Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a main body with a first connection terminal on its bottom surface, and a battery that is detachably coupled to the main body and includes a first battery terminal connected to the first connection terminal on a first surface facing the bottom surface. The battery has a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the main body, extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and together with the main body forms the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device including a detachable battery that forms the appearance of the aerosol generating device together with the main body.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for smoking methods that replace conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article in a cigarette, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. As a result, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] An aerosol generating device can be provided with power from a battery for the overall operation of the device and the heating of the heater. Recently, various countries have shown a tendency to require environmental friendliness and stability throughout the entire life cycle of electronic devices including batteries, from battery production to recycling, in order to improve the global environment.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device including a battery having various capacities without inhibiting the user's grip feeling.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a main body with a first connection terminal on its bottom surface, and a battery that is detachably coupled to the main body and includes a first battery terminal connected to the first connection terminal on a first surface facing the bottom surface. The battery has a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the main body, extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and together with the main body forms the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention includes a detachable battery that has the same cross-sectional shape as the main body and is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction, thereby providing batteries with various capacities without hindering the user's grip.

[0008] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] This diagram shows various embodiments of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] This diagram shows various embodiments of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2C] This diagram shows various embodiments of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2D] This diagram shows various embodiments of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2E] This diagram shows various embodiments of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 3C] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 3D] This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] These are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 4B] These are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 4C] These are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 5A] These are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 5B] These are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 5C] These are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 5D] These are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of multiple batteries and power management units. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating a power management unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the operation of the power management unit in an embodiment in which both batteries are connected to the main unit and the voltage difference between the two batteries is greater than or equal to a pre-set threshold. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the operation of the power management unit in an embodiment in which both batteries are connected to the main unit and the voltage difference between the two batteries is greater than or equal to a pre-set threshold. [Figure 10A]This is a drawing for explaining the operation of a power management unit according to an embodiment in which two batteries are both connected to a main body and the voltage difference between the two batteries is less than a preset threshold value. [Figure 10B] This is a drawing for explaining the operation of a power management unit according to an embodiment in which two batteries are both connected to a main body and the voltage difference between the two batteries is less than a preset threshold value.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The terms used in the embodiments are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not on merely the names of the terms but on the meanings they have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0011] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, it means that, unless there is a special contrary description, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "… section" and "… module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and these are implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0012] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 300 may include a removable battery 110, a heater 120, a main processor 130, a user interface 140, a main memory 150, a sensor 160, and a power management unit 170. However, the internal hardware components of the aerosol generator 300 are not limited to those shown in Figure 1. A person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the design of the aerosol generator 300 may omit some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1, or that new configurations (e.g., connecting ports, other communication modules, etc.) may be added.

[0016] In the following, the operation of each component in the aerosol generator 300 will be described without limiting the spatial location of each component.

[0017] The removable battery 110 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 300. For example, the removable battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 120. The removable battery 110 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other hardware components within the aerosol generator 300, namely the heater 120, main processor 130, user interface 140, main memory 150, sensor 160, or power management unit 170. The removable battery 110 is, for example, a lithium polymer (Lipoly) battery or a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] The detachable battery 110 is a replaceable (separable) type power source that can be installed in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generator 300 or removed from the battery housing. The detachable battery 110 is equipped with electrical contacts, and when the detachable battery 110 is installed in the aerosol generator 300, the electrical contacts of the detachable battery 110 are electrically connected to electrical contacts provided in the aerosol generator 300, and may be configured to supply power to the aerosol generator 300. As another example, the detachable battery 110 may be equipped with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generator 300 wirelessly, instead of separate electrical contacts. In other words, the power supply method of the detachable battery 110 is diverse, and the method of electrical connection between the detachable battery 110 and the aerosol generator 300 may differ depending on the power supply method supported by the detachable battery 110.

[0019] The removable battery 110 may be equipped with a charger interface that connects to an external charger. Power for charging the removable battery 110 may be supplied to the removable battery 110 through the charger interface. The removable battery 110 may be charged by an external charger while coupled to the aerosol generator 300 or while removed from the aerosol generator 300 (uninstalled).

[0020] The removable battery 110 may include at least one battery cell. The battery cell may be cylindrical in shape, with different electrodes formed at both ends along its longitudinal direction. However, the shape of the battery cell is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell may be rectangular or pouch-shaped.

[0021] The heater 120 is powered by the removable battery 110 under the control of the main processor 130. Using the power supplied by the removable battery 110, the heater 120 can heat the cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator 300 or the cartridge mounted in the aerosol generator 300. In other words, the heater 120 can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material contained in the cigarette or cartridge.

[0022] The heater 120 may be located in the body of the aerosol generator 300. Alternatively, if the aerosol generator 300 consists of a body and a cartridge, the heater 120 may be located in the cartridge. If the heater 120 is located in the cartridge, it may be powered by a removable battery 110 located in the body.

[0023] The heater 120 can be embodied in an electrically resistive heating heater made of an electrically resistive material. For example, the electrically resistive material is a metal or metal alloy including, but is not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 120 can be embodied in, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0024] The heater 120 may be embodied in an induction heating type heater. The heater 120 corresponds to a heater assembly embodied in a set of conductive coil and susceptor for heating a cigarette or cartridge by induction heating.

[0025] The heater 120 can heat a cigarette inserted into a containment space provided within the aerosol generator 300. By containing the cigarette in the containment space of the aerosol generator 300, the heater 120 can be located inside and / or outside the cigarette. This allows the heater 120 to heat the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette and generate an aerosol.

