Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery for supplying power to the heater, and a controller. The controller updates the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery based on at least one of a result of performing an operation related to charging and a result of performing an operation related to discharging. If the number of charge / discharge cycles is less than a preset reference number, the controller maintains a reference voltage set in relation to charging the battery. If the number of charge / discharge cycles is equal to or greater than the preset reference number, the controller changes the reference voltage to a second voltage level lower than a currently set first voltage level.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method of operation thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component (e.g., an aerosol) from a medium or substance. The medium may contain a substance of various components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance of various components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, an herb component, and / or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can prevent swelling due to battery deterioration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery for supplying power to the heater, and a controller. The controller may update the number of times the battery is charged and discharged based on at least one of a result of performing an operation related to charging and a result of performing an operation related to discharging. If the number of times the battery is charged and discharged is less than a preset reference number, the controller may maintain a reference voltage set in relation to charging the battery. If the number of times the battery is charged and discharged is equal to or greater than the preset reference number, the controller may change the reference voltage to a second voltage level lower than a currently set first voltage level.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include an operation of updating the number of charge / discharge cycles of a battery of the aerosol generating device based on at least one of a result of performing a charging-related operation and a result of performing a discharging-related operation, an operation of maintaining a reference voltage set in relation to charging of the battery when the number of charge / discharge cycles is less than a preset reference number, and an operation of changing the reference voltage to a second voltage level lower than a currently set first voltage level when the number of charge / discharge cycles is greater than or equal to the preset reference number. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the reference voltage during battery charging can be reset based on the number of times the battery has been used by charging and / or discharging, thereby preventing battery deterioration and swelling due to overcharging.

[0008] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0009] The above and other objects, features and other characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram referred to in the description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity of description with reference to the drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0012] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are for ease of description only and do not have any special meaning or role.

[0013] In this disclosure, those well known to those skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are for the purpose of making various technical features easily understandable, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0015] When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there can be other elements in between, whereas when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

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

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a communication interface 110, an input / output interface 120, an aerosol generating module 130, a memory 140, a sensor module 150, a battery 160, and / or a control unit 170.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of only a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be composed of a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a main body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0020] The communication interface 110 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device (e.g., the power supply device 100 of FIG. 5) and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module for wireless communication, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low power (BLE), Zigbee (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), etc.

[0021] The input / output interface 120 may include an input device for receiving commands from a user and / or an output device for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device for outputting visual information such as a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor for outputting tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

[0022] The input / output interface 120 can transmit data corresponding to a command input by a user via an input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 100. The input / output interface 120 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 100 via an output device.

[0023] The aerosol generating module 130 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol generating material can refer to any one or a combination of two or more substances in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gel state, etc., capable of generating an aerosol.

[0024] The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material, including volatile tobacco flavor components, according to one embodiment. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material, according to another embodiment. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may include water, solvent, nicotine, botanical extracts, flavors, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

[0025] The solid-state aerosol-generating material may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol-generating material may also include solid materials containing taste modifiers, seasonings, and the like. For example, taste modifiers may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, seasonings may include natural materials such as herb granules, silica containing fragrance ingredients, zeolite, dextrin, and the like.

[0026] Additionally, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0027] The aerosol generation module 130 can include at least one heater.

[0028] The aerosol generation module 130 can include an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater can include at least one electrically conductive track and can be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating material can be heated by the heated electrically resistive heater.

[0029] The electrically conductive track may comprise an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0030] The electrical resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes, for example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.

[0031] The aerosol generating module 130 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electric conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically may be generated by adjusting a current flowing through the electric conductive coil. Here, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. In addition, the lost energy may be released as thermal energy, thereby heating the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat by the magnetic field may be called a susceptor.

[0032] On the other hand, the aerosol generating module 130 can also generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0033] The aerosol generating module 130 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0034] The memory 140 can store programs for each signal processing and control in the control unit 170, and can store processed data and data to be processed.

[0035] For example, the memory 140 can store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 170, and can selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 170.

[0036] For example, the memory 140 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs generated, the current number of puffs generated, the number of times the battery 160 has been charged, the number of times the battery 160 has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, at least one power profile, data on the inhalation pattern of the user, data on charging / discharging, etc. Here, the puff may refer to the inhalation of the user. The inhalation may refer to the situation in which the user inhales into the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs of the user through the mouth or nose.

[0037] The memory 140 may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0038] The sensor module 150 may include at least one sensor.

