Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, a main body in which the aerosol generator is arranged, a battery for supplying power to the aerosol generator, and a battery pack including a battery case for housing the battery. Either the main body or the battery pack includes a hook projection for holding the position of the battery pack relative to the main body, and the other of the main body and the battery pack includes a hook groove into which the hook projection engages, and the battery pack slides relative to the main body and is detachably coupled to the main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device to which a battery is detachably coupled.

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An aerosol generating device uses a battery that recharges power for portability, but battery cells have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced when their lifespan is exhausted. As a result, there is an increasing need to develop a battery that can be easily detached by the user for the purpose of reducing electronic waste and environmental protection during replacement and extending the service life.

[0004] Also, when using a separable battery, a stable electrical connection structure for the separable battery is required so that the power supply of the aerosol generating device is stably made.

[0005] In addition, the mounting structure of the separable battery needs to be improved so that the user can conveniently perform the operation of coupling the separable battery to the aerosol generating device or separating the separable battery from the aerosol generating device.

[0006] An object of an embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device to which a battery is detachably coupled.

[0007] Furthermore, the objective of this embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device in which the user can conveniently attach and detach the battery.

[0008] Furthermore, an objective of this embodiment is to provide a battery structure that prevents users from mistakenly installing a battery into an aerosol generating device.

[0009] Furthermore, an objective of this embodiment is to provide a battery support structure for stable electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the battery.

[0010] The objectives of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, a main body in which the aerosol generator is arranged, a battery including a battery cell for supplying power to the aerosol generator and a battery case for housing the battery. The battery can be slidably attached to the main body and detachably coupled to the main body.

[0012] Either the main unit or the battery includes a hook projection that holds the position of the battery relative to the main unit, and the other of the main unit or battery may include a hook groove into which the hook projection connects.

[0013] Either the hook projection or the hook groove may be positioned on the end face of the battery pack relative to the insertion direction of the battery pack, while the other hook projection or hook groove may be positioned on the inner wall surface of the body corresponding to the end face of the battery pack.

[0014] Either the main unit or the battery pack may further include a sliding projection that guides the sliding motion of the battery pack relative to the main unit, and the other of the main unit or the battery pack may further include a sliding groove that engages with the sliding projection.

[0015] Either the hook projection or the hook groove may be located on the surface of the main body or battery pack where the sliding projection is located, and the other hook projection or hook groove may be located on the surface of the main body or battery pack where the sliding groove is located.

[0016] The main unit further includes main unit terminals, and the battery pack may further include battery terminals electrically connected to the main unit terminals. The main unit terminals may be located in either a sliding projection or a sliding groove, and the battery terminals may be located in the other of the sliding projection and sliding groove.

[0017] The main unit further includes a main unit terminal, and the battery pack further includes a battery terminal electrically connected to the main unit terminal, the main unit terminal being positioned on either a hook projection or a hook groove, and the battery terminal being positioned on the other of the hook projection or hook groove.

[0018] The shape of the cross-section of the battery pack in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction is also asymmetrical.

[0019] The main unit may further include a housing space for the battery pack and a battery cover that connects to the main unit so as to cover the battery pack. The battery cover may slide relative to the main unit to open the housing space.

[0020] Either the battery cover or the main body includes a cover slide projection that guides the sliding of the battery cover relative to the main body, and the other battery cover or main body may further include a cover slide groove into which the cover slide projection engages.

[0021] Either the battery cover or the main body, which includes a cover slide projection, may further include a cover rotation projection positioned at the end of the cover slide projection. The cover slide groove may include a cover rotation groove into which the cover rotation projection engages.

[0022] The battery cover can slide against the main body and then rotate around a rotating projection to open the storage space.

[0023] The cover slide groove may extend in a direction transverse to the insertion direction of the battery pack.

[0024] The main body may further include a main body pressing portion that elastically presses the battery pack.

[0025] The battery cover may further include a battery pressing portion that elastically presses the battery pack.

[0026] The cover slide groove may extend while being inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack.

[0027] The battery cover may further include a cover protrusion that contacts an end face of the battery pack and presses the battery pack in the insertion direction of the battery pack.

