Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generator includes a main unit, an aerosol generator located in the main unit that generates aerosols when power is supplied, a power module located in the main unit that wirelessly receives power and supplies power to the aerosol generator, and a battery module that charges power, is detachably attached to the main unit, and can wirelessly transmit power to the power module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device in which a battery module that supplies power wirelessly can be detachably mounted.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, as an alternative to the method of burning a general cigarette to supply an aerosol, an aerosol is generated from an aerosol product substance in a liquid state or a solid state, or after generating vapor from a liquid aerosol product substance, the generated vapor is passed through a solid perfume medium to supply an aerosol generating device that supplies an aerosol having a fragrance is used.

[0003] The aerosol generating device includes various components and a battery for supplying power to the components. For the convenience of carrying the aerosol generating device, a rechargeable battery is used in the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device includes a terminal that electrically connects the battery and the components of the aerosol generating device.

[0004] In the process of generating an aerosol in the aerosol generating device, residual substances such as residues of liquids or aerosol generating substances are generated, but the residual substances can flow out to the battery side or the outside through the space where the terminals of the aerosol generating device are provided. In order to constitute a comfortable use environment for the aerosol generating device, it is necessary to improve the sealing structure that can keep the battery mounting space clean.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of an embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device in which a battery can be detachably mounted.

[0006] Furthermore, the objective of this embodiment is to provide an aerosol generator in which a perfect sealing structure is realized between the space where the battery of the aerosol generator is installed and the internal space of the aerosol generator.

[0007] Furthermore, an objective of this embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that facilitates battery power charging.

[0008] Furthermore, the purpose of this embodiment is to protect the components and battery of the aerosol generator from foreign matter, liquids, and other contaminants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a main body, an aerosol generator located in the main body that can generate an aerosol when power is supplied, a power module located in the main body that receives power wirelessly and supplies power to the aerosol generator, and a battery module that charges power, is detachably attached to the main body and transmits power wirelessly to the power module.

[0010] The battery module may include a battery cell that can be charged with power, a transceiver that can operate in a charging mode that wirelessly receives power and charges the battery cell, or in a transmitting mode that wirelessly transmits power from the battery cell to a power module, and a regulator that can generate signals to operate the transceiver in the transmitting mode or the charging mode.

[0011] The transceiver may include an antenna circuit and a voltage regulator positioned between the battery cell and the antenna circuit to adjust the voltage.

[0012] The transceiver may further include a rectifier for converting alternating current power to direct current power, or direct current power to alternating current power.

[0013] The transceiver may further include an impedance matching device that matches the impedance of the voltage regulator with the impedance of the antenna circuit.

[0014] The receiver may include a receiving antenna circuit and a rectifier placed between the receiving antenna circuit and the battery cell to convert AC power to DC power.

[0015] The receiver may further include a voltage regulator positioned between the battery cell and the receiving antenna circuit to adjust the voltage, and an impedance matching device to match the impedance of the voltage regulator with the impedance of the receiving antenna circuit.

[0016] The transmitter may include an oscillating antenna circuit and a rectifier positioned between the oscillating antenna circuit and the battery cell to convert DC power to AC power.

[0017] The transmitter may further include a voltage regulator positioned between the battery cell and the oscillating antenna circuit to adjust the voltage, and an impedance matching device to match the impedance of the voltage regulator with the impedance of the oscillating antenna circuit.

[0018] The aerosol generator may further include a capacitor located in the main body for charging power supplied wirelessly from a battery module, and a communication unit located in the main body for transmitting wireless signals to the battery module.

[0019] The battery module may further include a battery communicator capable of wireless communication from the communication unit. A regulator may generate a signal based on the wireless signal transmitted through the battery communicator.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may further include a control unit for controlling the aerosol generator and a communication unit located in the main body for transmitting wireless signals to a battery module.

[0021] The battery module may further include a battery communicator capable of wireless communication from the communication unit. When the battery module operates in the charging mode, the control unit may interrupt the aerosol generation operation of the aerosol generator. When the charging mode of the battery module ends and it operates in the transmission mode, the control unit may start the aerosol generation operation of the aerosol generator.

[0022] The battery module may further include a switch connected to the regulator. The main body may include a button for operating the switch of the battery module mounted on the main body.

[0023] The main body may include a mounting space where the battery module is mounted and an internal space where the power module is disposed. The mounting space and the internal space may be separated from each other so as to block the movement of substances between them.

[0024] The aerosol generator may further include a position adjuster for adjusting the position of the battery module with respect to the main body in order to align the center of the power module and the center of the battery module.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] In the aerosol generator according to the above-described embodiment, the battery can be detachably mounted on the main body.

[0026] Also, the power of the battery module can be wirelessly supplied to the main body of the aerosol generator. Also, the battery module can be wirelessly charged from an external wireless power charger.

[0027] Also, there is no need to provide battery terminals for electrical connection between the battery module and the main body in the aerosol generator, and there is no need to provide charging terminals for charging the battery module in the aerosol generator, so the configuration of the aerosol generator can be simplified.

[0028] Moreover, since there is no need to provide electrical terminals for the battery in the aerosol generating device, the mounting space for the battery module can be perfectly separated from the internal space of the main body. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter and moisture from flowing into the inside of the aerosol generating device from the outside. Also, it is possible to prevent residual substances such as liquids generated in the aerosol generating device from flowing out to the battery module.

