Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a main body containing a containment space for containing aerosol products, a heater for heating the aerosol products contained in the containment space, a battery for supplying power to the inside of the main body, a receiving terminal located in a part of the main body and supplied with power to transmit power to the internal components of the main body, and a fastening member for detachably connecting the battery to the main body. The main body further includes a first extension and a second extension that extend opposite each other, and a connecting space for containing the battery between the first extension and the second extension, and power is transmitted from the battery contained in the connecting space to the receiving terminal by a fastening member that penetrates the first extension.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device having a structure that is involved in battery connection and at the same time mediates power supply.

Background Art

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

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

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An embodiment provides an aerosol generating device having a structure that is involved in battery connection and at the same time mediates power supply.

[0005] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a main body including a containment space for containing aerosol products, a heater for heating the aerosol products contained in the containment space, a battery for supplying power to the inside of the main body, a receiving terminal arranged in a part of the main body and supplied with power to transmit power to the internal components of the main body, and a fastening member for detachably connecting the battery to the main body. The main body further includes a first extension and a second extension that extend opposite to each other, and a coupling space for containing the battery between the first extension and the second extension, and power can be transmitted from the battery contained in the coupling space to the receiving terminal by a fastening member that penetrates the first extension. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the embodiment of the aerosol generating device, by using a single component to connect the battery to the main body while simultaneously performing the function of a terminal for power supply, it is possible to efficiently utilize the internal space of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] 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]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the fastening member and main body applicable to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the battery and the main unit in their second state. [Figure 4A] This is a cross-sectional view showing a first state of the fastening member and main body applicable to an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the battery and the main unit in the second state. [Figure 5A] This is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the fastening member and main body, which can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view showing the battery and the main unit in the second state. [Figure 6A] This is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the fastening member and main body, which can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the battery and the main unit in the second state. [Figure 7A] This is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the fastening member and main body, which can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view showing the battery and the main unit in their second state. [Figure 8A] Furthermore, this is an exploded perspective view of a fastening member and its surrounding configuration applicable to an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled fastening member and its surrounding components. [Figure 9A] Furthermore, this is an exploded perspective view of a fastening member and its surrounding configuration applicable to an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled fastening member and its surrounding components. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail. However, regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0011] The suffixes "module" and "section" for the components used in the following description are given or mixed only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have a meaning or role that distinguishes them from each other as such.

[0012] Also, when explaining the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if the specific description of such known technology is determined to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are only for facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it must be understood that all modifications, equivalents or alternatives included in the idea and technical scope of the present invention are included.

[0013] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0014] When it is mentioned that a certain component is "connected to" or "attached to" another component, it must be understood that it is directly connected to the other component or is attached, but other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a certain component is "directly connected to" or "directly attached to" another component, it must be understood that no other component exists in between.

[0015] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0016] Figures 1A to 1C are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figures 1A to 1C are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus. Figures 1A to 1C show an example in which a cigarette (hereinafter, "aerosol product" or "stick" may be used interchangeably) is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C, the aerosol generator 1 may include a battery 11, a control unit 12, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1A, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 18. Referring to Figure 1B, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a cartridge 19. The aerosol product S can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0020] When the aerosol product S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 activates the heater 18 and / or cartridge 19 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 18 and / or cartridge 19 is transmitted to the user via the aerosol product S. If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can also heat the heater 18 even when the aerosol product S is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0021] On the other hand, the heater 18 may be omitted. Referring to Figure 1C, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a cartridge 19. The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 1C does not have a space into which an aerosol product S can be inserted, and therefore does not have a heater 18 for heating the aerosol product S.

[0022] Figures 1A to 1C show the aerosol generator 1, which includes components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 1A to 1C, other general-purpose components are also included in the aerosol generator 1.

[0023] Figures 1A to 1C show the aerosol generator 1 with its components arranged in a single line. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown. For example, the cartridge 19 and the heater 18 may be arranged in parallel. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 18 and cartridge 19 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0024] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 18 or cartridge 19, and can also supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc. installed in the aerosol generator 1.

[0025] The battery 11 is a removable (detachable, separate) power source. The battery 11 is equipped with electrical contacts, and when the battery 11 is installed in the aerosol generator 1, the electrical contacts of the battery 11 are electrically connected to electrical contacts provided in the aerosol generator 1, thereby supplying power to the aerosol generator 1. As another example, the battery 11 may be equipped with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generator 1 wirelessly, instead of separate electrical contacts. In other words, the power supply method of the battery 11 is diverse, and the electrical connection method between the battery 11 and the aerosol generator 1 changes depending on the power supply method supported by the battery 11.

[0026] The detachable battery 11 may be equipped with a charger interface that connects to an external charger. Power for charging the detachable battery 11 may be supplied to the battery 11 through the charger interface. The battery 11 may be charged by an external charger either while coupled to the aerosol generator 1 or while separated from the aerosol generator 1.

[0027] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 18, and cartridge 19, but also other components of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is operational.

[0028] The control unit 12 comprises at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It can also be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0029] The heater 18 is heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 18 is located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 18 raises the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0030] The heater 18 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 18 may have a conductive track, and current may flow through the conductive track to heat the heater 18. However, the heater 18 is not limited to the above example and can be used without restriction as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0031] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 18 is an induction heater. Specifically, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater 18. When power is supplied to the induction coil by the battery 11, the induction coil can generate heat in the heater 18. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and generates eddy currents within the heater 18. The current generates heat in the heater 18.

[0032] On the other hand, a cigarette may contain a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. The susceptor inside the cigarette may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil.

[0033] Figures 1A and 1B show the heater 18 positioned outside the aerosol product S, but are not limited to this arrangement. The heater 18 includes tubular heating elements, plate-shaped heating elements, needle-shaped heating elements, or rod-shaped heating elements, and heats the inside or outside of the aerosol product S depending on the shape of the heating elements.

[0034] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be equipped with multiple heaters 18. In this case, the multiple heaters 18 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product S, or they may be arranged outside the aerosol product S. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 18 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product S, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product S. In addition, the shape of the heaters 18 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and they may be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0035] Cartridge 19 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user by passing through the aerosol product S.