[0028] The battery pack may further include battery terminals, the battery cover may further include cover terminals that are electrically connected to the battery terminals, the battery terminals are disposed on an end face of the battery pack with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack, and the cover terminals may be disposed on one surface of the battery cover that contacts the battery terminals.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] In the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, the battery can be detachably coupled to the main body.

[0030] Also, in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment, the battery is inserted into the main body by a sliding movement, the position of the battery with respect to the main body is fixed, and the battery can be easily detached and attached.

[0031] Also, in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment, the shape of the cross section in the insertion direction of the battery can be processed asymmetrically to prevent the user from accidentally mounting the battery on the main body.

[0032] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment, the coupling state between the main body and the battery can be stably maintained by the battery cover and the pressurizing section, and the electrical connection structure and physical support structure between the battery and the main body can be smoothly maintained.

[0033] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment, separated from each other. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment, separated from each other. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment, separated from each other. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a battery pack relating to yet another embodiment. [Figure 7A] Furthermore, this is a conceptual diagram sequentially showing the process by which the battery cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment is opened. [Figure 7B] Furthermore, this is a conceptual diagram sequentially showing the process by which the battery cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment is opened. [Figure 8A] Furthermore, this is a conceptual diagram sequentially showing the process by which the battery cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment is opened. [Figure 8B] Furthermore, this is a conceptual diagram sequentially showing the process by which the battery cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment is opened. [Figure 9] Figures 1 to 8B are block diagrams of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, while taking into account the function of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators, case law, or the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention is not simply a set of names, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0036] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" and "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0037] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of the following” precedes an array of components, it modifies the entire group of components, not each of the individual components in the array. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0038] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0039] The aerosol generator may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater includes a conductive track, and the heater can be heated when an electric current flows through the conductive track.

[0040] The heater includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and the pattern of the heating element can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0041] A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made in sheet or strand form and may be made from shredded tobacco obtained by cutting tobacco sheets into small pieces. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0042] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0043] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0044] An aerosol generator may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the main body. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the main body or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside, but is not limited to this; the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0045] The cartridge can contain an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of several states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0046] The cartridge can perform the function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge to a gas phase, through operation by electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0047] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol is delivered to the user through a cigarette.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0049] The aerosol generator includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize aerosol-generating materials. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and while the frequency range of ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, it is not limited to this range.

[0050] The aerosol generator may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0051] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0052] For example, aerosols can be generated when the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core decreases due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity is further atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, but this is not the only way in which aerosols can be generated.

[0053] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained within the aerosol generator using induction heating.

[0054] The aerosol generator may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. By supplying power to the coil from the aerosol generator, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, it generates heat, which can heat the aerosol product. Furthermore, the susceptor may be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0056] The aerosol generator can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the aerosol generator's battery, or the heater may be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0057] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that they can be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art. The present invention can be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0059] Figures 1 to 3 are conceptual diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0060] Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating an example of an aerosol generating apparatus. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an example in which a cigarette (hereinafter, "aerosol product" or "stick" may be used interchangeably) is inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0061] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery pack 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 18. Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a cartridge 19 (or vaporizer). The aerosol product S can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0062] When an aerosol product S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can activate 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 through the aerosol product S. If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can also heat the heater 18 even if the aerosol product S is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0063] On the other hand, the heater 18 may be omitted. Referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery pack 11, a control unit 12, and a cartridge 19. The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 3 does not have a space into which the aerosol product S can be inserted, and therefore does not have a heater 18 for heating the aerosol product S.

[0064] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, other components may be included in the aerosol generator 1 in addition to those shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0065] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is illustrated 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 can be arranged in parallel. That is, the arrangement of the battery pack 11, control unit 12, heater 18 and cartridge 19 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0066] The battery pack 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery pack 11 can supply power to heat the heater 18 or cartridge 19, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery pack 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0067] The battery pack 11 is also a removable (detachable, separate) power source. The battery pack 11 is equipped with electrical contacts, and when the battery pack 11 is attached to the aerosol generator 1, the electrical contacts of the battery pack 11 can be electrically connected to electrical contacts provided on the aerosol generator 1 to supply power to the aerosol generator 1.

