Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device includes: a battery pack including a battery supplying power for operation of the aerosol-generating device and a battery terminal electrically connected to the battery; an aerosol-generating device main body which includes a battery accommodation portion for accommodating the battery pack and a main body terminal electrically connected to the battery terminal, and to which the battery pack is removably coupled; and a connector for electrically connecting the battery terminal to the main body terminal.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device including a structure capable of detachably coupling a battery pack to a body of the aerosol generating device.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating cigarettes (or "aerosol-generating articles") using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning the cigarette itself.

[0003] An aerosol generating device may include a battery that supplies power to the operation of components of the aerosol generating device (e.g., a heater, a display, etc.). Typically, the battery is built into the aerosol generating device body, so the aerosol generating device is structured so that the battery cannot be easily separated from the aerosol generating device body. However, research is currently underway on an aerosol generating device having a structure that allows the battery to be detachably connected to the aerosol generating device body.

[0004] Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which a battery can be detachably coupled to a body of the aerosol generating device.

[0005] Additionally, the embodiments provide an aerosol generating device capable of improving the bonding strength of terminals for electrical connection between a battery and the aerosol generating device body.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a battery pack including a battery that supplies power for the operation of the aerosol generating device and a battery terminal electrically connected to the battery; an aerosol generating device body including a battery receiving portion that receives the battery pack and a body terminal electrically connected to the battery terminal, the aerosol generating device body to which the battery pack is detachably coupled; and a connector that electrically connects the battery terminal and the body terminal.

[0008] The connector may include a battery port protruding from the battery pack and connected to the battery terminal, and a body port including a groove into which the battery port is inserted and connected to the body terminal. When the battery port is inserted into the body port, the body terminal and the battery terminal may be electrically connected.

[0009] The connector may include a battery port connected to the battery terminal, a body port connected to the body terminal, and a connecting unit that connects the battery port and the body port and includes a bendable material.

[0010] The connector may include a contact electrically connected to the body terminal and the battery terminal, and a support member supporting the contact.

[0011] The support member may include a first support block disposed in a central region, and a second support block disposed on a side of the first support block. The contact may include a first contact disposed on the first support block, and a second contact disposed on the second support block.

[0012] The length of the first contact may be longer than the length of the second contact.

[0013] The connector may include a contact electrically connected to the body terminal and the battery terminal, an insulating member supporting the contact, and a connector cover arranged to surround the contact and the insulating member.

[0014] An insertion hole may be formed between the connector cover and the insulating member. The insulating member may include a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the insertion hole and on which the contact is placed.

[0015] The connector may further include a connector shell disposed between the insulating member and the connector cover, and a sealing member disposed at a front end of the connector shell.

[0016] The contact may include a first contact disposed on one surface of the insulating member, and a second contact disposed on the other surface of the insulating member.

[0017] One of the main body terminal or the battery terminal may include a first connecting member connected to the other terminal, a first mounting member electrically connected to the first connecting member, a first connecting member connecting the first connecting member and the first mounting member, and a first elastic groove formed between the first connecting member and the first connecting member so that the first connecting member moves elastically.

[0018] The remaining one of the main body terminal or the battery terminal may include a second connecting member connected to both ends of the first connecting member, a second mounting member electrically connected to the second connecting member, a second connecting member connecting the second connecting member and the second mounting member, and a second elastic groove formed between the second connecting member and the second connecting member so that the second connecting member can move elastically.

[0019] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may further include a guide portion that guides movement of the battery pack so that the battery pack is accommodated in the battery receiving portion. The guide portion may include a guide protrusion arranged in one of the aerosol generating device body or the battery pack, and a guide groove arranged in the other of the aerosol generating device body or the battery pack into which the guide protrusion is inserted.

[0020] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may further include a battery cover rotatably coupled to the aerosol generating device body so as to cover at least a portion of the battery receiving portion.

[0021] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may further include a pressurizing member that pressurizes the battery pack toward the aerosol generating device body when the battery cover is positioned to seal the battery receiving portion.

[0022] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a structure that allows replacement of only the battery when the performance of the battery deteriorates, thereby improving the ease of battery management.

[0023] In addition, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can easily separate the battery from the aerosol generating device body, thereby improving the ease of battery replacement.

[0024] In addition, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the bonding strength of terminals for electrical connection between the battery and the aerosol generating device body, thereby implementing a stable power supply structure.

[0025] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment in which a battery pack is used.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment in which a battery pack is used.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment in which a battery pack is used.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment in which a battery pack is used.

[0030] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a battery pack is coupled to the main body of an aerosol generating device.

[0031] Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating another example in which a battery pack is coupled to the main body of an aerosol generating device.

[0032] Figure 7 is a drawing showing an example of a battery pack.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the main body of the aerosol generating device to which the battery pack of Fig. 7 is combined.

[0034] Figure 9 is a drawing showing an example of a connector for connecting a battery pack and an aerosol generating device body.

[0035] Figure 10 is a drawing showing another example of a connector for connecting a battery pack and an aerosol generating device body.

[0036] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the connector illustrated in Figure 10.

[0037] Figure 12 is a drawing showing another example of a connector for connecting a battery pack and an aerosol generating device body.

[0038] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a connector taken along line XIII-XIII of Fig. 12.

[0039] Figures 14a and 14b are drawings showing the process of connecting the main body terminal and the battery terminal to each other.

[0040] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the aerosol generating device taken along the cross-sectional line XV-XV of Fig. 6 to explain an example of a guide portion.

[0041] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the aerosol generating device taken along the cross-sectional line XV-XV of Fig. 6 to explain another example of the guide portion.

[0042] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device to illustrate an example of a pressurized member.

[0043] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device to illustrate another example of a pressurized member.

[0044] FIGS. 19 and 20 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0046] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a battery pack including a battery that supplies power for the operation of the aerosol generating device and a battery terminal electrically connected to the battery; an aerosol generating device body including a battery receiving portion that receives the battery pack and a body terminal electrically connected to the battery terminal, the aerosol generating device body to which the battery pack is detachably coupled; and a connector that electrically connects the battery terminal and the body terminal.

[0047] The connector may include a battery port protruding from the battery pack and connected to the battery terminal, and a body port including a groove into which the battery port is inserted and connected to the body terminal. When the battery port is inserted into the body port, the body terminal and the battery terminal may be electrically connected.

[0048] The connector may include a battery port connected to the battery terminal, a body port connected to the body terminal, and a connecting unit that connects the battery port and the body port and includes a bendable material.

[0049] The connector may include a contact electrically connected to the body terminal and the battery terminal, and a support member supporting the contact.

[0050] The support member may include a first support block disposed in a central region, and a second support block disposed on a side of the first support block. The contact may include a first contact disposed on the first support block, and a second contact disposed on the second support block.

[0051] The length of the first contact may be longer than the length of the second contact.

[0052] The connector may include a contact electrically connected to the body terminal and the battery terminal, an insulating member supporting the contact, and a connector cover arranged to surround the contact and the insulating member.

[0053] An insertion hole may be formed between the connector cover and the insulating member. The insulating member may include a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the insertion hole and on which the contact is placed.

[0054] The connector may further include a connector shell disposed between the insulating member and the connector cover, and a sealing member disposed at a front end of the connector shell.

[0055] The contact may include a first contact disposed on one surface of the insulating member, and a second contact disposed on the other surface of the insulating member.

[0056] One of the main body terminal or the battery terminal may include a first connecting member connected to the other terminal, a first mounting member electrically connected to the first connecting member, a first connecting member connecting the first connecting member and the first mounting member, and a first elastic groove formed between the first connecting member and the first connecting member so that the first connecting member moves elastically.

[0057] The remaining one of the main body terminal or the battery terminal may include a second connecting member connected to both ends of the first connecting member, a second mounting member electrically connected to the second connecting member, a second connecting member connecting the second connecting member and the second mounting member, and a second elastic groove formed between the second connecting member and the second connecting member so that the second connecting member can move elastically.

[0058] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may further include a guide portion that guides movement of the battery pack so that the battery pack is accommodated in the battery receiving portion. The guide portion may include a guide protrusion arranged in one of the aerosol generating device body or the battery pack, and a guide groove arranged in the other of the aerosol generating device body or the battery pack into which the guide protrusion is inserted.

[0059] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may further include a battery cover rotatably coupled to the aerosol generating device body so as to cover at least a portion of the battery receiving portion.

[0060] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may further include a pressurizing member that pressurizes the battery pack toward the aerosol generating device body when the battery cover is positioned to seal the battery receiving portion.