[0036] In other words, the aerosol generated by cartridge 19 can travel along the airflow path of the aerosol generator 1. In Figures 1A and 1B, the aerosol that has traveled along the airflow path can be transmitted to the user via the aerosol product S. In Figure 1C, the aerosol that has traveled along the airflow path can be transmitted to the user through the mouthpiece 20.

[0037] The cartridge 19 comprises a liquid storage unit, a liquid transmission means, and a cartridge heater, but is not limited to these. For example, the liquid storage unit, liquid transmission means, and cartridge heater may be provided in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0038] The liquid storage section stores a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to be detachable from the cartridge 19, or it may be manufactured integrally with the cartridge 19.

[0039] For example, a liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring agents may include components that provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may also be mixtures of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but are not limited to these. Furthermore, a liquid composition may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0040] The liquid transfer means transfers the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

[0041] A cartridge heater is an element for heating a liquid composition that is transmitted by a liquid transmission means. A cartridge heater may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these, and can include a variety of methods for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials.

[0042] As an example, a cartridge heater may consist of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and be arranged in a structure that is wound around a liquid transport means. The cartridge heater is heated by an electric current supply, transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the cartridge heater, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0043] As another example, a cartridge heater consists of a susceptor material that is heated by an induced magnetic field, and can be heated by an induced magnetic field generated from an induction coil located separately from the heating element.

[0044] As yet another example, a cartridge heater is an ultrasonic transducer that generates aerosols from aerosol-producing substances by utilizing an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-producing substances with ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer.

[0045] Cartridge heaters can be positioned on liquid transport means not only by structural bonding, but also by permanent or reversible attachment to the liquid transport means through methods such as coating, spraying, vapor deposition, plating, immersion, painting, printing, 3D printing, or device use, so that they are wound onto the liquid transport means. Furthermore, cartridge heaters can be positioned on liquid transport means by methods such as sintering them together during the manufacturing process of the liquid transport means. However, the positioning of cartridge heaters is not limited to the examples given above and may include a variety of methods in which the cartridge heaters are positioned on liquid transport means while maintaining their functionality.

[0046] Cartridge heaters are also called cartomizers or atomizers, but are not limited to these terms.

[0047] Cartridge 19 can be inserted into and removed from the main body of the aerosol generator 1. Once all the aerosol-generating material stored in cartridge 19 has been consumed, the cartridge 19 may be refilled with new aerosol-generating material or replaced with another cartridge 19 containing stored aerosol-generating material.

[0048] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 18, and cartridge 19. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be constructed in such a way that outside air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the aerosol product S is inserted.

[0049] Although not shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the aerosol generator 1 may be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 18 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0050] The aerosol product S is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol product S is divided into a first part S1 containing aerosol-generating material and a second part S2 containing a filter, etc. The first part S1 may be referred to as the "medium part" below.

[0051] The second part S2 of the aerosol product S may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part S2.

[0052] The entire first part S1 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, while the second part S2 is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part S1 may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or the entire first part S1 and a portion of the second part S2 may be inserted. The user inhales the aerosol with the second part S2 in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as outside air passes through the first part S1, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth by passing through the second part S2.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to Figure 2, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a main body 1100, a heater 1200, and a battery 1300.

[0055] The main body 1100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 1 and may include an internal space in which the components of the aerosol generator 1 are arranged. Although the drawings show only an embodiment in which the main body 1100 is formed as a rectangular prism in cross-section, the shape of the main body 1100 is not limited thereto, and the main body 1100 may be formed as a cylindrical or polygonal prism.

[0056] The main body 1100 may include an opening 1100h into which the aerosol product S is inserted. At least a portion of the aerosol product S may be inserted into or contained within the main body 1100 through the opening 1100h.

[0057] The main body 1100 may include a containment space 1100i for containing the aerosol product S. The containment space 1100i may be formed in the upper part of the main body 1100. The containment space 1100i may be open on the upper side and connected to an opening 1100h.

[0058] The containment space 1100i may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated vertically. At least a portion of the aerosol product S can be contained inside the main body 1100 through the upper opening 1100h of the containment space 1100i. In this case, the depth of the containment space 1100i may correspond to the length of the region in the aerosol product S that contains the aerosol-generating substance or medium.

[0059] The heater 1200 (for example, heater 18 in Figures 1A and 1B) can generate an aerosol from the aerosol product S contained in the containment space 1100i. The heater 1200 may be extended vertically along the containment space 1100i.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the heater 1200 can surround at least a portion of the containment space 1100i. For example, the heater 1200 is a cylindrical electrical resistive heater surrounding at least a portion of the containment space 1100i. As another example, the heater 1200 may include a cylindrical susceptor surrounding at least a portion of the containment space 1100i and an induction coil surrounding the susceptor. The heater 1200 can heat the outside of the aerosol product S contained in the containment space 1100i. However, the embodiment is not limited to the shape and arrangement of the heater 1200. In other embodiments, the heater may be inserted inside the aerosol product S.

[0061] At least one region of the aerosol product S contained in the containment space 1100i is heated by the heater 1200, and vaporized particles generated by heating the aerosol product S are mixed with air flowing into the internal space of the main body 1100 through an air inlet (e.g., opening 1100h) formed in one region of the main body 1100, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0062] On the other hand, heater 1200 is the cartridge heater shown in Figures 1B and 1C. In this case, the aerosol product S is not a cigarette or stick, but the cartridge 19 shown in Figures 1B and 1C.

[0063] An aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include a battery 1300 that supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. That is, the battery 1300 can supply power to components located inside the main body 1100. In this case, the battery 1300 is the battery 11 shown in Figures 1A to 1C.

[0064] Battery 1300, as shown in Figure 2, includes, but is not limited to, polygonal prism shapes and can include various shapes such as cylindrical shapes. Also, in Figure 2, the battery is shown as being relatively short in the x-axis or y-axis direction and relatively long in the z-axis direction, but the specifications of the battery are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2, the battery 1300 can be detachably coupled to the main unit 1100. For example, the battery 1300 can be inserted into the main unit 1100 from a position separated from the main unit 1100 in the -x direction in the +x direction and coupled to a region of the main unit 1100.