[0068] As another example, the battery pack 11 may be equipped with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generator 1 wirelessly, instead of a separate electrical contact. In other words, the power supply method of the battery pack 11 can vary, and the electrical connection method between the battery pack 11 and the aerosol generator 1 may change depending on the power supply method supported by the battery pack 11.

[0069] The detachable battery pack 11 may be equipped with a charger interface that can be connected to an external charger. Power for charging the detachable battery pack 11 may be supplied to the battery pack 11 via the charger interface. The battery pack 11 may be charged by an external charger either while coupled to the aerosol generator 1 or while separated from the aerosol generator 1.

[0070] 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 pack 11, heater 18, and cartridge 19, but also other components included in 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 in an operational state.

[0071] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates and may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. The control unit 12 may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0072] The heater 18 can be heated by power supplied from the battery pack 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 18 may be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 18 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0073] The heater 18 is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 includes a conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated by the flow of current through the conductive track. However, the heater 18 is not limited to the above example, and can be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature can be any temperature that can be generated in the aerosol generating device 1. It can be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0074] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 18 is also 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 pack 11, the induction coil can heat the heater 18. As a susceptor, the heater 18 can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field can penetrate the heater 18 and generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0075] On the other hand, a cigarette may contain a susceptor that can be 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.

[0076] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the heater 18 is located outside the aerosol product S, but the embodiments are not limited by the placement of the heater. The heater 18 includes tubular heating elements, plate-shaped heating elements, needle-shaped heating elements, or rod-shaped heating elements, and depending on the shape of the heating elements, it can heat the inside or outside of the aerosol product S.

[0077] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may have 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. Also, the shape of the heaters 18 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 and 2, and they can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0078] Cartridge 19 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be delivered to the user by passing through the aerosol product S.

[0079] In other words, the aerosol generated by the cartridge 19 can move along the airflow path of the aerosol generator 1. In Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol that has moved along the airflow path can pass through the aerosol product S and be transmitted to the user. In Figure 3, the aerosol that has moved along the airflow path can be transmitted to the user via the mouthpiece 20.

[0080] The cartridge 19 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transmission means, and a cartridge heater. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transmission means, and the cartridge heater may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as separate modules.

[0081] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to detach from / attach to the cartridge 19, or to be manufactured integrally with the cartridge 19.

[0082] For example, a liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or a vitamin mixture. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavorings. Flavorings may include ingredients that provide users with a variety of flavors or tastes. A vitamin mixture may also be a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, a liquid composition may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0083] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic.

[0084] A cartridge heater is an element for heating a liquid composition that is transmitted by a liquid transmission means. While cartridge heaters can include metal heating wires, metal heating plates, and ceramic heaters, they are not limited to these and can encompass a variety of methods for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials.

[0085] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and arranged in a structure wound around a liquid transfer means. The cartridge heater can be 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.

[0086] In another example, the cartridge heater consists of a susceptor material that is heated by an induced magnetic field, and may be heated by an induced magnetic field generated by an induction coil located separately from the heating element.

[0087] In another example, a cartridge heater is also an ultrasonic transducer that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating substances by utilizing an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating substances with ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer.

[0088] Cartridge heaters can be attached to liquid transport means not only by structural features that allow them to be wound around the liquid transport means, but also permanently or reversibly attached to the liquid transport means by methods such as coating, spraying, vapor deposition, plating, immersion, painting, printing, 3D printing, or the use of tools. Furthermore, cartridge heaters can be attached to liquid transport means by methods such as sintering them together with the liquid transport means during the manufacturing process. However, the placement of cartridge heaters is not limited to the examples described above and may include a variety of methods in which the cartridge heaters can be attached to liquid transport means while maintaining their functionality.

[0089] A cartridge heater may be referred to as a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0090] Cartridge 19 can be inserted into and removed from the main body of the aerosol generator 1. When all the aerosol-generating material stored in cartridge 19 is consumed, the aerosol-generating material can be replenished into cartridge 19, or it can be replaced with another cartridge 19 that contains stored aerosol-generating material.

[0091] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include other components besides the battery pack 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 external air is allowed to flow in or internal gas is allowed to flow out even when the aerosol product S is inserted.

