithium polymer (Lipoly) battery or a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] When the first battery 110 is installed in the aerosol generator 100, the electrical contacts of the first battery 110 will be described with reference to Figure 7, and the electrode 721 of the removable battery 720 will be in contact with at least one terminal 711, thereby electrically connecting the removable battery 720 to the components of the aerosol generator 700 (e.g., heater, processor).

[0100] As another example, the first battery 110 may be equipped with a charging coil (transmitter / receiver coil) for supplying power to the aerosol generator 100 wirelessly, instead of a separate electrical contact. In other words, the power supply method of the first battery 110 is diverse, and the electrical connection method between the first battery 110 and the aerosol generator 100 may change depending on the power supply method supported by the first battery 110.

[0101] The first battery 110 may be equipped with a charger interface (not shown) connected to an external charger. Power for charging the first battery 110 may be supplied to the first battery 110 through the charger interface. The first battery 110 may be charged by an external charger while coupled to the aerosol generator 100 or while removed from the aerosol generator 100.

[0102] The second battery 115 is an internal power supply and can be located inside the housing. The first battery 110 is a separate power supply and can be abnormally separated due to shock or the like. The second battery 115, which is connected in parallel with the first battery 110, is an internal power supply and is less likely to be abnormally separated due to shock or the like than the first battery 110. In one embodiment of the aerosol generator 100, even if the first battery 110 is abnormally separated, power is supplied through the second battery 115, thus preventing fatal damage such as data loss due to sudden power off. It is desirable that the second battery 115 has a relatively high discharge rate in order to quickly supply power in response to the abnormal separation of the first battery 110. For example, the second battery 115 consists of a supercapacitor with a high discharge rate. Since supercapacitors with a higher discharge rate than the first battery 110 are relatively expensive, the capacity of the second battery 115 cannot be configured to be as high as that of the first battery 110 from a cost standpoint. In other words, the second battery 115 has a higher discharge rate than the first battery 110, but it is desirable that its capacity be relatively small. Therefore, the second battery 115 is an auxiliary power source and has a limit to how long it can supply power in response to an abnormal disconnection of the first battery 110, which is the main power source.

[0103] The heater 120 is powered by the power supply 105 under the control of the processor 130. The heater 120 can use the power supplied by the power supply 105 to perform a heating function that heats either the cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator 100 or the cartridge attached to the aerosol generator 100. In other words, the heater 120 can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material contained in the cigarette or cartridge.

[0104] The heater 120 may be located in the body of the aerosol generator 100. Alternatively, if the aerosol generator 100 consists of a body and a cartridge, the heater 120 may be located in the cartridge. If the heater 120 is located in the cartridge, it may be powered by a power supply 105 located in the body.

[0105] The heater 120 can be embodied in an electrically resistive heating heater made of an electrically resistive material. For example, the electrically resistive material is a metal or metal alloy including, but is not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 120 can be embodied in, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0106] The heater 120 may be embodied in an induction heating type heater. The heater 120 corresponds to a heater assembly embodied in a set of conductive coil and susceptor for heating a cigarette or cartridge by induction heating.

[0107] The heater 120 can heat a cigarette inserted into a containment space provided within the aerosol generator 100. Because the cigarette is contained within the containment space of the aerosol generator 100, the heater 120 can be located inside and / or outside the cigarette. This allows the heater 120 to heat the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette and generate an aerosol.

[0108] On the other hand, the heater 120 may be embodied as a coil heater provided only within the cartridge. The cartridge includes a coil heater, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage section, and can generate an aerosol by transferring an aerosol-generating substance contained in the liquid storage section through the liquid transfer means, and by heating the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means with the coil heater. For example, if the heater 120 is a coil heater, it may be made of a material such as nickel-chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or positioned adjacent to the liquid transfer means.

