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 plurality of batteries detachably connected to the main body and including supply terminals for supplying power to the inside of the main body, and a plurality of receiving terminals for receiving power by contacting the supply terminals in different directions from each other. The main body includes a first extension and a second extension extending in a first direction opposite to each other, a first base portion extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction so as to cross the first and second extensions, and a second base portion projecting in a first direction from the first base portion so as to be connected to the second extension, on which a plurality of receiving terminals are arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that houses a plurality of separable batteries.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is 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 by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. As a result, research on heated 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 that houses a plurality of separable batteries.

[0005] Also, an embodiment provides an aerosol generating device having a structure in which an overheated battery is separated without a separate operation by the user.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment 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 plurality of batteries detachably coupled to the main body and including supply terminals for supplying power to the inside of the main body, and a plurality of receiving terminals for receiving power by contacting the supply terminals in different directions from each other, wherein the main body may include a first extension and a second extension extending in a first direction opposite to each other, a first base portion extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction so as to cross the first and second extensions, and a second base portion projecting in a first direction from the first base portion so as to be connected to the second extension, and on which a plurality of receiving terminals are arranged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus, sufficient power can be supplied to the internal components of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the aerosol generating device, problems caused by battery overheating can be prevented in advance, and the aerosol generating device can be used safely.

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

[0011] [Figure 1A] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the first state in which the main body, battery, and plug are separated, applicable to the aerosol generator. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the second state in which the main body, battery, and plug are connected. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view showing a first state in which the battery is separated from the first region of the main body, applicable to an aerosol generating device according to other embodiments. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the first state in which the main body, battery, and plug are separated. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the second state in which the main body, battery, and plug are connected. [Figure 5A] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus, the following cross-sectional view sequentially shows the battery separation process due to battery overheating. [Figure 5B] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus, the following cross-sectional view sequentially shows the battery separation process due to battery overheating. [Figure 5C] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus, the following cross-sectional view sequentially shows the battery separation process due to battery overheating. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the battery separation process performed by the user in the aerosol generation device. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the battery separation process performed by the user in the aerosol generation device. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0013] The suffixes “module” and “section” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinguishable from each other as such.

[0014] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific description of such known art 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 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 spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included.

[0015] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may 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.

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

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

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

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0065] An aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include a battery 1300 that supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 -z direction in the +z direction and coupled to a region of the main unit 1100.

[0068] Multiple batteries 1300 can be connected to the main unit 1100. Figure 2 shows two batteries 1300 inserted into the main unit 1100, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of batteries 1300.

[0069] The following describes a structure in which multiple batteries 1300 are detachably connected to the main unit 1100.

[0070] Figure 3A is a perspective view showing the first state in which the main body, battery, and plug are separated, applicable to the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the second state in which the main body, battery, and plug are connected, as 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 plug 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 main body 1100 may include a first extension 1110 and a second extension 1120 that extend in a first direction (for example, the z-axis direction) opposite to each other. The first extension 1110 may extend in the z-axis direction from one side of the main body 1100, and the second extension 1120 may extend in the z-axis direction from the other side of the main body 1100. Multiple batteries 1300 may be inserted between the first extension 1110 and the second extension 1120.

[0074] The main body 1100 may include a first base portion 1130 and a second base portion 1140 positioned between a first extension portion 1110 and a second extension portion 1120. The first base portion 1130 may extend in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) that traverses a first direction. The second base portion 1140 may project from the first base portion 1130 in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) so as to connect with the second extension portion 1120.

[0075] Multiple batteries 1300, which are inserted between the first extension 1110 and the second extension 1120, can be inserted into the main body 1100 until they come into contact with the first base 1130 or the second base 1140.

[0076] The space surrounded by the first extension 1110, the second extension 1120, the first base 1130, and the second base 1140 can be referred to as the coupling space 1100c. The coupling space 1100c means the internal space of the main body 1100 for the battery 1300 to be coupled to the main body 1100. In other words, the main body 1100 may include the coupling space 1100c that houses the battery 1300.

[0077] The coupling space 1100c may include a shape corresponding to the shapes of multiple batteries 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. Multiple batteries 1300 can be inserted between the first extension 1110 and the second extension 1120 to close the coupling space 1100c.