[0092] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery pack 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 18 can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0093] The aerosol product S is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, referring to Figure 1, the aerosol product S can be divided into a first part S1 containing the aerosol-generating substance and a second part S2 containing a filter, etc. The first part S1 is also referred to as the "medium part" below.

[0094] The second part S2 of the aerosol product S may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part S2.

[0095] The entire first part S1 may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, while the second part S2 may be 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 may inhale the aerosol with the second part S2 in their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated when 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.

[0096] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0097] The aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 includes a main body 1 in which an aerosol generator (not shown) for generating aerosols is arranged, and a battery pack 11 for supplying power to the aerosol generator (not shown).

[0098] The battery pack 11 is linearly movable relative to the main body 1 in order to be detachably coupled to the main body 1. The outer surface 403 of the battery pack and the inner surface 404 of the main body 1 can come into contact with each other and slide in the -X axis direction to be mounted. When the end surface 402 of the battery pack in the insertion direction and the corresponding inner wall surface 401 of the main body finally come into contact, the mounting of the battery pack 11 to the main body 1 is complete.

[0099] The battery pack 11 and the main body 1 may include a hook projection 11a and a hook groove 1a for securing the battery pack 11 to the main body 1. The hook projection 11a may be located on either the main body 1 or the battery pack 11. The hook groove 1a that connects to the hook projection 11a may be located on the other of the main body 1 or the battery pack 11. The hook projection 11a and the hook groove 1a can hold the positions of the main body 1 and the battery pack 11 by connecting with each other.

[0100] For example, the hook projection 11a may be located on the end face 402 of the battery pack 11 in the insertion direction, and the hook groove 1a may be located on the inner wall surface 401 of the main body 1 corresponding to the end face 402 of the battery pack 11. In another example, the hook groove 1a may be located on the end face 402 of the battery pack in the insertion direction, and the hook projection 11a may be located on the inner wall surface 401 of the main body corresponding to the end face 402.

[0101] As yet another example, the hook projection 11a may be located on the outer surface 403 of the battery pack 11 with which the battery pack 11 slides, and the hook groove 1a may be located on the inner surface 404 of the main body 1 corresponding to the outer surface 403 of the battery pack 11.

[0102] The hook projection 11a may be pressed inward towards the main body 1 or battery pack 11 by an elastic part (not shown) inside the main body 1 or battery pack 11. The user can compress the elastic part (not shown) to insert the hook projection 11a into the main body 1 or battery pack 11. Once the sliding motion of the battery pack 11 relative to the main body 1 is complete, the hook projection 11a may protrude outward from the main body 1 or battery pack 11 due to the elasticity of the elastic part (not shown) and engage with the hook groove 1a of the main body 1.

[0103] The battery pack 11 and the main body 1 may include separate sliding projections 11b and sliding grooves 1b for smooth sliding of the battery pack 11 relative to the main body 1. The sliding projections 11b may be coupled with the sliding grooves 1b to guide the sliding of the battery pack 11 relative to the main body 1.

[0104] The sliding projection 11b may be located on either the main body 1 or the battery pack 11. The sliding groove 1b that connects to the sliding projection 11b may be located on the other of the main body 1 or the battery pack 11. For example, the sliding projection 11b may be located on the outer surface of the battery pack 11, and the sliding groove 1b may be located on the corresponding inner wall surface of the main body. As another example, the sliding groove 1b may be located on the outer surface of the battery pack 11, and the sliding projection 11b may be located on the corresponding inner wall surface of the main body.

[0105] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the main unit 1 includes main unit terminals (not shown), and the battery pack 11 includes battery terminals 11c. The main unit terminals (not shown) can be electrically connected to the battery terminals 11c of the battery pack 11.

[0106] For example, the main terminal (not shown) may be positioned on either the hook projection 11a or the hook groove 1a, and the battery terminal 11c may be positioned on the other of the hook projection 11a and the hook groove 1a. This allows for electrical connection between the main terminal (not shown) and the battery terminal 11c during the process of the hook projection 11a and the hook groove 1a engaging.

[0107] As another example, the main unit terminal (not shown) may be located on either the sliding projection 11b or the sliding groove 1b, and the battery terminal 11c may be located on the other of the sliding projection 11b and the sliding groove 1b. This allows for electrical connection between the main unit terminal (not shown) and the battery terminal 11c during the process of fully installing the battery pack 11 with the sliding projection 11b and the sliding groove 1b engaged.

