Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a main body that forms the exterior, which includes an article storage section for containing aerosol products; a heater for heating the aerosol products stored in the article storage section; a battery coupling section disposed in a region inside the main body; and a battery detachably coupled to the battery coupling section. The battery includes a first electrode and a second electrode having opposite polarity to the first electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the same first surface of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device that combines detachable batteries.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette (or "aerosol generating article") using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0006] The problems to be solved through embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a main body that forms the exterior, which includes an article storage section for containing aerosol products; a heater for heating the aerosol products stored in the article storage section; a battery coupling section disposed in a region inside the main body; and a battery detachably coupled to the battery coupling section, wherein the battery includes a first electrode and a second electrode having opposite polarity to the first electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the same first surface of the battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention can prevent external foreign matter from entering the battery electrodes and the main body electrodes provided on the main body electrically connected to the battery electrodes, thereby preventing damage to the battery and the aerosol generating device and preventing malfunctions.

[0009] 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]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] These drawings illustrate aerosol generating apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] These drawings illustrate aerosol generating apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] These drawings illustrate aerosol generating apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] These drawings illustrate aerosol generating apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] These drawings illustrate aerosol generating apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the battery and the main unit in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic internal configuration of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a circuit diagram of a battery control circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The terminology used in the embodiments is selected as widely used and general terms as possible, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators in the field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. 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 terms used in the present invention are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0012] 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 is embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0013] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of such prior art is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0014] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another.

[0015] When it is mentioned that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it must be understood that it is either directly linked to the other component, or connected but with other components in between. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it must be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0016] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] Hereinafter, referring to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0018] Regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numbers, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The aerosol generating device 1 can generate and provide an aerosol.

[0021] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 and may include a space inside. At least one of the article storage unit 11, a heater (not shown), a control unit (not shown), and a battery (not shown) may be disposed inside the main body 10.

[0022] The article storage unit 11 can provide a space where the aerosol generating article S is detachably coupled (inserted). The aerosol generating article S may contain an aerosol generating substance that is heated by a heater to generate an aerosol. The article storage unit 11 can provide a space that is open toward the outside of the main body 10 so that the aerosol generating article S can be inserted.

[0023] The article storage unit 11 may be recessed toward the inside of the main body 10 so that at least a part of the aerosol generating article S can be inserted. The depth to which the article storage unit 11 is recessed may correspond to the length of the region containing the aerosol generating substance and / or the medium in the aerosol generating article S. A part of the aerosol generating article S is inserted inside the main body 10, and another part of the aerosol generating article S may protrude toward the outside of the main body 10. The user can inhale the air containing the aerosol by putting a part of the aerosol generating article S exposed toward the outside of the main body 10 into the mouth.

[0024] A heater (not shown) located inside the main body 10 can heat the aerosol product S. For example, the heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0025] For example, a heater is a resistive heater. A heater includes a conductive track, and the heater can be heated by an electric current flowing through the conductive track. A heater can be electrically connected to a power source. A heater can generate heat by receiving power from the power source.

[0026] For example, the heater is a multi-heater. The heater may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0027] The aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil. The induction coil can generate heat in a heater. The heater may include a susceptor. The susceptor can be heated by a magnetic field generated from the alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field can penetrate the susceptor and generate eddy currents inside it. The eddy currents can generate heat in the susceptor.

[0028] As another example, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol product S. The susceptor inside the aerosol product S may be heated by the magnetic field generated from the alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The susceptor is located inside the aerosol product S and does not need to be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. The susceptor may be inserted into the article storage section 11 together with the aerosol product S and may be removed from the article storage section 11 together with the aerosol product S. If an alternating current flows through the induction coil, the aerosol product S may be heated by the susceptor inside the aerosol product S.

[0029] The power supply can provide power to operate the components of the aerosol generator 1. The power supply is a battery that stores power. The power supply can provide power to components such as the heater, induction coil, and control unit.

[0030] The control unit can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit can control the operation of components such as heaters, induction coils, and power supplies. The control unit can control the operation of displays, actuators (motors), and other components installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is operating or not.