[0029] Moreover, by aligning the centers of the battery module and the main body with a position adjuster for adjusting the position of the battery module, the efficiency of wireless power transmission and reception can be increased.

[0030] Also, by using a position adjuster for adjusting the position of the battery module, battery modules of various sizes can be used in the aerosol generating device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a conceptual diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a conceptual diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram schematically showing the components of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram schematically showing the components of the transceiver of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the power reception operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6. [Figure 8]This is a flowchart showing the power transmission operation of the battery module of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 7. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the wireless charging operation of an aerosol generator according to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 8. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the wireless charging operation of the battery module of the aerosol generator according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 to 9. [Figure 11] Furthermore, this is a block diagram schematically showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] Furthermore, this is a block diagram schematically showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated. [Figure 14] Furthermore, this is a block diagram schematically showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] Figures 12 and 14 are schematic block diagrams showing some elements of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated. [Figure 16] Furthermore, this is a block diagram schematically showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a separate battery module of an aerosol generator according to the embodiment illustrated in the diagram. [Figure 18] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 19] Figures 1 to 18 are schematic block diagrams showing the components of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of the following” precedes an array of components, it modifies the entire component, 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0057] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 includes a main body 10, a heater 13 located in the main body 10 that can generate aerosols when power is supplied, a power module 17 located in the main body 10 for supplying power to the heater 13, and a battery module 11 that is detachably attached to the main body 10 and wirelessly transmits power to the power module 17. The heater 13 is an example of an aerosol generator.

[0058] The main body 10 includes an internal space 10a capable of housing components such as a heater 13, a control unit 12, and a power module 17, and a mounting space 10b into which a battery module 11 can be installed. The internal space 10a and the mounting space 10b are separated from each other by a partition wall 10w. The partition wall 10w seals the space between the internal space 10a and the mounting space 10b. Since the internal space 10a and the mounting space 10b are blocked from each other by the partition wall 10w, no material can pass between the mounting space 10b and the internal space 10a.

[0059] The battery module 11 is detachably mounted in the mounting space 10b of the main unit 10. The phrase "detachably mounted" means that the battery module 11 is mounted in the mounting space 10b as shown by the solid line in Figure 1, and that the battery module 11 can be detached from the mounting space 10b as shown by the dotted line in Figure 1 in order to discard or replace the battery module 11.

[0060] When the battery module 11 is installed in the mounting space 10b, the battery module 11 can be stably held in the mounting space 10b. In order to hold the battery module 11 in the mounting space 10b, the main body 10 may include a support structure for supporting the battery module 11. For example, the main body 10 may include a battery cover that pressurizes the battery module 11 to prevent it from falling out of the mounting space 10b when installed in the mounting space 10b.

[0061] The battery module 11 installed in the mounting space 10b can wirelessly supply power to the power module 17. The battery module 11 can wirelessly supply power to the power module 17 using a wireless method such as magnetic induction, magnetic resonance, or electromagnetic wave. The operation of the battery module 11 in which it wirelessly supplies power to the power module 17 corresponds to "transmit mode".

[0062] As an additional operating method, the battery module 11 may operate to receive power from an external wireless charging device (not shown) and charge its own power. The operation in which the battery module 11 charges its own power corresponds to "charging mode".

[0063] The power module 17 can wirelessly receive power from the battery module 11 and supply power to the heater 13. The power module 17 may include a wireless power receiving circuit for wirelessly receiving power from the battery module 11 and a power conversion circuit for converting voltage and / or power to supply power wirelessly to the heater 13.

[0064] A portion of a cigarette 2 may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, while the remaining portion of the cigarette 2 is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator 1. Once the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can activate the heater 13 to generate an aerosol.

[0065] When the user begins the inhalation action, external air (a) flows into the aerosol generator 1 and passes through the cigarette 2, generating an aerosol from the cigarette 2. The aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is transmitted to the user. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the end of the cigarette 2 to their mouth.

[0066] Figures 2 and 3 are conceptual diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0067] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 includes a main body 10, a vaporizer 14 and a heater 13 located in the main body 10 for generating aerosols, a power module 17 for supplying power to the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13, and a battery module 11 detachably mounted in the main body 10 for wirelessly transmitting power to the power module 17. The heater 13 and vaporizer 14 are other examples of aerosol generators.

[0068] The battery module 11 can wirelessly supply power to the power module 17. Powered by the battery module 11, the power module 17 supplies power to at least one of the vaporizer 14 and heater 13, causing at least one of the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 to perform the operation of generating aerosols.

[0069] A cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1. When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0070] In the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the battery module 11 may be detachably attached to the main body 10.

[0071] According to the aerosol generating apparatus of the above-described embodiment, there is no need to provide electrical terminals for the battery on the main body 10 in order to transmit power from the battery module 11 to the components of the main body 10, thus simplifying the configuration of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0072] Furthermore, since there is no need to provide electrical terminals for the battery on the main unit 10, the mounting space 10b for the battery module 11 and the internal space 10a of the main unit 10 can be perfectly separated. This prevents foreign matter and moisture from flowing into the aerosol generator from the outside, and prevents residual substances such as liquid generated by the aerosol generator from flowing into the battery module 11.