[0109] The processor 130 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. The processor 130 may include at least one processing unit, such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The processor 130 may be embodied in an array of numerous logic gates, or in a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory where a program executed by this microprocessor is stored. It can also be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be embodied in other forms of hardware.

[0110] The processor 130 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 160 and control subsequent processing based on the analyzed results. For example, the processor 130 can control the power supplied to the heater 120 so that the heater 120 starts or stops operating, based on the results sensed by the sensor 160. The processor 130 can also control the amount of power supplied to the heater 120 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 120 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature, based on the results sensed by the sensor 160.

[0111] The processor 130 can control the operation of the heater 120 based on a pre-stored temperature profile. The processor 130 can also control the temperature of the heater 120 after sensing the user's puffs using the puff sensor in the sensor 160. Furthermore, the processor 130 can count the number of puffs using the puff sensor, and if the number of puffs reaches a pre-set number, it can interrupt the power supply to the heater 120.

[0112] The processor 130 may control the user interface 140 based on the sensing results. For example, after counting the number of puffs using the puff sensor, if the number of puffs reaches a pre-set number, the processor 130 may use a lamp, motor, or speaker to notify the user that the aerosol generator 100 will immediately shut down.

[0113] The processor 130 can calculate the discharge rate of the power supply 105 based on the current detected by the current detection unit 170 or the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 180. For example, the processor 130 can calculate the discharge rate of the power supply 105 based on the average current output by the power supply 105 over a specified time interval, using the output current of the power supply 105 detected by the current detection unit 170. Alternatively, the processor 130 can calculate the discharge rate of the power supply 105 based on the voltage change over a specified time interval, using the output voltage of the power supply 105 detected by the voltage detection unit 180.

[0114] The processor 130 may compare the calculated discharge rate with a predetermined reference value to monitor whether the first battery 110 is properly coupled or disconnected. Specifically, the processor 130 can compare the discharge rate of the power supply 105 with a reference value, and if the discharge rate of the power supply 105 is greater than the reference value, it can determine that the first battery 110 is in a disconnected state, meaning it is electrically disconnected from the second battery 115. For example, the processor can determine that the electrodes of the first battery 110 are electrically disconnected from the terminals of the battery housing space.

[0115] Here, the reference value may be determined based on the first and second discharge rates. The first battery 110 is a replaceable (separable) type power supply, and when the first battery 110 is separated, the power supply 105 may have a second discharge rate. On the other hand, when the first battery 110 is installed, the power supply 105 may have a third discharge rate, which is smaller than the first and second discharge rates, due to the parallel connection of the first battery 110 and the second battery 115. Specifically, the third discharge rate may be calculated using the following formula.

[0116] 3rd discharge rate = (1st discharge rate x 2nd discharge rate) / (1st discharge rate + 2nd discharge rate)

[0117] The reference value may be set to a value greater than the third discharge rate and less than the second discharge rate. The default reference value may be stored in memory 150.

[0118] Furthermore, the processor 130 may compare the calculated discharge rate with previously stored data on discharge rates to monitor whether the first battery 110 is properly coupled or disconnected. For example, the processor 130 can compare the battery discharge rate data stored in the memory 150 with the calculated discharge rate of the power supply 105 to determine whether the first battery 110 is disconnected.

[0119] In one embodiment, the processor 130 counts the time the first battery 110 is isolated, and if the time the first battery 110 is isolated is maintained for a predetermined period of time, it can perform a protection process to save the system data of the aerosol generator 100. The system data to be saved includes data for controlling the heating function of the heater 120. The system data may also further include usage data saved while the aerosol generator 100 is in use.

[0120] The protection process may include one or more diverse processes.

[0121] Specifically, "Protection Process A" is a process that resets the system currently running in the aerosol generator 100. For example, if the heater 120 is currently heating, "Protection Process A" means a reset operation that interrupts the control of the heating operation of the heater 120 and initializes the operation of the heater 120. Alternatively, "Protection Process A" means a reset operation that initializes the sensing operations of various sensors provided in the aerosol generator 100, the display operations of the user interface, etc. In other words, "Protection Process A" is a process that initializes the system of the aerosol generator 100 so that the functions currently operating in the aerosol generator 100 do not result in errors due to a sudden power outage.