[0031] Figures 2 to 4 show aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of the following: a battery 12, a control unit 13, a sensor unit 14, and a heater 15. At least one of the following: the battery 12, the control unit 13, the sensor unit 14, and the heater 15 may be located inside the main body 10 of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0033] The main body 10 can provide a space that opens on one side into which an aerosol product S is inserted. The space that opens on one side is referred to as the article storage section. The article storage section may be formed by recessing into the main body 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol product S can be inserted. The depth of the article storage section may correspond to the length of the region in the aerosol product S that contains the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol product S is inserted into the main body 10, and a portion of the aerosol product S may protrude outside the main body 10. The user can inhale air by putting the portion of the aerosol product S that is exposed to the outside into their mouth.

[0034] The heater 15 can heat the aerosol product S. The heater 15 may extend outward in the longitudinal direction of the space into which the aerosol product S is inserted. For example, the heater 15 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element. The heater 15 may be inserted into one end of the aerosol product S. The heater 15 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0035] For example, referring to Figure 2, heater 15 is also a resistive heater. For example, heater 15 may include a conductive track, and heater 15 may be heated by current flowing through the conductive track. Heater 15 may be electrically connected to battery 12. Heater 15 may be directly heated by current supplied from battery 12.

[0036] For example, heater 15 is also a multiple heater. Heater 15 may include a first heater 15A and a second heater 15B. The first and second heaters 15A and 15B may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 15A and 15B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0037] For example, referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator includes an induction coil 151 surrounding a heater 15. The induction coil 151 can cause the heater 15 to heat up. The heater 15 is a susceptor, and the heater 15 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 151. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 15, generating eddy currents within the heater 15. The current generates heat in the heater 15.

[0038] For example, referring to Figure 4, a susceptor 152 is included inside the aerosol product S, and the susceptor 152 inside the aerosol product S may be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 151. The susceptor 152 is located inside the aerosol product S and does not need to be electrically connected to the aerosol generator 1. The susceptor 152 can be inserted into the article storage section together with the aerosol product S and can be removed from the article storage section together with the aerosol product S. The aerosol product S may be heated by the susceptor 152 inside the aerosol product S. In this case, the aerosol generator does not need to be equipped with a heater 15.

[0039] The battery 12 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator. The battery 12 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 13, the sensor unit 14, and the heater 15. The battery 12 can supply power to the induction coil 151.

[0040] The control unit 13 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 13 can control the operation of at least one of the following: the battery 12, the sensor unit 14, and the heater 15. The control unit 13 can control the operation of the induction coil 151. The control unit 13 can control the operation of the display, actuator (motor), etc., installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 13 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is operational or not.

[0041] The control unit 13 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor unit 14 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 14, the control unit 13 can control the power supplied to the heater 15 so that the operation of the heater 15 is started or stopped. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 14, the control unit 13 can control the amount of power and time supplied to the heater 15 so that the heater 15 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0042] The sensor unit 14 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, or an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor unit 14 can sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater 15, the temperature of the battery 12, or the temperature inside or outside the main unit 10. For example, the sensor unit 14 can sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor unit 14 can sense whether or not an aerosol product S has been inserted into the article storage section. For example, the sensor unit 14 can sense the movement of the aerosol generator.

[0043] Figures 5 and 6 are drawings showing an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to Figure 5, the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 3 and a main body 10. The aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a battery 12, a control unit 13, and a sensor (not shown). At least one of the control unit 13 and the battery 12 may be located inside the main body 10. The main body 10 may be fitted with a cartridge 3 containing an aerosol generating substance. The user can inhale the aerosol by putting a mouthpiece (not shown) provided at one end of the cartridge 3 into their mouth.

[0045] Cartridge 3 may contain an aerosol-generating substance in its internal storage space 31, which may be in one of the following states: liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0046] Cartridge 3 can be detachably attached to the main unit 10. By being attached to the main unit 10, cartridge 3 can be mounted on the main unit 10.

[0047] The main unit 10 has a structure that allows outside air to flow into the main unit 10 while the cartridge 3 is attached. At this time, the outside air that flows into the main unit 10 can pass through the cartridge 3 and flow into the user's mouth through the airflow channel CN.

[0048] Cartridge 3 may include a storage space 31 containing aerosol-generating material and / or an atomizer 32. The atomizer 32 can heat the aerosol-generating material in the storage space 31. Cartridge 3 may include a liquid transfer means 33 for absorbing the aerosol-generating material. Here, the liquid transfer means 33 may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The conductive track of the atomizer 32 consists of a coiled structure that winds the liquid transfer means 33 or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means 33. The atomizer 32 is referred to as the "cartridge heater".