[0039] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor for detecting the occurrence of a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0040] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor for detecting the occurrence of a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0041] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a temperature sensor) for detecting the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generation module 130, the temperature of an aerosol generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 130 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 150 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.

[0042] For example, in the case where a cigarette can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 100, the sensor module 150 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of a cigarette (hereinafter, referred to as a cigarette detection sensor).

[0043] For example, in the case where the aerosol generating device 100 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 150 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge relative to the main body.

[0044] Here, the cigarette detection sensor and / or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0045] For example, the sensor module 150 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., a battery 160) provided in the aerosol generating device 100 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.

[0046] The battery 160 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 under the control of the control unit 170. The battery 160 may supply power to other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 160 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 110, an output device included in the input / output interface 120, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 130, etc.

[0047] The battery 160 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 160 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery. For example, if the battery 160 is rechargeable, the battery's charge rate (C-rate) may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For stable use, the battery 160 may be manufactured to ensure 80% or more of its total capacity when it is charged / discharged 2000 times.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM) which is a circuit for protecting the battery 160. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery 160. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 160, the battery protection module (PCM) may cut off an electric path to the battery 160 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 160, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 160, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 160, etc.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, the charging terminal may be formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 may charge the battery 160 using the power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 100 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 110. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 100 can charge the battery 160 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0051] The control unit 170 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 may be connected to each component included in the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 170 may transmit and / or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0052] The control unit 170 may include at least one processor. The control unit 170 may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.

[0053] The control unit 170 can perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 170 can execute any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) according to the state of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100, a user's command received via the input / output interface 120, etc.

[0054] The control unit 170 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 based on the data stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 can control the battery 160 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generating module 130 at a predetermined time based on data about a temperature profile, a power profile, a user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 140.

[0055] The control unit 170 may determine the occurrence of a puff through a puff sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the control unit 170 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, etc., in the aerosol generating device 100 based on a sensing value of the puff sensor. The control unit 170 may determine the occurrence of a puff based on the results checked based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

[0056] The control unit 170 may control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 depending on the presence or absence of a puff and / or the number of occurrences of a puff. For example, when the control unit 170 determines that a puff has occurred, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply power according to the power profile stored in the memory 140. For example, the control unit 170 may control the heater to change or maintain the temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 140.

[0057] The control unit 170 may control the power supply to the heater to be cut off under a predetermined condition, for example, when the cigarette is removed and the cartridge is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, when the remaining charge of the battery 160 is less than a predetermined value, etc.

[0058] The control unit 170 may calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 may calculate the remaining amount of power in the battery 160 based on a sensing value of a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor included in the sensor module 150.

[0059] The control unit 170 may determine the degree of deterioration of the battery 160. For example, the control unit 170 may calculate the number of times the battery 160 has been used by charging / discharging. The control unit 170 may determine the degree of deterioration of the battery 160 according to the number of times the battery 160 has been used. Here, the number of times the battery 160 has been used may refer to the total number of times the battery 160 has been charged and the number of times the battery has been discharged. The number of times the battery 160 has been used may also be called the number of times it has been charged and discharged.

[0060] 2A to 4 are diagrams referred to in explaining the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a body and / or a cartridge.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2A, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a body 310 configured to allow a cigarette 201 to be inserted into an interior space defined by a housing 215.

[0063] The cigarette 201 may be similar to a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the cigarette 201 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 201 may also include an aerosol-generating material. For example, a flavoring material formed in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0064] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. The second part may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, both the first part and a part of the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. A user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol may be generated by external air passing through the first part. The generated aerosol may be delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0065] The body 310 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the body 310 when the cigarette 201 is inserted. Here, the external air that flows into the body 310 may pass through the cigarette 201 and flow to the user's mouth.

[0066] When the cigarette 201 is inserted, the control unit 170 can control the supply of power to the heater based on the power profile stored in the memory 140.

[0067] The control unit 170 may control the supply of power to the heater in at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0068] For example, the control unit 170 may control the heater to be supplied with a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio in a PWM manner. Here, the control unit 170 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0069] For example, the control unit 170 can determine a target temperature to be a control target based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 170 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0070] Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as a Proportional-Integral (PI) method and a Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

[0071] The heater may be located at a position within the body 310 that corresponds to the position of the cigarette 201 when the cigarette 201 is inserted into the body 310. In this drawing, the heater is shown as an electrically conductive heater 220 that includes needle-like electrically conductive tracks, although the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0072] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the cigarette 201 using power supplied from the battery 160, and an aerosol can be generated from the heated cigarette 201. Here, a user can inhale the aerosol containing the tobacco material by inhaling through one end of the cigarette 201 with their mouth.