[0066] Specifically, the main body 1100 may include a first extension 1110 and a second extension 1120 that extend opposite to each other. The first extension 1110 may extend in the x-axis direction from the top of the main body 1100, and the second extension 1120 may extend in the x-axis direction from the bottom of the main body 1100. The battery 1300 may be inserted between the first extension 1110 and the second extension 1120.

[0067] The space between the first extension 1110 and the second extension 1120 for coupling the battery 1300 is referred to as the coupling space 1100c. That is, the main body 1100 may include a coupling space 1100c that accommodates the battery 1300. The coupling space 1100c may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery 1300. For example, the coupling space 1100c may be formed to be relatively short in the x-axis or y-axis direction and relatively long in the z-axis direction. The battery 1300 can be inserted between the first extension 1110 and the second extension 1120 to close the coupling space 1100c.

[0068] On the other hand, even if the battery 1300 is housed in the coupling space 1100c, a configuration is needed to firmly fix the battery 1300 to the main body 1100. In this case, if the configuration for coupling the battery 1300 to the main body 1100 involves a power supply process from the battery 1300 housed in the coupling space 1100c to the main body 1100, it becomes unnecessary to arrange separate configurations for coupling and power supply, thus enabling efficient use of the internal space of the aerosol generator.

[0069] The following describes the fastening member 1500 and its surrounding configuration, which are used to detachably connect the battery 1300 to the main body 1100 while also mediating power supply. In the drawings described below, for the sake of clarity, one or two fastening members 1500 are shown, but depending on the embodiment, multiple fastening members 1500 and their surrounding configurations may be arranged.

[0070] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the fastening member and main body applicable to the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the second state of the battery and main body shown in Figure 3A.

[0071] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, and a fastening member 1500.

[0072] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 3A and 3B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0073] The receiving terminal 1400 is located in a part of the main unit 1100 and is configured to receive power from the battery 1300. The receiving terminal 1400 can receive power by contacting a part of the battery 1300.

[0074] Specifically, the battery 1300 may include a supply terminal 1310 that contacts the receiving terminal 1400. Power can be supplied from the battery 1300 to components located inside the main unit 1100 by the contact between the supply terminal 1310 and the receiving terminal 1400.

[0075] The fastening member 1500 is configured to detachably connect the battery 1300 to the main body 1100. For example, the fastening member 1500 can pressurize the battery 1300 toward the second extension (for example, the second extension 1120 in Figure 2) while passing through the first extension 1110 of the main body 1100. This allows the fastening member 1500 to fix the battery 1300 in the coupling space between the first extension 1110 and the second extension (for example, the coupling space 1100c in Figure 2).

[0076] Furthermore, the fastening member 1500 can mediate the process of supplying power from the battery 1300 to the main body 1100. Power can be transmitted from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400 through the fastening member 1500 that penetrates the first extension 1110. In this case, when power is supplied through the fastening member 1500, at least a portion of the fastening member 1500 may include a conductive material.

[0077] The structure of the first extension 1110 through which the fastening member 1500 passes will be described in detail below. The first extension 1110 of the main body 1100 may include an upper groove 1111 that accommodates the fastening member 1500. The upper groove 1111 may be open in the opposite direction to the coupling space (for example, in the +z direction). In other words, the upper groove 1111 may be located on the upper surface of the first extension 1110. The receiving terminal 1400 may be located between the upper groove 1111 and the fastening member 1500 housed in the upper groove 1111. For example, the receiving terminal 1400 may be located on the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111.

[0078] The first extension 1110 may include a through hole 1112 connected to the upper groove 1111. The through hole 1112 may extend to a coupling space located below the first extension 1110. When the fastening member 1500 is housed in the upper groove 1111, at least a portion of the fastening member 1500 may be positioned to protrude through the through hole 1112 into the coupling space. The fastening member 1500 protruding into the coupling space may contact the battery 1300 and pressurize the battery 1300.

[0079] In this case, a supply terminal 1310 may be positioned on a portion of the battery 1300 that comes into contact with the fastening member 1500. The conductive fastening member 1500 is housed in the upper groove 1111 and comes into contact with the receiving terminal 1400 in at least a portion thereof. The fastening member 1500 passes through the through hole 1112 and comes into contact with the supply terminal 1310, thereby connecting the receiving terminal 1400, the fastening member 1500, and the supply terminal 1310. As a result, power can be supplied from the supply terminal 1310 to the receiving terminal 1400 through the fastening member 1500.

[0080] The diameter of the through hole 1112 is smaller than the diameter of the upper groove 1111. As a result, the fastening member 1500 may also have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the upper groove 1111 and the through hole 1112. For example, the fastening member 1500 may include a first portion 1510 that fits into the upper groove 1111, and a second portion 1520 that has a smaller diameter than the first portion 1510, extends from the first portion 1510, and penetrates the through hole 1112 of the first extension 1110.

[0081] The method by which the fastening member 1500 is coupled to the upper groove 1111 or the through hole 1112 is not limited to a specific method. For example, the fastening member 1500 can be coupled to the upper groove 1111 by pressurizing the fastening member 1500 toward the upper groove 1111, thereby causing the first portion 1510 to be tightly fitted into the upper groove 1111 and / or the through hole 1112. In this case, "tightly fitted" can be used interchangeably with "tightly fitted" or "press-fit".

[0082] As another example, screw threads are formed on the second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 1112, so that the fastening member 1500 can be screwed into the through hole 1112. In yet another example, magnets are placed on the first portion of the fastening member 1500 and the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111, so that the fastening member 1500 can be magnetically coupled to the upper groove 1111.

[0083] Referring to Figure 3A, a first state is shown in which the fastening member 1500 does not come into contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 may be positioned outside the upper groove 1111. The second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 is housed in the upper groove 1111 and can pass through a portion of the through hole 1112.

[0084] The receiving terminal 1400, located on the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111, can come into contact with the second portion 1520. However, since the second portion 1520 does not come into contact with the power supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300, power is not supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400.

[0085] Referring to Figure 3B, a second state is shown in which the fastening member 1500 is in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 can be fully housed in the upper groove 1111. The second portion 1520 can pass through the through hole 1112 and come into contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300 housed in the coupling space.