[0026] On the other hand, the heater 120 may be embodied as a coil heater provided only within the cartridge. The cartridge includes a coil heater, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage section, and can generate an aerosol by transferring an aerosol-generating substance contained in the liquid storage section through the liquid transfer means, and by heating the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means with the coil heater. For example, if the heater 120 is a coil heater, it may be made of a material such as nickel-chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or positioned adjacent to the liquid transfer means.

[0027] The main processor 130 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 300. The main processor 130 may include at least one processing unit, such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The main processor 130 may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory where the program executed by this microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied as hardware in other forms.

[0028] The main processor 130 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 160 and control subsequent processing based on the sensing results. In one embodiment, the main processor 130 can determine the coupling method between battery cells based on the results sensed by the sensor 160. For example, the sensor 160 is a humidity sensor. In this case, the humidity sensor is one of electrical resistance type, capacitive type, or optical type. The main processor 130 can use the humidity sensor to determine whether a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator 300 is a normal cigarette with a moisture content below a pre-set threshold, or a humid cigarette with a moisture content above a pre-set threshold. When the removable battery 110 has multiple battery cells, the main processor 130 can connect multiple battery cells in parallel when it senses that the inserted cigarette is a normal cigarette, and connect multiple battery cells in series when it senses that the inserted cigarette is a humid cigarette.

[0029] However, the method for determining the coupling method of the battery cells attached to the removable battery 110 is not limited to this. For example, when the user interface 140 senses that multiple battery cells have been attached to the removable battery 110, it may display a message on the display asking whether to connect the multiple battery cells in series or in parallel. The user of the aerosol generator 300 may determine the coupling method of the multiple battery cells attached to the removable battery 110 by responding to the message.

[0030] The main processor 130 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 160 and control subsequent processing based on the sensing results. For example, the main processor 130 can control the power supplied to the heater 120 so that the heater 120 starts or stops operating, based on the results sensed by the sensor 160. The main processor 130 can also control the amount of power supplied to the heater 120 and the power supply time so that the heater 120 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature, based on the results sensed by the sensor 160.

[0031] The main processor 130 can control the operation of the heater 120 based on a pre-stored temperature profile. The main processor 130 can also control the temperature of the heater 120 after sensing the user's puffs using the puff sensor in the sensor 160. Furthermore, the main processor 130 can count the number of puffs using the puff sensor, and if the number of puffs reaches a pre-set number, it can interrupt the power supply to the heater 120.

[0032] The main processor 130 may control the user interface 140 based on the sensing results. For example, after counting the number of puffs using the puff sensor, if the number of puffs reaches a pre-set number, the main processor 130 may use a lamp, motor, or speaker to notify the user that the aerosol generator 300 will immediately shut down.

[0033] On the other hand, the main processor 130 can determine the heating mode of the heater 120 based on the number of battery cells included in the removable battery 110 and the method of connection between the battery cells.

[0034] The user interface 140 can provide the user with information regarding the status of the aerosol generator 300. The user interface 140 may include a variety of interface means, such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information (UI screen), a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, input / output (I / O) interface means (e.g., buttons or touchscreens) that receive information input from the user or output information to the user, and terminals for supplying charging power.

[0035] The main memory 150 is hardware that stores various types of data processed within the aerosol generator 300, and the main memory 150 can store data processed by the main processor 130 and data being processed. The main memory 150 can be implemented in various forms such as RAM (random access memory) including DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), and EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0036] The main memory 150 can store various types of information, such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 300, the maximum number of puffs, the temperature profile, the user's smoking information, and information for battery authentication.

[0037] The power management unit 170 can change the output level and capacity of the removable battery 110 by changing the coupling method between the battery cells installed in the removable battery 110, based on the control of the main processor 130. Further details will be described in detail below through Figures 3 to 7.

[0038] On the other hand, although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 300 may be configured with a separate cradle to form an aerosol generation system. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the removable battery 110 of the aerosol generator 300 while storing the aerosol generator 300. In other words, the cradle is a dedicated device solely for the aerosol generator 300, powered by the cradle's battery while the aerosol generator 300 is housed in the storage space inside the cradle, and power is supplied from the cradle's battery for charging the removable battery 110 of the aerosol generator 300.

[0039] Figures 2A to 2E are drawings illustrating various embodiments of the aerosol generator of Figure 1. Referring to Figures 2A to 2E, the aerosol generator 300 can be embodied as various types of aerosol generators 200a to 200e, such as utilizing an electric resistance heating method or an induction heating method, or a method further equipped with a vaporizer, or a cartridge method. Figures 2A to 2E show only some elements necessary to describe the types of aerosol generators 200a to 200e, and other general-purpose elements may be further included in the aerosol generators 200a to 200e in addition to the elements shown in Figures 2A to 2E.

[0040] In Figures 2A to 2E, the removable battery 110, heaters 120a to 120e, and main processor 130 are components corresponding to the removable battery 110, heater 120, and main processor 130 in Figure 1, respectively, and can perform the functions of the removable battery 110, heater 120, and main processor 130 described in Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating an electrical resistance type aerosol generator 200a according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generator 200a is a type of aerosol generator 300.

[0042] Referring to Figure 2A, the aerosol generator 200a may include a removable battery 110, a heater 120a, and a main processor 130.

[0043] A cigarette 20a can be inserted into the internal containment space of the aerosol generator 200a. Once the cigarette 20a is inserted into the aerosol generator 200a, the aerosol generator 200a can generate an aerosol from the cigarette 20a by heating it using the heater 120a. The generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 20a, allowing the user to smoke the cigarette 20a.