[0108] Referring to Figure 5, the main body 1 includes a pressurizing section 501 that elastically pressurizes the battery pack 11. The pressurizing section 501 may be positioned on the inner wall surface 401 of the main body and supported by a pressurizing section spring 510. The pressurizing section spring 510 may include multiple springs, such as a first pressurizing section spring 511 and a second pressurizing section spring 512. When the battery pack 11 is inserted in the -X axis direction and comes into contact with the pressurizing section 501, pressure is applied to the pressurizing section 501, compressing the pressurizing section spring 510, thereby maintaining a stable coupling state and electrical connection state between the main body 1 and the battery pack 11.

[0109] On the other hand, the main terminal (not shown) may be located on the pressurizing section 501. When the battery pack 11 is inserted in the -X axis direction, the main terminal located on the pressurizing section 501 may come into contact with the battery terminal 11c located on the battery pack 11 and be electrically connected. The elastic force of the pressurizing section spring 510 allows the main terminal (not shown) to maintain a stable electrical connection with the battery terminal 11c.

[0110] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to yet another embodiment.

[0111] The battery pack 11 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 6 includes an end face 601 with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack, a sliding projection 11b that guides the linear movement of the battery pack 11, and a battery terminal 11c that is electrically connected to a main body terminal (not shown).

[0112] The shape of the end face 601 of the battery pack 11 is asymmetrical with respect to the midpoint between the two battery terminals 11c. The main body 1 includes a housing space for accommodating the battery pack 11, which has a frame-like entrance on the end face 601 with respect to the battery pack insertion direction. This prevents the battery terminals 11c from being inserted in the opposite direction when the battery pack 11 is inserted in the -Y-axis direction by the sliding projection 11b. For example, when the battery pack 11 is inserted in the -Y-axis direction by the sliding projection 11b, this prevents the battery pack 11 from being rotated 180° with respect to the Y-axis before being mounted in the main body.

[0113] Figures 7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams sequentially illustrating the process by which the battery cover of an aerosol generator according to yet another embodiment is opened.

[0114] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 7A and 7B includes a battery cover 701 that covers the battery pack 11 and a cover slide groove 1c that guides the sliding motion of the battery cover 701 relative to the main body 1. The cover slide groove 1c includes a cover rotation groove 1d that serves as the rotation center of the battery cover 701 relative to the main body 1.

[0115] The battery cover 701 includes a cover slide projection 701c that engages with the cover slide groove 1c, a cover rotation projection 701d that engages with the cover rotation groove 1d, and a cover projection 701e that pressurizes the battery pack 11 in the insertion direction while in contact with the end surface of the battery pack 11.

[0116] The configuration of the embodiments shown in Figures 7A and 7B can be modified. For example, the cover slide groove 1c and cover rotation groove 1d may be located on the battery cover 701, and the cover slide projection 701c and cover rotation projection 701d may be located on the main body 1.

[0117] Referring to Figure 7A, the cover projection 701e supports the battery pack 11, and the battery cover 701 is in a closed position.

[0118] Referring to Figure 7B, the cover slide projection 701c slides along the cover slide groove 1c, allowing the battery cover 701 to move linearly relative to the main body 1. The battery cover 701 can move by sliding until it fully opens the housing space for the battery pack 11 inside the main body 1. When the housing space for the battery pack 11 is fully opened, the battery pack 11 can be separated from the main body 1 to the outside.

[0119] The cover slide groove 1c of the main body 1 may extend in the same direction as the direction of movement of the battery cover 701. The cover rotation projection 701d slides linearly along the cover slide groove 1c. Therefore, the cover rotation projection 701d and the cover slide groove 1c can perform the function of guiding the sliding motion of the battery cover 701.

[0120] As the battery cover 701 slides, the storage space for the battery pack 11 is fully opened, causing the cover rotation projection 701d to make contact with the end of the cover slide groove 1c. When the storage space for the battery pack 11 is fully open, the cover rotation projection 701d contacts the end of the cover slide groove 1c, which can prevent the battery cover 701 from being completely separated from the main body 1. When the storage space for the battery pack 11 is fully open, the cover slide projection 701c can be separated from the cover slide groove 1c.