[0078] The coupling space 1100c may include a first region A1 located in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) from the second base portion 1140 and a second region A2 located in a first direction from the first base portion 1130. Since the second base portion 1140 protrudes in a first direction from the first base portion 1130, the first region A1 is smaller than the second region A2 by the size of the second base portion 1140. When considering a structure in which the first region A1 and the second region A2 are arranged in parallel, multiple batteries 1300 may be arranged parallel in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0079] The battery 1300 may include a power supply terminal 1310, which is a part for supplying power to the inside of the main unit 1100. The power supply terminal 1310 can contact a receiving terminal 1400 located in a part of the main unit 1100 and supply power to the receiving terminal 1400.

[0080] The receiving terminal 1400 is configured to receive power from the battery 1300. By the contact between the supply terminal 1310 and the receiving terminal 1400, the receiving terminal 1400 can receive power from the supply terminal 1310. This allows power to be supplied from the battery 1300 to components located inside the main unit 1100.

[0081] Multiple receiving terminals 1400 can be arranged. Figures 3A and 3B show four receiving terminals 1400, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of receiving terminals 1400. On the other hand, multiple receiving terminals 1400 can be arranged in different directions from each other. For example, one of the multiple receiving terminals 1400 can be arranged in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). Another of the multiple receiving terminals 1400 can be arranged in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0082] In this context, "the direction in which the receiving terminal 1400 is positioned" or "the direction in which the receiving terminal 1400 is looking" means the direction in which the receiving terminal 1400 looks at the battery 1300 when the receiving terminal 1400 is in contact with the battery 1300.

[0083] Multiple receiving terminals 1400, arranged in different directions from each other, may be located on the second base portion 1140 of the main body 1100. Specifically, the multiple receiving terminals 1400 may include a first receiving terminal 1410 protruding from the bottom surface of the second base portion 1140 in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second receiving terminal 1420 protruding from the side surface of the second base portion 1140 in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0084] Figures 3A and 3B show two first receiving terminals 1410 and two second receiving terminals 1420, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of first receiving terminals 1410 and second receiving terminals 1420.

[0085] Referring to Figure 3A, the first state in which the main unit 1100 and the battery 1300 are separated is shown. In the first state, the receiving terminal 1400 protrudes without contacting the battery 1300. The shape of the protruding receiving terminal 1400 in Figure 3A can be called the first shape of the receiving terminal 1400.

[0086] Referring to Figure 3B, the second state is shown in which the battery 1300 is connected to the main unit 1100. In the second state, the receiving terminal 1400 is in contact with the battery 1300 and is flattened by the pressure exerted by the battery 1300. The flattened shape of the receiving terminal 1400 in Figure 3B can be called the second shape of the receiving terminal 1400. The shape of the receiving terminal 1400 can change between the first shape in Figure 3A and the second shape in Figure 3B.

[0087] The supply terminal 1310, which is in contact with the receiving terminal 1400, may include a first portion 1311 positioned in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second portion 1312 positioned in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0088] Each of the first part 1311 and the second part 1312 can contact a single receiving terminal 1400 that is facing the same direction as the part it is looking at. For example, the first part 1311 of the supply terminal 1310 can contact a first receiving terminal 1410 that is facing the z-axis direction. The second part 1312 of the supply terminal 1310 can contact a second receiving terminal 1420 that is facing the x-axis direction.

[0089] The first part 1311 and the second part 1312 can intersect at one corner of the battery 1300. As the first part 1311 and the second part 1312 are connected to each other, they can form a single supply terminal 1310. According to this, the supply terminal 1310 may include an "L" shape.

[0090] On the other hand, the multiple batteries 1300 inserted into the main unit 1100 are identical to each other. For example, the first battery 1300-1 inserted into the first region A1 and in contact with the bottom surface of the second base portion 1140 is identical to the second battery 1300-2 inserted into the second region A2 and in contact with the side surface of the second base portion 1140 or the bottom surface of the first base portion 1130.

[0091] However, one battery 1300 can only make contact with a receiving terminal 1400 that is positioned in a specific direction. For example, the first battery 1300-1 can make contact with the first receiving terminal 1410 through the first part 1311, because the first part 1311 and the first receiving terminal 1410 are opposite each other and positioned in the +z and -z directions, respectively. However, the first battery 1300-1 does not make contact with the second receiving terminal 1420 through the second part 1312, because the second part 1312 and the second receiving terminal 1420 are positioned on the same plane or parallel to each other and both are positioned in the x direction.