[0044] Heater 120a can be heated by power supplied from the removable battery 110. Heater 120a is an electrical resistive heater. For example, heater 120a includes a conductive track, and as current flows through the conductive track, heater 120a can be heated.

[0045] The conductive track of the heater 120a is made of an electrically resistive material, the heating temperature is determined by the power consumption of the resistor, and the resistance value of the conductive track can be set based on the power consumption of the resistor of the conductive track. The resistance value of the conductive track can be set in various ways depending on the constituent material, length, width, thickness, or pattern of the electrically resistive material.

[0046] Due to its temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, the conductive track's internal resistance can increase as the temperature rises. For example, within a given temperature range, the temperature and resistance of the conductive track are proportional. Utilizing this principle, a heater 120a made of a conductive track can heat a cigarette 20a using an electrical resistance method.

[0047] Conductive tracks can be made from tungsten, gold, platinum, silver-copper, nickel-palladium, or combinations thereof. Conductive tracks may also be doped with appropriate doping materials and may include alloys.

[0048] The shape of the heater 120a can be varied, such as tubular, plate-shaped, needle-shaped, or rod-shaped. Multiple heaters 120a may also be arranged. The heater 120a can be inserted into the cigarette 20a and used in an internal heating method to heat the inside of the cigarette 20a.

[0049] The detachable battery 110 can be separated from or attached to the aerosol generator 200a. When the detachable battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generator 200a, power is supplied from the detachable battery 110 to the heater 120a for heating operation of the heater 120d, and the temperature of the conductive track can be controlled.

[0050] The main processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120a by controlling the power supplied to the heater 120a. For example, the main processor 130 can control the temperature at which the cigarette 20a is heated by the heater 120a using a temperature profile.

[0051] Figures 2B and 2C are diagrams illustrating aerosol generators 200b and 200c, further comprising vaporizers 125b and 125c according to exemplary embodiments. Each of the aerosol generators 200b and 200c is a type of aerosol generator 300.

[0052] Referring to Figures 2B and 2C, the aerosol generators 200b and 200c further include vaporizers 125b and 125c. Cigarettes 20b and 20c can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generators 200b and 200c.

[0053] Figure 2B shows the steamer 125b and heater 120b arranged in a single row. However, Figure 2C shows the steamer 125c and heater 120c arranged in parallel. In other words, the aerosol generators 200b and 200c can be distinguished by the arrangement of the steamer 125b.

[0054] Heaters 120b and 120c may be heated by power supplied from the removable battery 110. Heaters 120b and 120c are electrically resistive heaters and may include, for example, conductive tracks.

[0055] Unlike heater 120a described in Figure 2A, heaters 120b and 120c in Figures 2B and 2C can be implemented by an external heating method, which involves placing heaters around the outside of the cigarettes 20b and 20c and heating the outer surface of the cigarettes 20b and 20c.

[0056] The vaporizers 125b and 125c heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be transmitted to the user through the cigarettes 20b and 20c. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizers 125b and 125c is transported along the airflow passage of the aerosol generators 200b and 200c, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizers 125b and 125c is transmitted to the user through the cigarettes 20b and 20c.

[0057] The vaporizers 125b and 125c may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element (or vaporization element). However, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may each be an independent module and may be located in other locations within the aerosol generator 300, not inside the vaporizers 125b and 125c.

[0058] 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 vaporizers 125b and 125c, or it may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizers 125b and 125c. For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The liquid composition may also include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0059] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic, but is not limited to these.

[0060] The heating elements provided within the vaporizers 125b and 125c are for heating (vaporizing) the liquid composition transmitted by the liquid transmission means. For example, the heating elements may be metal heating wires, metal heating plates, ceramic heaters, etc., but are not limited to these. Alternatively, the heating elements may consist of conductive filaments such as nichrome wire and be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating elements are heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating elements, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated. For this reason, the vaporizers 125b and 125c may also be referred to by other terms such as cartomizer or atomizer.

[0061] The detachable battery 110 can be separated from or attached to the aerosol generators 200b and 200c. When the detachable battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generators 200b and 200c, power can be supplied from the detachable battery 110 to the heaters 120b and 120c and the vaporizers 125b and 125c for heating operation.

[0062] The main processor 130 can control the heating operation of heaters 120b, 120c and vaporizers 125b, 125c by controlling the power supplied to these heaters. For example, the main processor 130 can control the heating temperature of cigarettes 20b, 20c by heaters 120b, 120c and vaporizers 125b, 125c using a temperature profile.

[0063] Figure 2D is a diagram illustrating an induction heating type aerosol generator 200d according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generator 200d is a type of aerosol generator 300.

[0064] Referring to Figure 2D, the aerosol generator 200d may include a heater 120d with a coil 121d and a susceptor 122d, a removable battery 110, and a main processor 130.

[0065] The aerosol generator 200d can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette 20d housed within it using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of heating a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field by applying an alternating magnetic field that periodically changes direction. Therefore, the aerosol generator 200d can heat the cigarette 20d by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic material, causing it to release thermal energy, and then transferring this released thermal energy to the cigarette. Here, the magnetic material that generates heat in response to the external magnetic field is a susceptor 122d. The susceptor 122d may be provided in the aerosol generator 200d. Alternatively, instead of being provided in the aerosol generator 200d, the susceptor 122d may be provided inside the cigarette 20d in the form of a section, slice, or strip.