[0073] Meanwhile, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions even when the cigarette 201 is not inserted. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the cigarette 201 is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 120, the control unit 170 may control the heater to supply a predetermined power.

[0074] The control unit 170 can monitor the number of puffs generated based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time the cigarette 201 is inserted.

[0075] The control unit 170 may initialize the current puff occurrence count stored in the memory 140 when the inserted cigarette 201 is removed.

[0076] 2B, a cigarette 201 according to one embodiment can include a tobacco rod 202 and a filter rod 203. The first portion described above with reference to FIG 2A can include the tobacco rod 202. The second portion described above with reference to FIG 2A can include the filter rod 203.

[0077] Although the filter rod 203 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 2B, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 203 can be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 203 can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a certain component contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 203 can further include at least one segment that performs another function.

[0078] The cigarette 201 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 205. The wrapper 205 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarette 201 may be wrapped by one wrapper 205. As another example, the cigarette 201 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 205 stacked together. For example, the tobacco rod 202 may be wrapped by a first wrapper, and the filter rod 203 may be wrapped by a second wrapper. Then, the tobacco rod 202 and the filter rod 203 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined, and the entire cigarette 201 may be further wrapped by a third wrapper. When each of the tobacco rod 202 or the filter rod 203 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper. The entire cigarette 201, in which the segments wrapped by the individual wrappers are combined, may be further wrapped by another wrapper.

[0079] The tobacco rod 202 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 202 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 202 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 202.

[0080] The tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured from a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured from a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be manufactured from a small piece of a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. For example, the tobacco rod 202 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 202 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 202, improving the thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. In addition, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 202 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 202 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0081] The filter rod 203 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 203 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 203 may be a cylindrical type rod. For example, the filter rod 203 may be a tube type rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 203 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 203 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in another shape.

[0082] The filter rod 203 may be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 203. For example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 203.

[0083] The filter rod 203 may also include at least one capsule 204. Here, the capsule 204 may function to generate flavor. The capsule 204 may also function to generate aerosol. For example, the capsule 204 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 204 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0084] If the filter rod 203 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes formed therein. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples, and may be made of any material without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0085] Meanwhile, although not shown in Fig. 2B, the cigarette 201 according to an embodiment may further include a front end filter. The front end filter is located on one side of the tobacco rod 202 facing the filter rod 203. The front end filter can prevent the tobacco rod 202 from falling out to the outside. The front end filter can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 202 during inhalation by a user during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment can include a body 310 supporting a cartridge 320, the cartridge 320 holding an aerosol generating material.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 320 may be configured to be attachable / detachable to the main body 310. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 320 may be configured integrally with the main body 310. For example, the cartridge 320 may be attached to the main body 310 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 320 into an internal space formed by the housing 215 of the main body 310.

[0088] The body 310 may be formed to have a structure that allows external air to flow into the body 310 when the cartridge 320 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the body 310 may pass through the cartridge 320 and flow to the user's mouth.

[0089] The control unit 170 may determine whether the cartridge 320 is attached / detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 150. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 320. Here, the cartridge detection sensor may detect whether the cartridge 320 is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through another terminal.

[0090] The cartridge 320 may include a storage section 321 that holds an aerosol generating substance and / or a heater 323 that heats the aerosol generating substance in the storage section 321. For example, a liquid transmission means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating substance may be disposed inside the storage section 321, and an electrically conductive track of the heater 323 may be formed to have a structure that wraps around the liquid transmission means. Here, an aerosol may be generated as the liquid transmission means is heated by the heater 323. Here, the liquid transmission means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0091] The cartridge 320 may include a mouthpiece 325. Here, the mouthpiece 325 may be a part that is inserted into the oral cavity of a user. The mouthpiece 325 may have an exhaust hole through which the aerosol is exhausted to the outside when a puff is generated.

[0092] 4, an embodiment of the aerosol generating device 100 may include a body 410 supporting a cartridge 420, the cartridge 420 containing an aerosol generating material. The body 410 may be configured to allow a cigarette 401 to be inserted into an interior space 415.

[0093] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater that heats an aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 420. For example, when a user inhales into the mouth through one end of the cigarette 401, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the cigarette 401. Here, a flavor may be provided to the aerosol as it passes through the cigarette 401. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through one end of the cigarette 401.

[0094] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 420 and a second heater for heating the cigarette 401 inserted in the body 410. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 420 and the cigarette 401 via the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

[0095] 5 to 6B are flow charts showing an operation method of the aerosol generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 7A to 9 are diagrams explaining the operation of the aerosol generation device.