[0061] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply based on their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0062] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0063] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0064] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

[0065] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0066] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0067] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0068] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

[0069] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0070] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0071] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0072] The cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0073] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0074] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0075] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0076] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

[0077] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0078] For example, the viscosity of an aerosol-generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by fine particles of an aerosol-generating substance with a lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from a vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0080] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed within the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0081] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0082] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0083] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0084] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment in which a battery pack is used.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a cartridge (100), an aerosol generating device body (200), a battery pack (250), a cap (300), and a heater assembly (400). However, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited thereto, and at least one of the above-described components may be omitted or other components may be added depending on the embodiment.

[0086] An aerosol generating substance may be stored inside the cartridge (100), and the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge (100) may be supplied to a heating unit included in the cartridge (100). Accordingly, the aerosol generating substance may be aerosolized within a chamber included in the cartridge (100) by the heating unit. In the present disclosure, the term "aerosol" may refer to particles generated by mixing air with vapor generated by heating the aerosol generating substance, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0087] The aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge (100) may include a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may include a liquid composition including a non-tobacco material.

[0088] In one embodiment, the liquid composition may include any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0089] For example, the liquid composition may comprise a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also comprise two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0090] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device (1), flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

[0091] The aerosol generating device body (200) is positioned at the lower part (e.g., the part facing the -z direction) of the cartridge (100) and the cap (300), and can support the cartridge (100) and the cap (300).

[0092] According to one embodiment, components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device body (200). For example, a battery pack (250) and a processor (not shown) may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device body (200). However, the battery pack (250) and the processor are merely examples of components arranged inside the aerosol generating device body (200), and other components (e.g., a user interface, a sensor, etc.) may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device body (200) in addition to the above-described components.

[0093] The battery pack (250) may include a battery that supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery may be electrically connected to the heating unit and heater assembly (400) of the cartridge (100) to supply power so that the heating unit and heater assembly (400) may be heated. As another example, the battery may also supply power required for the operation of other components (e.g., a processor, etc.) of the aerosol generating device (1). The battery pack (250) may include terminals that can electrically connect the battery and components (e.g., the heater assembly (400)) of the aerosol generating device (1). A specific description of the battery pack (250) will be described later.

[0094] The processor can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] In one embodiment, the processor can control the power supplied from the battery to the heating element and heater assembly (400) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the processor can control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heating element and heater assembly (400) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heating element and heater assembly (400) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a predetermined temperature.

[0096] The cap (300) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the cartridge (100), at least a portion of the aerosol generating device body (200), and at least a portion of the heater assembly (400). For example, the cap (300) may be coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200) to surround the entire outside of the cartridge (100) and the entire outside of the heater assembly (400). The cap (300) may protect the cartridge (100), the aerosol generating device body (200), and the heater assembly (400) from external impact or the ingress of external foreign substances. The cap (300) may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0097] The cap (300) may include a cap body (301), a door (302), and a cap hole (303).

[0098] The cap body (301) functions as the main body of the cap (300) and can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200). A door guide hole (not shown) into which at least a portion of a door (302) is inserted to guide movement of the door can be formed in the cap body (301).

[0099] The door (302) can be located at the upper part of the cap body (301) (e.g., the part facing the +z direction) and can open or close the cap hole (303). The door (302) can be inserted into the door guide hole of the cap body (301) and move along one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0100] The cap hole (303) may be formed at the upper portion of the cap body (301) (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) and may be connected to the receiving portion (400a) of the heater assembly (400). In a state where the cap (300) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200), the aerosol generating article (2) may sequentially pass through the cap hole (303) and the receiving portion (400a) and be received in the receiving portion (400a) of the heater assembly (400).

[0101] The cap (300) may further include a window (350).

[0102] The window (350) may include a transparent material, such as acrylic or glass. The window (350) may be formed along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on the outer surface of the cap body at a corresponding position in the cartridge (100). The user can check the remaining amount of the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge (100) through the window (350).

[0103] A heater assembly (400, hereinafter referred to as “heater assembly”) for an aerosol generating device is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200) to accommodate an aerosol generating article (2) and can heat the aerosol generating article (2). At this time, the heater assembly (400) can heat the tobacco rod of the aerosol generating article (2), thereby heating the aerosol generating material contained in the aerosol generating article (2).

[0104] For example, the heater assembly (400) may include an electrically conductive track, and when current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater may be heated. The heater assembly (400) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like.

[0105] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0106] The heater assembly (400) can be connected to the chamber of the cartridge (100). Accordingly, the aerosol generated in the chamber can move to the heater assembly (400). The aerosol moved to the heater assembly (400) can pass through the aerosol generating article (2) accommodated in the accommodation portion (400a) formed in the heater assembly (400) and be discharged to the outside. The user can contact the aerosol generating article (2) with his or her mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the aerosol generating article (2).

[0107] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment in which a battery pack is used.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a cartridge (100), an aerosol generating device body (200), a battery pack (250), a heater assembly (400), and a cover (500). However, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited thereto, and at least one of the above-described components (e.g., the cover (500)) may be omitted or other components may be added depending on the embodiment.

[0109] In addition, at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 1 (e.g., battery pack (250)), and any redundant description will be omitted below.

[0110] An aerosol generating material may be stored inside the cartridge (100), and the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (100) may be supplied to a heater assembly (400) positioned at the bottom (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) of the cartridge (100). Since the aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge (100) is the same as or similar to the aerosol generating material described in FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] In one embodiment, the cartridge (100) may include a mouthpiece (100m) for supplying aerosol to a user. For example, the mouthpiece (100m) may connect or fluidly connect the interior of the heater assembly (400) and the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1), and the aerosol generated within the heater assembly (400) may be discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) through the mouthpiece (100m). At this time, the user may contact the mouth of the mouthpiece (100m) and inhale the aerosol discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0112] In the present disclosure, the term "fluid connection" may mean that components are connected so that a fluid, such as air or liquid, can flow therethrough.

[0113] The aerosol generating device main body (200) is positioned at the bottom of the heater assembly (400) and can support the heater assembly (400), and components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (200). The components (e.g., battery pack (250)) arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (200) are the same as or similar to the components described in Fig. 1, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] The heater assembly (400) is positioned between the cartridge (100) and the aerosol generating device body (200) and can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of an aerosol generating material into a gaseous phase. The heater assembly (400) can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge (100).

[0115] For example, the heater assembly (400) can heat an aerosol-generating substance supplied from a cartridge (100) to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating substance. The generated vapor can be mixed with outside air introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (400) from the exterior of the heater assembly (400), thereby generating an aerosol. The heater assembly (400) can include a chamber that provides a space in which an aerosol is generated, a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, and a heating unit that heats the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the wick.

[0116] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can enable replacement of the cartridge (100) and / or the heater assembly (400) through a structure in which the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (400) are detachably coupled, and the heater assembly (400) and the aerosol generating device body (200) are detachably coupled.

[0117] When the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (100) is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge (100) with a new cartridge (100). As another example, when the performance of a component (e.g., a heating element or a wick) of the heater assembly (400) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated, the user can replace the existing heater assembly (400) with a new heater assembly (400) to ensure that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated.

[0118] When the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (100) is consumed and replacement of the cartridge (100) is required, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can be implemented in a structure in which only the cartridge (100) is replaced and the heater assembly (400) is reusable. This is because the cartridge (100) is detachably coupled to the heater assembly (400). Accordingly, even when replacement of the cartridge (100) is required, components such as a heating unit included in the heater assembly (400) do not necessarily need to be replaced together, so that the overall cost of use of the aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment can be reduced.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cover (500) for protecting components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0120] The cover (500) is arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the cartridge (100), the aerosol generating device body (200), and the heater assembly (400), thereby fixing the positions of the cartridge (100), the aerosol generating device body (200), and the heater assembly (400), and protecting the cartridge (100), the aerosol generating device body (200), and the heater assembly (400) from external impact or the inflow of foreign substances.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the cover (500) may be formed integrally with the aerosol generating device body (200), but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the cover (500) may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0122] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment in which a battery pack is used.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (200), a battery pack (250), and a heater assembly (400). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) described above (e.g., the battery pack (250)), and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0124] An aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1) using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to the magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field.

[0125] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released from the magnetic body as heat energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the more heat energy may be released from the magnetic body. An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and may transfer the heat energy released from the magnetic body to an aerosol generating article.

[0126] A magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field may be a susceptor.

[0127] In one embodiment, the susceptor may be positioned within the heater assembly (400) and may be positioned to surround the aerosol generating article (2) accommodated in the accommodation space. In this case, the susceptor may be formed in the shape of an entirely hollow cylinder, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0128] According to another embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed within an aerosol generating article (2) accommodated in an aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the susceptor may be included in the aerosol generating article (2) in the form of a piece, a flake, a strip, or the like.