[0092] The second battery 1300-2 can make contact with the second receiving terminal 1420 through the second part 1312, because the second part 1312 and the second receiving terminal 1420 face each other and are positioned in the -x direction and -x direction, respectively. However, the second battery 1300-2 does not make contact with the first receiving terminal 1410 through the first part 1311, because the first part 1311 and the first receiving terminal 1410 do not face each other and are positioned in opposite directions.

[0093] In connection with the main unit 1100, the characteristics of this battery 1300 stem from the structure of the second base portion 1140 protruding from the first base portion 1130, and the fact that the first receiving terminal 1410 and the second receiving terminal 1420 are located on the bottom and side surfaces of the second base portion 1140, respectively. Due to this structure, the second battery 1300-2 must be inserted into the main unit 1100 rotated 180° with respect to the z-axis relative to the first battery 1300-1.

[0094] The plug 1500 is configured to close the coupling space 1100c while coupling to one end of the first extension 1110 and the second extension 1120, so that the battery 1300 does not detach from the coupling space 1100c. Incidentally, due to the structure of the second base portion 1140 that protrudes from the first base portion 1130 as described above, the plug 1500 also needs to have a corresponding shape.

[0095] Specifically, the first battery 1300-1 inserted into the first region A1 can extend from the bottom surface of the second base portion 1140 in a first direction (for example, the z-axis direction), and the second battery 1300-2 inserted into the second region A2 can extend from the bottom surface of the first base portion 1130 in a first direction (for example, the z-axis direction).

[0096] According to this, when two batteries 1300 are inserted into the coupling space 1100c, the first battery 1300-1 may protrude by a length equal to the length by which the second base portion 1140 protrudes from the first base portion 1130 when compared to the second battery 1300-2. Considering a structure in which one of the two batteries 1300 protrudes in a first direction from the first region A1, the plug 1500 may include a structure that protrudes toward the second region A2.

[0097] With this structure of the plug 1500, the coupling space 1100c into which the battery 1300 and the plug 1500 are inserted is filled so that the battery 1300 inserted inside does not move, and the battery 1300 can be supported without moving by the plug 1500.

[0098] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing a first state in which the battery is separated from a first region of the main body, applicable to an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the first state in which the main body, battery, and plug are separated from Figure 4A. Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view showing a second state in which the main body, battery, and plug are connected from Figure 4A.

[0099] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, the aerosol generating device 1 according to other embodiments may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, and a plug 1500.

[0100] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 4A to 4C 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.

[0101] The main body 1100 may include a partition wall 1150 that separates the first region A1 and the second region A2. The partition wall 1150 extends from the bottom surface of the second base portion 1140 in a first direction (for example, the z-axis direction) and is configured to physically separate the first region A1 and the second region A2. As a result, the combined space 1100c can be spatially separated into the first region A1 surrounded by the second extension portion 1120, the second base portion 1140 and the partition wall 1150, and the second region A2 surrounded by the first extension portion 1110, the first base portion 1130 and the partition wall 1150.

[0102] Referring to Figure 4A, a first state is shown in which the battery 1300 is separated from the first region A1 of the coupling space 1100c. The battery 1300 shown in Figure 4A may include not only the supply terminal 1310, but also the connecting terminal 1320 and the extension terminal 1330.

[0103] The connecting terminal 1320 allows one of the multiple batteries 1300 (e.g., the first battery 1300-1) to contact the first part 1311 of another of the multiple batteries 1300 (e.g., the third battery 1300-3) in the opposite direction to the first part 1311 of the supply terminal 1310. The extension terminal 1330 allows the supply terminal 1310 of one of the multiple batteries 1300 (e.g., the first battery 1300-1) to be connected to the connecting terminal 1320.

[0104] The connecting terminal 1320 of the first battery 1300-1 can receive power from the supply terminal 1310 of the third battery 1300-3 by contacting the first portion 1311 of the supply terminal 1310 of the third battery 1300-3.

[0105] The extension terminal 1330 can be extended in a first direction (for example, the z-axis direction) while covering the outer surface of the battery. The extension terminal 1330 connects the supply terminal 1310 and the connecting terminal 1320 of the first battery 1300-1, so that the supply terminal 1310, the extension terminal 1330, and the connecting terminal 1320 can form a single terminal.

[0106] The first battery 1300-1 and the third battery 1300-3 can be aligned in a first direction within the first region A1. As a result, the receiving terminal 1400 protruding from the second base portion 1140 can be aligned in a first direction with the first portion 1311 and the connecting terminal 1320 of the supply terminal 1310 of each battery 1300.