[0096] 5, in operation S510, the aerosol generating device 100 can perform an operation related to charging / discharging the battery 160. The aerosol generating device 100 can update the number of uses of the battery 160 based on a result of performing the operation related to charging / discharging the battery 160. Charging / discharging the battery 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0097] 6A, in operation S601, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether to perform an operation related to a charging function of charging the battery 160 among a plurality of functions. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform an operation related to the charging function when power is supplied from the outside through a charging terminal formed on one side of the body.

[0098] When the aerosol generating apparatus 100 performs an operation related to the charging function in operation S602, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may check the voltage Vbat of the battery 160. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may determine whether the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is less than a preset reference voltage Vref. For example, while charging the battery 160, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may sense the voltage applied to the battery 160 through a voltage sensor included in the sensor module 150 to monitor the voltage Vbat of the battery 160.

[0099] Here, the reference voltage Vref may refer to a preset voltage level that distinguishes charging stages of the battery 160. This will be described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B.

[0100] FIG. 7A is an example of a graph showing the voltage of the battery 160 sensed while the battery 160 is being charged, and FIG. 7B is a graph showing the current flowing through the battery 160 sensed while the battery 160 is being charged.

[0101] 7A and 7B, the aerosol generating device 100 may maintain the current flowing through the battery 160 at a preset first current level Icc in a section Tcc where the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is less than the reference voltage Vref. Here, the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 may gradually increase.

[0102] Here, the section Tcc during which the current flowing through the battery 160 maintains the first current level Icc may be called a constant current charging section.

[0103] Meanwhile, when the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 reaches the reference voltage Vref, the aerosol generating device 100 may maintain the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 at the reference voltage Vref. Here, the current flowing through the battery 160 may gradually decrease. The remaining capacity of the battery 160 may increase to a maximum capacity while the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 maintains the reference voltage Vref.

[0104] Here, the section Tcv during which the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 maintains the reference voltage Vref can be called a constant voltage charging section.

[0105] In addition, when the current flowing through the battery 160 in the constant voltage charging section Tcv reaches a second current level Iref lower than the first current level Icc, the aerosol generating device 100 can determine that the battery 160 is fully charged.

[0106] Also, referring to FIG. 6a, in operation S603, the aerosol generating device 100 can perform constant current charging to maintain the current flowing to the battery 160 at a preset current level when the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is less than the reference voltage Vref.

[0107] Meanwhile, in the operation of S604, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform constant voltage charging to maintain the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 at the reference voltage Vref when the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is equal to or higher than the reference voltage Vref. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform constant voltage charging when the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 reaches the reference voltage Vref.

[0108] In operation S604, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the battery 160 is fully charged and charging of the battery 160 is completed. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that charging of the battery 160 is completed when the current flowing through the battery 160 is equal to or lower than a preset minimum current level.

[0109] In operation S605, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether charging of the battery 160 is interrupted if charging of the battery 160 is not completed. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may monitor whether power supply via the charging terminal is interrupted. If the power supply is interrupted, the aerosol generating device 100 may interrupt charging of the battery 160.

[0110] If charging of the battery 160 is not completed and power continues to be supplied from the outside via the charging terminal, the aerosol generating device 100 can proceed to operation S602 and continue to perform operations related to the charging function.

[0111] Meanwhile, in operation S607, the aerosol generating device 100 may update the number of uses of the battery 160 when charging of the battery 160 is completed or when charging of the battery 160 is interrupted.

[0112] The aerosol generating device 100 may calculate a difference between the remaining capacity of the battery 160 when charging of the battery 160 is completed or when charging of the battery 160 is interrupted and the remaining capacity of the battery 160 when an operation related to the charging function is started. For example, if the remaining capacity of the battery 160 when charging of the battery 160 is completed is 100% and the remaining capacity of the battery 160 when an operation related to the charging function is started is 30%, the difference between the remaining capacities may be calculated as 70%. For example, if the remaining capacity of the battery 160 when charging of the battery 160 is interrupted is 85% and the remaining capacity of the battery 160 when an operation related to the charging function is started is 45%, the difference between the remaining capacities may be calculated as 40%.

[0113] The aerosol generating device 100 may sum up the remaining capacity included in the data on charging stored in the memory 140 and the difference between the calculated remaining capacity. The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the sum of the remaining capacities is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity (e.g., 100%). Here, the remaining capacity included in the data on charging may be referred to as a previous remaining capacity.