[0121] The battery cover 701 can rotate around the cover rotation groove 1d after the storage space for housing the battery pack 11 is fully opened. The cover rotation projection 701d of the battery cover 701 is restrained by the cover rotation groove 1d. Therefore, the cover rotation projection 701d of the battery cover 701 rotates around the cover rotation groove 1d, resulting in stable rotational motion of the battery cover 701, and the open state of the battery cover 701 can be stably maintained.

[0122] The battery cover 701 includes cover terminals (not shown), and the battery pack 11 may include battery terminals 11c that are electrically connected to the cover terminals (not shown).

[0123] The cover terminal (not shown) is located on the outer surface of the battery cover 701 that contacts the cover projection 701e or the battery pack 11, and the battery terminal 11c may be located on the end face of the battery pack 11 in the direction of insertion of the battery pack 11. When the battery cover 701 is closed, the cover terminal (not shown) located on the cover projection 701e pressurizes and contacts the battery terminal 11c, thereby maintaining a stable electrical connection.

[0124] The battery cover 701 may include a main pressurizing section (not shown) that elastically pressurizes the battery pack 11. The main pressurizing section (not shown) is positioned on one surface of the battery cover 701 that contacts the battery pack 11 and can maintain a stable electrical connection between the cover terminals (not shown) and the battery terminals 11c by applying elastic pressure to the battery pack 11.

[0125] On the other hand, the fact that the battery cover 701 slides and then rotates to open the storage space for the battery pack 11 inside the main body 1 can increase the structural stability when the space is open compared to when the storage space for the battery pack 11 inside the main body 1 is opened by the sliding of the battery cover 701 alone. In other words, the added degree of rotational freedom of the battery cover 701 ensures stability against external forces and impacts at the edges of the battery cover 701 when it is in the open state.

[0126] Furthermore, the fact that the battery cover 701 slides and then rotates to open the storage space for the battery pack 11 inside the main unit 1 can improve stability when closing compared to when the storage space for the battery pack 11 inside the main unit 1 is opened solely by the rotational movement of the battery cover 701. In other words, it can prevent the battery cover 701 from opening in situations where the user does not intend to open the storage space for the battery pack 11 inside the main unit 1.

[0127] Figures 8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams sequentially illustrating the process by which the battery cover of an aerosol generator according to yet another embodiment is opened.

[0128] The process for opening the battery cover 801 shown in Figures 8A and 8B is the same as or similar to the process for opening the battery cover 701 shown in Figures 7A and 7B, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0129] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 8A and 8B includes a battery cover 801 that covers the battery pack 11 and a cover slide groove 1c that guides the sliding motion of the battery cover 801 relative to the main body 1. The cover slide groove 1c includes a cover rotation groove 1d that serves as the rotation center of the battery cover 801 relative to the main body 1.

[0130] The battery cover 801 includes a cover slide projection 801c that engages with the cover slide groove 1c and a cover rotation projection 801d that engages with the cover rotation groove 1d.

[0131] The configuration of the embodiments shown in Figures 8A and 8B can be modified. For example, the cover slide groove 1c and cover rotation groove 1d may be located on the battery cover 801, and the cover slide projection 801c and cover rotation projection 801d may be located on the main body 1.

[0132] Referring to Figure 8A, the lower surface of the battery cover 801 is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack 11, so that the battery cover 801 can support the battery pack 11 and maintain the closed state of the battery cover 801. In other words, because the lower surface of the battery cover 801 is inclined, the part of the lower surface of the battery cover 801 that is the thickest part contacts the battery pack 11, thereby supporting the battery pack 11.

[0133] Referring to Figure 8B, the cover slide groove 1c of the main body 1 may extend in a direction that transcends the direction in which the battery pack 11 is inserted. The cover rotation projection 801d slides along the cover slide groove 1c, allowing the battery cover 801 to perform linear sliding motion.

[0134] When the battery cover 801 moves in a linear motion to open the storage space for the battery pack 11, the pressure exerted by the lower surface of the battery cover 801 on the battery pack 11 toward the interior of the main body 1 is released. Once the battery cover 801 fully opens the storage space for the battery pack 11, the battery pack 11 can be separated from the main body 1.