[0073] The battery module 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery module 11 supplies power to at least one of the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14, causing at least one of the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 to perform heating operations. The battery module 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. Furthermore, the battery module 11 can supply power necessary for the operation of displays, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0074] 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 module 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, 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 or not the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0075] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery module 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0076] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

[0077] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For instance, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0078] For example, the steam maker 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0079] 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 module 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0080] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0081] The aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4 includes a main body 10 for housing components such as a control unit 12, a communication unit 180, a power module 17, and an aerosol generator 13g, and a battery module 11 that is detachably attached to the main body 10.

[0082] The battery module 11 includes a battery cell 11c that can be charged with power, a transceiver 11a that operates in a charging mode to charge the battery cell 11c and a transmitting mode to wirelessly transmit the power of the battery cell 11c to an external device, and a regulator 11d that can generate a signal to operate the transceiver 11a.

[0083] The battery cell 11c may include a secondary battery for charging or discharging electrical energy. The battery cell 11c may further include a protection circuit module for protecting the secondary battery.

[0084] The transceiver 11a can operate in a charging mode, wirelessly receiving power from an external wireless power charger 90 and charging the battery cell 11c with the received power. Alternatively, the transceiver 11a can operate in a transmitting mode, wirelessly transmitting the power stored in the battery cell 11c to the power module 17.

[0085] The controller 11d can generate a signal to select the operating mode of the transceiver 11a and transmit the signal to the transceiver 11a. The transceiver 11a can operate in either a charging mode or a transmitting mode based on the signal transmitted from the controller 11d.

[0086] The main unit 10 includes a capacitor 17s used to back up power for the startup operation of the aerosol generator. The capacitor 17s is, for example, a supercapacitor. The capacitor 17s can store a portion of the power supplied from the battery module 11 to the power module 17.

[0087] Compared to the battery module 11, which stores a large amount of electrical energy, the capacitor 17s stores a small amount of electrical energy. Therefore, the capacitor 17s is not easily used to power the aerosol generator 13g. The capacitor 17s can perform functions to assist in the starting or wake-up operation of the control unit 12, communication unit 180, and power module 17 of the aerosol generator.

[0088] The main unit 10 may include a communication unit 180 capable of transmitting wireless signals for communication to the battery module 11. The battery module 11 may include a battery communicator 11b that can be connected wirelessly to the communication unit 180 of the main unit 10.

[0089] With the battery module 11 attached to the main unit 10, the aerosol generator can be started. The control unit 12, communication unit 180, and power module 17 of the main unit 10 start operating using the power from the capacitor 17s. For example, the communication unit 180 of the main unit 10 can transmit a wireless signal (aerosol generation signal) to the battery communicator 11b of the battery module 11, thereby starting the transmission mode of the battery module 11.

[0090] As another example of operation, the battery communicator 11b may drive the controller 11d based on a wireless signal (wireless charging signal) transmitted from the communication unit 180 of the main unit 10. That is, if the controller 11d is driven by the battery communicator 11b and the controller 11d transmits a signal to the transceiver 11a, the transceiver 11a may operate in a charging mode to charge power to the battery cell 11c.

[0091] The power module 17 includes a power receiver 17r that can wirelessly receive power from the transceiver 11a of the battery module 11, and a power control unit 17c that controls the operation of the power receiver 17r and converts the power received by the power receiver 17r to supply to the aerosol generator 13g, the control unit 12, and the communication unit 180.

[0092] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4.

[0093] The main body 10 of the aerosol generator includes a mounting space 10b in which a battery module 11 can be installed. The main body 10 also includes an internal space in which a control unit 12 is housed. The internal space and the mounting space 10b of the main body 10 are separated from each other by a partition wall 10w.

[0094] The main unit 10 includes a main unit antenna circuit 17e for wirelessly transmitting power. The main unit antenna circuit 17e is also part of the power receiver 17r in Figure 4. The main unit antenna circuit 17e is positioned to face the mounting space 10b.

[0095] The battery module 11 includes an antenna circuit 11e for wirelessly transmitting power to the main antenna circuit 17e or wirelessly receiving power from an external wireless power charger. When the battery module 11 is placed in the mounting space 10b, the antenna circuit 11e may be positioned to correspond to the main antenna circuit 17e.

[0096] According to the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment described above, there is no need to provide electrical terminals for the battery on the main body 10 in order to transmit power from the battery module 11 to the components of the main body 10, thus simplifying the configuration of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0097] Furthermore, since there is no need to provide electrical terminals for the battery on the main unit 10, the mounting space 10b for the battery module 11 and the internal space of the main unit 10 can be perfectly separated. This prevents foreign matter and moisture from flowing into the aerosol generator from the outside, and prevents residual substances such as liquid generated by the aerosol generator from flowing into the battery module 11.

[0098] The main unit 10 may include user switches 18a, 18b, and 18c for operating the aerosol generator. The user can control the operation of the aerosol generator by operating the user switches 18a, 18b, and 18c.

[0099] For example, if the user operates the first switch 18a while the battery module 11 is attached to the main unit 10, the aerosol generator will start up and the communication unit 180 in Figure 4 may transmit a wireless signal to the battery communicator 11b of the battery module 11 requesting wireless power transmission.