[0107] Referring to Figure 4B, a first state in which the main unit 1100 and the battery 1300 are separated is shown. Not only are the first battery 1300-1 and the third battery 1300-3 aligned in the first direction toward the first region A1, but the second battery 1300-2 and the fourth battery 1300-4 may also be aligned in the first direction toward the second region A2.

[0108] As mentioned above, considering the structure of the first base portion 1130 and the second base portion 1140 and the arrangement of the first receiving terminal 1410 and the second receiving terminal 1420, the second battery 1300-2 and the fourth battery 1300-4 must be inserted into the main body 1100 rotated 180° with respect to the z-axis, with reference to the first battery 1300-1 and the third battery 1300-3.

[0109] Referring to Figure 4C, a second state is shown in which the battery 1300 is inserted into the coupling space 1100c of the main body 1100. The first battery 1300-1 can make contact with the first receiving terminal 1410 through the first portion 1311 of the supply terminal 1310. The second battery 1300-2 can make contact with the second receiving terminal 1420 through the second portion 1312 of the supply terminal 1310. The first battery 1300-1 can also make contact with the first portion 1311 of the supply terminal 1310 of the third battery 1300-3 through the connecting terminal 1320 connected to the extension terminal 1330. The second battery 1300-2 can make contact with the first portion 1311 of the supply terminal 1310 of the fourth battery 1300-4 through the connecting terminal 1320 connected to the extension terminal 1330.

[0110] In this case, since the partition wall 1150 physically separates the first region A1 and the second region A2, even if the extension terminals 1330 cover the outer surface of the battery 1300 and extend in the first direction, the extension terminals 1330 of the battery 1300 located in the first region A1 and the extension terminals 1330 of the battery 1300 located in the second region A2 will not come into contact with each other. However, in the embodiment where the partition wall 1150 is not provided, the terminals of all four batteries may be connected.

[0111] A plug 1500 may be positioned at the end of the main body 1100 to prevent multiple batteries 1300 from becoming separated. Considering the shape of the plug 1500, the length of the partition wall 1150 may be shorter than the length to which the first extension 1110 and the second extension 1120 are extended, so that the plug 1500 closes the coupling space 1100c into which the batteries 1300 are inserted without leaving any empty space.

[0112] Figures 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating, in sequence, the battery separation process due to battery overheating in an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0113] Referring to Figures 5A to 5C, an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include a main body 1100, a battery 1300, a receiving terminal 1400, a plug 1500, and a locking member 1600.

[0114] At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 5A to 5C is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 4A to 4C, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0115] Figure 5A shows multiple batteries 1300 inserted into the coupling space 1100c, with the plug 1500 closing the coupling space 1100c.

[0116] Referring to Figure 5A, a portion of the plug 1500 does not need to be locked to the locking member 1600 and separated from the main body 1100. To explain the connection between the plug 1500 and the locking member 1600, the plug 1500 will be described first. The plug 1500 may include a housing 1510, a sliding member 1520, a rail 1530, a first elastic member 1540, a second elastic member 1550, and a rotary coupling member 1560.

[0117] The housing 1510 constitutes the overall appearance of the plug 1500. The housing 1510 is identical or similar in shape to the plug 1500 described above. Depending on the embodiment, the protruding portion of the housing 1510 projecting toward the second region A2 may include an inclined surface 1511 in the direction of viewing the first region A1 (e.g., in the x-axis direction). The inclined surface 1511 may include a flat or curved surface. The inclined surface 1511 can prevent the housing 1510 from being locked and not released by the first battery 1300-1 housed in the first region A1 when the plug 1500 is opened while rotating with respect to one end of the first extension 1110.

[0118] The sliding member 1520 is configured to slide in one direction from inside the plug 1500. The rail 1530 is the internal space of the housing 1510 that guides the movement of the sliding member 1520 in one direction. The first elastic member 1540 is positioned inside the rail 1530 and is connected to the sliding member 1520.

[0119] Specifically, the sliding member 1520 may include a first portion 1521 connected to the first elastic member 1540, a second portion 1522 projecting from the first portion 1521 in one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and a third portion 1523 extending from the first portion 1521 in a direction transverse to one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and projecting outward from the main body 1100.