[0066] The susceptor 122d is made of a ferromagnetic material. For example, the material of the susceptor 122d may include metal or carbon. The material of the susceptor 122d may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of the susceptor 122d may include at least one of ceramics such as graphite and zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P).

[0067] The aerosol generator 200d can accommodate a cigarette 20d. The aerosol generator 200d may have a space for accommodating the cigarette 20d. A susceptor 122d may be positioned around the space for accommodating the cigarette 20d. For example, the susceptor 122d may have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outside of the cigarette 20d. Therefore, when the cigarette 20d is accommodated in the aerosol generator 200d, the cigarette 20d is housed in the accommodation space of the susceptor 122d, and the susceptor 122d may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette 20d. However, the shape of the susceptor 122d is not limited to this and can be diverse.

[0068] The heater 120d uses an induction heating method and can heat the cigarette 20d contained in the aerosol generator 200d by utilizing a susceptor 122d that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field generated by the coil 121d.

[0069] The coil 121d is arranged to be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor 122d, and an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the susceptor 122d. When power is supplied to the coil 121d from the aerosol generator 200d, a magnetic field can be formed in the internal region of the coil 121d. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 121d, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 121d can be continuously changed. If the susceptor 122d is located inside the coil 121d and is exposed to a periodically changing alternating magnetic field, the susceptor 122d may generate heat, and the cigarette housed in the susceptor 122d may be heated. The shape of the coil 121d is cylindrical, wound along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 20d, but is not limited thereto, and the coil 121d may be embodied in various types, such as a planar coil.

[0070] The detachable battery 110 can be separated from or attached to the aerosol generator 200d, and when the detachable battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generator 200d, it can, for example, supply power to the coil 121d for the heating operation of the heater 120d.

[0071] The main processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120d by controlling the power supplied to the coil 121d. For example, the main processor 130 can control the heating temperature of the cigarette 20d by inductive heating of the susceptor 122d by adjusting the magnetic field strength induced by the coil 121d using a temperature profile.

[0072] Figure 2E is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generator 200e equipped with a replaceable cartridge 210e containing an aerosol generating substance 20e according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0073] The aerosol generator 200e in Figure 2E includes a cartridge 210e containing an aerosol generating substance 20e and a main body 220e supporting the cartridge 210e. The aerosol generator 200e is one type of the aerosol generator 300 in Figure 1. In this case, the hardware configuration included in the aerosol generator 300 in Figure 1 can be divided and located as the main body 220e and the cartridge 210e.

[0074] Cartridge 210e can be attached to the main body 220e with the aerosol-generating substance 20e contained inside. Cartridge 210e can be attached to the main body 210 by inserting a portion of cartridge 210e into the receptacle of the main body 210.

[0075] Cartridge 210e contains an aerosol-generating substance 20e in the form of a liquid composition, but is not limited thereto; it may also contain an aerosol-generating substance 20e in any one of the following states: solid, gaseous, or gel-like. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0076] The heater 120e located inside the cartridge 210e performs a heating operation in response to an electrical signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main unit 220e. As a result, the aerosol-generating substance 20e inside the cartridge 210e is vaporized by the heating of the heater 120e, which can generate an aerosol.

[0077] The heater 120e generates heat through electrical resistance to heat the aerosol-generating substance transmitted to the liquid transmission means. It is embodied in conductive filaments of metal materials such as copper, nickel, or tungsten, or ceramic heating elements, and may be wound around the liquid transmission means or positioned adjacent to the liquid transmission means.

[0078] The detachable battery 110 can be separated from or attached to the aerosol generator 200e, and when the detachable battery 110 is attached to the aerosol generator 200e, power can be supplied from the detachable battery 110 to the heater 120e for heating operation.

[0079] The main processor 130 can control the heating operation of the heater 120e by controlling the power supplied to the heater 120e. For example, the main processor 130 can control the temperature at which the aerosol-generating substance 20e is heated by the heater 120e using a temperature profile.

[0080] On the other hand, although not shown in Figures 2A to 2E, the aerosol generators 200a to 200e may be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can store the aerosol generators 200a to 200e or charge the removable batteries 110 of the aerosol generators 200a to 200e.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generator 300 in Figure 1 is embodied as at least one of the types of aerosol generators 200a to 200e shown in Figures 2A to 2E, but is not necessarily limited to these and can be embodied as other types as well.

[0082] The aerosol generators 200a to 200e shown in Figures 2A to 2E can all utilize a detachable battery 110 as a power source. The detachable battery 110 is a battery that is replaced by being attached to or detached from the aerosol generators 200a to 200e.

[0083] Figures 3A to 3D are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0084] Referring to Figures 3A and 3D, an aerosol generator 300 according to one embodiment may include a main body 310 into which the aerosol product 30 is inserted, and a removable battery 320. In this case, the heater 311 corresponds to the heaters 120a to 120e shown in Figures 2A to 2E, the aerosol product 30 corresponds to the cigarettes 20a to 20d shown in Figures 2A to 2D and the aerosol generating substance 20e shown in Figure 2E, the main processor 312 corresponds to the main processor 130 shown in Figures 2A to 2E, and the removable battery 320 corresponds to the removable battery 110 shown in Figures 2A to 2E. Hereafter, we will explain the differences, omitting redundant explanations, using Figures 3A to 3D.

[0085] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the main body 310 refers to a housing configured to accommodate various electronic / mechanical components. The main body 310 may include a heater 311 for heating the aerosol product 30 and a main processor 312.