[0129] At least a portion of the susceptor can be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor can include a metal or carbon. The susceptor can include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Additionally, the susceptor can include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0130] An aerosol generating device (1) can accommodate an aerosol generating article (2). According to one embodiment, a space for accommodating an aerosol generating article (2) may be formed in the aerosol generating device (1). Here, a heater assembly (10) may be arranged in the space of the aerosol generating device (1) for accommodating the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the heater assembly (400) may include a cylindrical receiving space for accommodating an aerosol generating article (2) therein. Accordingly, when an aerosol generating article (2) is accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating article (2) may be accommodated in the receiving space of the heater assembly (400).

[0131] The heater assembly (400) can heat an aerosol generating article (2) accommodated in an aerosol generating device (1). As described above, the heater assembly (400) can heat the aerosol generating article (2) by induction heating. According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (400) can heat the susceptor by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor.

[0132] The heater assembly (400) may surround at least a portion of an aerosol generating article (2) contained in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the heater assembly (400) may surround a tobacco medium contained in the aerosol generating article (2). Accordingly, heat may be more efficiently transferred from the heater assembly (400) to the tobacco medium.

[0133] The battery included in the battery pack (250) can supply power to the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery can supply power to the coil of the heater assembly (400). As another example, the battery can also supply power required for the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device (1), such as a control unit.

[0134] The battery may include a battery unit that supplies direct current to the coil of the heater assembly (400) and a converter that converts direct current supplied from the battery unit into alternating current supplied to the coil of the heater assembly (400).

[0135] The battery unit can supply direct current to the aerosol generating device (1). The battery unit may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery unit may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, etc.

[0136] The conversion unit may include a low-pass filter that filters the direct current supplied from the battery and outputs the alternating current supplied to the heater assembly (400). The conversion unit may further include an amplifier for amplifying the direct current supplied from the battery unit. For example, the conversion unit may be implemented through a low-pass filter that constitutes a load network of a class-D amplifier.

[0137] Although not shown, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a control unit and a vaporizer.

[0138] The control unit can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] In one embodiment, the control unit can control the power supplied to the heater assembly (400). Here, the control target of the control unit can be the coil of the heater assembly (400). The control unit can control the battery so that the power supplied to the coil of the heater assembly (400) is adjusted. For example, the control unit can perform control to maintain a constant temperature at which the coil heats the aerosol generating article (2) based on the temperature of the coil of the heater assembly (400).

[0140] The vaporizer can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol-generating substance, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user by passing through an aerosol-generating article (2). In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer can travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device (1), and the airflow path can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer can pass through the aerosol-generating article (2) and be delivered to a user.

[0141] For example, the vaporizer may include, but is not limited to, a storage unit for storing a liquid aerosol generating substance, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as independent modules.

[0142] The storage unit can store a liquid aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance is described in FIGS. 1 and 2, and thus will be omitted.

[0143] The liquid delivery means can deliver the aerosol-generating material from the storage compartment to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means can be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

[0144] A heating element is an element for heating an aerosol-generating substance delivered by a liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by a current supply and may transfer heat to an aerosol-generating substance in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0145] For example, a vaporizer may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0146] In one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a vaporizer, the battery can supply power so that at least one of the heater assembly (400) or the vaporizer can be heated, and the control unit can control the power supplied to at least one of the heater assembly (400) or the vaporizer.

[0147] When an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can operate the heater assembly (400) and / or the vaporizer to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article (2) and / or the vaporizer. The aerosol generated by the heater assembly (400) and / or the vaporizer can pass through the aerosol generating article (2) and be delivered to the user.

[0148] The aerosol generating device body (200) may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. Components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device body (200). For example, the above-described heater assembly (400), battery pack (250), control unit, and vaporizer may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device (1). However, the heater assembly (400), battery pack (250), control unit, and vaporizer are merely examples of components arranged inside the aerosol generating device (1), and other components (e.g., user interface, sensor, etc.) may be further arranged inside the aerosol generating device (1) in addition to the above-described components.

[0149] An air inlet (50a) through which external air is introduced may be formed in the aerosol generating device body (200). The air inlet (50a) may be connected or fluidly connected to an airflow passage cover of a heater assembly (400) to be described later.

[0150] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment in which a battery pack is used.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a cartridge (100), an aerosol generating device body (200), a battery pack (250), and a cap (300). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) described above (e.g., the battery pack (250)), and any redundant description will be omitted below.

[0152] The cartridge (100) may include a storage portion (110) in which an aerosol generating substance is stored, and a receiving portion (400a) in which an aerosol generating article is received. The cartridge (100) may further include a chamber that provides a space in which an aerosol is generated, and a heating portion that heats the aerosol generating substance.

[0153] The storage unit (110) may be connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the chamber of the cartridge (100), so that the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit (110) may be introduced into the internal space of the chamber of the cartridge (100). The chamber may be located at the bottom of the storage unit (110).

[0154] At this time, the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit (110) may include a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or may include a liquid composition including a non-tobacco material. Since the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit (110) is identical or similar to the aerosol generating material described in FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] The receiving portion (400a) receives an aerosol-generating article and may be positioned on one side (e.g., in the -x direction) of the storage portion (110). The internal space of the receiving portion (400a) receiving the aerosol-generating article (2) may be spatially separated from the storage portion (110), and as a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage portion (110) may not flow into the internal space of the receiving portion (400a).

[0156] The receiving portion (400a) may be connected or fluidly connected to the chamber of the cartridge (100). Accordingly, the aerosol generated in the chamber may move to the receiving portion (400a). At this time, the aerosol moved to the receiving portion (400a) may pass through the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the receiving portion (400a) and be discharged to the outside. The user may contact the aerosol generating article (2) with his or her mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the aerosol generating article (2).

[0157] The aerosol generating device main body (200) is positioned at the bottom of the cartridge (100) and can support the cartridge (100), and components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (200). The components arranged inside the aerosol generating device main body (200) are the same as or similar to the components of the aerosol generating device main body described above, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0158] The aerosol generating device body (200) may include a cartridge coupling portion (210).

[0159] A cartridge (100) can be detachably coupled to the cartridge coupling portion (210). The cartridge (100) can be coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200) by being coupled to the cartridge coupling portion (210), and can be separated from the aerosol generating device body (200) by being separated from the cartridge coupling portion (210).

[0160] The cartridge coupling portion (210) may be positioned at the upper portion (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) of the aerosol generating device body (200). The cartridge coupling portion (210) may include a first portion (211) extending in one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second portion (212) extending in a direction transverse to the one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). The first portion (211) and the second portion (212) may be formed integrally.

[0161] The first part (211) of the cartridge coupling portion (210) can be coupled with a side of the cartridge (100) (e.g., a part facing the -x direction), and the second part (212) of the cartridge coupling portion (210) can be coupled with a lower part of the cartridge (100) (e.g., a part facing the -z direction).

[0162] The cartridge (100) can be detachably attached to the aerosol generating device body (200) through a structure in which the cartridge (100) is detachably attached to the cartridge coupling portion (210). That is, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can have a structure in which the storage portion (110) for storing the aerosol generating material and the receiving portion (400a) for receiving the aerosol generating article (2) can be replaced together through replacement of the cartridge (100).

[0163] Although not shown, the aerosol generating device body (200) may further include a terminal.

[0164] The terminal may perform a function of electrically connecting the cartridge (100) and the aerosol generating device body (200). For example, the terminal may electrically connect the heating unit of the cartridge (100) and the battery of the aerosol generating device body (200). In this case, one end of the terminal may be electrically connected to the battery, and the other end may be electrically connected to the heating unit of the cartridge (100). When the cartridge (100) is coupled to the cartridge coupling portion (210), the terminal may be electrically connected to the cartridge (100). A hole may be formed in the cartridge coupling portion (210) so that the terminal is exposed to the upper portion of the cartridge coupling portion (210).

[0165] The cap (300) is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200). The cap (300) can be coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200) from the upper side (e.g., in the +z direction) of the cartridge (100) and the aerosol generating device body (200). In one embodiment, when the cap (300) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200), the cap (300) can be arranged to surround the entire outer side of the cartridge (100) and the entire outer side of the cartridge coupling portion (210).

[0166] The cap (300) may include a cap body (310) that surrounds the outside of the cartridge (100) and the cartridge coupling portion (210), an upper cap (320) that is coupled to the upper portion (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) of the cap body (310) and surrounds the upper portion (e.g., the +z direction) of the cartridge (100) and the cartridge coupling portion (210), and a receiving portion cap (330) that is coupled to the upper cap (320) to cover the upper portion (e.g., the +z direction) of the receiving portion (400a).