[0114] Here, if the sum of the remaining capacities is equal to or greater than a reference capacity (eg, 100%), the aerosol generating device 100 can increase the number of times the battery 160 has been charged, which is stored in the memory 140, by one.

[0115] The aerosol generating device 100 may also update the remaining capacity included in the data on charging stored in memory 140 with a remaining capacity corresponding to the difference between the sum of the remaining capacities and a reference capacity (e.g., 100%).

[0116] On the other hand, if the sum of the remaining capacities is less than a reference capacity (e.g., 100%), the aerosol generating device 100 can update the remaining capacity included in the data on charging stored in memory 140 based on the sum of the remaining capacities.

[0117] 6B, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform an operation related to any one of the functions other than the charging function in operation S608. For example, when power is not supplied from the outside through a charging terminal formed on one side of the body, the aerosol generating device 100 may supply power stored in the battery 160 to the heater to perform an operation related to a preheating function, a heating function, a cleaning function, etc.

[0118] In operation S609, the aerosol generating device 100 can check the voltage Vbat of the battery 160. The aerosol generating device 100 can determine whether the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is less than a preset minimum voltage (Vmin).

[0119] Here, the minimum voltage (Vmin) may mean the minimum level of the output voltage of the battery 160 at which the aerosol generating device 100 can perform a predetermined function. This will be described with reference to FIG.

[0120] FIG. 8 is an example of a graph showing the output voltage of the battery 160 sensed while the battery 160 is being discharged.

[0121] 8, the battery 160 may be discharged while the aerosol generating device 100 performs a predetermined function. As the battery 160 is discharged, the output voltage of the battery 160 may gradually decrease.

[0122] For example, when the discharge level of the battery 160 (hereinafter referred to as the discharge amount) is 0%, i.e., when the battery 160 is fully charged, the output voltage of the battery 160 may be detected as 4.2 V. When the discharge level of the battery 160 is 60%, the output voltage of the battery 160 may be detected as 3.7 V. Here, the discharge amount of the battery 160 may correspond to a value obtained by subtracting the current remaining capacity from the maximum remaining capacity of the battery 160 (e.g., 100%).

[0123] 6b, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether a charging function is to be started when the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is equal to or higher than a minimum voltage (Vmin) in operation S610. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine that an operation related to the charging function is to be started when power is supplied from the outside via the charging terminal.

[0124] If the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is equal to or greater than the minimum voltage (Vmin) and the charging function has not started, the aerosol generating device 100 may proceed to operation S608 and continue to perform an operation related to any one of the remaining functions except the charging function.

[0125] On the other hand, if the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is less than the minimum voltage (Vmin) or if an operation related to the charging function starts, the aerosol generating device 100 may proceed to operation S607 and update the number of times the battery 160 has been used.

[0126] The aerosol generating device 100 can calculate the difference between the remaining capacity of the battery 160 when the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is less than the minimum voltage (Vmin) or when an operation related to the charging function starts, and the remaining capacity of the battery 160 when the discharging of the battery 160 starts. That is, the aerosol generating device 100 can calculate the difference in the discharge amount between the two points in time. For example, when the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is less than the minimum voltage (Vmin), i.e., when the discharge amount of the battery 160 is 100% when the discharging of the battery 160 is completed, and when the discharging of the battery 160 starts, the difference between the discharge amounts can be calculated as 80%. For example, when the discharge amount of the battery 160 is 85% when the operation related to the charging function starts, and the discharge amount of the battery 160 starts, the difference between the remaining capacities can be calculated as 30%.

[0127] The aerosol generating device 100 may sum up the discharge amount included in the data on discharge stored in the memory 140 and the difference between the calculated discharge amounts. The aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the sum of the discharge amounts is equal to or greater than a preset reference discharge amount (e.g., 100%). Here, the discharge amount included in the data on discharge may be referred to as a previous discharge amount.

[0128] Here, if the sum of the discharge amounts is equal to or greater than a reference discharge amount (e.g., 100%), the aerosol generating device 100 may increase the number of discharges of the battery 160 stored in the memory 140 by 1. In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may update the discharge amount included in the data on the discharge stored in the memory 140 by the discharge amount corresponding to the difference between the sum of the discharge amounts and the reference discharge amount (e.g., 100%).

[0129] On the other hand, if the sum of the discharge amounts is less than a reference discharge amount (e.g., 100%), the aerosol generating device 100 can update the discharge amount included in the data on discharge stored in memory 140 based on the sum of the discharge amounts.