[0122] Next, “protection process B” may include a process that suspends the process currently running in the aerosol generator 100 and backs up system data while the currently running process is suspended.

[0123] Specifically, "Protection Process B" is a process for preserving the current system state and data state of the aerosol generator 100. For example, "Protection Process B" is a process that instantaneously backs up system data regarding what functions are being performed in the aerosol generator 100, usage data accumulated through the use of the aerosol generator 100, and log data to memory 150. In other words, "Protection Process B" is a process that backs up data stored in the aerosol generator 100 so that system data within the aerosol generator 100 is not lost due to a sudden power outage. On the other hand, when "Protection Process B" is executed, once the impact on the aerosol generator 100 has ended, the processor 130 can perform a restoration process based on the backup data to restore the aerosol generator 100 to its previous system state.

[0124] "Protection process C" is the process of shutting down the aerosol generator 100 system and turning off the power. "Protection process C" means that a normal power-off process is performed in advance so that the first battery 110 is isolated for a predetermined time, the electrical energy stored in the second battery 115 is consumed, and the aerosol generator does not abnormally power off.

[0125] The execution of the protection process according to this embodiment means performing only one of the protection processes A, B, and C described above, or performing a combination of two or more of the protection processes A, B, and C. Alternatively, the execution of the protection process according to this embodiment may include performing other processes to protect the aerosol generator 100 system while preventing abnormal power-off of the aerosol generator, in addition to the example protection processes A, B, and C.

[0126] The user interface 140 can provide the user with information regarding the status of the aerosol generator 100. The user interface 140 may include a variety of interface means, such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information (UI screen), a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, input / output (I / O) interface means (e.g., buttons or touchscreens) that receive information input from the user or output information to the user, and terminals for supplying charging power.

[0127] The memory 150 is hardware that stores various types of data processed within the aerosol generator 100, and can store data processed by the processor 130 and data being processed. The memory 150 can be implemented in various forms such as RAM (random access memory) including DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), and EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0128] Memory 150 may store data necessary for controlling the heating operation of the heater 120, such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 100, the maximum number of puffs, and the temperature profile, as well as various usage data stored while the aerosol generator 100 is in use, such as the user's smoking information and battery authentication information.

[0129] On the other hand, the memory 150 can also store backup and restore data for backup and restore processes to retain various data within the aerosol generator 100 before and after battery replacement during the replacement process of the first battery 110. Furthermore, the memory 150 can store backup and restore data to prevent data loss due to abnormal separation of the first battery 110.

[0130] On the other hand, memory 150 may store data related to the battery discharge rate. Specifically, memory 150 may store a reference value for determining whether the first battery 110 is properly connected or disconnected.

[0131] Sensor 160 may include a puff sensor. The puff sensor can detect a user's puff based on at least one of the following: changes in the flow rate of an incoming airflow, changes in pressure, and sound detection. The processor 130 can count the number of puffs by detecting the start and end times of the user's puffs using the puff sensor.

[0132] Sensor 160 may include a user input sensor. A user input sensor is a sensor that receives user input, such as a switch, physical button, or touch sensor.

[0133] Sensor 160 may include a cigarette lighter detection sensor that senses whether a cigarette has been inserted or removed. A cigarette lighter detection sensor means a sensor that measures a change in electrical signal due to interaction with a cigarette lighter, such as an inductance sensor, capacitance sensor, infrared sensor, or color sensor, and detects the presence or absence of a cigarette lighter without mechanical contact.

[0134] Sensor 160 may include a variety of sensors for measuring information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generator 100. For example, sensor 160 may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the surrounding environment, a moisture sensor for detecting liquid leakage or water ingress from the aerosol generator 100, and an atmospheric pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the surrounding environment.