[0167] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a battery pack is coupled to the main body of an aerosol generating device.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device main body (200) and a battery pack (250). The aerosol generating device main body (200) illustrated in FIG. 5 may be any one of the aerosol generating device main bodies (200) described in FIGS. 1 to 4, and the battery pack (250) illustrated in FIG. 5 may be any one of the battery packs (250) described in FIGS. 1 to 4, and therefore, any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0169] The aerosol generating device body (200) may include a battery receiving portion (200a), a body terminal (235), and a battery cover (240).

[0170] A battery pack (250) can be accommodated in the battery receiving portion (200a), and the battery receiving portion (200a) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the battery pack (250). The battery receiving portion (200a) can be located on a side (e.g., a side facing the -x direction) of the aerosol generating device body (200), and can be opened to communicate with the outside by a battery cover (240) or closed to be spatially separated from the outside.

[0171] The main body terminal (235) may be electrically connected to the battery when the battery pack (250) is accommodated in the battery receiving portion (200a). One side of the main body terminal (235) may be electrically connected to a component (e.g., a heater assembly) inside the main body (200) of the aerosol generating device, and the other side of the main body terminal (235) may be exposed toward the battery receiving portion (200a). For example, the main body terminal (235) may include at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), and silver (Ag), and the main body terminal (235) may be plated with gold or silver. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0172] The battery cover (240) can open or close the battery compartment (200a). In one embodiment, the battery cover (240) can be rotatably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200) via a hinge (240a). The battery cover (240) can have a length along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) that is equal to or longer than the battery compartment (200a) so as to close the battery compartment (200a).

[0173] The battery pack (250) may include a battery pack body (251) and a battery terminal (253).

[0174] The battery pack (250) can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200). In one embodiment, the battery pack (250) can be accommodated in the battery receiving portion (200a) on one side of the aerosol generating device body (200) (e.g., the side facing the -x direction). However, this is exemplary, and the battery pack (250) can also be accommodated in the battery receiving portion (200a) on the other side of the aerosol generating device body (200) (e.g., the side facing the +x direction).

[0175] The battery pack body (251) can function as the body of the battery pack (250), and a battery can be included inside the battery pack body (251). A battery terminal (253) can be coupled to the battery pack body (251). The battery pack body (251) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the battery receiving portion (200a).

[0176] The battery terminal (253) may be electrically connected to the main body terminal (235) when the battery pack (250) is accommodated in the battery receiving portion (200a). When the battery terminal (253) and the main body terminal (235) are connected, power supply and / or communication may be established between the battery and the aerosol generating device main body (200). One side of the battery terminal (253) may be electrically connected to the battery, and the other side of the battery terminal (253) may be exposed to the outside of the battery pack main body (251). For example, the battery terminal (253) may include at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), and silver (Ag), and the battery terminal (253) may be plated with gold or silver. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0177] Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating another example in which a battery pack is coupled to the main body of an aerosol generating device.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device main body (200) and a battery pack (250). The aerosol generating device main body (200) illustrated in FIG. 6 may be any one of the aerosol generating device main bodies (200) described in FIGS. 1 to 4, and the battery pack (250) illustrated in FIG. 6 may be any one of the battery packs (250) described in FIGS. 1 to 4, and therefore, any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0179] In addition, at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device body (200) of FIG. 6 is identical or similar to the components of the aerosol generating device body (200) of FIG. 5, and at least one of the components of the battery pack (250) of FIG. 6 is identical or similar to the components of the battery pack (250) of FIG. 5, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0180] The battery cover (240) can open or close the battery compartment (200a). In one embodiment, the battery cover (240) can be rotatably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200) via a hinge (240a). The battery cover (240) can have a length that is equal to or longer than the battery compartment (200a) along the width direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) so as to close the battery compartment (200a).

[0181] The battery pack (250) can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200). In one embodiment, the battery pack (250) can be accommodated in the battery receiving portion (200a) with the lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction) of the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0182] Below, we will look specifically at various embodiments in which the battery pack (250) is electrically connected to the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0183] Figure 7 is a drawing showing an example of a battery pack.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery pack (250) may include a battery pack body (251) and a battery port (252). The battery pack (250) illustrated in FIG. 7 may be identical or similar to the battery pack (250) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, and thus, the differences will be mainly described below.

[0185] The battery port (252) may be an interface for electrical connection with the main body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the battery port (252) may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The battery port (252) may include the battery terminal described above. The battery port (252) may protrude outward from the battery pack main body (251).

[0186] The battery port (252) may be included in the aerosol generating device as a module with the battery pack (250) as shown in FIG. 7, but this is exemplary and may be included in the aerosol generating device as a module independent of the battery pack (250).

[0187] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the main body of the aerosol generating device to which the battery pack of Fig. 7 is combined.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device main body (200) may include a battery receiving portion (200a), a main body port (230), and a main body terminal (235). The aerosol generating device main body (200) illustrated in FIG. 8 may be identical or similar to the aerosol generating device main body (200) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, and thus, the differences will be mainly described below.

[0189] The main body port (230) may be an interface for electrical connection with the main body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the main body port (230) may be a USB. The main body port (230) may include a main body terminal (235). The main body port (30) is a groove into which a battery port (252, illustrated in FIG. 7) is inserted and may be connected to a battery receiving portion (200a).

[0190] When the battery pack (250, illustrated in FIG. 7) is accommodated in the battery receiving portion (200a), the battery port (252, illustrated in FIG. 7) can be inserted into the main body port (230). When the battery port (252, illustrated in FIG. 7) is inserted into the main body port (230), the main body terminal (235) and the battery terminal can be electrically connected. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device main body (200) and the battery pack (250, illustrated in FIG. 7) can be electrically connected.

[0191] Meanwhile, unlike as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main body port (230) may protrude toward the battery receiving portion (200a), and the battery port (252) may include a groove into which the main body port (230) is inserted.

[0192] Additionally, the main body port (230) and battery port (252) described in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be referred to as connectors that connect the main body terminal and the battery terminal.

[0193] Figure 9 is a drawing showing an example of a connector for connecting a battery pack and an aerosol generating device body.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 9, the connector may include a main body port (230), a battery port (252), and a connection unit (255). The connector may be included in the aerosol generating device as an independent module as illustrated in FIG. 9, or may be included in the aerosol generating device as a module integrated with at least one of the main body of the aerosol generating device or the battery pack.

[0195] The main body port (230) may be detachably coupled to the main body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the main body of the aerosol generating device may include a groove into which the main body port (230) is inserted. The main body port (230) may include at least one terminal, and when coupled to the aerosol generating device, may be electrically connected to the main body terminal.

[0196] The battery port (252) may be detachably coupled to the battery pack. In one embodiment, the battery pack may include a groove into which the battery port (252) is inserted. The battery port (252) may include at least one terminal and, when coupled to the battery pack, may be electrically connected to the battery terminal.

[0197] The battery port (252) and the body port (230) can be electrically connected through a connection unit (255).

[0198] The connection unit (255) can connect the battery port (252) and the main body port (230). The connection unit (255) includes a flexible material that can be bent and can have a predetermined length. Accordingly, even if an area of ​​the battery pack to which the battery port (252) is connected and an area of ​​the aerosol generating device to which the main body port (230) is connected are arranged at a predetermined distance apart from each other, the battery pack and the main body of the aerosol generating device can be electrically connected to each other through the connection unit (255). In addition, even if a component of the aerosol generating device is arranged between an area of ​​the battery pack to which the battery port (252) is connected and an area of ​​the aerosol generating device to which the main body port (230) is connected, the connection unit (255) can be bent, thereby avoiding the component and electrically connecting the battery pack and the main body of the aerosol generating device to each other. In one embodiment, the connection unit (255) may be implemented as a wire or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0199] Figure 10 is a drawing showing another example of a connector for connecting a battery pack and an aerosol generating device body.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (200), a battery pack (250), and a connector (260). The aerosol generating device body (200) illustrated in FIG. 10 is identical or similar to the aerosol generating device body (200) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, and the battery pack (250) illustrated in FIG. 10 is identical or similar to the battery pack (250) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, so any redundant description will be omitted below.

[0201] The connector (260) can electrically connect the aerosol generating device body (200) and the battery pack (250). The connector (260) can be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as an independent module, or can be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as a module integrated with at least one of the aerosol generating device body (200) or the battery pack (250).

[0202] The connector (260) can be inserted into a region of the aerosol generating device body (200) while connected to the battery pack (250). The connector (260) can be inserted into the region of the aerosol generating device body (200) and electrically connected to a terminal of the body. Accordingly, the connector (260) can electrically connect the battery pack (250) and the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0203] However, this is exemplary, and unlike the one illustrated in FIG. 10, the connector (260) may be inserted into a region of the battery pack (250) while connected to the aerosol generating device body (200). That is, the connector (260) may be inserted into the region of the battery pack (250) and electrically connected to the battery terminal. Accordingly, the connector (260) may electrically connect the battery pack (250) and the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0204] The connector (260) may include a connection unit (2610) and a connector cover (2620).