[0086] The main processor 312 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 300. For example, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the heater 311 and the battery 320, and can also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator 300. The main processor 312 can control the power supplied by the battery 320, the heating temperature of the heater 311, and so on.

[0087] The main processor 312 can be implemented by at least one processor. This processor may be implemented as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by this microprocessor is stored. Furthermore, a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs will understand that the main processor 312 may be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0088] The battery 320 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 300. For example, the battery 320 can supply power to the heater 311 and the power required to operate the main processor 312. The battery 320 can also supply power required to operate the display, sensors, motors, and other components installed in the aerosol generator 300.

[0089] Although not shown in the drawings, the aerosol generator 300 may further include an input device for receiving user input. The input device is embodied by a switch or a button, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the main processor 312 can control the aerosol generator 300 in response to user input received through the input device. For example, the main processor 312 can control the aerosol generator 300 so that an aerosol is generated when the user activates a switch or a button.

[0090] Referring to Figure 3C, the main body 310 according to one embodiment may include a bottom surface SB that is exposed to the outside when separated from the battery 320. The bottom surface SB may include a first connection terminal CT1 that is electrically connected to electronic components (e.g., heater 311, main processor 312, etc.) located inside the main body 310.

[0091] In one embodiment, the battery 320 can be detachably coupled to the main body 310. Although not shown in the drawings, in one embodiment, the battery 320 and the main body 310 each include magnets in corresponding areas and can be coupled using the magnetic force between the magnets. However, the coupling method between the main body 310 and the battery 320 is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways as needed in the design. For example, a screw-type coupling method can be used in which female threads are formed on the main body 310 and male threads are formed on the battery 320, and they are mated together. Alternatively, a hook coupling method can be used in which a hook that is elastically deformed by external force is formed on one area of ​​the battery 320, and a locking rib is formed on a corresponding area of ​​the main body 310, and they are coupled together.

[0092] The battery 320 has a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the main body 310, extends in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the z-direction) of the main body 310, and together with the main body 310, can form the outer circumferential surface (or external appearance) of the aerosol generator 300. The battery 320 may have its remaining surfaces (e.g., sides, bottom) exposed to the outside, except for the first surface S1 that faces the bottom surface SB of the main body 310.

[0093] For example, the shape of the main body 310 is generally one of the following: cylindrical, elliptical, or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal). That is, the cross-sectional shape of the main body 310 is one of the following: circular, elliptical, or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal). In order to match the shape of the main body 310 with the shape of the battery 320, the shape of the battery 320 is also generally one of the following: cylindrical, elliptical, or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal).

[0094] The battery 320 may include a first surface S1 (e.g., top surface) facing the bottom surface SB of the main body 310. The first surface S1 may include a first battery terminal BT1 which is electrically connected to a first connection terminal CT1.

[0095] Referring to Figure 3D, a battery 320 according to one embodiment may include a grip portion on its outer surface (e.g., the side) for non-slip gripping when held by the user. The grip portion may include a plurality of grooves and / or protrusions. Figure 3D shows an embodiment in which the grooves and protrusions are formed in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z direction), but is not limited to this, and can be formed in various ways as needed for the design. The grip portion is made of a material (e.g., rubber) that increases frictional force when held by the user.

[0096] Figures 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0097] The aerosol generator 300 shown in Figure 4A differs from the aerosol generator 300 shown in Figure 3A in that it includes a battery 320 with an even larger capacity. The remaining components are substantially the same, so redundant explanations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0098] Referring to Figures 3A and 4A, the battery 320 (or first battery) shown in Figure 3A may have a first length H1, and the battery 321 (or second battery) shown in Figure 4A may have a second length H2 that is longer than the first length H1. The capacity of batteries 320 and 321 can increase in proportion to their length.

[0099] For example, battery 320 (or the first battery) shown in Figure 3A has a first capacity, and battery 321 (or the second battery) shown in Figure 4A may have a second capacity that is greater than the first capacity. The second capacity is approximately twice the first capacity.

[0100] The battery 320 (or first battery) shown in Figure 3A and the battery 321 (or second battery) shown in Figure 4A, according to embodiments of the present invention, are both connected to the bottom surface SB side of the main body 310, and differ only in their length in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z direction) (e.g., H1, H2), while the cross-sectional shapes of the first and second batteries are identical. Therefore, when a user grasps the aerosol generator 300, there is no substantial difference in the grip feel.

[0101] Conventionally, removable batteries have generally been designed so that high-capacity batteries (i.e., second batteries) have a larger cross-sectional area along the longitudinal direction compared to low-capacity batteries (i.e., first batteries), which has resulted in an inconvenience in grip for the user. On the other hand, batteries 320 and 321 according to the embodiment of the present invention are expected to increase battery capacity while maintaining substantially the same grip for the user by extending their length along the longitudinal direction while keeping the cross-sectional shape (or cross-sectional area) constant.

[0102] Other embodiments will be described below. In the following embodiments, the same configurations as those described above will be omitted or simplified in their explanation, and the focus will be on the differences.

[0103] Figures 5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0104] The aerosol generator 300 shown in Figure 5A differs from the aerosol generator 300 shown in Figures 3A and 4A, which are powered by a single battery, in that it includes a modular battery that is powered by a single battery or by two batteries coupled together. The remaining configuration is substantially the same. Below, we will omit redundant explanations and focus on the differences.

[0105] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the aerosol generator 300 may include a third battery 322 and a fourth battery 323 having the same length H3 and the same capacity.