[0049] Cartridge 3 can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery means 33 is heated by the atomizer 32, an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through the airflow channel CN.

[0050] The airflow channel CN ​​is provided in the cartridge 3. The airflow channel CN ​​can connect the atomizer 32 of the cartridge 3 to the outside of the cartridge. One end of the airflow channel CN ​​may open to the atomizer 32, and the other end may connect to the outside. For example, the airflow channel CN ​​may extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 3 from one side of the storage space 31 of the cartridge 3. For example, the airflow channel CN ​​may extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 3, penetrating the cartridge 3.

[0051] Referring to Figure 6, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment can contain aerosol products S. For example, the aerosol products S can be contained in the main body 10.

[0052] The aerosol product S can pass through the aerosol generated from the atomizer 32. The aerosol generator 1 includes an article storage section that contains the aerosol product S, and the aerosol generated from inside the atomizer 32 can pass through the aerosol product S stored in the article storage section and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1. At this time, the user can bring their mouth into contact with the aerosol product S and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 through the aerosol product S.

[0053] Referring to Figure 6, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a heater 15 for heating the aerosol product S. The heater 15 can heat the aerosol product S. The heater 15 may be positioned around the space into which the aerosol product S is inserted. The heater 15 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0054] The control unit 13 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 13 may be located on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 13 can control the operation of at least one of the cartridge 3, battery 12, and sensor. For example, the control unit 13 can control the operation of a display (not shown), an acoustic output device (not shown), a haptic unit (not shown), an actuator (motor) (not shown), etc., installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 13 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is operational or not.

[0055] The control unit 13 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor, the control unit 13 can control the power supplied to the atomizer 32 so that the operation of the atomizer 32 is started or stopped. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor, the control unit 13 can control the amount and duration of power supplied to the atomizer 32 so that the atomizer 32 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0056] The battery 12 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 12 can provide electrical energy to at least one of the control unit 13, a sensor (not shown), and a heater 15.

[0057] The sensor may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge sensing sensor, and a motion sensing sensor. For example, the sensor can sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater 15, the temperature of the atomizer 32, the temperature of the battery 12, and the temperature inside and outside the main unit 10. For example, the sensor can sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor can sense whether a cartridge is installed or not. For example, the sensor can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1.

[0058] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating in detail the battery 12, battery coupling 16, and battery cover 17 and related configurations of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0059] The aerosol generator 1 of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, any one of the aerosol generator 1 embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. To avoid redundant explanation, descriptions of configurations identical or similar to any one of the aerosol generator 1 embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 may be omitted.

[0060] The sizes, volumes, thicknesses, distances between components, and proportions of the components shown in the drawings of this invention may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes. The technical concept of this invention is not limited by the physical sizes, volumes, and thickness proportions of the components shown in the drawings.

[0061] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 forms the exterior and may contain an internal space.

[0062] The aerosol generating device 1 may further include a separable battery 12, a control unit 13, a heater 15, a battery coupling unit 16, a sealing member 160, and a battery cover 17.

[0063] The battery 12 may be detachably coupled to the battery coupling 16. The battery 12 may include battery electrodes 121. The battery electrodes 121 of the battery 12 can supply power to other components of the aerosol generator 1. The battery electrodes 121 may include a first electrode 121a and a second electrode 121b. The first electrode 121a and the second electrode 121b may have opposite polarities to each other.

[0064] The shape of the battery 12 is not limited. The battery 12 is one of the shapes of a polyhedron. For example, the battery 12 may be rectangular, but is not limited to this. If the battery 12 is rectangular, the first face 12a and the second face 12b are in opposite directions. The first face 12a and the second face 12b of the battery 12 may face each other.

[0065] The battery 12 may have an elliptical shape. The battery 12 may be cylindrical. If the battery 12 has an elliptical or cylindrical shape, the first surface 12a and the second surface 12b are the two base surfaces of the elliptical or cylindrical shape that make up the battery, respectively. The first surface 12a and the second surface 12b are in opposite directions. The first surface 12a and the second surface 12b of the battery 12 may face each other.