[0205] The connection unit (2610) may be surrounded by at least one area of ​​the connector cover (2620). The connection unit (2610) may be inserted into the connector cover (2620) so that one end thereof may protrude from the connector cover (2620). Accordingly, the protruding portion of the connection unit (2610) may be connected to a main body terminal of the aerosol generating device main body (200).

[0206] The connection unit (2610) may include an insulating member (2611) and a support member (2613).

[0207] A plurality of contacts may be arranged in the insulating member (2611). Holes may be formed in the insulating member (2611) through which some of the plurality of contacts pass. The insulating member (2611) may include a material having insulating properties. For example, the insulating member (2611) may include a material such as rubber.

[0208] The support member (2613) is coupled to the insulating member (2611) and can extend in one direction from the insulating member (2611). A plurality of contacts can be arranged on the support member (2613). The support member (2613) can perform a function of supporting the plurality of contacts. The support member (2613) can include a material having insulating properties. For example, the support member (2613) can include a material such as rubber. The protruding portion of the connection unit (2610) described above can be an end portion of the support member (2613).

[0209] The connector cover (2620) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the connection unit (2610). The connector cover (2620) may perform a function of protecting the connection unit (2610) from external impact.

[0210] The connector cover (2620) may include a cover body (2621) that includes a hole into which the connection unit (2610) is inserted and surrounds the connection unit (2610), and a coupling hole (2622) for coupling to the aerosol generating device body (200). At least a portion of the aerosol generating device body (200) may be inserted into the coupling hole (2622), and as a result, the connector cover (2620) may be coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200). In one embodiment, the connector cover (2620) may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0211] The above illustrates an embodiment in which the connection unit (2610) is connected to the battery pack (250) and the connector cover (2620) is connected to the aerosol generating device body (200), but is not limited thereto. That is, the connection unit (2610) may be connected to the aerosol generating device body (200), and the connector cover (2620) may be connected to the battery pack (250).

[0212] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the connector illustrated in Figure 10.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 11, the connecting unit (2610) may include an insulating member (2611), a supporting member (2613), a first contact (2630), a second contact (2640a), and a third contact (2640b).

[0214] The first contact (2630), the second contact (2640a), and the third contact (2640b) can be electrically connected to the battery terminal and the body terminal. The first contact (2630), the second contact (2640a), and the third contact (2640b) can be manufactured together with the insulating member (2611) and the supporting member (2613) through an insert injection process.

[0215] The insert injection process may refer to a process of injecting resin into a mold (cavity) while a separate material, such as metal, has been inserted into the mold in advance. Through the insert injection process, a product in which metal and resin (e.g., rubber) are combined can be manufactured. That is, a first contact (2630), a second contact (2640a), and a third contact (2640b) made of metal material are placed in the mold, and then materials for an insulating member (2611) and a supporting member (2613) are injected into the mold, thereby ultimately manufacturing a connection unit (2610).

[0216] The first contact (2630), the second contact (2640a), and the third contact (2640b) can perform different functions.

[0217] In one embodiment, the first contact (2630) may function to supply power from the battery pack to the aerosol generating device body. In this case, the second contact (2640a) and the third contact (2640b) may function to communicate between the battery pack and the aerosol generating device body.

[0218] In another embodiment, the first contact (2630) may function to communicate between the battery pack and the aerosol generating device body. In this case, the second contact (2640a) and the third contact (2640b) may also function to supply power from the battery pack to the aerosol generating device body.

[0219] The first contact (2630) may be disposed on the first support block (2613a). The first support block (2613a) may be a portion of the support member (2613) of FIG. 10 and may be positioned on the inner side of the second support block (2613b). The first contact (2630) may be formed to have a longer length than the second contact (2640a) and the third contact (2640b). A plurality of first contacts (2630) may be disposed on the first support block (2613a). Although five first contacts (2630) are illustrated in FIG. 11, this is merely exemplary, and one to four or six or more first contacts (2630) may be disposed on the first support block (2613a).

[0220] The second contact (2640a) and the third contact (2640b) may be arranged on the second support block (2614b) with the first contact (2630) therebetween. A plurality of each of the second contacts (2640a) and the third contacts (2640b) may be arranged on the second support block (2613b). Although two second contacts (2640a) and three third contacts (2640b) are illustrated in FIG. 11, this is merely exemplary, and one or more second contacts (2640a) and three or more third contacts (2640b) may be arranged on the second support block (2613b).

[0221] Figure 12 is a drawing showing another example of a connector for connecting a battery pack and an aerosol generating device body.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (200), a battery pack (250), and a connector (270). The aerosol generating device body (200) illustrated in FIG. 12 may be identical or similar to the aerosol generating device body (200) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, and the battery pack (250) illustrated in FIG. 12 may be identical or similar to the battery pack (250) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, so any redundant description will be omitted below.

[0223] The connector (270) can electrically connect the aerosol generating device body (200) and the battery pack (250). The connector (270) can be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as an independent module, or can be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as a module integrated with at least one of the aerosol generating device body (200) or the battery pack (250).

[0224] The connector (270) can be inserted into a region of the aerosol generating device body (200) while connected to the battery pack (250). The connector (270) can be inserted into the region of the aerosol generating device body (200) and electrically connected to a terminal of the body. Accordingly, the connector (270) can electrically connect the battery pack (250) and the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0225] However, this is exemplary, and unlike the one illustrated in FIG. 12, the connector (270) may be inserted into a region of the battery pack (250) while connected to the aerosol generating device body (200). That is, the connector (270) may be inserted into the region of the battery pack (250) and electrically connected to the battery terminal. Accordingly, the connector (270) may electrically connect the battery pack (250) and the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0226] The connector (270) may include an insulating member (2710), a connector cover (2720), a sealing member (2730), and a contact (2740).

[0227] The insulating member (2710) may support the contact (2740). The insulating member (2710) may include a protruding portion (2710a) protruding outward from the insertion hole (270a). Although not shown, the protruding portion (2710a) of the insulating member (2710) may be positioned on the inside of the insertion hole (270a). The insulating member (2710) may include a material having insulating properties. For example, the insulating member (2710) may include a material such as rubber.

[0228] The connector cover (2720) may be arranged to surround the insulating member (2710). The connector cover (2720) may perform a function of protecting components of the connector (270) located inside (e.g., the insulating member (2710) or contacts (2740)).

[0229] The connector cover (2720) may include a first cover (2721) and a second cover (2722) that are coupled to be detachable from each other.

[0230] The sealing member (2730) can perform a waterproof function. Specifically, in an embodiment in which the connector (270) is inserted into the aerosol generating device body (200), the sealing member (2730) can seal the space between the aerosol generating device body (200) and the connector (270). Accordingly, the sealing member (2730) can prevent foreign substances such as moisture from penetrating into the insertion hole (270a), thereby reducing the possibility of damage to components such as the contact (2740).

[0231] Additionally, in an embodiment where the connector (270) is inserted into the battery pack (250), the sealing member (2730) can seal the space between the battery pack (250) and the connector (270). Accordingly, the sealing member (2730) can prevent foreign substances such as moisture from penetrating into the insertion hole (270a), thereby reducing the possibility of damage to components such as the contact (2740).

[0232] The sealing member (2730) may be located at the front end of the connector cover (2720). The sealing member (2730) may include a material such as rubber.

[0233] Contact (2740) can connect the main body terminal and the battery terminal. By being connected to the main body terminal while connected to the battery terminal, the contact (2740) can electrically connect the battery and the main body of the aerosol generating device. Contact (2740) can include a conductive material. For example, contact (2740) can include at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), and silver (Ag), and contact (2740) can be plated with gold or silver.

[0234] A portion of the aerosol generating device body (200) can be inserted into an insertion hole (270a) formed between a connector cover (2720) and an insulating member (2710). When a portion of the aerosol generating device body (200) is inserted into the insertion hole (270a), the body terminal can be brought into contact with the contact (2740), and as a result, the body terminal and the battery terminal can be electrically connected.

[0235] A contact (2740) may be placed on an insulating member (2710). A plurality of contacts (2740) may be placed on the insulating member (2710) and spaced apart from each other.

[0236] Below, we will examine in detail the structure of the connector illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0237] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a connector taken along line XIII-XIII of Fig. 12.