[0120] The second elastic member 1550 is positioned on the upper part of the housing 1510 and is configured to support the battery 1300. As shown in the illustration, the second elastic member 1550 may include a shape that extends along the upper exterior of the housing 1510. After the battery 1300 is inserted into the coupling space 1100c, the plug 1500 closes the coupling space 1100c, which can compress the second elastic member 1550 in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). This allows the second elastic member 1550 to pressurize the first battery 1300-1 and the second battery 1300-2 toward the receiving terminal 1400.

[0121] The rotatable coupling member 1560 is configured to connect the housing 1510 to the first extension 1110 such that the housing 1510 can rotate freely with respect to one end of the first extension 1110. For example, the rotatable coupling member 1560 may include a hinge structure. Due to the rotatable coupling member 1560, the plug 1500 is connected to a part of the main body 1100 even when the coupling space 1100c is open.

[0122] On the other hand, the locking member 1600 that connects to the plug 1500 contacts the second portion 1522 of the sliding member 1520, which is a part of the plug 1500, thereby preventing the plug 1500 from separating from the main body 1100. In this case, the separation of the plug 1500 means that the plug 1500 opens the connecting space 1100c.

[0123] The locking member 1600 may include an extension portion 1610 that extends along the second extension portion 1120 and a locking portion 1620 that protrudes toward the plug 1500 from one end of the extension portion 1610. The upper surface of the locking portion 1620 can contact the lower surface of the second portion 1522. The end of the locking portion 1620 that protrudes toward the plug 1500 can be inclined in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) toward which the battery is inserted.

[0124] On the other hand, the locking member 1600 is made of a shape memory alloy that changes shape in response to temperature changes in the battery 1300. That is, as the temperature of the battery 1300 rises, heat is conducted from the battery 1300 to the locking member 1600, and the locking member 1600, whose temperature has risen, can change shape.

[0125] In this case, the second extension 1120 of the main body 1100 may include a housing groove 1121 for housing a locking member 1600 whose shape changes in a direction that moves away from the sliding member 1520 in response to temperature changes of the battery 1300.

[0126] Figure 5B shows how the shape of the locking member 1600 changes due to overheating of the battery 1300.

[0127] Referring to Figure 5B, a portion of the extension 1610 of the locking member 1600 is positioned between the second extension 1120 and the battery 1300, making deformation in the x-axis direction difficult. However, the other portion of the extension 1610 of the locking member 1600 and the locking portion 1620 can be deformed to flex in the direction of the formation of the housing groove 1121. As a result, the locking portion 1620 housed in the housing groove 1121 no longer comes into contact with the second portion 1522 of the sliding member 1520.

[0128] Figure 5C shows the plug 1500 rotating with respect to one end of the first extension 1110, and the coupling space 1100c being opened.

[0129] Referring to Figure 5C, the locking member 1600 no longer supports any part of the plug 1500, so the plug 1500 can open the coupling space 1100c.

[0130] In the sequence of events shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the support of the locking member 1600 to the plug 1500 may be released due to overheating of the battery 1300, without any further user intervention on the plug 1500, and the coupling space 1100c may be opened. As a result, the battery 1300 may be separated from the coupling space 1100c.

[0131] When the temperature of the locking member 1600 decreases, the locking member 1600 can return to the shape of the locking member 1600 shown in Figure 5A. At this time, if the user connects the plug 1500 to the locking member 1600, the plug 1500 is again supported by the locking member 1600 which has returned to its original shape, and the plug 1500 does not separate from the connecting space 1100c while closing the connecting space 1100c.

[0132] On the other hand, the battery 1300 must be separated by user operation. The following describes the process by which the user operates the plug 1500 to open the coupling space 1100c.

[0133] Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views sequentially showing the process by which the battery is separated by user operation in the aerosol generator shown in Figure 5A.

[0134] Figure 6A shows the user moving the sliding member 1520 to release its connection with the locking member 1600.

[0135] Referring to Figure 6A, the user can apply pressure to the third portion 1523 of the sliding member 1520, which protrudes from the main body 1100, in the direction in which the first elastic member 1540 is positioned. The sliding member 1520 can move in one direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) along the rail 1530. The first elastic member 1540, which is connected to the first portion 1521, is compressed, and the first portion 1521 and the second portion 1522 of the sliding member 1520 can also move in one direction. As a result, the locking portion 1620 of the locking member 1600 no longer comes into contact with the second portion 1522 of the sliding member 1520.