[0135] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8B.

[0136] The aerosol generator 1 may include a battery pack 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 9. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, some of the components shown in Figure 9 may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[0137] 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.

[0138] Sensor 13 may include 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.

[0139] 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 perform the role of a temperature sensor.

[0140] 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 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. This can be embodied by a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 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 may consist 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.

[0141] The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned around the battery pack 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the battery pack 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the power supply, which is the battery pack 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0142] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0143] 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 can correspond 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.

[0144] The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space into which the stick S is inserted. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by a change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 133 is also an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0145] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0146] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of a coil.

[0147] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space into which the stick S is inserted. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, for example, the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal ferrule is inserted into the insertion space, the ferrule of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0148] 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 covering the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object, based on the light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property is also the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented in one configuration with the proximity sensor, or in a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0149] 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 the user, at least a portion of the flaps has the first hue. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the flaps may be wetted by the aerosol, causing at least a portion of the flaps to change to the second hue. On the other hand, at least a portion of the flaps may remain at the second hue after being changed from the first hue to the second hue.

[0150] 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) utilizing the Hall effect.

[0151] The cap sensing sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and 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.

[0152] The motion sensing sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensing sensor 137 can be embodied in at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0153] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to sensors 131-137 mentioned above: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS position sensor, and a proximity sensor. A detailed description of the function of each sensor may be omitted.

[0154] The output unit 14 may output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display 141 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0155] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 1 can include a variety of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery pack 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 an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can also be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0156] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate 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.

[0157] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0158] The battery pack 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The battery pack 11 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The battery pack 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The battery pack 11 can be a rechargeable or disposable power source. For example, the battery pack 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) power source, but is not limited to this.

[0159] Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery pack 11 and may include a switching element.

[0160] The power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the battery pack 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the battery pack 11 if the voltage level of the battery pack 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the battery pack 11 if the voltage level of the battery pack 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0161] The heater 18 can be powered by the battery pack 11 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery pack 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery pack 11 to an AC power supply.

[0162] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can perform their functions by being powered by the battery pack 11. Although not shown in Figure 9, the system may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery pack 11 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 9, a noise filter may be provided between the battery pack 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 may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the battery pack 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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 substance.

[0165] 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 may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0166] 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 to the display panel (add-on type).

[0167] On the other hand, the input section 15 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0168] 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 may include at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 17 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0169] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0170] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and others.

[0171] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0172] Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery pack 11.

[0173] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates and may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0174] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the battery pack 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.

[0175] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the battery pack 11 between the battery pack 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 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0176] 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 pack 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter may consist of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0177] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the battery pack 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 pack 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0178] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the battery pack 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 pack 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery pack 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented through a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0179] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the battery pack 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the battery pack 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.

[0180] 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).

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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 18 temperature and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0183] The control unit 12 can prevent overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. 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 previously set 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 previously set 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.

[0184] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the battery pack 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the battery pack 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0185] 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 pack 11 is above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the battery pack 11. If the temperature of the battery pack 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the battery pack 11 to be charged based on the previously set charging current. If the temperature of the battery pack 11 is above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the battery pack 11.

[0186] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the battery pack 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the battery pack 11. If the temperature of the battery pack 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the use of the power stored in the battery pack 11. If the temperature of the battery pack 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the battery pack 11.

[0187] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery pack 11 relative to the power stored in the battery pack 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery pack 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the battery pack 11.

[0188] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S has been 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.

[0189] 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 via the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 determines 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.

[0190] 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. Based on the determined level range, the control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S.

[0191] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18 to increase the preheating time of the stick S compared to the normal state.

[0192] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is being reused via the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 compares the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and determines that the stick S is not being used if the sensing value falls within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 12 compares the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and determines that the stick S has been used if the sensing value falls within the second reference range. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0193] 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.

[0194] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 preheats the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, and determines whether 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 determines 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.

[0195] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable or not. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater 24 has been heated is greater than or equal to the previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is greater than or equal to the previously set maximum amount of power.