[0086] In this case, the receiving terminal 1400 and the second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 and the supply terminal 1310 can be physically or electrically connected. This allows power to be supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400 via the fastening member 1500. Furthermore, the second portion 1520 can pressurize the battery 1300 toward the coupling space and the second extension. This allows the fastening member 1500 to also perform the role of fixing the battery 1300 to the main body 1100.

[0087] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may further include an elastic member 1600 for supporting a fastening member 1500. The elastic member 1600 is positioned in the upper groove 1111, and the fastening member 1500, the elastic member 1600, the receiving terminal 1400, and the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111 may be aligned in the z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the upper groove 1111 is open.

[0088] The elastic member 1600 can support the fastening member 1500 between the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111 and the fastening member 1500. Specifically, one end of the elastic member 1600 is connected to the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111 or the receiving terminal 1400, and the other end of the elastic member 1600 is connected to the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500, while the elastic member 1600 can support the fastening member 1500 so that it does not detach from the upper groove 1111 or the through hole 1112.

[0089] When the elastic member 1600 is positioned, the second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 contacts the receiving terminal 1400, but the first portion 1510 does not need to contact the receiving terminal 1400. Therefore, even if the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 is made of a non-conductive material and the second portion 1520 is made of a conductive material, power can still be transmitted to the receiving terminal 1400 through the fastening member 1500.

[0090] In some embodiments, the elastic member 1600 may not be provided. In this case, in the second state shown in Figure 3B, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 can contact the receiving terminal 1400 located on the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111. If the first portion 1510 contacts the receiving terminal 1400 to the extent that the fastening member 1500 is housed in the upper groove 1111, then the second portion 1520 does not necessarily need to contact the receiving terminal 1400.

[0091] However, even if the second portion 1520 does not come into contact with the receiving terminal 1400, power can only be transmitted from the supply terminal 1310 to the receiving terminal 1400 sequentially through the second portion 1520 and the first portion 1510, provided that both the first portion 1510 and the second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 contain conductive material.

[0092] On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, it is easy for any ordinary engineer to understand that the receiving terminal 1400, the fastening member 1500, and their surrounding configuration are applied identically to the second extension as needed, not just to the first extension 1110. In the following explanation, for the sake of clarity, we will focus on their placement in the first extension 1110.

[0093] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view showing a first state of the fastening member and main body applicable to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a second state of the battery and main body of Figure 4A.

[0094] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the aerosol generating device 1 according to other embodiments may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, a fastening member 1500, and an elastic member 1600.

[0095] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 4A and 4B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 3A and 3B, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0096] The first extension 1110 of the main body 1100 may include a lower groove 1113 that opens toward a coupling space (for example, coupling space 1100c in Figure 2). The lower groove 1113 may be located on the lower surface of the first extension 1110 and open in the -z direction. The upper groove 1111, the through hole 1112 and the lower groove 1113 may be arranged so as to be aligned in the direction toward which the upper groove 1111 is open (for example, in the z-axis direction).

[0097] By positioning the lower groove 1113 below the through hole 1112, the length of the through hole 1112 is shortened compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B. As the length of the through hole 1112, which supports the fastening member 1500, is shortened, the force required in the process of connecting the fastening member 1500 to the first extension 1110 or separating it from the first extension 1110 through tightening and screwing is reduced.

[0098] Referring to Figure 4A, a first state is shown in which the fastening member 1500 does not come into contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 may be positioned outside the upper groove 1111. The second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 may be housed in the upper groove 1111 and protrude through the through hole 1112 into the lower groove 1113.

[0099] The receiving terminal 1400, located at the bottom of the upper groove 1111, can make contact with the second portion 1520. Although the battery 1300 has its supply terminal 1310 exposed toward the lower groove 1113, the second portion 1520 is not in contact with the supply terminal 1310, so no power is supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400.

[0100] Referring to Figure 4B, a second state is shown in which the fastening member 1500 is in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 can be fully housed in the upper groove 1111. The second portion 1520 passes through the through hole 1112 and the lower groove 1113, and can contact the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300, which is exposed toward the lower groove 1113.

[0101] In this case, the receiving terminal 1400 and the second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 and the supply terminal 1310 can be physically or electrically connected. This allows power to be supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400 via the fastening member 1500. Furthermore, the second portion 1520 can pressurize the battery 1300 toward the coupling space and the second extension. This allows the fastening member 1500 to also perform the role of fixing the battery 1300 to the main body 1100.

[0102] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a first state of the fastening member and main body applicable to an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a second state of the battery and main body of Figure 5A.

[0103] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, and a fastening member 1500.

[0104] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 5A and 5B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 4A and 4B, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0105] The fastening member 1500 may include a first portion 1510 that fits into the upper groove 1111, a second portion 1520 having a smaller diameter than the first portion 1510 and extending from the first portion 1510 and passing through the first extension 1110, and a third portion 1530 having a larger diameter than the second portion 1520 and fitting into the lower groove 1113.

[0106] The first portion 1510, positioned in the upper groove 1111, and the third portion 1530, positioned in the lower groove 1113, may be positioned parallel to each other. The second portion 1520 can connect the first portion 1510 and the third portion 1530. The length of the second portion 1520 is longer than the length of the through hole 1112, and the fastening member 1500 can move along the through hole 1112 in the direction of extension of the through hole 1112 (for example, in the z-axis direction).

[0107] Unlike in Figures 4A and 4B, the third portion 1530 of the fastening member 1500 is blocked from the bottom surface of the lower groove 1113, which can restrict the movement of the fastening member 1500 in the +z direction. Therefore, even without the placement of a separate elastic member (for example, the elastic member 1600 in Figures 4A and 4B), the third portion 1530 can prevent the fastening member 1500 from detaching from the first extension 1110.

[0108] Furthermore, because the diameter of the third portion 1530 is larger than the diameter of the second portion 1520, the contact area between the fastening member 1500 and the power supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300 is increased. In terms of power supply, if the contact area between the fastening member 1500 and the power supply terminal 1310 is increased, even if a problem occurs in one area of ​​the power supply terminal 1310, the other areas of the power supply terminal 1310 can still transmit power to the fastening member 1500 normally. As a result, power supply is normal and the aerosol generator 1 can operate normally.