[0106] The main body 310 refers to a housing configured to accommodate various electronic / mechanical components. The main body 310 may include a heater 311 for heating the aerosol product 30, a main processor 312, and a power management unit 313.

[0107] The main processor 312 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 300. For example, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the heater 311, the third battery 322, and the fourth battery 323, and can also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator 300. The main processor 312 can control the power supplied by the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323, the heating temperature of the heater 311, and so on.

[0108] The power management unit 313 can receive power from at least one of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323, based on the control of the main processor 312. Further details will be described in detail below through Figures 6 to 10.

[0109] Referring to Figure 5C, the main body 310 according to one embodiment may include a bottom surface SB that is exposed to the outside when separated from the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323. The bottom surface SB may include a first connection terminal CT1 and a second connection terminal CT2 that are electrically connected to electronic components located inside the main body 310 (e.g., a heater 311, a main processor 312, and a power management unit 313).

[0110] The first connection terminal CT1 includes the first node Nb1 and the second node Nb2, which will be described later through Figures 7 to 10, and the second connection terminal CT2 may include the third node Nb3 and the fourth node Nb4, which will be described later through Figures 7 to 10.

[0111] In one embodiment, the third battery 322 can be detachably coupled to the main body 310. The fourth battery 323 can be detachably coupled to the third battery 322.

[0112] Although not shown in the drawings, in one embodiment, the third battery 322 and the main body 310 each include magnets in corresponding areas and can be coupled using the magnetic force between the magnets. However, the coupling method between the main body 310 and the third battery 322 is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways as needed in the design. For example, a screw-fitting method can be used in which a female thread is formed on the main body 310 and a male thread is formed on the third battery 322, and they are mated together. Alternatively, a hook coupling method can be used in which a hook that is elastically deformed by an external force is formed on one area of ​​the third battery 322, and a locking rib is formed on a corresponding area of ​​the main body 310, and they are coupled together. On the other hand, the coupling method between the third battery 322 and the main body 310 can be directly applied to the coupling method between the third battery 323 and the fourth battery 323.

[0113] The third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 have a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the main body 310, extend in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the z-direction) of the main body 310, and together form the outer circumferential surface (or appearance) of the aerosol generator 300 when connected to the main body 310.

[0114] When the third battery 322 is coupled to the main body 310 on its own, the remaining surfaces (e.g., the side, the second surface S2 (or the bottom surface)) of the third battery 322, excluding the first surface S1 (e.g., the top surface) that faces the bottom surface SB of the main body 310, may be exposed to the outside. When the third battery 322 is coupled to the main body 310 and the fourth battery 323, the remaining surfaces (e.g., the side) of the third battery 322, excluding the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, may be exposed to the outside. Also, when the fourth battery 323 is coupled to the third battery 322, the remaining surfaces (e.g., the side, the bottom surface) of the fourth battery 322, excluding the third surface S3 that faces the second surface S2 of the third battery 322, may be exposed to the outside.

[0115] For example, the shape of the main body 310 is generally one of the following: cylindrical, elliptical, or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal). That is, the cross-sectional shape of the main body 310 is one of the following: circular, elliptical, or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal). In order to match the shape of the main body 310 with the shapes of the batteries 322 and 323, the shapes of the batteries 322 and 323 are also generally one of the following: cylindrical, elliptical, or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal).

[0116] The third battery 322 may include a first surface S1 (e.g., top surface) facing the bottom surface SB of the main body 310. The first surface S1 may include a first battery terminal BT1 electrically connected to a first connection terminal CT1 and a first connection terminal BRT electrically connected to a second connection terminal CT2.

[0117] Furthermore, the third battery 322 may include a second surface S2 (e.g., bottom surface) facing the third surface S3 of the fourth battery 323. The second surface S2 may include a third connection terminal CT3 that is electrically connected to the first connection terminal BRT. In Figure 5C, for the sake of explanation, the first connection terminal BRT on the first surface S1 and the third connection terminal CT3 on the second surface S2 are shown to be electrically connected by a connecting wire BRL. However, the first connection terminal BRT and the third connection terminal CT3 may be electrically connected through a printed circuit board or electrodes, etc.

[0118] On the other hand, the fourth battery 323 may include a third surface S3 (e.g., the top surface) facing the second surface S2 of the third battery 322. The third surface S3 may include a second battery terminal BT2 which is electrically connected to the third connection terminal CT3.

[0119] In Figure 5B, the main processor 312 and the power management unit 313 are shown as separate blocks, but the two elements can be integrated for design convenience.

[0120] Referring to Figure 5C, when the aerosol generator 300 has either the third battery 322 or the fourth battery 323 connected to the main body 310 individually, no balancing issue occurs between the batteries. However, when both the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected to the main body 31 (in series or parallel), battery damage or overheating problems may occur if the voltage and capacity of the two batteries do not satisfy the same conditions.

[0121] To prevent this, the aerosol generator 300 may further include a power management unit 313 controlled by the main processor 312. In one embodiment, when both the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected to the main unit 310, the main processor 312 can use a voltage sensor to compare the voltage of the third battery 322 and the voltage of the fourth battery 323. Based on this, if the difference between the voltage of the third battery 322 and the voltage of the fourth battery 323 exceeds a pre-set threshold, the main processor 312 can electrically connect only the battery with the higher voltage among the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 to the main unit 310. On the other hand, if the difference between the voltage of the third battery 322 and the voltage of the fourth battery 323 is less than the threshold, both the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be electrically connected to the main unit 310. In this case, the pre-set threshold is the voltage value at which the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 are considered to be substantially the same. The method for controlling the electrical coupling between the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 will be described in more detail later through Figures 6 to 10.