[0130] 5, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the number of times the battery 160 has been used is less than a preset reference number in operation S520. Here, the reference number may be determined in consideration of the possibility of swelling occurring due to deterioration of the battery 160 caused by repeated charging / discharging.

[0131] In the operation of S530, when the number of times the battery 160 has been used is equal to or greater than a preset reference number (e.g., 500 times), the aerosol generating device 100 can reset the reference voltage Vref when charging the battery. That is, when the number of times the battery 160 has been used is equal to or greater than a reference number (e.g., 500 times), the aerosol generating device 100 can determine that the battery 160 has deteriorated to a certain level or more, and can reset the reference voltage Vref when charging the battery.

[0132] The aerosol generating device 100 may change the reference voltage Vref during battery charging to a second voltage lower than the currently set first voltage. Here, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine the second voltage from the currently set first voltage based on a preset ratio. Here, the preset ratio may mean the ratio of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage with respect to the currently set first voltage. For example, when the currently set first voltage is 4.40 V and the preset ratio is 7%, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine the second voltage to be 4.09 V.

[0133] FIG. 9 is an example of a graph showing the voltage of the battery 160 sensed while the battery 160 is being charged when the reference voltage Vref is reset.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 100 may reset the reference voltage Vref to be gradually lower from a first voltage Vref1 to a third voltage Vref3 as the number of uses of the battery 160 increases.

[0135] Here, as the number of times the battery 160 is used increases, the time at which the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 reaches the reference voltage Vref during charging may become shorter, from time t1 to time t3. In addition, as the number of times the battery 160 is used increases, the constant current charging period in which the current flowing through the battery 160 is kept constant may also become shorter.

[0136] Meanwhile, the preset ratio for resetting the reference voltage Vref may be changed depending on the number of times the reference voltage Vref is reset.

[0137] [Table 1] For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may reset the reference voltage Vref based on a ratio that decreases as the number of times the reference voltage Vref is reset increases, as shown in Table 1. This makes it possible to prevent the reference voltage Vref from becoming excessively low when charging the battery.

[0138] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100 can initialize the number of times the battery 160 can be used when the reference voltage Vref is reset.

[0139] On the other hand, when the voltage Vbat of the battery 160 is less than the minimum voltage (Vmin), the aerosol generating device 100 can update the number of uses of the battery 160 and / or the reference voltage Vref, and then turn off the power.

[0140] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the reference voltage Vref during battery charging can be reset based on the number of times the battery 160 has been used by charging and / or discharging, thereby preventing deterioration of the battery 160 and swelling due to overcharging.

[0141] 1 to 9, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, a battery 160 for supplying power to the heater, and a control unit 170, and the control unit 170 updates the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged based on at least one of a result of performing an operation related to charging and a result of performing an operation related to discharging, and if the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged is less than a preset reference number, the control unit 170 maintains a reference voltage set in relation to the charging of the battery 160, and if the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged is equal to or greater than the reference number, the control unit 170 can change the reference voltage to a second voltage level lower than the currently set first voltage level.

[0142] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the voltage of the battery 160 is less than the reference voltage during charging of the battery 160, the control unit 170 may control the current flowing to the battery 160 to maintain a predetermined current level, and when the voltage of the battery 160 is equal to or greater than the reference voltage during charging of the battery 160, the control unit 170 may control the voltage of the battery 160 to maintain the reference voltage.

[0143] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a memory 140 for storing at least one of data regarding charging and data regarding discharging, and the control unit 170 can update the number of times the battery 160 has been charged and discharged based on the data stored in the memory 140.

[0144] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit 170 calculates a difference between a remaining capacity of the battery 160 at the time the charging-related operation starts and a remaining capacity of the battery 160 at the time the charging-related operation ends, and if the result of adding the calculated difference and the previous remaining capacity is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity, updates the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged, and if the result of the addition is less than the reference capacity, maintains the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged.

[0145] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit 170 may calculate a difference between a remaining capacity of the battery 160 at the time the charging-related operation starts and a remaining capacity of the battery 160 at the time the charging-related operation ends, and if a result of adding up the calculated difference and a previous remaining capacity is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity, change the previous remaining capacity to a remaining capacity corresponding to the difference between the summed result and the reference capacity, and if the summed result is less than the reference capacity, change the previous remaining capacity to the summed result.

[0146] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit 170 calculates a difference between the discharge amount of the battery 160 at the time the discharge-related operation starts and the discharge amount of the battery 160 at the time the discharge-related operation ends, and if the result of adding the calculated difference and the previous discharge amount is equal to or greater than a preset reference discharge amount, updates the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery 160, and if the result of the addition is less than the reference discharge amount, maintains the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery 160.