[0100] As another example, if the user operates the second switch 18b, the aerosol generator may interrupt its aerosol generation operation.

[0101] As yet another example, if the user operates the third switch 18c, the aerosol generator may interrupt its aerosol generation operation, and the communication unit 180 in Figure 4 may transmit a wireless signal to the battery communicator 11b of the battery module 11, causing the battery module 11 to start charging.

[0102] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the components of the transceiver of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0103] The transceiver 11a may be implemented to operate using one of the following wireless methods: magnetic induction, magnetic resonance, or electromagnetic wave.

[0104] The transceiver 11a may include an antenna circuit 11e that can wirelessly receive or transmit power, and a voltage regulator 11v positioned between the battery cell 11c and the antenna circuit 11e to adjust the voltage. When the transceiver 11a operates in transmit mode, the voltage regulator 11v can boost the output voltage of the battery cell 11c to supply power to the antenna circuit 11e. When the transceiver 11a operates in charge mode, the voltage regulator 11v can step down the voltage of the power wirelessly received by the antenna circuit 11e to charge the battery cell 11c.

[0105] Furthermore, the transceiver 11a may include a rectifier 11w for converting AC power to DC power or DC power to AC power. For example, when the transceiver 11a is operating in transmit mode, the rectifier 11w may convert the DC voltage boosted by the voltage regulator 11v into an AC voltage to supply power to the antenna circuit 11e. Also, when the transceiver 11a is operating in charge mode, the rectifier 11w may convert the AC power received wirelessly by the antenna circuit 11e into DC power and supply it to the voltage regulator 11v.

[0106] Furthermore, the transceiver 11a may include an impedance matching device 11m. The impedance matching device 11m may be placed between the voltage regulator 11v and the antenna circuit 11e to perform the function of matching the impedance of the voltage regulator 11v with the impedance of the antenna circuit 11e.

[0107] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the power receiving operation of an aerosol generator according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 to 6.

[0108] When the user turns on the power button (or power switch) of the aerosol generator, the aerosol generator starts up (S100).

[0109] The method by which an aerosol generator starts up is not limited to the example of turning on the power button. As another example, when a battery module is installed in the main body of the aerosol generator, the aerosol generator senses the installation status of the battery module and starts up. For this reason, the aerosol generator may be equipped with a sensor in the main body to detect the installation of the battery module.

[0110] Once the aerosol generator starts up, the communication unit of the main body of the aerosol generator transmits an aerosol generation signal to the battery communication unit of the battery module (S110). The "aerosol generation signal" is a wireless signal transmitted by the communication unit of the main body to the battery communication unit, and it is a wireless signal that requests the battery module to supply power to the main body.

[0111] The battery module can operate in a transmit mode to wirelessly supply power to the main unit's power module based on a wireless signal transmitted from the main unit's communication unit to the battery communicator. When the battery module operates in transmit mode, a wireless power reception communication establishment operation is performed between the battery communicator of the battery module and the main unit's communication unit (S120).

[0112] The wireless power reception communication establishment operation also involves, for example, the control unit of the main unit confirming the authentication information transmitted from the battery module and allowing wireless power reception. The operation to confirm the authentication information also involves, for example, the control unit comparing the authentication information transmitted from the battery module with identification information that the aerosol generator already possesses to confirm whether the battery module corresponds to an authenticated battery (genuine product).

[0113] After the establishment of the wireless power reception communication is complete, the main unit's power module performs a wireless power reception operation in which it receives power wirelessly from the battery module (S130).

[0114] Once the wireless power reception operation is performed and power from the battery module is supplied to the power module, the power module supplies power to the aerosol generator, causing the aerosol generator to start generating aerosols (S140).

[0115] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the power transmission operation of the battery module of the aerosol generator according to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7. Figure 8 shows the operation of the battery module in conjunction with the operation of the main body of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 7.

[0116] When the battery module receives an "aerosol generation signal" from the communication unit of the aerosol generator main body (B100), the battery module's battery communicator establishes wireless power transmission communication with the communication unit of the main body (B110). Wireless power transmission communication also verifies whether the battery module is a genuine part that can be used for the operation of the aerosol generator by transmitting the battery module's authentication information to the communication unit of the main body.

[0117] After the wireless power transmission communication is established, the battery module's transceiver wirelessly transmits power to the main unit's power module (B120).

[0118] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the wireless charging operation of an aerosol generator according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 to 8.

[0119] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a wireless charging start command may be generated (S200) while the aerosol generator is operating and generating aerosols using power supplied wirelessly from the battery module.

[0120] While the battery module is operating in charging mode, receiving power wirelessly from an external wireless power charger to charge itself, the battery module cannot supply power to the main unit's power module. Therefore, the aerosol generator must interrupt its aerosol generation operation. Consequently, the "wireless charging start command" is also a signal to interrupt the aerosol generator's operation when the battery module is operating in charging mode.

[0121] The "wireless charging start command" is also a command issued by the control unit in response to a signal generated when the user operates a switch on the main unit, as shown in Figure 5. When the control unit issues a wireless charging start command, it can interrupt the aerosol generator's aerosol generation operation (S210).

[0122] The embodiments are not limited by the method by which the "wireless charging start command" is generated. For example, the control unit may automatically generate a "wireless charging start command" when the power capacity charged to the battery module falls below a predetermined minimum power capacity set by the aerosol generator.