[0109] Furthermore, from the perspective of connecting the battery 1300 to the main body 1100, the area over which the fastening member 1500 pressurizes the battery 1300 is widened, so the fastening member 1500 can effectively fix the battery 1300 to the main body 1100 through the third portion 1530.

[0110] Referring to Figure 5A, a first state is shown in which the fastening member 1500 is not in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 may be positioned outside the upper groove 1111. The second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 may be housed in the upper groove 1111 and protrude through the through hole 1112 into the lower groove 1113. The third portion 1530 of the fastening member 1500 is housed in the lower groove 1113, but does not have to be in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300.

[0111] The receiving terminal 1400, located at the bottom of the upper groove 1111, can make contact with the second portion 1520. The battery 1300 has its supply terminal 1310 exposed toward the lower groove 1113, but the third portion 1530 is not in contact with the supply terminal 1310, so no power is supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400.

[0112] Referring to Figure 5B, a second state is shown in which the fastening member 1500 is in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 is fully housed in the upper groove 1111 and can contact the receiving terminal 1400. The second portion 1520 has moved in the z direction compared to the first state. However, the movement of the fastening member 1500 in the -z direction may be restricted as the first portion 1510 is blocked by the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111. The third portion 1530 of the fastening member 1500 partially protrudes from the lower groove 1113 and can contact the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300.

[0113] In this case, the receiving terminal 1400, the third portion 1530 of the fastening member 1500, and the supply terminal 1310 can be physically or electrically connected. This allows power to be supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400 via the fastening member 1500.

[0114] Specifically, power can be supplied from the supply terminal 1310 to the receiving terminal 1400 via the third part 1530 and the second part 1520 in sequence. If the first part 1510 is made of a conductive material, power can also be supplied to the receiving terminal 1400 through the first part 1510.

[0115] Furthermore, the third portion 1530 can pressurize the battery 1300 toward the coupling space (for example, the coupling space 1100c in Figure 2) and the second extension. This allows the fastening member 1500 to also perform the role of fixing the battery 1300 to the main body 1100.

[0116] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a first state of the fastening member and main body applicable to an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a second state of the battery and main body of Figure 6A.

[0117] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, a fastening member 1500, a first elastic member 1600, and a second elastic member 1700.

[0118] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 4A and 4B, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0119] Unlike the receiving terminals described above, the receiving terminal 1400 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is not located on the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111. The receiving terminal 1400 may be located in a direction that crosses the lower groove 1113 (for example, in the x-axis direction). Both ends of the receiving terminal 1400 pass through the inner surface of the lower groove 1113 and are inserted into the interior of the first extension 1110, and the central part of the receiving terminal 1400 may be located in the lower groove 1113.

[0120] A portion of the receiving terminal 1400 positioned in the lower groove 1113 may protrude toward the coupling space (e.g., coupling space 1100c in Figure 2) or toward the direction toward which the lower groove 1113 is opened (e.g., the -z direction). In this case, the protruding portion 1410 of the receiving terminal 1400 may be pressurized by a fastening member 1500 that penetrates the first extension 1110. By pressurizing the protruding portion 1410, the receiving terminal 1400 may come into contact with the battery supply terminal 1310.

[0121] Referring to Figure 6A, a first state is shown in which the receiving terminal 1400 is not in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 may be positioned outside the upper groove 1111. The second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 may be housed in the upper groove 1111 and protrude through the through hole 1112 into the lower groove 1113.

[0122] The receiving terminal 1400, which is positioned to penetrate the lower groove 1113, does not contact the second portion 1520 in the first state, but can come into contact with the second portion 1520 as the fastening member 1500 moves in the z-axis direction. However, when the receiving terminal 1400 is not in contact with the supply terminal 1310, power is not supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400.

[0123] Referring to Figure 6B, a second state is shown in which the receiving terminal 1400 is in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 can be fully housed in the upper groove 1111. As a result of moving in the z-axis direction, the second portion 1520 pressurizes the protruding portion 1410 of the receiving terminal 1400 positioned in the lower groove 1113, causing the protruding portion 1410 to come into contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300, which is exposed toward the lower groove 1113.

[0124] In this case, the receiving terminal 1400 and the supply terminal 1310 can be physically or electrically connected. That is, the fastening member 1500 can bring the receiving terminal 1400 and the supply terminal 1310 into contact, and power can be supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400. Furthermore, the second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 can pressurize the battery 1300 toward the coupling space and the second extension by pressurizing the protruding portion 1410 of the receiving terminal 1400. As a result, the fastening member 1500 can also perform the role of fixing the battery 1300 to the main body 1100.

[0125] On the other hand, in terms of power supply, the fastening members 1500 in Figures 6A and 6B simply serve to pressurize the receiving terminal 1400, so they do not necessarily need to be made of a conductive material.

[0126] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the first elastic member 1600 is identical to the elastic member described above (for example, the elastic member 1600 in Figures 4A and 4B), and the aerosol generating device 1 according to other embodiments may further include a second elastic member 1700 that supports the receiving terminal 1400.

[0127] The second elastic member 1700 is configured to be inserted inside the first extension 1110 and may be positioned below the receiving terminal 1400 to support both ends of the receiving terminal 1400 that pass through the lower groove 1113. As shown in the illustration, two second elastic members 1700 are provided, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of second elastic members 1700.

[0128] When the protruding portion 1410 of the receiving terminal 1400 is pressed by the second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500, not only the protruding portion 1410 but the entire receiving terminal 1400 can move in the direction of the pressurization (for example, the -z direction). At this time, the movement of the receiving terminal 1400 compresses the second elastic member 1700, and an elastic force can be applied to the receiving terminal 1400 in the opposite direction of the compression (for example, the +z direction).

[0129] In the second state, when the fastening member 1500 is fully coupled to the first extension 1110, the receiving terminal 1400 does not move in the direction of the elastic force despite the elastic force of the second elastic member. When the pressure of the fastening member 1500 on the receiving terminal 1400 is released, the receiving terminal 1400 can move to its original position (for example, the position of the receiving terminal in the first state) due to the elastic force of the second elastic member 1700.