[0135] The sensors 160 provided in the aerosol generator 100 are not limited to the types described above and may include a variety of other sensors. For example, the aerosol generator 100 may include a fingerprint sensor for acquiring fingerprint information from the user's finger, an iris recognition sensor for analyzing the iris pattern of the pupil, a vein recognition sensor for sensing the amount of infrared light absorbed by intravenous reduced hemoglobin from an image of the palm, a facial recognition sensor and an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) sensor for recognizing feature points such as the eyes, nose, mouth and facial contours in a 2D or 3D manner.

[0136] The aerosol generator 100 may incorporate only a selection of the various examples of sensors 160 described above. In other words, the aerosol generator 100 can utilize a combination of information sensed from at least one of the aforementioned sensors.

[0137] The current detection unit 170 can detect the current output from the power supply 105 based on the electrical coupling formed through a connector connected to the power supply 105.

[0138] The voltage detection unit 180 can detect the voltage output from the power supply 105 based on the electrical coupling formed through a connector connected to the power supply 105.

[0139] The aerosol generator 100 can be powered by the first battery 110 or access the protection circuit module of the first battery 110 through connector contact (or connector coupling) with the first battery 110.

[0140] The first battery 110 can be coupled to the aerosol generator 100 by, for example, being fixed to a battery housing space 710h having a hook structure. As another example, it can also be implemented in an electromagnet manner in which a magnetic material provided on a part of the first battery 110 is magnetically coupled to a part of the electromagnet region of the battery housing space 710h. In other words, the method by which the first battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generator 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to just one, but can be implemented in a variety of ways.

[0141] The first battery 110 may be unintentionally separated from the aerosol generator 100 due to impact. If such abnormal separation occurs, the power supply to the first battery 110 will be momentarily cut off, interrupting the power supply to the hardware configuration within the aerosol generator 100 and causing software or hardware failure. In order to prevent such a phenomenon, the aerosol generator 100 according to this embodiment uses a second battery 115 built into the aerosol generator 100 as an auxiliary power source, connected in parallel with the first battery 110 to form a power supply 105. This prevents the aerosol generator 100 from immediately powering off even if the first battery 110 is separated due to impact.

[0142] On the other hand, although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 100 may be configured with a separate cradle to form an aerosol generation system. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the first battery 110 of the aerosol generator 100 while storing the aerosol generator 100. That is, the cradle is a dedicated device solely for the aerosol generator 100, powered by the cradle's battery while the aerosol generator 100 is housed in the storage space inside the cradle, and power is supplied from the cradle's battery to charge the first battery 110 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0143] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating historical information regarding the first battery generated from an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0144] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the history information 900 may include information such as the number of times the first battery 110 has been separated, the date and time of separation, and whether or not a protection process has been executed. The history information 900 may be updated while being stored in memory 150.

[0145] If the first battery 110 repeatedly separates while the aerosol generator 100 is in use, it is due to a defect in the first battery 110 itself or a defect in the terminals of the battery housing space that are electrically connected to the first battery 110 (for example, terminal 711 in Figure 7). For example, the terminals of the battery housing space themselves may be damaged, or the electrical connection between the first battery 110 and the terminals of the battery housing space may repeatedly break due to external foreign matter or the like.

[0146] This allows the processor 130 to manage the history information 900 and, when the number of separations reaches a certain number (for example, n times), to perform control to notify the user of the danger of connecting the first battery 110. For example, the processor 130 can be controlled to provide notification of improper installation of the first battery 110 through the user interface 140.

[0147] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for protecting an aerosol generator based on the discharge rate of a power supply according to one embodiment. The method in Figure 10 corresponds to the steps performed chronologically in the aforementioned drawings. Therefore, even if the following content is omitted, the content described in the aforementioned drawings can also be applied to the method in Figure 10.