[0123] As another example, when an aerosol generator comes into close proximity to an external wireless power charger, and the battery module or the main unit's communication device detects the external wireless power charger, the main unit's control unit or the battery module's battery communication device may automatically generate a "wireless charging start command."

[0124] After the aerosol generation operation is interrupted, the communication unit of the main unit transmits a wireless charging signal to the battery communicator of the battery module (S220).

[0125] The "wireless charging signal" is also a signal that requests the battery module's transceiver to operate in a charging mode to charge the battery cells.

[0126] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the wireless charging operation of the battery module of the aerosol generator according to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 9. Figure 10 shows the operation of the battery module in conjunction with the operation of the main body of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 9.

[0127] When the battery module receives a "wireless charging signal" from the communication unit of the aerosol generator (B200), the battery module's battery communicator establishes wireless power receiving communication with an external wireless power charger (B210). Wireless power receiving communication also involves the battery communicator transmitting the battery module's authentication information to the wireless power charger to verify whether the battery module is a genuine product that can be charged wirelessly.

[0128] After wireless power reception communication is established, the battery module's transceiver receives power wirelessly from an external wireless power charger, and a charging operation is performed to charge the battery cells (B220).

[0129] An operation (B230) is performed to check if the battery cells of the battery module have finished charging. If the battery cells have finished charging, the operation of the battery module's transceiver to wirelessly receive power from the wireless power charger ends (B240). After the operation of receiving power wirelessly ends, or simultaneously with the end of the operation of receiving power wirelessly, the charging operation to charge the battery cells ends (B250).

[0130] According to the aerosol generating apparatus of the above-described embodiment, power from the battery module can be supplied wirelessly to the main body of the aerosol generating apparatus. Furthermore, the battery module can be charged wirelessly from an external wireless power charger. Therefore, there is no need to provide battery terminals for electrical connection between the battery module and the main body. Also, there is no need to provide charging terminals for charging the battery module in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0131] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0132] The configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11 is substantially the same as the configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4. The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11 does not include a capacitor, but includes a battery communication device 11b of the battery module 11 and a wireless tag 180t for wireless communication.

[0133] The battery communication device 11b of the battery module 11 can read information from the wireless tag 180t based on, for example, a short-range communication protocol. The wireless tag 180t is an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, for example, an NFC (near-field communication) tag.

[0134] The embodiments are not limited by the method of implementation of the wireless tag 180t, which may be implemented to utilize short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, or Zigbee®. If the wireless tag 180t requires its own power, the aerosol generator may be modified to include a capacitor, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 4.

[0135] Once the battery module 11 is attached to the main unit 10, the battery communication device 11b of the battery module 11 can identify the wireless tag 180t of the main unit 10, thereby enabling the aerosol generator to start up.

[0136] The battery communication device 11b can identify the wireless tag 180t on the main unit 10, and the battery communication device 11b can determine that the battery module 11 is in a state where it can supply power to the power module 17 of the aerosol generator.

[0137] The battery communicator 11b of the battery module 11 can drive the controller 11d based on the identification result of the wireless tag 180t. The controller 11d can operate in a transmit mode, transmitting a signal to the transceiver 11a so that the transceiver 11a can wirelessly supply power to the power module 17 of the main unit 10.

[0138] The battery module 11 supplies power to the power module 17 of the aerosol generator, enabling the aerosol generator 13g to generate aerosols.

[0139] The user can interrupt the aerosol generation operation of the 13g aerosol generator by operating a switch on the aerosol generator while aerosol generation is in progress.

[0140] Furthermore, by operating a switch on the aerosol generator, the aerosol generator's aerosol generation operation may be interrupted, and the battery module 11 may be charged.

[0141] According to the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment described above, there is no need to provide battery terminals for electrical connection between the battery module 11 and the main body 10, and there is no need to provide charging terminals on the main body 10 for charging the battery module 11.

[0142] Furthermore, even if the main unit 10 does not have a capacitor for power storage, the battery module 11 can automatically identify the wireless tag 180t and supply power to the main unit 10 wirelessly (startup operation).

[0143] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0144] The configuration of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12 is substantially the same as the configuration of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4. The aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12 does not include a capacitor, the battery module 11 includes switches s1 and s2 and buttons b1 and b2, and the main body 10 includes buttons b3 and b4.

[0145] The switches s1 and s2 of the battery module 11 are connected to the controller 11d. The operation of switches s1 and s2 causes the controller 11d to generate signals, which can cause the transceiver 11a to operate in transmit mode or charge mode.

[0146] Once the battery module 11 is installed in the main unit 10, buttons b3 and b4 on the main unit 10 and buttons b1 and b2 on the battery module 11 become capable of contacting each other. For example, buttons b3 and b4 on the main unit 10 can be operated by the user.

[0147] When either button b3 or b4 on the main unit 10, operated by the user, pressurizes buttons b1 or b2 on the battery module 11, switches s1 and s2 corresponding to the pressurized buttons b1 or b2 are activated.

[0148] For example, if the user presses the first button b3, the first switch s1 is activated by button b1 on the battery module 11, which may cause the transceiver 11a to operate in transmit mode via the regulator 11d. As another example, if the second switch s2 is activated, the transceiver 11a may operate in charge mode via the regulator 11d.