[0066] Based on the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figure 7, the first surface 12a of the battery 12 is the surface facing the +y direction, and the second surface 12b of the battery 12 is the surface facing the -y direction.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first electrode 121a and the second electrode 121b may be arranged on the same surface of the battery 12, which is the first surface 12a. When the first electrode 121a and the second electrode 121b are arranged on the same surface of the battery 12, the area exposed to external foreign matter such as moisture is relatively reduced compared to when the first electrode 121a and the second electrode 121b are dispersed on the first surface 12a and the second surface 12b of the battery 12, respectively.

[0068] The battery coupling portion 16 may include a space for coupling the battery 12. The battery coupling portion 16 may be located in a region inside the main body 10.

[0069] The battery coupling portion 16 may include a plurality of housing grooves 161ha, 161hb for housing the electrodes 121a, 121b of the battery 12 and the main body electrodes 161a, 161b.

[0070] Specifically, the first electrode housing groove 161ha can accommodate a portion of the first electrode 121a, the first main electrode 161a which is electrically connected to the first electrode 121a, and the elastic body housing groove 161h.

[0071] The second electrode housing groove 161hb can accommodate a portion of the second electrode 121b, the second main electrode 161b which is electrically connected to the second electrode 121b, and the elastic body housing groove 161h.

[0072] The elastic body housing groove 161h can accommodate a plurality of elastic bodies 162, each connected to the first main electrode 161a and the second main electrode 161b, respectively.

[0073] The main electrode 161 is configured to be electrically connected to the battery 12. The main electrode 161 can receive electrical energy from the battery 12 and transmit that energy to other components of the aerosol generator 1. For example, at least a portion of the control unit 13, the sensor unit (not shown), and the heater 15 can receive electrical energy from the battery 12 through the main electrode 161.

[0074] The aerosol generating device 1 may further include a sealing member 160 interposed between the battery coupling portion 16 and the battery. The sealing member 160 may include a material such as insulating rubber or polyurethane resin. The sealing member 160 can expose the first electrode 121a and the second electrode 121b. The sealing member 160 can expose the second surface 12b of the battery 12. The sealing member 160 can pressurize and seal the remaining components of the battery 12, excluding the first electrode 121a, the second electrode 121b, and the second surface 12b of the battery 12. The sealing member 160 can block external foreign matter from flowing into the first electrode 121a and the second electrode 121b of the battery 12, or into the plurality of accommodating grooves 161ha, 161hb.

[0075] The aerosol generator 1 may include a battery cover 17 that selectively opens or closes the battery coupling portion 16. The battery cover 17 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10.

[0076] Referring to Figure 7, the battery 12 is located inside the battery coupling 16, and the battery cover 17 is in the closed position, closing the battery coupling 16 to prevent the battery 12 from being ejected to the outside.

[0077] The battery cover 17 may be positioned in one area of ​​the main body 10. The battery cover 17 may be positioned in an area corresponding to the battery coupling portion 16. For example, the battery cover 17 may be detachably coupled to a position where the battery coupling portion 16 is open in the -y direction.

[0078] Referring to Figure 7, the battery cover 17 may extend in a direction that crosses the longitudinal direction (±y) of the main body 10. The battery cover 17 can open or close the battery coupling portion 16 in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10.

[0079] The battery cover 17 is moved to a closed position that closes the battery coupling portion 16, allowing the battery coupling portion 16 to be closed from the outside. The battery cover 17 can open the battery coupling portion 16 to the outside by deviating from the closed position.

[0080] The battery cover 17 can be connected to the main body 10 in a closed position that closes the battery coupling portion 16. The battery cover 17 can be separated from the main body 10 by deviating from the closed position.

[0081] When the battery cover 17 is moved to the closed position and connected to the main body 10, the battery coupling portion 16 is closed to the outside, the battery 12 is either connected to or not separated from the battery coupling portion 16, and external foreign matter from the aerosol generator 1 can be prevented from flowing into the battery coupling portion 16.

[0082] When the battery cover 17 is separated from the main body 10, the battery coupling portion 16 is opened to the outside, so that the battery 12 can be coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 or removed from the battery coupling portion 16.

[0083] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a plurality of elastic bodies 162 connected to the first main electrode 161a and the second main electrode 161b, respectively. The plurality of elastic bodies 162 can apply elastic force so that the first main electrode 161a and the second main electrode 161b are pressed toward the battery 12. The elastic bodies 162 allow the main electrode 161 to make more stable contact and / or coupling with the battery electrode 121 of the battery 12. The elastic bodies 162 allow the main electrode 161 to be more stably electrically coupled with the battery electrode 121 of the battery 12.