[0136] Figure 6B shows the plug 1500 rotating with respect to one end of the first extension 1110, and the coupling space 1100c being opened.

[0137] Referring to Figure 6B, the locking member 1600 no longer supports a portion of the plug 1500, so the plug 1500 can open the coupling space 1100c. Unlike Figure 5C, the locking member 1600 in Figure 6B has the same shape as the locking member 1600 in Figure 5A, and the coupling space 1100c can be opened by user operation regardless of temperature changes of the battery 1300.

[0138] At this point, if the user wishes to reconnect the plug 1500 to the locking member 1600 so that the plug 1500 closes the coupling space 1100c again, the user may rotate the plug 1500 while applying pressure to the third portion 1523 to close the coupling space 1100c. When the user releases the pressure on the third portion 1523, the compressed first elastic member 1540 applies an elastic force toward the first portion 1521, allowing the sliding member 1520 to move along the rail 1530 toward the locking portion 1620 of the locking member 1600. The second portion 1522 of the sliding member 1520 comes into contact with the locking portion 1620 again and is supported by the locking portion 1620, so that the plug 1500 remains closed and is not separated from the coupling space 1100c.

[0139] According to the embodiment of the aerosol generating device, multiple batteries are connected to the main unit, enabling long-term and / or high-power power supply to the internal components of the aerosol generating device.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of a single battery while combining multiple batteries of the same specifications, ultimately securing a large-capacity power supply source.

[0141] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the aerosol generating device, problems caused by battery overheating can be prevented in advance, and the aerosol generating device can be used safely.

[0142] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] 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 7. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 7 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the main unit 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the main unit 10.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 137: 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1 audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] Although not shown in Figure 7, 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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 7, 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.

[0171] 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 7, 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 7, 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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).

[0176] On the other hand, the input section 15 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] Although not shown in Figure 7, 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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).

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] When the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 controls the power supply time to the heater 18, and can increase the preheating time of the stick S compared to the normal state.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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, Multiple batteries, which are detachably connected to the main body and include L-shaped supply terminals for supplying power to the inside of the main body, It includes a plurality of receiving terminals that are supplied with power by contacting the supply terminal in different directions from each other, The aforementioned main body is A first extension and a second extension that extend in a first direction, facing each other, A first base portion extends in a second direction that crosses the first direction, so as to intersect the first extension portion and the second extension portion, Aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a second base portion that protrudes from the first base portion in the first direction so as to be connected to the second extension portion, and on which the plurality of receiving terminals are arranged.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of receiving terminals include a first receiving terminal protruding in the first direction from the bottom surface of the second base portion and a second receiving terminal protruding in the second direction from the side surface of the second base portion.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the receiving terminal changes between a protruding first shape and a second shape that is flattened by pressurization by the battery.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply terminal includes a first portion arranged in the first direction and a second portion arranged in the second direction.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first and second portions of the supply terminal intersect at one corner of the battery.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of batteries include a first battery that contacts one of the plurality of receiving terminals through the first portion and a second battery that contacts another of the plurality of receiving terminals through the second portion.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first battery extends in a first direction from the bottom surface of the second base portion, and the second battery extends in a first direction from the bottom surface of the first base portion.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein one of the plurality of batteries is oriented in the opposite direction to the first portion of the supply terminal and further includes a connecting terminal that contacts the first portion of another of the plurality of batteries, and an extension terminal that connects the supply terminal and the connecting terminal.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the extension terminal covers the outer surface of the battery and extends in the first direction.

10. The aforementioned main body is A bonding space surrounded by the first extension, the second extension, the first base, and the second base, including a first region located in the first direction from the second base and a second region located in the first direction from the first base, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a partition wall separating the first region and the second region.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a plug that closes the bonding space and protrudes toward the second region.

12. The aforementioned plug is A sliding member that slides in one direction from inside the stopper, A rail that guides the movement of the sliding member, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an elastic member disposed inside the rail and connected to the sliding member.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sliding member includes a first portion connected to the elastic member, a second portion protruding from the first portion in one direction, and a third portion extending from the first portion in a direction transverse to the one direction and protruding to the outside of the main body.

14. The present invention further includes a locking member that contacts a portion of the stopper and prevents the stopper from separating from the main body, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the locking member is made of a shape memory alloy that changes shape in response to temperature changes of the battery.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the main body further includes a housing groove for housing the locking member, whose shape changes in a direction that moves away from the sliding member in response to a temperature change of the battery.

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