[0147] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit 170 may calculate a difference between the discharge amount of the battery 160 at the time the operation related to the discharge starts and the discharge amount of the battery 160 at the time the operation related to the discharge ends, and if the result of adding up the calculated difference and the previous discharge amount is equal to or greater than a preset reference discharge amount, change the previous discharge amount to a discharge amount corresponding to the difference between the summed result and the reference discharge amount, and if the summed result is less than the reference discharge amount, change the discharge amount included in the data regarding the discharge to the summed result.

[0148] According to another aspect of the present invention, a ratio of the difference between the first voltage level and the second voltage level to the first voltage level may decrease as the number of times the reference voltage is changed increases.

[0149] Meanwhile, an operating method of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of updating the number of times the battery 160 of the aerosol generating device is charged and discharged based on at least one of a result of performing a charging-related operation and a result of performing a discharging-related operation, an operation of maintaining a reference voltage set in relation to the charging of the battery 160 when the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged is less than a preset reference number, and an operation of changing the reference voltage to a second voltage level lower than the currently set first voltage level when the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged is equal to or greater than the reference number.

[0150] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method of operating the aerosol generating device 100 may further include an operation of maintaining a current flowing through the battery 160 at a predetermined current level when the voltage of the battery 160 is less than the reference voltage during charging of the battery 160, and an operation of maintaining the voltage of the battery 160 at the reference voltage when the voltage of the battery 160 is equal to or greater than the reference voltage during charging of the battery 160.

[0151] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of updating the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged may update the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged based on at least one of data regarding charging and data regarding discharging stored in the memory 140 of the aerosol generating device.

[0152] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of updating the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged may include an operation of calculating a difference between a remaining capacity of the battery 160 at the time the charging-related operation starts and a remaining capacity of the battery 160 at the time the charging-related operation ends, an operation of updating the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged if a result of adding up the calculated difference and the previous remaining capacity is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity, and an operation of maintaining the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged if the result of the addition is less than the reference capacity.

[0153] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of updating the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery 160 may further include an operation of calculating a difference between a remaining capacity of the battery 160 at the time the charging-related operation starts and a remaining capacity of the battery 160 at the time the charging-related operation ends, an operation of changing the previous remaining capacity to a remaining capacity corresponding to the difference between the result of the sum and the reference capacity when a result of the sum is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity, and an operation of changing the previous remaining capacity to the result of the sum when the result of the sum is less than the reference capacity.

[0154] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of updating the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged may include an operation of calculating a difference between the amount of discharge of the battery 160 at the time the discharge-related operation starts and the amount of discharge of the battery 160 at the time the discharge-related operation ends, an operation of updating the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged if the result of adding up the calculated difference and the previous amount of discharge is equal to or greater than a preset reference amount of discharge, and an operation of maintaining the number of times the battery 160 is charged and discharged if the result of the addition is less than the reference amount of discharge.

[0155] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of updating the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery 160 may include an operation of calculating a difference between a discharge amount of the battery 160 at the time the discharge-related operation starts and a discharge amount of the battery 160 at the time the discharge-related operation ends; if a result of adding up the calculated difference and a previous discharge amount is equal to or greater than a preset reference discharge amount, changing the previous discharge amount to a discharge amount corresponding to the difference between the result of the addition and the reference discharge amount; and if the result of the addition is less than the reference discharge amount, changing the previous discharge amount to the result of the addition.

[0156] The specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the configurations or functions of specific elements or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0157] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0158] Although the embodiments have been described above according to a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A heater for heating the aerosol generating material; a battery for powering the heater; A control unit, The control unit is updating a charge / discharge count of the battery based on at least a result of performing a charge-related operation or a result of performing a discharge-related operation; If the number of times of charging and discharging is less than a preset reference number of times, a reference voltage set in relation to charging of the battery is maintained; If the number of times of charging and discharging is equal to or greater than the preset reference number, the reference voltage set in relation to charging of the battery is changed to a second voltage level lower than a currently set first voltage level; An aerosol generating device, wherein a ratio of the difference between the first voltage level and the second voltage level to the first voltage level decreases as the number of times the reference voltage is changed increases.

2. The control unit is When the voltage of the battery is less than the reference voltage during charging of the battery, the battery is charged so that a current flowing through the battery is maintained at a predetermined current level; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein when the voltage of the battery is equal to or higher than the reference voltage during charging of the battery, the device controls to charge the battery so that the voltage of the battery maintains the reference voltage.