[0149] The regulator 11d of the battery module 11 can transmit a signal to the transceiver 11a, which can then operate in a transmission mode to wirelessly supply power to the power module 17 of the main unit 10. Power is supplied to the power module 17 of the aerosol generator by the battery module 11, enabling the aerosol generator 13g to generate aerosols.

[0150] As another example of operation, if the user presses the second button b4 of the aerosol generator while the aerosol generator 13g is generating aerosols, the aerosol generation operation of the aerosol generator is interrupted, and the second switch s2 is activated by button b2 of the battery module 11, which may cause the transceiver 11a to operate in charging mode via the regulator 11d.

[0151] According to the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment described above, there is no need to provide battery terminals for electrical connection between the battery module 11 and the main body 10, and there is no need to provide charging terminals on the main body 10 for charging the battery module 11.

[0152] Furthermore, even if the main unit 10 does not have a capacitor for power storage, if buttons b3 and b4 on the main unit 10 are operated, the battery module 11 can automatically perform an operation (startup operation) to wirelessly supply power to the main unit 10.

[0153] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12.

[0154] Figure 13 illustrates, in an example, the structure in which button b3 located on the main body 10 and button b1 located on the battery module 11 are in contact with each other in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12, and the specific structure in which switch s1 is operated by button b1.

[0155] The main body 10 includes an internal space 10a where the control unit 12, aerosol generator 13g, and power module 17 are arranged, and a mounting space 10b where the battery module 11 is installed. The internal space 10a and the mounting space 10b are completely separated, and it is impossible for any material to move between the internal space 10a and the mounting space 10b.

[0156] The button b3 on the main body 10 is located in a region separated from the internal space 10a. The button b3 on the main body 10 is provided to be movable on the main body 10. The button b3 is elastically supported on the main body 10 by an elastic member b3s. When a user presses on the button b3, a projection of the button b3 may protrude toward the battery module 11 and contact the button b1 on the battery module 11.

[0157] When button b3 on the main unit 10 makes contact with button b1 on the battery module 11, switch s1 is activated and the regulator 11d is driven. The activation of switch s1 causes the regulator 11d to generate a signal, which can cause the transceiver of the battery module 11 to operate in transmit mode or charge mode.

[0158] When the battery module 11 is mounted in the mounting space 10b of the main unit 10, it is desirable that the center of the antenna module of the battery module 11 coincides with the center of the antenna module of the main unit 10. The main unit 10 may include a position adjuster 10z for adjusting the position of the battery module 11.

[0159] The position adjuster 10z can move along the direction of arrow A in the mounting space 10b of the main unit 10. By changing the position of the battery module 11 in the mounting space 10b of the main unit 10, the center of the antenna module of the battery module 11 may coincide with the center of the antenna module of the main unit 10.

[0160] The arrangement and number of position adjusters 10z shown in Figure 13 are illustrative, and the number and arrangement of position adjusters 10z can be varied in many ways. For example, in Figure 13, position adjusters 10z may be arranged on both sides of the battery module 11 in the left-right direction. In yet another example, the position adjusters 10z may be arranged to move in a direction that crosses the direction in which the battery module 11 and the main body 10 extend (perpendicular to the ground in Figure 13).

[0161] With such a position adjuster 10z, the battery module 11 can be mounted on the main body 10 even if the size of the battery module 11 does not exactly match the mounting space 10b of the main body 10 of the aerosol generator. Furthermore, when using battery modules 11 of various sizes in the aerosol generator, aligning the centers of the battery module 11 and the main body 10 can increase the wireless power transmission and reception efficiency.

[0162] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram showing the components of an aerosol generator according to yet another embodiment. The configuration of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in Figure 14 is almost identical to the configuration of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, except that the configuration of the battery module 11 has been modified.

[0163] In the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, one transceiver operates in either transmission mode or charging mode. However, in the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the transmitter 11x performs the transmission mode and the receiver 11r performs the charging mode.

[0164] In the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the battery module 11 includes a battery cell 11c on which power can be charged, a receiver 11r for receiving power wirelessly and charging power to the battery cell 11c, a transmitter 11x for wirelessly transmitting power from the battery cell 11c to the power module 17, and a regulator 11d capable of generating a signal to select a transmission mode in which the transmitter 11x operates or a charging mode in which the receiver 11r operates.

[0165] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram showing some elements of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 and 14.

[0166] The receiver 11r includes a receiving antenna circuit 11e1, a rectifier 11w1 positioned between the receiving antenna circuit 11e1 and the battery cell 11c to convert AC power to DC power, a voltage regulator 11v1 to adjust the voltage, and an impedance matching device 11m1 to perform impedance matching.

[0167] The transmitter 11x includes a transmitting antenna circuit 11e2, a rectifier 11w2 positioned between the transmitting antenna circuit 11e2 and the battery cell 11c to convert DC power to AC power, a voltage regulator 11v2 to adjust the voltage, and an impedance matching device 11m2 to perform impedance matching.

[0168] Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram showing the components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0169] The configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 16 is substantially the same as the configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 15. The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 16 does not include a capacitor, the battery module 11 includes switches s1 and s2 and buttons b1 and b2, and the main body 10 includes buttons b3 and b4.