[0122] Referring to Figure 5D, the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 according to one embodiment may include a grip portion on their outer surface (e.g., the side) for non-slip gripping when held by the user. The grip portion may include a plurality of grooves and / or protrusions. Figure 5D shows an embodiment in which the grooves and protrusions are formed in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z direction), but is not limited to this and can be formed in various ways as needed for the design. The grip portion is made of a material (e.g., rubber) that increases frictional force when held by the user.

[0123] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of multiple batteries and power management units.

[0124] Referring to Figure 3, the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 in one embodiment can be attached to and detached from the main body 310. For example, the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can each be coupled to the main body 31 independently. Alternatively, the third battery 322 can be coupled to the main body 310 and the fourth battery 323 can be coupled to the third battery 322.

[0125] The third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel. When the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in series, the output voltage may be proportional to the number of batteries connected in series. On the other hand, when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in series, the total capacity is substantially the same as the capacity of a single battery.

[0126] Conversely, when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in parallel, the output voltage is substantially the same as that of a single battery. On the other hand, when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in parallel, the total capacity may be proportional to the number of batteries connected in parallel.

[0127] The power management unit 313 can supply power from the third battery 322 and / or the fourth battery 323 to the system load. Here, the system load can be understood as a general concept referring to the elements that consume power inside the aerosol generator 300 (for example, the heater 311 and main processor 312 in Figure 5B). Typically, an integrated circuit such as a PMIC (Power Management IC) is connected to the system node Nsys, and is configured to generate various voltages required from within the system and then supply them to the elements within the system.

[0128] The power management unit 313 can connect the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 in series or in parallel, and supply power to the system load by discharging at least one of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323. To this end, the power management unit 313 may include a switch network that changes the connection relationship so that the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in series or in parallel with each other.

[0129] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a power management unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to Figure 7, the power management unit 313 may include a switch network SN, a buck boost converter BBC, and a voltage sensor VM.

[0131] Furthermore, the power management unit 313 may include an input node Nc connected to one end (or input terminal) of the buck boost converter BBC, a system node Nsys connected to the system load, a first node Nb1 connected to the positive terminal of the third battery 322, a second node Nb2 connected to the negative terminal of the third battery 322, a third node Nb3 connected to the positive terminal of the fourth battery 323, and a fourth node Nb4 connected to the negative terminal of the fourth battery 323.

[0132] The switch network SN can selectively connect the second node Nb2 to either the third node Nb3 or the fourth node Nb4, and selectively connect the third node Nb3 to either the second node Nb2 or the input node Nc.

[0133] For this purpose, the switch network SN may, exemplary, include a first switch Q11 located between the second node Nb2 and the fourth node Nb4, a second switch Q12 located between the second node Nb2 and the third node Nb3, and a third switch Q13 located between the third node Nb3 and the input node Nc. The fourth node Nb4 may be connected to a reference potential GND.

[0134] Switches Q11 to Q13 included in the switch network SN can be implemented using semiconductor switching elements such as MOSFETs, IGBTs, MCTs, and BJTs, respectively.

[0135] A buck-boost converter (BBC) is placed between an input node Nc and a system node Nsys and can step down or step up the voltage of the input node Nc before supplying it to the system node Nsys. Buck-boost converters (BBCs) can utilize step-down converters, such as buck converters, or step-up converters, such as boost converters.

[0136] The voltage sensor VM can measure the voltage across the third battery 322 and the voltage across the fourth battery 323.

[0137] The main processor 312 can acquire at least one of the following pieces of information: the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and control the operation of the switch network SN.

[0138] In this way, the power management unit 313 can connect the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 to the system load and provide power by switching between series and parallel connections.

[0139] Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the power management unit in an embodiment in which both batteries are connected to the main unit and the voltage difference between the two batteries is greater than or equal to a pre-set threshold.

[0140] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, the main processor 312 obtains information regarding the voltage Vc1 and current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 and current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and if it determines that the magnitudes of the voltages of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are greater than or equal to a previously set threshold, it compares the magnitudes of the voltages of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323, and only the third battery 322, which has a larger voltage, can be electrically connected to the main unit 310.

[0141] Specifically, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the switch network SN such that only the first switch Q11 is turned on, while the second switch Q12 and the third switch Q13 are turned off. When the first switch Q11 is turned on, the second node Nb2 and the fourth node Nb4 can be connected.

[0142] Through this switching operation, the voltage of the third battery 322 can be provided as an input voltage to the input terminal (or input node Nc) of the buck boost converter BBC. If the input voltage matches a pre-set output level, the buck boost converter BBC can provide it directly as the output voltage to the system node Nsys. Conversely, if the input voltage does not match a pre-set output level, the buck boost converter BBC can change the input voltage to the pre-set output level by stepping down or stepping up it before providing it as the output voltage to the system node Nsys. In this case, the buck boost converter BBC can adjust the output range through a program such as I2C communication.

[0143] Conversely, referring to Figure 9, the main processor 312 obtains information regarding the voltage Vc1 and current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 and current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323, and if it determines that the magnitudes of the voltages of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are greater than or equal to a previously set threshold, it compares the magnitudes of the voltages of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323, and only the fourth battery 323, which has a higher voltage, can be electrically connected to the main unit 310.