[0238] Referring to FIG. 13, the connector (270) may include an insulating member (2710), a connector cover (2720), a sealing member (2730), a contact (2740), a connector shell (2750), a limiting member (2760), a waterproof member (2770), a first covering member (2780a), and a second covering member (2780b).

[0239] The insulating member (2710) can support the contact (2740). The insulating member (2710) can be positioned on the inside of the connector shell (2750) such that the protruding portion (2710a) protrudes from the front end of the connector shell (2750).

[0240] The insulating member (2710) may include a first insulating member (2711) and a second insulating member (2712).

[0241] The first insulating member (2711) can support a contact (2740). A plurality of contacts (2740) can be coupled to the first insulating member (2711), and for example, the plurality of contacts (2740) can be coupled to one surface and the other surface of the first insulating member, respectively.

[0242] The second insulating member (2712) may be positioned on the opposite side of the first insulating member (2711) with respect to the waterproof member (2770). The second insulating member (2712) may support the contact (2740).

[0243] A connector cover (2720) may be positioned on the outside of a connector shell (2750). The connector cover (2720) may include a first cover (2721) surrounding one area of ​​the connector shell (2750) and a second cover (2722) surrounding another area of ​​the connector shell (2750).

[0244] The sealing member (2730) may be coupled to the front end of the connector shell (2750). The front end of the connector shell (2750) may be an area of ​​the connector shell (2750) facing the protruding portion (2710a) of the insulating member (2710). The sealing member (2730) may be formed in the shape of a circular ring as a whole.

[0245] The contact (2740) may be manufactured together with the insulating member (2710) by an insert molding process. The contact (2740) may include a first contact (2740a) coupled to one surface of a first insulating member (2711) and a second contact (2740b) coupled to the other surface of the first insulating member (2711). The first contact (2740a) and the second contact (2740b) may perform different functions.

[0246] Each of the first contact (2740a) and the second contact (2740b) may include a connection contact (2741), a mounting contact (2742), and a connecting contact (2743).

[0247] The connecting contact (2741) may be electrically connected to the main body terminal. The connecting contact (2741) may contact the main body terminal inserted into the insertion hole (270a). At least a portion of the connecting contact (2741) may be exposed to the outside from the first insulating member (2711).

[0248] The mounting contact (2742) may be electrically connected to the battery pack (250). At least a portion of the mounting contact (2742) may be exposed externally from the second insulating member (2712).

[0249] The connecting contact (2743) can connect the connecting contact (2741) and the mounting contact (2742). At least a portion of the connecting contact (2743) can be inserted into the inside of the first insulating member (2711) and the second insulating member (2712).

[0250] An insulating member (2710) may be coupled to the connector shell (2750). The connector shell (2750) may be positioned between the insulating member (2710) and the connector cover (2720). The insulating member (2710) may be coupled to the connector shell (2750) so that the contacts (2740) are positioned inside the connector shell (2750) while being coupled.

[0251] The connector shell (2750) may include a support member (2750a) for supporting the sealing member (2730). The support member (2750a) may be located at the front end of the connector shell (2750). The support member (2750a) may be formed by bending the front end of the connector shell (2750).

[0252] At least a portion of the support member (2750a) may include a curved surface. Accordingly, the possibility of damage to the connector (270) and the aerosol generating device body (200) or the battery pack (250) during the process of coupling the connector (270) to the aerosol generating device body (200) or the battery pack (250) may be reduced.

[0253] The support member (2750a) may include a first portion supporting a portion of the sealing member (2730), and a second portion connected to the first portion to support a portion of the sealing member (2730). The first portion and the second portion may be formed integrally and may extend in different directions. For example, the first portion may extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the insulating member (2710) extends.

[0254] The limiting member (2760) can limit the distance at which a region of the aerosol generating device body (200) or a region of the battery pack (250) is inserted into the insertion hole (270a). The limiting member (2760) can be located at the front end of the first insulating member (2711). In the process of inserting a region of the aerosol generating device body (200) or a region of the battery pack (250) into the insertion hole (270a), the limiting member (2760) can support a region of the aerosol generating device body (200) or a region of the battery pack (250). Therefore, the possibility of damage to the first insulating member (2711) can be reduced.

[0255] The waterproof member (2770) can implement a waterproof function by sealing the space between the outer surface of the insulating member (2710) and the inner surface of the connector shell (2750). The waterproof member (2770) can also implement a waterproof function for the contacts (2740) by being formed to partially surround the contacts (2740). The waterproof member (2770) can be formed by applying a potting solution to the inner surface of the connector shell (2750) while the insulating member (2710) is inserted into the inner surface of the connector shell (2750) and then curing the solution.

[0256] The first covering member (2780a) may be coupled to the connector cover (2720) and arranged to cover the lower surface (2710c) of the insulating member (2710). Specifically, the first covering member (2780a) may be coupled to the second cover (2722) and arranged to cover the lower surface (2710c) of the second insulating member (2712). Accordingly, the first covering member (2780a) may reduce radiation of a signal toward the lower surface (2710c) of the second insulating member (2712).

[0257] The second blocking member (2780b) may be coupled to the connector cover (2720) and positioned to cover the rear surface of the insulating member (2710). Specifically, the second blocking member (2780b) may be coupled to the first cover (2721) and positioned to cover the rear surface of the second insulating member (2712). Accordingly, the second blocking member (2780b) may reduce radiation of a signal through the rear surface of the second insulating member (2712).

[0258] Figures 14a and 14b are drawings showing the process of connecting the main body terminal and the battery terminal to each other.

[0259] Figure 14a is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance before the main body terminal and the battery terminal are connected to each other.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 14a, the main body terminal (235) may include a first connecting member (2351), a first mounting member (2352), a first connecting member (2353), and a first elastic groove (2354).

[0261] The first connecting member (2351) may be electrically connected to the battery terminal (253) by making contact with the battery terminal (253). The first connecting member (2351) may be connected to the first connecting member (2353) so as to be elastically moved toward the first elastic groove (2354) during the process of making contact with the battery terminal (253). The first connecting member (2351) may be formed in an overall “U” shape.

[0262] The first mounting member (2352) can be electrically connected to the main body of the aerosol generating device. For example, the first mounting member (2352) can be mounted on a PCB board of the main body of the aerosol generating device.

[0263] The first connecting member (2353) can electrically connect the first connecting member (2351) and the first mounting member (2352). The first connecting member (2353), the first connecting member (2351), and the first mounting member (2352) can be formed integrally.

[0264] The first elastic groove (2354) may be a space formed between the first connecting member (2351) and the first linking member (2353). The first elastic groove (2354) may be a space for the first connecting member (2351) to move elastically.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 14a, the battery terminal (253) may include a second connecting member (2531), a second mounting member (2532), a second connecting member (2533), and a second elastic groove (2534).

[0266] The second connecting member (2531) may be electrically connected to the main body terminal (235) by making contact with the main body terminal (235). Specifically, the second connecting member (2531) may be made contact with the first connecting member (2351). The second connecting member (2531) may be connected to the second connecting member (2533) so as to be elastically movable during the process of making contact with the main body terminal (235). The second connecting member (2531) may be formed in an overall “U” shape.

[0267] The second connecting member (2531) may include a second-first connecting member (2531a), a second-second connecting member (2531b), a second-third connecting member (2531c), and a catch terminal (2531d).

[0268] The second-first connecting member (2531a) can be brought into contact with one side (e.g., the side facing the +x direction) of the first connecting member (2351). The second-first connecting member (2531a) can be connected to the second connecting member (2533).

[0269] The second-second connecting member (2531b) may be brought into contact with the other side (e.g., the side facing the -x direction) of the first connecting member (2351). According to one embodiment, the contact reliability between the battery terminal (253) and the body terminal (235) may be improved through a so-called double-ended contact structure using the second-first connecting member (2531a) and the second-second connecting member (2531b).

[0270] The 2-2 connecting member (2531b) can be connected to the 2-3 connecting member (2532c) so as to move elastically in one direction (e.g., -x direction) during the process of contacting the 1st connecting member (2351). Accordingly, since the space size between the 2-2 connecting member (2531b) and the 2-1 connecting member (2531a) increases, the main body terminal (235) can be easily connected to the battery terminal (253).

[0271] The 2-3 connecting member (2531c) can electrically connect the 2-1 connecting member (2531a) and the 2-2 connecting member (2531b). The 2-3 connecting member (2531c), the 2-1 connecting member (2531a), and the 2-2 connecting member (2531b) can be formed integrally.

[0272] The catch terminal (2531d) can protrude from the second-first connecting member (2531a) toward the second elastic groove (2534). The catch terminal (2531d) can be formed integrally with the second-first connecting member (2531a).

[0273] The second mounting member (2532) may be electrically connected to the battery. For example, the second mounting member (2532) may be mounted on a PCB board of a battery pack.