[0084] The main electrode 161 either contains a pogo pin that is pressurized by the elastic body 162, or is the pogo pin itself.

[0085] The elastic body 162 can securely and firmly fix the battery 12 within the battery coupling portion 16. The size of each battery 12 coupled to the battery coupling portion 16 varies. By placing the elastic body 162, the battery 12 can be stably positioned in the battery coupling portion 16 regardless of its size. The placement of the elastic body 162 increases the degree of freedom in the size of the battery 12 coupled to the battery coupling portion 16.

[0086] The elastic body 162 can pressurize the battery connected to the battery coupling portion 16. The elastic body 162 may be positioned inside the battery coupling portion 16.

[0087] The aerosol generator 1 may further include a cradle (not shown). The aerosol generator 1 can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. The cradle may include a charger for charging the battery 12. For example, the cradle can charge the battery 12 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 15 may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0088] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the battery and the main unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to Figure 8, the main unit 10 can incorporate a magnet 10M, and the battery 12 can incorporate a Hall sensor 12H. The Hall sensor 12H can sense the magnetic field formed by the magnet 10M. When the Hall sensor 12H senses a magnetic field, the battery 12 supplies electrical energy to the main unit 10, and when the Hall sensor 12H does not sense a magnetic field, the battery 12 can cut off the supply of electrical energy from the battery 12 to the main unit 10. Since the magnet 10M is located in the main unit 10 and the Hall sensor 12H is located in the battery 12, the magnetic field can only be sensed by the Hall sensor 12H when the battery 12 is coupled to the main unit 10.

[0090] Figure 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of a battery 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the battery 12 includes a battery cell 125 and a battery control circuit 123. The battery 12 also includes electrodes 121 for supplying electrical energy charged in the battery cell 125 to the main body 12.

[0092] The battery control circuit 123 is a circuit that supplies electrical energy stored in the battery cell 125 to the main unit 12 through the electrode 121. In conventional batteries, the battery cell 125 is configured so that it is always connected to the electrode 121. Therefore, when the battery 12 is installed in the main unit 12, electricity is supplied from the battery cell 125 to the main unit 12 through the electrode 121. Furthermore, even when the battery 12 is not installed in the main unit 12, electricity can be discharged from the battery cell 125 if the electrode 121 comes into contact with water or a conductor.

[0093] To eliminate these problems, the battery control circuit 123 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to electrically connect the electrode 121 and the battery cell 125 when the battery 10 is attached to the main body 12, and to electrically disconnect the electrode 121 and the battery cell 220 when the battery cell 125 is separated from the main body 12.

[0094] Figure 10 is a circuit diagram of a battery control circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] The battery control circuit 123 includes a Hall sensor 12H, a switching circuit 12S, and a resistor R1.

[0096] The Hall sensor 12H can sense the magnetic field formed by the magnet 10M attached to the main body. The switching circuit 12S can supply electricity to the main body 12 through the electrode 121 by electrically connecting the electrode 121 and the battery cell 125 in response to the magnetic field sensing by the Hall sensor 12H. The switching circuit 12S includes a switching element PM1. Various switching elements (e.g., relay switches, transistors, etc.) can be used as the switching element PM1, but relay switches have the disadvantage of being larger in volume compared to transistors. Therefore, it is desirable to use a transistor as the switching element. In one embodiment, the switching element PM1 consists of a P-channel field-effect transistor (P-channel MOSFET, hereinafter referred to as a P-MOS transistor).

[0097] When the battery 10 is coupled to the main body 12 and the magnet 10M detects a magnetic field above a predetermined reference value in the Hall sensor 12H, the transistor in the Hall sensor 12H is turned on, and the current supplied through the resistor R1 flows through the transistor in the Hall sensor 12H. As a result, the potential of the first node N1 approaches 0V, which causes the switch element PM1 to be turned on. When the switch element PM1 is turned on, the battery cell 125 and the electrode 121 are electrically connected through the turned-on switch element PM1. As a result, a discharge path is formed from the battery cell 125 through the electrode 121.