[0196] 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 pre-set maximum number of puffs, or if no puff has been detected for a pre-set time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0197] The control unit 12 can determine whether to attach and / or remove the cap via the cap sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to attach and / or remove the cap based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0198] 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 pre-set number, the control unit 12 may notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will soon shut off via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that there is no stick S in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 may transmit information related to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0199] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events may 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, on / off power of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the battery pack 11, detection of overcharge of the battery pack 11, and end of charging of the battery pack 11. The history of events may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data relating to 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.

[0200] 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-related data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication-related data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine that the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data related to the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data related to the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. If user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, if user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0201] The control unit 12 can transmit data relating 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 pack 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, etc., via the external device's display.

[0202] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 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.

[0203] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update upon receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. If the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware version data and transmit the new firmware version data to the aerosol generator 1. Upon receiving the new firmware version data, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0204] 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 via machine learning such as deep learning. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store sensing value data from at least one sensor 13 and data for learning the 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 ANN structure, for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0205] The embodiments described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The respective configurations or functions of the embodiments described above, or other embodiments, may be used in combination or in combination with each other.

[0206] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing may be combinable with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combinability between configurations is not directly described, it means that combinability is possible unless it is stated that combinability is impossible.

[0207] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0208] The embodiment relates to an aerosol generating device to which a battery is detachably coupled.

Claims

1. an aerosol generator for generating aerosols, The main body on which the aerosol generator is arranged, The battery pack includes a battery for supplying power to the aerosol generator and a battery case for housing the battery, Either the main body or the battery pack includes a hook projection that holds the position of the battery pack relative to the main body, The main body and the other battery pack include a hook groove into which the hook projection is connected. The battery pack slides relative to the main body and is detachably coupled to the main body in an aerosol generating device.

2. Either the hook projection or the hook groove is positioned on the end face of the battery pack in the direction of insertion of the battery pack. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other hook projection and hook groove are arranged on the inner wall surface of the main body corresponding to the end surface of the battery pack.

3. Either the main body or the battery pack further includes a sliding projection that guides the sliding motion of the battery pack relative to the main body, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body and one of the battery packs further include a sliding groove that connects to the sliding projection.

4. Either the hook projection or the hook groove is located on the surface of the main body or the battery pack on which the slide projection is located. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the hook projection and the other hook groove are arranged on the surface of the main body or the battery pack on which the slide groove is located.

5. The aforementioned main unit further includes a main unit terminal, The battery pack further includes battery terminals that are electrically connected to the main unit terminals, The main body terminal is positioned in either the slide projection or the slide groove. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the battery terminal is located in the other of the sliding projection and the sliding groove.

6. The aforementioned main unit further includes a main unit terminal, The battery pack further includes battery terminals that are electrically connected to the main unit terminals, The main body terminal is positioned in either the hook projection or the hook groove. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery terminal is located in the other of the hook projection and the hook groove.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the cross-section of the battery pack in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the battery pack is asymmetrical.

8. The main body further includes a housing space for housing the battery pack and a battery cover that is coupled to the main body so as to cover the battery pack. Either the battery cover or the main body includes a cover slide projection that guides the sliding of the battery cover relative to the main body. The battery cover and the other body further include a cover slide groove into which the cover slide projection engages, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery cover slides relative to the main body to open the storage space.

9. Either the battery cover including the cover slide projection or the main body further includes a cover rotation projection positioned at the end of the cover slide projection, The cover slide groove includes a cover rotation groove into which the cover rotation projection is coupled. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the battery cover slides against the main body and then rotates around the cover rotation projection to open the storage space.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cover slide groove extends in a direction transverse to the insertion direction of the battery pack.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the main body further includes a main body pressurizing section for elastically pressurizing the battery pack.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the battery cover further includes a battery pressurizing section for elastically pressurizing the battery pack.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cover slide groove extends at an inclination with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the battery cover further includes a cover projection that contacts the end surface of the battery pack and pressurizes the battery pack in the insertion direction of the battery pack.

15. The aforementioned battery pack further includes battery terminals, The battery cover further includes cover terminals that are electrically connected to the battery terminals, The battery terminals are arranged on the end face of the battery pack in the direction of insertion of the battery pack. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cover terminal is arranged on one surface of the battery cover that contacts the battery terminal.

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