[0144] Specifically, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the switch network SN such that only the third switch Q13 is turned on, while the first switch Q11 and the second switch Q12 are turned off. When the third switch Q13 is turned on, the third node Nb3 can be connected to the reference potential GND. Through such switching operation, the voltage of the fourth battery 323 can be supplied as an input voltage to the input terminal (or input node Nc) of the buck boost converter BBC.

[0145] On the other hand, the main processor 312 electrically connects only one of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 to the main unit 310, and then periodically acquires information regarding the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323. If the magnitudes of the voltages of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 fall below a previously set threshold, then both the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 can be electrically connected to the main unit 310, as will be described later through Figures 10A and 10B below.

[0146] Figures 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the power management unit in an embodiment in which both batteries are connected to the main unit and the voltage difference between the two batteries is less than a pre-set threshold. In this case, the coupling method between the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 (e.g., series or parallel) can be selected by a pre-set setting or by user input.

[0147] Referring to Figures 6 and 10A, it can be understood that this is an embodiment in which the main unit 310 has two batteries, and when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in series, the charged power is discharged to provide power to the system load.

[0148] The power management unit 313 can supply power to the system load by discharging the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 while they are connected in series. Specifically, the main processor 312 obtains information on the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323. If it is determined that the difference between the voltage of the third battery 322 and the voltage of the fourth battery 323 is less than a pre-set threshold, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the switch network SN so that only the second switch Q12 is turned on, and the first switch Q11 and the third switch Q13 are turned off. When the second switch Q12 is turned on, the second node Nb2 and the third node Nb3 can be connected.

[0149] This switching operation allows a voltage equal to the sum of the voltages of the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 to be supplied as an input voltage to the input terminal (or input node Nc) of the buck boost converter BBC. In this case, the buck boost converter BBC can operate as a buck converter. In other words, the buck boost converter BBC can step down the input voltage to generate an output voltage.

[0150] Referring to Figures 3 and 10, it can be understood that this is an embodiment in which the main unit 310 has two batteries, and when the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 are connected in parallel, the charged power is discharged to provide power to the system load.

[0151] The power management unit 313 can supply power to the system load by discharging the third battery 322 and the fourth battery 323 while they are connected in parallel. Specifically, the main processor 312 obtains information regarding the voltage Vc1 of the third battery 322, the current Ic1 of the third battery 322, the voltage Vc2 of the fourth battery 323, and the current Ic2 of the fourth battery 323. If it is determined that the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery 323 is less than a pre-set threshold, the main processor 312 can control the operation of the switch network SN so that the first switch Q11 and the third switch Q13 are turned on and the second switch Q12 is turned off. When the first switch Q11 is turned on, the second node Nb2 and the fourth node Nb4 may be connected, and when the third switch Q13 is turned on, the input node Nc and the third node Nb3 may be connected.

[0152] This switching operation allows a voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery 322 (or the voltage of the fourth battery 323) to be provided as an input voltage to the input terminal (or input node Nc) of the buck boost converter BBC. If the input voltage matches a pre-set output level, the buck boost converter BBC can provide it directly as the output voltage to the system node Nsys. Conversely, if the input voltage does not match a pre-set output level, the buck boost converter BBC can change the input voltage to the pre-set output level by stepping down or stepping up it before providing it as the output voltage to the system node Nsys.

[0153] Those with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that it will be embodied in modified forms that do not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive view. The scope of the invention is expressed in the claims, not in the above description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, The main body includes the first connection terminal on the bottom, The battery includes a first battery terminal connected to the first connection terminal on a first surface facing the bottom surface, and is detachably coupled to the main body, The battery has a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the main body, extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and together with the main body forms the outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery is one of cylindrical, elliptical, and polygonal prism shapes.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery is coupled to the bottom surface of the main body, and the remaining surfaces, excluding the first surface, are exposed to the outside.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side of the battery includes a grip portion for preventing slippage when held by the user.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes a heater for heating the aerosol product.

6. The aforementioned battery is It is either a first battery having a first length or a second battery having a second length longer than the first length. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first battery has a first capacity, and the second battery has a second capacity greater than the first capacity.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery is connected to the main body by one of the following: a hook, a magnet, or a screw.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body further includes a second connection terminal on its bottom surface at a position different from that of the first connection terminal.

9. The aforementioned battery is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, comprising a third battery including a first battery terminal connected to the first connection terminal and a first connection terminal connected to the second connection terminal on one side, and a third connection terminal connected to the first connection terminal on the other side.

10. The battery further includes a fourth battery coupled to the other side of the third battery, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the fourth battery includes a second battery terminal connected to the third connection terminal on one side.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a control unit that compares the magnitude of the voltage of the third battery and the magnitude of the voltage of the fourth battery when both the third battery and the fourth battery are connected to the main body.

12. The control unit, If a difference exceeding a previously set threshold occurs, only the battery with the higher voltage among the third and fourth batteries will be electrically connected to the main unit. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein if a difference below the threshold occurs, both the third battery and the fourth battery are electrically connected to the main body.

13. The control unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, after electrically connecting only one of the third battery and the fourth battery to the main body, if the difference between the voltage of the third battery and the voltage of the fourth battery is less than the threshold, both the third battery and the fourth battery are electrically connected to the main body.

14. The aforementioned main body is A voltage sensor for measuring the voltage of the third battery and the fourth battery, A switch unit for changing the coupling method between the third battery and the fourth battery, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a power management unit including a buck boost converter for increasing or decreasing the output level.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the capacity of the third battery and the capacity of the fourth battery are the same as each other.

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