[0274] The second connecting member (2533) can electrically connect the second connecting member (2531) and the second mounting member (2532). The second connecting member (2533), the second connecting member (2531), and the second mounting member (2532) may be formed as a single body. The second connecting member (2533) may be formed in an overall inverted "U" shape.

[0275] The second elastic groove (2534) may be a space formed between the second-first connecting member (2531a) and the second-second connecting member (2531b). At least a portion of the main body terminal (235) (e.g., the first connecting member (2351)) may be inserted into the second elastic groove (2534). The second elastic groove (2534) may be a space for the second-second connecting member (2531b) to move elastically.

[0276] In the above, the embodiment in which the main body terminal (235) includes a first connecting member (2351), a first mounting member (2352), a first connection member (2353), and a first elastic groove (2354), and the battery terminal (253) includes a second connecting member (2531), a second mounting member (2532), a second connection member (2533), and a second elastic groove (2534) has been described, but is not limited thereto. That is, the main body terminal (235) may include a second connecting member (2531), a second mounting member (2532), a second connection member (2533), and a second elastic groove (2534), and the battery terminal (253) may include a first connecting member (2351), a first mounting member (2352), a first connection member (2353), and a first elastic groove (2354).

[0277] Figure 14b is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance after the main body terminal and the battery terminal are connected to each other.

[0278] Referring to Fig. 14b, during the process of connecting the main body terminal (235) and the battery terminal (253) to each other, the first connecting member (2351) can be inserted into the second elastic groove (2534). At this time, the first connecting member (2351) can elastically move toward the first elastic groove (2354). Therefore, the size of the first elastic groove (2354) can be reduced. In addition, the second-second connecting member (2531b) can elastically move in one direction (e.g., -x direction) during the process of contacting the first connecting member (2351). Therefore, the size of the second elastic groove (2534) can be increased. That is, as the size of the first elastic groove (2354) decreases, the size of the second elastic groove (2534) increases, so that the first connecting member (2351) can be easily inserted into the second elastic groove (2534), and as a result, can easily come into contact with the second connecting member (2531).

[0279] Meanwhile, the 2-1 connecting member (2531a) may be in contact with one side of the 1st connecting member (2351) (e.g., the side facing the +x direction), and the 2-2 connecting member (2531b) may be in contact with the other side of the 1st connecting member (2351) (e.g., the side facing the -x direction). Therefore, the contact reliability between the battery terminal (253) and the main body terminal (235) may be improved through the so-called double-end contact structure.

[0280] When the first connecting member (2351) is fully inserted into the second elastic groove (2534), the engaging terminal (2531d) can support a portion (protruding portion) of the first connecting member (2351). Accordingly, since the first connecting member (2351) is supported by the engaging terminal (2531d) and its movement is restricted, the bonding force between the first connecting member (2351) and the second connecting member (2531) can be improved.

[0281] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the aerosol generating device taken along the cross-sectional line XV-XV of Fig. 6 to explain an example of a guide portion.

[0282] Referring to Fig. 15, the aerosol generating device main body (200) may include a guide portion (280). The aerosol generating device main body (200) illustrated in Fig. 15 may be any one of the aerosol generating device main bodies (200) described in Figs. 1 to 6.

[0283] In addition, since at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device body (200) is the same or similar to that described above, redundant description will be omitted.

[0284] The guide part (280) can guide the movement of the battery pack so that the battery pack can be easily inserted into the battery receiving part (200a).

[0285] In one embodiment, the guide portion (280) may include a guide groove (281) formed on the inner surface (200d) of the aerosol generating device body (200) facing the battery receiving portion (200a).

[0286] The guide groove (281) can extend along the direction in which the aerosol generating device body (200) extends. A plurality of guide grooves (281) can be formed along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0287] When the aerosol generating device body (200) includes a guide groove (281), although not shown, the battery pack may include a guide protrusion inserted into the guide groove (281). The guide protrusion may be formed on the outer surface of the battery pack body and may extend together along the direction in which the aerosol generating device body (200) extends. The battery pack may include the same number of guide protrusions as the guide groove (281).

[0288] During the process of inserting the battery pack into the battery receiving portion (200a), the guide protrusion of the battery pack can be inserted into the guide groove (281) of the aerosol generating device body (200), so that the movement of the battery pack can be easily guided in the battery receiving portion (200a). Accordingly, the battery pack can be easily coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0289] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the aerosol generating device taken along the cross-sectional line XV-XV of Fig. 6 to explain another example of the guide portion.

[0290] Referring to Fig. 16, the aerosol generating device main body (200) may include a guide portion (280). The aerosol generating device main body (200) illustrated in Fig. 16 may be any one of the aerosol generating device main bodies (200) described in Figs. 1 to 6.

[0291] In addition, since at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device body (200) is the same or similar to that described above, redundant description will be omitted.

[0292] The guide part (280) can guide the movement of the battery pack so that the battery pack can be easily inserted into the battery receiving part (200a).

[0293] In one embodiment, the guide portion (280) may include a guide protrusion (282) protruding from the inner surface (200d) of the aerosol generating device body (200) toward the battery receiving portion (200a).

[0294] The guide protrusion (282) may extend together with the direction in which the aerosol generating device body (200) extends. A plurality of guide protrusions (282) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating device body (200). The guide protrusions (282) may be formed integrally with the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0295] When the aerosol generating device body (200) includes a guide protrusion (282), although not shown, the battery pack may include a guide groove into which the guide protrusion (282) is inserted. The guide groove may be formed on the outer surface of the battery pack body and may extend together along the direction in which the battery pack extends. The battery pack may include the same number of guide grooves as the guide protrusions (282).

[0296] During the process of inserting the battery pack into the battery receiving portion (200a), the guide protrusion (282) of the aerosol generating device body (200) can be inserted into the guide groove of the battery pack, so that the movement of the battery pack can be easily guided in the battery receiving portion (200a). Accordingly, the battery pack can be easily coupled to the aerosol generating device body (200).

[0297] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device to illustrate an example of a pressurized member.

[0298] Referring to FIG. 17, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (200), a battery cover (240), a battery pack (250), and a pressurizing member (290). The aerosol generating device body (200) illustrated in FIG. 17 may be any one of the aerosol generating device bodies (200) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, and the battery pack (250) illustrated in FIG. 17 may be any one of the battery packs (250) described in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0299] In addition, since at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) is the same or similar to that described above, redundant description will be omitted.

[0300] The pressurizing member (290) can pressurize the battery pack (250) accommodated in the battery receiving portion (200a) toward the aerosol generating device main body (200). For example, the pressurizing member (290) can pressurize the battery pack (250) toward the main body terminal of the aerosol generating device main body (200). Accordingly, the bonding force between the main body terminal and the battery terminal can be improved, and thus the contact reliability between the main body terminal and the battery terminal can be improved.

[0301] Additionally, the pressurizing member (290) can pressurize the battery pack (250) toward the connector. Accordingly, the bonding force between the battery pack (250) and the connector and between the connector and the aerosol generating device body (200) can be improved.

[0302] The pressurizing member (290) may protrude from one side of the battery cover (240). Accordingly, when the battery cover (240) rotates about the hinge (240a) to seal the battery receiving portion (200a), the pressurizing member (290) may pressurize the battery pack (250). For example, the pressurizing member (290) may include a material such as rubber, but is not limited thereto.

[0303] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device to illustrate another example of a pressurized member.

[0304] Referring to FIG. 18, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (200), a battery cover (240), a battery pack (250), and a pressurizing member (290). The aerosol generating device body (200) illustrated in FIG. 18 may be any one of the aerosol generating device bodies (200) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, and the battery pack (250) illustrated in FIG. 18 may be any one of the battery packs (250) described in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0305] In addition, since at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) is the same or similar to that described above, redundant description will be omitted.

[0306] The pressure member (290) may include an elastic material. For example, the pressure member (290) may be a spring. The pressure member (290) may be coupled to one surface of the battery cover (240). Accordingly, when the battery cover (240) rotates about the hinge (240a) to seal the battery receiving portion (200a), the pressure member (290) may use the elastic force to pressurize the battery pack (250). A plurality of pressure members (290) may be coupled to the battery cover (240).

[0307] Hereinafter, examples of aerosol generating articles (2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0308] FIGS. 19 and 20 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles according to one embodiment.

[0309] Referring to FIG. 19, the aerosol generating article (2) includes a tobacco rod (21) and a filter rod (22).

[0310] Although the filter rod (22) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 19, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod (22) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (22) may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (22) may further include at least one segment for performing another function, if necessary.