[0170] Once the battery module 11 is installed in the main unit 10, buttons b3 and b4 on the main unit 10 and buttons b1 and b2 on the battery module 11 become capable of contacting each other. For example, buttons b3 and b4 on the main unit 10 can be operated by the user.

[0171] When either button b3 or b4 on the main unit 10, operated by the user, pressurizes buttons b1 or b2 on the battery module 11, switches s1 and s2 corresponding to the pressurized buttons b1 or b2 are activated. For example, if the first switch s1 is activated, the controller 11d may activate the transmitter 11x, and a transmission mode may be executed in which the transmitter 11x wirelessly supplies power from the battery cell 11c to the power module 17 of the main unit 10.

[0172] As another example, when the second switch s2 is activated, the controller 11d may activate the receiver 11r, which may then perform a charging mode in which the receiver 11r receives power wirelessly from an external wireless power charger 90 to charge the battery cell 11c.

[0173] When the user operates button b1 of the aerosol generator, the regulator 11d of the battery module 11 transmits a signal to the transmitter 11x, and the transmitter 11x wirelessly supplies power to the power module 17 of the main unit 10, thus executing the transmission mode. In transmission mode, power from the battery module 11 is wirelessly supplied to the power module 17 of the aerosol generator, allowing the aerosol generator 13g to generate aerosols.

[0174] If the user operates button b2 on the aerosol generator 13g while the aerosol generator is generating aerosols, the aerosol generation operation of the aerosol generator may be interrupted, and a charging mode may be activated in which the battery module 11 charges power.

[0175] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a separate battery module of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 16.

[0176] The battery module 11 includes a battery cell 11c that can be charged with power, a lower case 11s for housing the battery cell 11c, and an upper cover 11h.

[0177] A receiving antenna circuit 11e1 and a transmitting antenna circuit 11e2 are positioned on the surfaces of both sides of the battery cell 11c. A battery control board 11k is mounted on the side of the battery cell 11c.

[0178] Each of the receiving antenna circuit 11e1 and the transmitting antenna circuit 11e2 may include, for example, a flexible circuit board and a radio power transmitting antenna / radio power receiving antenna arranged on the circuit board.

[0179] Connecting terminals for electrical connection to the battery control board 11k are provided at the edges of both the receiving antenna circuit 11e1 and the transmitting antenna circuit 11e2. The connecting terminals of the receiving antenna circuit 11e1 and the transmitting antenna circuit 11e2 can be folded and electrically connected to one side of the battery control board 11k.

[0180] The battery terminals of the battery cell 11c can be electrically connected to the cotton batting of the battery control board 11k.

[0181] The receiving antenna circuit 11e1 includes intermediate terminals t1, t2, and t5 located in the electrical wiring that is electrically connected to the battery control board 11k.

[0182] The upper cover 11h is equipped with buttons b1, b2, and b5, which correspond to the intermediate terminals t1, t2, and t5, respectively. Each of the buttons b1, b2, and b5 is movably positioned on the upper cover 11h. When buttons b1, b2, and b5 are pressed, an electrical connection can be established between the electrical wiring of the intermediate terminals t1, t2, and t5 corresponding to buttons b1, b2, and b5 and the battery control board 11k.

[0183] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 16.

[0184] When the battery module 11 is attached to the main body 10 of the aerosol generator, the buttons b1, b2, and b5 of the battery module 11 are positioned in an area where they can contact the buttons b3, b4, and b6 of the main body 10.

[0185] Each of the buttons b3, b4, and b6 on the main unit 10 is an element independently positioned outside the internal space of the main unit 10 where the components of the main unit 10 are mounted. One end of each of the buttons b3, b4, and b6 is fixed to the main unit 10, and the other end of each of the buttons b3, b4, and b6 can be pressed and deformed by externally applied pressure. When the buttons b3, b4, and b6 of the main unit 10 are pressed by user operation, the pressed buttons b3, b4, and b6 can pressurize the corresponding buttons b1, b2, and b5 of the battery module 11.

[0186] The structure of buttons b3, b4, and b6 may include a cantilever structure. Embodiments are not limited by the structure of buttons b3, b4, and b6 of the main body 10 described above, and various modifications are possible to independently provide buttons b3, b4, and b6 outside the internal space of the main body 10. For example, buttons b3, b4, and b6 may be supported by an elastic element such as a spring and move relative to the main body 10 by an externally applied pressure, thereby pressurizing buttons b1, b2, and b5 of the battery module 11.

[0187] As described above, the structure of buttons b3, b4, and b6 on the main body 10 and buttons b1, b2, b5 and switches on the battery module 11 for operating the regulator 11d of the battery module 11 allows for perfect separation of the mounting space in which the battery module 11 is installed and the internal space of the main body 10. Therefore, it is possible to safely protect the components located in the internal space of the main body 10 and to block the transmission of residual substances such as liquid generated in the aerosol generator to the battery module 11.

[0188] Figure 19 is a schematic block diagram showing the components of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 18.

[0189] The aerosol generator 100 (for example, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3) may include a control unit 110, a sensing unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery module 11, a power module 17, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 100 is not limited to that shown in Figure 19. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 100, some of the components shown in Figure 19 may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[0190] The sensing unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 100 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 100 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 110. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generator 100 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 150, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0191] The sensing unit 120 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 122, insertion sensing sensor 124, and puff sensor 126.