[0098] On the other hand, if the battery 12 is not coupled to the main unit 12, the Hall sensor 12H either does not detect a magnetic field or detects a magnetic field below the reference value, so the transistor of the Hall sensor 12H remains in the turned-off state. Consequently, the potential of the first node N1 becomes high level, and the switch element PM1 is turned off. When the switch element PM1 is in the turned-off state, the space between the battery cell 125 and the electrode 121 is open, so a discharge path is not formed from the battery cell 125 through the electrode 121.

[0099] According to the battery control circuit 123, a discharge path for the battery cell 125 is formed only when the battery 12 is coupled to the main body 12, and electrical energy is supplied from the battery 12 to the main body 12. On the other hand, if the battery 12 is not coupled to the main body 12, a discharge path for the battery cell 125 is not formed. Therefore, even if the battery 12 is abnormally separated from the main body 10, a discharge path from the battery cell 125 is not formed, thus preventing damage to the battery circuit due to contact with conductors.

[0100] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 12, a control unit 13, a sensor unit 14, an output unit 40, an input unit 70, a communication unit 50, a memory 60, and at least one heater 15. The heater 15 is a stick heater and / or a cartridge heater. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 11. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 11 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0102] The sensor unit 14 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 13. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 13 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, restricting smoking, determining whether or not the stick and / or cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0103] The sensor unit 14 includes at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 141, a puff sensor 142, an insertion sensor 143, a reuse sensor 144, a cartridge sensor 145, a cap sensor 146, and a motion sensor 147.

[0104] The temperature sensor 141 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater and / or stick heater are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, or the cartridge heater and / or stick heater itself may act as the temperature sensor.

[0105] The temperature sensor 141 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the temperature sensor 141 includes a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. This is embodied by an element such as a thermistor, which utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 141 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the temperature sensor 141 is composed of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. In this case, the temperature sensor 141 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater.

[0106] The temperature sensor 141 may be positioned around the battery 12 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 141 may be positioned adjacent to the battery 12. For example, the temperature sensor 141 may be attached to one side of the battery 12. For example, the temperature sensor 141 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0107] The temperature sensor 141 is located inside the main unit 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the main unit 10.

[0108] The puff sensor 142 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 142 can output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 142 is also a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 142 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 142 can be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0109] The insertion sensor 143 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion sensor 143 can detect the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion sensor 143 can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion sensor 143 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensor 143 is also an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0110] An inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0111] An inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0112] A capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick including a metal ferrule is inserted into the insertion space, the ferrule of the stick can alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0113] The reuse detection sensor 144 can detect whether the stick has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 144 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the trumpet surrounding the outside of the stick. The color sensor can detect values ​​related to the optical properties corresponding to the hue of an object, based on the light reflected from the object. For example, the optical properties are also the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0114] At least a portion of the flaps that make up the stick may change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 144 may be positioned in a location corresponding to where at least a portion of the flaps whose hue changes due to aerosols are located when the stick is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick is used by a user, at least a portion of the flaps has a first hue. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick, at least a portion of the flaps may be wetted by the aerosol, causing at least a portion of the flaps to change to a second hue. On the other hand, at least a portion of the flaps may remain at the second hue after being changed from the first hue to the second hue.

[0115] The cartridge sensing sensor 145 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 145 can be implemented as an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0116] The cap sensing sensor 146 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the main body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and the main body 10 that was covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 146 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0117] The motion sensing sensor 147 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensing sensor 147 is embodied by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0118] In addition to the aforementioned sensors 141 to 147, the sensor unit 14 may further include at least one of the following: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0119] The output unit 40 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 40 includes, but is not limited to, a display unit 41, a haptic unit 42, and an acoustic output unit 43. When the display unit 41 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 41 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0120] The display unit 41 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 12 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the stick heater, the insertion / removal status of the stick and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display unit 41 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display unit 41 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display unit 41 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0121] The haptic unit 42 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater for a set time, the haptic unit 42 generates vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 42 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0122] The acoustic output unit 43 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 43 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0123] The battery 12 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The battery 12 can supply power to heat the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. The battery 12 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor unit 14, output unit 40, input unit 70, communication unit 50, and memory 60. The battery 12 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 12 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0124] Although not shown in Figure 11, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery 12 and may include a switching element.

[0125] The power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 12 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 12 if the voltage level of the battery 12 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the battery 12 if the voltage level of the battery 12 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0126] The stick heater can be powered by the battery 12 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick. Although not shown in Figure 11, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 12 and supplies it to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater. Also, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power from the battery 12 to AC power.