[0311] The aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24). The wrapper (24) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. As an example, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by one wrapper (24). As another example, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (24) in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod (21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (24a), and the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by wrappers (24b, 24c, 24d). In addition, the entire aerosol-generating article (2) may be repackaged by a single wrapper (24e). If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers (24b, 24c, 24d).

[0312] The tobacco rod (21) contains 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. In addition, the tobacco rod (21) may contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring agent, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod (21) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (21).

[0313] The tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a sheet or a strand. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a cut tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod (21) to improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the tobacco rod (21) may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior.

[0314] The filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (22). For example, the filter rod (22) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod (22) may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0315] The filter rod (22) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter rod (22), or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (22).

[0316] Additionally, the filter rod (22) may include at least one capsule (23). Here, the capsule (23) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0317] If the filter rod (22) includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be manufactured from pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described examples, and may be manufactured without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0318] Referring to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating article (3) may further include a shear plug (33). The shear plug (33) may be positioned on one side of the tobacco rod (31) opposite the filter rod (32). The shear plug (33) may prevent the tobacco rod (31) from escaping to the outside and may prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod (31) from flowing into the aerosol generating device during smoking.

[0319] The filter load (32) may include a first segment (321) and a second segment (322). Here, the first segment (321) may correspond to the first segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 19, and the second segment (322) may correspond to the second segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 19.

[0320] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article (3) may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 19. For example, the length of the shear plug (33) may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod (31) may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment (321) may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment (322) may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0321] The aerosol generating article (3) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (35). The wrapper (35) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged. For example, the shear plug (33) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (35a), the tobacco rod (31) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (35b), the first segment (321) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (35c), and the second segment (322) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (35d).

[0322] In addition, the entire aerosol generating article (3) can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper (35e). In addition, at least one perforation (36) can be formed in the fifth wrapper (35e). For example, the perforation (36) can be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (31), but is not limited thereto. The perforation (36) can serve to transfer heat generated by the heater to the interior of the tobacco rod (31).

[0323] Additionally, the second segment (322) may include at least one capsule (34). Here, the capsule (34) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (34) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (34) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0324] Figure 21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0325] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (1000), a sensing unit (2000), an output unit (3000), a battery (4000), a heater (5000), a user input unit (6000), a memory (7000), and a communication unit (8000). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 21. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components illustrated in Fig. 21 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0326] The sensing unit (2000) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1000). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1000) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (5000), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0327] The sensing unit (2000) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (2100), an insertion third sensor (2200), and a puff sensor (2300), but is not limited thereto.

[0328] The temperature sensor (2100) can detect the temperature at which the heater (5000) (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (5000), or the heater (5000) itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (2100) may be placed around the battery (4000) to monitor the temperature of the battery (4000).

[0329] The insertion third sensor (2200) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion third sensor (2200) can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change as the aerosol-generating article is inserted and / or removed.

[0330] The puff sensor (2300) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (2300) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0331] In addition to the sensors (2100 to 2300) described above, the sensing unit (2000) may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0332] The output unit (3000) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (3000) may include at least one of a display unit (3100), a haptic unit (3200), and an audio output unit (3300), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (3100) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (3100) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0333] The display unit (3100) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery (4000) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the heater (5000), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display unit (3100) can output the above information to the outside. The display unit (3100) can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. In addition, the display unit (3100) can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0334] The haptic unit (3200) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (3200) can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulus device.

[0335] The acoustic output unit (3300) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (3300) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0336] The battery (4000) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The battery (4000) can supply power so that the heater (5000) can be heated. In addition, the battery (4000) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., the sensing unit (2000), the output unit (3000), the user input unit (6000), the memory (7000), and the communication unit (8000)). The battery (4000) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (4000) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0337] The heater (5000) can heat an aerosol generating material by receiving power from the battery (4000). Although not illustrated in FIG. 21, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery (4000) and supplies it to the heater (5000). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery (4000) into alternating current power.

[0338] The control unit (1000), sensing unit (2000), output unit (3000), user input unit (6000), memory (7000), and communication unit (8000) can perform functions by receiving power from the battery (4000). Although not shown in Fig. 21, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the battery (4000) and supplies it to each component.

[0339] In one embodiment, the heater (5000) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater (5000) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0340] In another embodiment, the heater (5000) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the heater (5000) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0341] The user input unit (6000) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (6000) may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 21, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a battery (4000) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0342] The memory (7000) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (1000). The memory (7000) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (7000) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0343] The communication unit (8000) may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit (8000) may include a short-range communication unit (8100) and a wireless communication unit (8200).

[0344] The short-range wireless communication unit (8100) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0345] The wireless communication unit (8200) may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit (8200) may also use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (1) within the communication network.

[0346] The control unit (1000) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (1000) may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0347] The control unit (1000) can control the temperature of the heater (5000) by controlling the supply of power from the battery (4000) to the heater (5000). For example, the control unit (1000) can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery (4000) and the heater (5000). In another example, the heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater (5000) according to a control command from the control unit (1000).

[0348] The control unit (1000) can analyze the results detected by the sensing unit (2000) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (1000) can control the power supplied to the heater (5000) so that the operation of the heater (5000) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensing unit (2000). As another example, the control unit (1000) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (5000) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (5000) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensing unit (2000).

[0349] The control unit (1000) can control the output unit (3000) based on the result detected by the sensing unit (2000). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (2300) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1000) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit (3100), the haptic unit (3200), and the sound output unit (3300).

[0350] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data, such as program modules, in a modulated data signal, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

[0351] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0352] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0353] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0354] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol, A battery pack comprising a battery for supplying power for the operation of the aerosol generating device and a battery terminal electrically connected to the battery; An aerosol generating device body including a battery receiving portion that receives the battery pack and a body terminal that is electrically connected to the battery terminal, and to which the battery pack is detachably connected; and An aerosol generating device, comprising a connector electrically connecting the battery terminal and the main body terminal.

2. In paragraph 1, The connector includes a battery port protruding from the battery pack and connected to the battery terminal, and a body port including a groove into which the battery port is inserted and connected to the body terminal, An aerosol generating device, wherein when the battery port is inserted into the main body port, the main body terminal and the battery terminal are electrically connected.

3. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the connector comprises a battery port connected to the battery terminal, a body port connected to the body terminal, and a connecting unit that connects the battery port and the body port and includes a bendable material.

4. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the connector includes a contact electrically connected to the main body terminal and the battery terminal, and a support member supporting the contact.

5. In paragraph 4, The support member includes a first support block arranged in a central region, and a second support block arranged on a side of the first support block, An aerosol generating device, wherein the contacts include a first contact disposed on the first support block and a second contact disposed on the second support block.

6. In paragraph 5, An aerosol generating device, wherein the length of the first contact is longer than the length of the second contact.

7. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the connector comprises a contact electrically connected to the main body terminal and the battery terminal, an insulating member supporting the contact, and a connector cover arranged to surround the contact and the insulating member.

8. In paragraph 7, An insertion hole is formed between the connector cover and the insulating member, An aerosol generating device, wherein the insulating member includes a protruding portion protruding outward from the insertion hole and on which the contact is disposed.

9. In paragraph 7, An aerosol generating device, wherein the connector further includes a connector shell disposed between the insulating member and the connector cover, and a sealing member disposed at a front end of the connector shell.

10. In paragraph 7, An aerosol generating device, wherein the contacts include a first contact disposed on one surface of the insulating member and a second contact disposed on the other surface of the insulating member.

11. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein one of the main body terminals or the battery terminals comprises a first connecting member connected to the other terminal, a first mounting member electrically connected to the first connecting member, a first connecting member connecting the first connecting member and the first mounting member, and a first elastic groove formed between the first connecting member and the first connecting member so that the first connecting member moves elastically.

12. In paragraph 11, An aerosol generating device, wherein the other of the main body terminals or the battery terminals comprises a second connecting member connected to both ends of the first connecting member, a second mounting member electrically connected to the second connecting member, a second connecting member connecting the second connecting member and the second mounting member, and a second elastic groove formed between the second connecting member and the second connecting member so that the second connecting member elastically moves.

13. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a guide portion that guides movement of the battery pack so that the battery pack is accommodated in the battery receiving portion; An aerosol generating device, wherein the guide portion comprises a guide protrusion arranged in one of the aerosol generating device body or the battery pack, and a guide groove arranged in the other of the aerosol generating device body or the battery pack into which the guide protrusion is inserted.

14. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising a battery cover rotatably coupled to the aerosol generating device body so as to cover at least a portion of the battery receptacle.

15. In paragraph 14, An aerosol generating device further comprising a pressurizing member that pressurizes the battery pack toward the aerosol generating device body when the battery cover is positioned to seal the battery receiving portion.

Images