[0130] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a first state of the fastening member and main body applicable to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a second state of the battery and main body of Figure 7A.

[0131] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, the aerosol generating device 1 according to other embodiments may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, a fastening member 1500, and an elastic member 1600.

[0132] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 7A and 7B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 4A and 4B, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0133] The battery 1300 may include a protrusion 1320 that is housed in the lower groove 1113. The protrusion 1320 may have a shape corresponding to the lower groove 1113. As a result, when the protrusion 1320 is inserted into the lower groove 1113, the battery 1300 can be temporarily coupled to the main body 1100.

[0134] In this case, the supply terminal 1310 may be positioned on one surface of the protrusion 1320 facing the bottom surface of the lower groove 1113. Therefore, when the fastening member 1500 moves in the z-axis direction, the fastening member 1500 can come into contact with the supply terminal 1310 positioned on the protrusion 1320 and transmit power. Furthermore, as the fastening member 1500 presses the protrusion 1320 toward the second extension, the battery 1300 can be secondarily coupled and fixed to the main body 1100.

[0135] The battery 1300 may further include a coupling groove 1330 that allows the insertion of a fastening member 1500 that penetrates from the upper groove 1111 through the first extension 1110. The coupling groove 1330 is configured to be located in the battery 1300 regardless of the presence or absence of the lower groove 1113 and the protrusion 1320. However, the following description will focus on embodiments in which the coupling groove 1330 is located on the protrusion 1320.

[0136] The coupling groove 1330 may open toward the lower groove 1113 or the through hole 1112. In this case, the supply terminal 1310 may be positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the coupling groove 1330. The second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 may be coupled to the coupling groove 1330 by various means such as crimping, screwing, or magnetic coupling.

[0137] Referring to Figure 7A, a first state is shown in which the fastening member 1500 is not in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 may be positioned outside the upper groove 1111. The second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500 may pass through the through hole 1112 and protrude into the lower groove 1113.

[0138] The receiving terminal 1400, located on the bottom surface of the upper groove 1111, can contact the second portion 1520. The coupling groove 1330, located on the protrusion 1320 inserted into the lower groove 1113, is exposed toward the lower groove 1113, but since the second portion 1520 is not inserted into the coupling groove 1330 and is not in contact with the supply terminal 1310, power is not supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400.

[0139] Referring to Figure 7B, a second state is shown in which the fastening member 1500 is in contact with the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300. In this state, the first portion 1510 of the fastening member 1500 can be fully housed in the upper groove 1111. The second portion 1520 can be fully inserted into the coupling groove 1330 located in the protrusion 1320 and can contact the supply terminal 1310 of the battery 1300.

[0140] In this case, the receiving terminal 1400, the second portion 1520 of the fastening member 1500, and the supply terminal 1310 can be physically or electrically connected. This allows power to be supplied from the battery 1300 to the receiving terminal 1400 via the fastening member 1500.

[0141] Furthermore, the second part 1520 can pressurize the battery 1300 toward the coupling space (for example, the coupling space 1100c in Figure 2) and the second extension. Along with the primary coupling in which the protrusion 1320 is coupled to the lower groove 1113 and the secondary coupling in which the second part 1520 is coupled to the coupling groove 1330, the pressurization of the battery 1300 by the second part 1520 can achieve triple fixing of the battery 1300 to the main body 1100.

[0142] Figure 8A is an exploded perspective view of a fastening member and its surrounding components applicable to an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the fastening member and its surrounding components of Figure 8A assembled.

[0143] Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include a main body 2100, a battery 2300, a receiving terminal 2400, a fastening member 2500, and a connecting ring 2600.

[0144] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 8A and 8B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 2 and 3A, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0145] The first extension 2110 of the main body 2100 does not necessarily have separate upper and lower grooves. However, the first extension 2110 may include a through hole 2112 through which the fastening member 2500 passes. A receiving terminal 2400 may be arranged around the through hole 2112. For example, the receiving terminal 2400 may be arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 2112.

[0146] The battery 2300 does not necessarily need to have a separate power supply terminal. Instead of a power supply terminal, the fastening member 2500 can be connected to the battery 2300 and perform the function of a power supply terminal. That is, the fastening member 2500 can connect the battery 2300 to the first extension 2110 of the main body 2100 and at the same time contact the receiving terminal 2400 located in the through hole 2112 to transmit power.

[0147] The fastening member 2500 is fixed to the main body 2100 by having one part of it attached to a part of the battery 2300 and the other part passing through the first extension 2110 and being fixed to the main body 2100.

[0148] Specifically, the fastening member 2500 may include a head portion 2510 that is coupled to the outer surface of the battery 2300, and a main body portion 2520 that has a smaller diameter than the head portion 2510, extends from the head portion 2510, and penetrates a region of the first extension portion 2110 (for example, a through hole 2112).

[0149] In one embodiment, the head portion 2510 can be inserted into the battery 2300. In this case, only the main body portion 2520 of the fastening member 2500 can protrude from the battery 2300.

[0150] The main body portion 2520 is tightened into the through hole 2112, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the fastening member 2500 is inserted into the through hole 2112 of the first extension portion 2110, a region of the main body portion 2520 may protrude from the first extension portion 2110 in the +z direction. The connecting ring 2600 can be coupled to a region of the main body portion 2520, thereby coupling the fastening member 2500 to the first extension portion 2110.

[0151] For example, the fastening member 2500 and the connecting ring 2600 may each include a bolt and nut structure. In this case, the inner diameter of the connecting ring 2600 is the same size as the diameter of the main body 2520, and the outer diameter of the connecting ring 2600 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 2112. The connecting ring 2600 can rotate relative to the main body 2520 and press the first extension 2110 in the -z direction.

[0152] The fastening member 2500 can be firmly fixed to the first extension 2110 by the connecting ring 2600 pressing toward the head of the fastening member 2500. Since the fastening member 2500 is connected to the battery 2300, the battery 2300 can consequently be firmly fixed to the main body 2100.

[0153] Simultaneously, the receiving terminal 2400 may be positioned to cover a portion of the main body 2520 that passes through the first extension 2110 or the through hole 2112. The fastening member 2500, which acts as a supply terminal, can contact the receiving terminal 2400 positioned in the through hole 2112 through the main body 2520 and supply power to the internal components of the main body 2100.