[0127] The control unit 13, sensor unit 14, output unit 40, input unit 70, communication unit 50, and memory 60 can function by being powered by the battery 12. Although not shown in Figure 11, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the battery 12 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 11, a noise filter may be provided between the battery 12 and the stick heater. The noise filter is also a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the battery 12 to the stick heater. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor unit 14, such as the insertion sensing sensor 143.

[0128] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater and / or stick heater may consist of any suitable electrical-resistant material. Suitable electrical-resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The stick heater may also consist of, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which a conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0129] In other embodiments, the stick heater is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the stick heater may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-producing material.

[0130] The input unit 70 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 70 is also a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor includes, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0131] The display unit 41 and the touch panel can be realized as a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display unit 41 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel can be added on top of the display unit 41 (add-on type).

[0132] On the other hand, the input section 70 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0133] Memory 60 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 13 and data being processed. Memory 60 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 60 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0134] The communication unit 50 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 50 includes at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0135] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth® communication units, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee® communication units, infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0136] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0137] Although not shown in Figure 11, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 12.

[0138] The control unit 13 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 13 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0139] The control unit 13 can control the temperature of the stick heater by controlling the supply of power from the battery 12 to the stick heater. The control unit 13 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater sensed by the temperature sensor 141. The control unit 13 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the control unit 13 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater and / or stick heater based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 60.

[0140] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the battery 12 between the battery 12 and a cartridge heater and / or a stick heater. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater, the stick heater, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element is embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), and the like. The control unit 13 can control the power supply circuit.

[0141] The control unit 13 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is also an inverter that converts the DC power output from the battery 12 into AC power. For example, the inverter is composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0142] The control unit 13 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the battery 12 to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. The control unit 13 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater is cut off. The control unit 13 can adjust the current supplied from the battery 12 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0143] The control unit 13 can control the voltage output from the battery 12 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the battery 12. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery 12. For example, the power conversion circuit is implemented through a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0144] The control unit 13 can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit and adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the level of the voltage output from the battery 12. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the battery 12. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may be. The stick heater can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0145] The control unit 13 can control the supply of power to the stick heater using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0146] For example, the control unit 13 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the stick heater. The control unit 13 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the stick heater.

[0147] For example, the control unit 13 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 13 can control the power supplied to the stick heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the stick heater temperature and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0148] The control unit 13 can prevent the cartridge heater and / or stick heater from overheating. For example, the control unit 13 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 13 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 13 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeding the limit temperature and can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater.

[0149] The control unit 13 can control the charging and discharging of the battery 12. The control unit 13 can check the temperature of the battery 12 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 141.

[0150] When a power line is connected to the main body electrode of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 13 can check whether the temperature of the battery 12 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the battery 12. If the temperature of the battery 12 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 13 can control the charging of the battery 12 based on a predetermined charging current. If the temperature of the battery 12 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 13 can shut off the charging of the battery 12.

[0151] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 13 can check whether the temperature of the battery 12 is above the second limit temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the battery 12. If the temperature of the battery 12 is below the second limit temperature, the control unit 13 can control the system to use the power stored in the battery 12. If the temperature of the battery 12 is above the second limit temperature, the control unit 13 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the battery 12.

[0152] The control unit 13 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 12 relative to the power stored in the battery 12. For example, the control unit 13 can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 12 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the battery 12.

[0153] The control unit 13 can determine whether or not a stick is inserted into the insertion space via the insertion sensing sensor 143. Based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 143, the control unit 13 can determine that a stick has been inserted. If it determines that a stick has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 13 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater. For example, the control unit 13 can supply power to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 60.

[0154] The control unit 13 can determine whether or not the stick has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 13 can determine whether or not the stick has been removed from the insertion space through the insertion sensing sensor 143. For example, the control unit 13 can determine that the stick has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the stick heater is above a limit temperature, or if the temperature change gradient of the stick heater is above a set gradient. If the control unit 13 determines that the stick has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater.

[0155] The control unit 13 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the stick heater based on the state of the stick sensed by the sensor unit 14. The control unit 13 can determine the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 13 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick based on the determined level range.

[0156] If the stick is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 13 can control the power supply time to the stick heater, increasing the preheating time of the stick compared to normal conditions.