3. further comprising a memory for storing at least one of charging data and discharging data; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit updates the number of times of charging or discharging based on data stored in the memory.

4. The control unit is Calculating a difference between a remaining capacity of the battery when the charging-related operation is started and a remaining capacity of the battery when the charging-related operation is ended; If the sum of the calculated difference and the previous remaining capacity is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity, the number of times of charging and discharging is updated; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein when the sum is less than the preset reference capacity, the number of charge / discharge cycles is maintained.

5. The control unit is Calculating a difference between a remaining capacity of the battery when the charging-related operation is started and a remaining capacity of the battery when the charging-related operation is ended; If the sum of the calculated difference and the previous remaining capacity is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity, the previous remaining capacity is changed to the difference between the sum and the preset reference capacity; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the sum is less than the preset reference volume, the previous remaining volume is changed to the sum.

6. The control unit is Calculating a difference between the amount of discharge of the battery when the discharge-related operation starts and the amount of discharge of the battery when the discharge-related operation ends; If the sum of the calculated difference and the previous discharge amount is equal to or greater than a preset reference discharge amount, the number of charge / discharge operations is updated; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein when the sum is less than the preset reference discharge amount, the number of charge / discharge cycles is maintained.

7. The control unit is Calculating a difference between the amount of discharge of the battery when the discharge-related operation starts and the amount of discharge of the battery when the discharge-related operation ends; If the sum of the calculated difference and the previous discharge amount is equal to or greater than a preset reference discharge amount, the previous discharge amount is changed to the difference between the sum and the preset reference discharge amount; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the sum is less than the preset reference discharge amount, the previous discharge amount is changed to the sum.

8. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: updating a charge / discharge count of the battery of the aerosol generating device based on at least one of a result of performing a charge-related operation and a result of performing a discharge-related operation; maintaining a reference voltage set in relation to charging the battery when the number of times of charging and discharging is less than a preset reference number; and changing the reference voltage set in relation to charging of the battery to a second voltage level lower than a currently set first voltage level when the number of times of charging and discharging is equal to or greater than the preset reference number, A method for operating an aerosol generating device, wherein a ratio of the difference between the first voltage level and the second voltage level to the first voltage level decreases as the number of times the reference voltage is changed increases.

9. charging the battery to maintain a current through the battery at a predetermined current level when the voltage of the battery is less than the reference voltage; The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , further comprising the operation of charging the battery so as to maintain the voltage of the battery at the reference voltage when the voltage of the battery is equal to or greater than the reference voltage.

10. The method for operating an aerosol generating device as described in claim 8, wherein the operation of updating the number of charge / discharge cycles updates the number of charge / discharge cycles based on at least one of data regarding charging and data regarding discharging stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device.

11. The operation of updating the number of charge / discharge cycles is Calculating a difference between a remaining capacity of the battery when the charging-related operation is started and a remaining capacity of the battery when the charging-related operation is ended; If the sum of the calculated difference and the previous remaining capacity is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity, the number of times of charging and discharging is updated; The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , further comprising the steps of: maintaining the number of charge / discharge cycles when the sum is less than the preset reference capacity.

12. The operation of updating the number of charge / discharge cycles is Calculating a difference between a remaining capacity of the battery when the charging-related operation is started and a remaining capacity of the battery when the charging-related operation is ended; If the sum of the calculated difference and the previous remaining capacity is equal to or greater than a preset reference capacity, the previous remaining capacity is changed to the difference between the sum and the preset reference capacity; The method of claim 8, further comprising changing the previous remaining volume to the sum when the sum is less than the preset reference volume.

13. The operation of updating the number of charge / discharge cycles is calculating a difference between the discharge amount of the battery at a time when the discharge-related operation starts and a time when the discharge-related operation ends; updating the number of times of charging and discharging when the sum of the calculated difference and the previous discharge amount is equal to or greater than a preset reference discharge amount; The method for operating the aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , further comprising: an operation of maintaining the number of charge / discharge cycles when the sum is less than the preset reference discharge amount.

14. The operation of updating the number of charge / discharge cycles is calculating a difference between the discharge amount of the battery at a time when the discharge-related operation starts and a time when the discharge-related operation ends; When a result of adding the calculated difference and the previous discharge amount is equal to or greater than a preset reference discharge amount, changing the previous discharge amount to a difference between the result of the addition and the preset reference discharge amount; The method of claim 8, further comprising: if the sum is less than the preset reference discharge amount, changing the previous discharge amount to the sum.

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