[0154] On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, it is easy for any ordinary engineer to understand that the receiving terminal 2400, the fastening member 2500, and their surrounding configuration are applied identically to the second extension as needed, not just to the first extension 2110. In the following explanation, for the sake of clarity, we will focus on their placement in the first extension 2110.

[0155] Figure 9A is an exploded perspective view of a fastening member and its surrounding components applicable to an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the fastening member and its surrounding components of Figure 9A assembled.

[0156] Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include a main body 2100, a battery 2300, a receiving terminal 2400, a fastening member 2500, a first cover 2700, and a second cover 2800.

[0157] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 9A and 9B is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 8A and 8B, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0158] The first cover 2700 encloses the main body portion 2520 of the fastening member 2500 and has a conductive configuration that penetrates a region of the first extension portion 2110 (for example, the through hole 2112). That is, unlike in Figures 8A and 8B where only the fastening member 2500 passes through the through hole 2112, in Figures 9A and 9B, both the fastening member 2500 and the first cover 2700 enclosing it can pass through the through hole 2112. As a result, the diameter of the through hole 2112 is larger than the diameter of the through hole in Figures 8A and 8B where only the fastening member 2500 passes through. In this case, the first cover 2700 is tightly fitted into the through hole 2112, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0159] The method of connecting the fastening member 2500 and the first cover 2700 is not limited to a specific method. As shown in the illustration, screw threads are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 2520 and the inner circumferential surface of the first cover 2700, allowing the fastening member 2500 and the first cover 2700 to be screwed together. As another example, the main body 2520 of the fastening member 2500 may be screw-fitted into the interior of the first cover 2700. As yet another example, the main body of the fastening member 2500 may be magnetically coupled into the interior of the first cover 2700.

[0160] Similar to Figures 8A and 8B, the receiving terminal 2400 may be positioned around the through-hole 2112. The receiving terminal 2400 may be positioned along the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 2112. The receiving terminal 2400 may be positioned to cover a portion of the first extension 2110 or the first cover 2700 that passes through the through-hole 2112.

[0161] Instead of the battery 2300's power supply terminals, the fastening member 2500 is connected to the battery 2300 and can perform the function of power supply terminals. In this case, the first cover 2700, made of a conductive material, surrounds the main body 2520 of the fastening member 2500, so that the first cover 2700 can connect the battery 2300 to the first extension 2110 of the main body 2100 and at the same time contact the receiving terminal 2400 located in the through hole 2112 to transmit power.

[0162] When the first cover 2700 is inserted into the through hole 2112 of the first extension 2110, a region of the first cover 2700 may protrude from the first extension 2110 in the +z direction. The second cover 2800 is coupled to cover a region of the first cover 2700, and the fastening member 2500 can be coupled to the first extension 2110.

[0163] As shown in the illustration, the first cover 2700 is fitted tightly into the second cover 2800, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first cover 2700 can be joined to the second cover 2800 in various ways. The inner diameter of the second cover 2800 is the same size as the diameter of the first cover 2700, and the outer diameter of the second cover 2800 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 2112. The second cover 2800 with the first cover 2700 inserted is in contact with the first extension 2110, and can press the first extension 2110 in the z direction.

[0164] The second cover 2800 is positioned above the area where the through hole 2112 of the first extension 2110 is located, and by applying pressure to the first extension 2110 toward the head of the fastening member 2500, the fastening member 2500 and the first cover 2700 can be firmly fixed to the first extension 2110. Since the fastening member 2500 is coupled to the battery 2300, the battery 2300 can consequently be firmly fixed to the main body 2100.

[0165] Simultaneously, the receiving terminal 2400 may be positioned to cover a portion of the first cover 2700 that passes through the first extension 2110 or the through-hole 2112. A fastening member 2500, which acts as a supply terminal, contacts the first cover 2700 through the main body 2520, and the conductive first cover 2700 contacts the receiving terminal 2400 located in the through-hole 2112, thereby supplying power to the internal components of the main body 2100.

[0166] According to the embodiment of the aerosol generating device, a component called a fastening member is used to connect the battery to the main body while also functioning as a terminal for power supply, thereby enabling efficient use of the internal space of the aerosol generating device.

[0167] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] The aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 10. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 10 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0169] Sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether or not the stick S and / or cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0170] Sensor 13 includes at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, cartridge sensor 135, cap sensor 136, and motion sensor 137.

[0171] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 themselves may act as the temperature sensor.

[0172] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 includes a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. This is embodied by an element such as a thermistor, which utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 is composed of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0173] The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned around the battery 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the battery 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the power source, which is the battery 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0174] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the main unit 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the main unit 10.

[0175] The puff sensor 132 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 is also a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0176] The insertion sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensor 133 can detect the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensor 133 can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensor 133 is also an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0177] An inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0178] An inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0179] A capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal finial is inserted into the insertion space, the finial of the stick S can alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0180] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the trumpet surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect values ​​related to the optical properties corresponding to the hue of an object based on the light reflected from the object. For example, the optical properties are also the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0181] At least a portion of the flaps that make up the stick S may change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned in a location corresponding to where at least a portion of the flaps whose hue changes due to aerosols are located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by a user, at least a portion of the flaps has a first hue. In this case, as the aerosols generated by the aerosol generator 1 pass through the stick S, at least a portion of the flaps may be wetted by the aerosols, causing at least a portion of the flaps to change to a second hue. On the other hand, at least a portion of the flaps may remain at the second hue after being changed from the first hue to the second hue.

[0182] The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can be implemented as an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0183] The cap sensing sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the main body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and the main body 10 that was covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0184] The motion sensing sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensing sensor 137 is embodied by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0185] Sensor 13 may include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 137, at least one of the following: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS position sensor, and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0186] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0187] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display 141 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 141 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0188] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 generates vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0189] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0190] The battery 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The battery 11 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The battery 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 11 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0191] The battery 11 is a removable (detachable, separate) power source. The battery 11 is equipped with electrical contacts, and when the battery 11 is installed in the aerosol generator 1, the electrical contacts of the battery 11 are electrically connected to electrical contacts provided in the aerosol generator 1, thereby supplying power to the aerosol generator 1. As another example, the battery 11 may be equipped with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generator 1 wirelessly, instead of separate electrical contacts. In other words, the power supply method of the battery 11 is diverse, and the electrical connection method between the battery 11 and the aerosol generator 1 changes depending on the power supply method supported by the battery 11.