[0157] The control unit 13 can determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space is to be reused through the reuse sensing sensor 144. For example, the control unit 13 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick is not being used. For example, the control unit 13 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick has been used. If it is determined that the stick has been used, the control unit 13 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater.

[0158] The control unit 13 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 through the cartridge sensing sensor 145. For example, the control unit 13 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0159] The control unit 13 can determine whether or not the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 13 can preheat the cartridge heater and / or stick heater by applying power, and determine whether or not the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 13 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. If the control unit 13 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater.

[0160] The control unit 13 can determine whether or not the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 60, the control unit 13 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 13 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time the cartridge heater has been heated is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0161] The control unit 13 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor 142. For example, the control unit 13 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 13 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 142. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, or if no puff is detected for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 13 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater.

[0162] The control unit 13 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed via the cap sensing sensor 146. For example, the control unit 13 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0163] The control unit 13 can control the output unit 40 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 14. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 142 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 13 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will soon shut off through at least one of the display unit 41, the haptic unit 42, and the acoustic output unit 43. For example, the control unit 13 can notify the user through the output unit 40 based on the determination that there is no stick in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 13 can notify the user through the output unit 40 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 13 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater to the user through the output unit 40.

[0164] The control unit 13 can save and update a history of events in the memory 60 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick insertion, start of stick heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, end of stick heating, turning the power of the aerosol generator 1 on / off, start of charging of the battery 12, detection of overcharge of the battery 12, and end of charging of the battery 12. The history of events includes the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of stick insertion, the log data corresponding to the event includes data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 143, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, the log data corresponding to the event includes data on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater and / or stick heater, etc.

[0165] The control unit 13 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 13 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data includes data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 13 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 13 can remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the stick heater.

[0166] The control unit 13 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the battery 12 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, etc., through the external device's display.

[0167] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 13 receives a location search request from the external device, it can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 42 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display unit 41 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0168] The control unit 13 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware version data and transmit the new firmware version data to the aerosol generator 1. Upon receiving the new firmware version data, the control unit 13 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0169] The control unit 13 can transmit data relating to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor unit 14 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 50, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server through machine learning such as deep learning. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 13 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 13 can store sensing value data from at least one sensor unit 14 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 60. For example, the memory 60 can store a database relating to each component of the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN), for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 13 learns data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor unit 14, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 60, and can generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0170] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The respective configurations or functions of the embodiments of the present invention described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other.

[0171] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that such combination is impossible.

[0172] The detailed description set forth herein should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention shall be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A main body that forms the exterior, including an article storage section for containing aerosol products, A heater for heating the aerosol product contained in the article storage section, A battery coupling portion is located in one area inside the main body, The battery is detachably coupled to the battery coupling portion, The battery includes a first electrode and a second electrode having opposite polarity to the first electrode. An aerosol generating device in which the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the same first surface of the battery.

2. The aforementioned battery coupling portion is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first electrode housing groove and a second electrode housing groove for housing a portion of the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively.

3. The first electrode housing groove houses the first main electrode which is electrically connected to the first electrode. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second electrode housing groove houses a second main electrode that is electrically connected to the second electrode.

4. The present invention further includes a plurality of elastic bodies connected to the first main electrode and the second main electrode, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of elastic bodies apply elastic force so that the first main electrode and the second main electrode are pressurized toward the battery.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member interposed between the battery coupling portion and the battery, exposing the first electrode and the second electrode.

6. The sealing member is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a second surface of the battery opposite to the first surface is exposed.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a battery cover that selectively opens or closes the battery coupling portion.

8. The aforementioned battery is Battery cells and The system includes a battery control circuit that electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode to the battery cell, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery control circuit electrically disconnects the first electrode and the second electrode from the battery cell when the battery is separated from the battery coupling portion.

9. The aforementioned main body has a built-in magnet, The aforementioned battery control circuit includes a Hall sensor that senses a magnetic field, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a switching circuit that electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode to the battery cell in response to the detection of a magnetic field by the Hall sensor.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the Hall sensor includes a Hall sensor transistor that is turned on when a magnetic field above a predetermined reference value is detected.

11. The aforementioned switching circuit is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a switch element that electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode to the battery cell in response to the turn-on of the Hall sensor transistor, and electrically disconnects the first electrode and the second electrode to the battery cell in response to the turn-off of the Hall sensor transistor.

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