[0148] Referring to Figures 8 and 10, in step 10, the discharge rate of the power supply 105 is calculated based on the current detected by the current detection unit 170 or the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 180, and the electrical connection state of the first battery 110 is determined based on the calculated discharge rate of the power supply 105.

[0149] In step 1020, a protection process is performed based on the isolation time of the first battery 110. Specifically, if the isolation time of the first battery 110 is maintained for a predetermined time, the processor 130 performs a protection process to save system data.

[0150] The method described above can be created using a program executed on a computer and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that runs the program using a computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the data structure used in the method described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium by various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, USB, floppy disk (registered trademark), hard disk, etc.) and optically readable media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0151] Those with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that it will be embodied in modified forms that do not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive view. The scope of the invention is expressed in the claims, not in the above description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. Housing including battery compartment, A heater located inside the housing for heating the aerosol-generating material, Includes a power supply that supplies power to the heater, The aforementioned power supply is A first battery is detachably connected to the battery housing space and supplies power to the heater, an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a second battery disposed inside the housing and connected in parallel with the first battery when the first battery is coupled to the battery housing space, for supplying power to the heater.

2. The system further includes a processor electrically connected to the aforementioned power supply, The aforementioned processor, The discharge rate of the aforementioned power supply is calculated, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculated discharge rate of the power supply is compared with a previously set reference value, and if the discharge rate of the power supply is greater than the reference value, it is determined that the first battery is in a separated state in which the electrical connection with the second battery has been broken.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one terminal disposed in the battery housing space and connected to the electrodes of the first battery when the first battery is coupled to the battery housing space.

4. The first battery has a first capacity, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second battery has a second capacity less than the first capacity.

5. The first battery has a first discharge rate, The second battery has a second discharge rate that is higher than the first discharge rate, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reference value is determined based on the first discharge rate and the second discharge rate.

6. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, which manages the history information of the first battery, including the separation state.

7. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising counting the time of the separation state and, if the time of the separation state is maintained for a predetermined period of time, performing a protection process to save system data for controlling the heating function of the heater.

8. The aforementioned protection process, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a process for resetting the system currently running in the aerosol generating apparatus.

9. The aforementioned protection process, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a process for suspending a process currently running in the aerosol generating apparatus and for backing up system data while the currently running process is suspended.

10. The aforementioned system data is The aerosol generator according to claim 9, comprising data necessary for controlling the heating operation of a heater provided in the aerosol generator and usage data stored while the aerosol generator is in use.

11. In a method for protecting an aerosol generating device, A step of calculating the discharge rate of a power supply, which includes a first battery detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a second battery disposed inside the aerosol generating device and connected in parallel with the first battery when the first battery is coupled, The calculated discharge rate of the power supply is compared with a previously set reference value, and if the discharge rate of the power supply is greater than the reference value, it is determined that the first battery is in a separated state, meaning that the electrical connection with the second battery has been broken. The steps include counting the time of the separation state and, if the time of the separation state is maintained for a predetermined period of time, performing a protection process to save system data for controlling the heating function of the heater, The first battery has a first discharge rate, and the second battery has a second discharge rate that is higher than the first discharge rate. A method for protecting an aerosol generator, wherein the reference value is determined based on the first discharge rate and the second discharge rate.

12. A method for protecting an aerosol generator according to claim 11, further comprising the step of managing the history of the first battery, including the separation state.

13. The aforementioned protection process, A method for protecting an aerosol generator according to claim 11, comprising a process of resetting a system currently running in the aerosol generator.

14. The aforementioned protection process, A method for protecting an aerosol generator according to claim 11, comprising a process of suspending a process currently running in the aerosol generator and backing up system data while the currently running process is suspended.

15. The aforementioned system data is A method for protecting an aerosol generator according to claim 14, comprising data necessary for controlling the heating operation of a heater provided in the aerosol generator and usage data stored while the aerosol generator is in use.

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