[0192] The temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature at which the heater 150 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be positioned around the battery module 11 to monitor its temperature.

[0193] The insertion sensing sensor 124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 124 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0194] The puff sensor 126 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0195] In addition to the sensors 122 to 126 described above, the sensing unit 120 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. A detailed explanation of the function of each sensor may be omitted.

[0196] The output unit 130 can output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 100. The output unit 130 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the acoustic output unit 136. If the display unit 132 and the touchpad form a layered structure to constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0197] The display unit 132 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 100. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 100 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery module 11 of the aerosol generator 100, the preheating status of the heater 150, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 100 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 132 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 132 can also be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 132 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0198] The haptic unit 134 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0199] The acoustic output unit 136 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0200] The battery module 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 100. The battery module 11 can wirelessly supply power to the power module 17 so that the heater 150 can be heated. The power module 17 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 100 (e.g., the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180). The battery module 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery module 11 may include, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0201] The heater 150 can be powered by the power module 17 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 19, the aerosol generator 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power module 17 and supplies it to the heater 150. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 100 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power module 17 into an AC power supply.

[0202] The control unit 110, sensing unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, and communication unit 180 can perform their functions by receiving power from the power module 17. Although not shown in Figure 19, the system may further include power conversion circuits, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that convert the power from the power module 17 and supply it to each component.

[0203] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may consist of any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, 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 150 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.

[0204] In other embodiments, the heater 150 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 150 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0205] The user input unit 160 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may be a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited to these. Although not shown in Figure 19, the aerosol generator 100 may also include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery module 11.

[0206] Memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 100, and can store data processed by the control unit 110 and data being processed. Memory 170 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 170 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0207] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0208] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 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 the like.

[0209] The wireless communication unit 184 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. The wireless communication unit 184 may also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0210] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 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.

[0211] The control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the power module 17 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the power module 17 and the heater 150. As another example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply to the heater 150 by a control command from the direct heating circuit.

[0212] The control unit 110 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 120 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 120, the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 150 so that the heater 150 starts or stops operating. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 120, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 150 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0213] The control unit 110 can control the output unit 130 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 120. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 126 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 110 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 100 will immediately shut down via at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the acoustic output unit 136.

[0214] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are also any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0215] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims must be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims. Industrial Applicability

[0216] The embodiment relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device in which a battery module for wireless power supply can be detachably attached.

Claims

1. The main unit and An aerosol generator, which is placed in the main body and can generate aerosols when power is supplied, A power module is placed in the main body and wirelessly receives power and supplies power to the aerosol generator, an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a battery module that charges power and is detachably mounted to the main body and wirelessly transmits power to the power module.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery module includes a battery cell on which power can be charged, a transceiver capable of operating in a charging mode for receiving power wirelessly and charging the battery cell, and a transmitting mode for wirelessly transmitting the power of the battery cell to the power module, and a regulator capable of generating a signal for operating the transceiver in the transmitting mode or the charging mode.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transceiver includes an antenna circuit and a voltage regulator disposed between the battery cell and the antenna circuit for adjusting the voltage.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transceiver includes a rectifier for converting alternating current power to direct current power or direct current power to alternating current power.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transceiver further includes an impedance matching device for matching the impedance of the voltage regulator with the impedance of the antenna circuit.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery module includes a battery cell on which power can be charged, a receiver for wirelessly receiving power and charging the battery cell, a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the power of the battery cell to the power module, and a regulator capable of generating signals for selecting a transmission mode in which the transmitter operates and a charging mode in which the receiver operates.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the receiver includes a receiving antenna circuit and a rectifier disposed between the receiving antenna circuit and the battery cell to convert AC power to DC power.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the receiver further includes a voltage regulator disposed between the battery cell and the receiving antenna circuit for adjusting the voltage, and an impedance matching device for matching the impedance of the voltage regulator with the impedance of the receiving antenna circuit.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the transmitter includes an oscillating antenna circuit and a rectifier disposed between the oscillating antenna circuit and the battery cell to convert DC power to AC power.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the transmitter further includes a voltage regulator disposed between the battery cell and the transmitting antenna circuit for adjusting the voltage, and an impedance matching device for matching the impedance of the voltage regulator with the impedance of the transmitting antenna circuit.

11. The main body further includes a capacitor for charging power wirelessly supplied from the battery module, and a communication unit for transmitting wireless signals to the battery module. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the battery module further includes a battery communicator capable of wireless communication from the communication unit, and the regulator generates a signal based on the wireless signal transmitted through the battery communicator.

12. The system further includes a control unit for controlling the aerosol generator and a communication unit located in the main body for transmitting wireless signals to the battery module. The battery module further includes a battery communicator that can be wirelessly transmitted from the communication unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the battery module is operating in the charging mode, the control unit interrupts the aerosol generating operation of the aerosol generator.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein when the charging mode of the battery module ends and it operates in the transmission mode, the control unit starts the aerosol generating operation of the aerosol generator.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes a mounting space in which the battery module is mounted and an internal space in which the power module is arranged, and the mounting space and the internal space are separated from each other so as to block the movement of material between the mounting space and the internal space.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a position adjuster for adjusting the position of the battery module relative to the main body in order to align the center of the power module with the center of the battery module.

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