[0192] The detachable battery 11 may be equipped with a charger interface that connects to an external charger. Power for charging the detachable battery 11 may be supplied to the battery 11 through the charger interface. The battery 11 may be charged by an external charger either while coupled to the aerosol generator 1 or while separated from the aerosol generator 1.

[0193] 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 11 and may include a switching element.

[0194] The power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 11 if the voltage level of the battery 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 11 if the voltage level of the battery 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0195] The heater 18 is powered by the battery 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 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 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Also, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power from the battery 11 to AC power.

[0196] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by being powered by the battery 11. Although not shown in Figure 10, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the battery 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 10, a noise filter may be provided between the battery 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter is also a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the battery 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0197] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may consist of any suitable electrical resistant material. Suitable electrical resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 18 may also be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0198] In other embodiments, the heater 18 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0199] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 is also a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor includes, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0200] The display 141 and the touch panel can be realized as a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel can be added on top of the display 141 (add-on type).

[0201] On the other hand, the input section 15 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0202] Memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data being processed. Memory 17 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0203] The communication unit 16 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 includes at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0204] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth® communication units, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee® communication units, infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0205] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0206] 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 11.

[0207] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0208] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0209] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the battery 11 between the battery 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil (not shown). The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element is embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), etc. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0210] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is also an inverter that converts the DC power output from the battery 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter is composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0211] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the battery 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the battery 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0212] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the battery 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the battery 11. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery 11. For example, the power conversion circuit is implemented through a buck boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0213] The control unit 12 can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit and adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the voltage level output from the battery 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the battery 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may be. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0214] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0215] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0216] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0217] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0218] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the battery 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the battery 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0219] When a power line is connected to the power terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the battery 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the battery 11. If the temperature of the battery 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the battery 11 to be charged based on a predetermined charging current. If the temperature of the battery 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the battery 11.

[0220] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the battery 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the battery 11. If the temperature of the battery 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the system to use the power stored in the battery 11. If the temperature of the battery 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the battery 11.

[0221] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 11 relative to the power stored in the battery 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the battery 11.

[0222] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space via the insertion sensing sensor 133. Based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 133, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0223] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S has been removed from the insertion space through the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature, or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0224] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can determine the level range that includes the level of the capacitance sensor signal based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the determined level range.

[0225] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to the normal state.

[0226] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is to be reused through the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick S is not being used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0227] The control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 via the cartridge sensing sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0228] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether or not the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0229] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time the cartridge heater 24 has been heated is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0230] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, or if no puff is detected for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0231] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed via the cap sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0232] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will soon shut off through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that there is no stick S in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0233] The control unit 12 can save and update a history of events in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, start of stick S heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of stick S heating, power on / off of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the battery 11, detection of overcharge of the battery 11, and end of charging of the battery 11. The history of events includes the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event includes data such as the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event will include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0234] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data includes data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0235] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, etc., through the external device's display.

[0236] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0237] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware version data and transmit the new firmware version data to the aerosol generator 1. Upon receiving the new firmware version data, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0238] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server through machine learning such as deep learning. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store sensing value data from at least one sensor 13 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database related to each component of the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0239] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The respective configurations or functions of the embodiments of the present invention described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other.

[0240] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that such combination is impossible.

[0241] The detailed description set forth herein should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention shall be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A main body including a containment space for containing aerosol products, A heater for heating the aerosol product contained in the aforementioned containment space, The main unit includes a battery for supplying power, A receiving terminal is located in a part of the main body and supplied with power, and transmits power to the internal components of the main body. The battery includes a fastening member for detachably connecting it to the main body, The main body further includes a first extension and a second extension that extend opposite to each other, and a coupling space between the first extension and the second extension for housing the battery. An aerosol generating device in which power is transmitted from a battery housed in the coupling space to the receiving terminal by the fastening member that penetrates the first extension portion.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first extension is open in the opposite direction to the coupling space and includes an upper groove for accommodating the fastening member.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving terminal is disposed between the upper groove and the fastening member housed in the upper groove.

4. The first extension includes a through hole connected to the upper groove, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the fastening member is arranged to pass through the through hole and protrude into the bonding space.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fastening member includes a first portion housed in the upper groove and a second portion having a smaller diameter than the first portion, extending from the first portion and penetrating the first extension.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an elastic member disposed in the upper groove and for supporting the fastening member between the bottom surface of the upper groove and the fastening member.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first extension further includes a lower groove that is open toward the coupling space and is arranged to be aligned with the upper groove in the direction toward which the upper groove is open.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fastening member includes a first portion housed in the upper groove, a second portion having a smaller diameter than the first portion and extending from the first portion and penetrating the first extension, and a third portion having a larger diameter than the second portion and housed in the lower groove.

9. One region of the receiving terminal located in the lower groove includes a protruding portion that protrudes toward the coupling space, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fastening member penetrates the first extension and pressurizes the protruding portion to bring the receiving terminal into contact with the battery.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the battery includes a protrusion housed in the lower groove.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the battery includes a coupling groove that allows the fastening member to be inserted from the upper groove through the first extension.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member includes a head that is coupled to the outer surface of the battery and a main body that has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the head, extends from the head and penetrates the first extension.

13. It further includes a connecting ring that is connected to a region of the main body that protrudes from the first extension, for connecting the fastening member to the first extension, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the receiving terminal is arranged to cover a portion of the main body that passes through the first extension.

14. It further includes a conductive first cover that covers the main body and penetrates a region of the first extension, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the receiving terminal is arranged to cover and enclose a portion of the first cover that passes through the first extension.

15. It includes a second cover that connects and encloses a region of the first cover protruding from the first extension by tightening and fitting, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is positioned above the one region of the first extension and pressurizes the first extension toward the head.

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