Aerosol generation device, and method for protecting aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generation device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a housing including a battery accommodating space; a heater positioned inside the housing and for heating an aerosol generating material; and a power source for supplying power to the heater, wherein the power source includes: a first battery detachably coupled to the battery accommodating space and for supplying power to the heater; and a second battery disposed inside the housing, connected in parallel to the first battery when the first battery is coupled to the battery accommodating space, and for supplying power to the heater.

Description

Aerosol generating devices and methods for protecting aerosol generating devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for protecting the aerosol generating device by detecting battery disconnection.

[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 methods that generate aerosol by heating aerosol-generating materials, rather than by burning the cigarette itself. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] Meanwhile, with growing global concern for environmental issues, there is a growing demand for proof of environmental friendliness and safety throughout the entire battery lifecycle, from production to recycling. Accordingly, the e-cigarette industry is also pursuing the development of related technologies, including battery reuse and recycling, and research into detachable batteries is underway.

[0004] If an aerosol generating device is equipped with a removable battery, the battery may be accidentally detached due to external shock or vibration. If the removable battery is detached, the aerosol generating device may suffer fatal damage, such as data loss, due to the sudden power-off of the power supply. Therefore, a method for protecting the aerosol generating device system from the abnormal detachment of the removable battery is required.

[0005] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following examples.

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a housing including a battery receiving space; a heater positioned inside the housing for heating an aerosol generating material; and a power source for supplying power to the heater, wherein the power source comprises: a first battery detachably coupled to the battery receiving space for supplying power to the heater; and a second battery positioned inside the housing and connected in parallel with the first battery when the first battery is coupled to the battery receiving space for supplying power to the heater.

[0007] A method for protecting an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: calculating a discharge rate of a power source, the power source including a first battery detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device and a second battery disposed inside the aerosol generating device and connected in parallel with the first battery when the first battery is coupled; comparing the calculated discharge rate of the power source with a reference value, and determining that the first battery is in a disconnected state in which electrical connection with the second battery is cut off when the discharge rate of the power source is greater than the reference value; counting a time of the disconnected state, and executing a protection process for preserving system data for controlling a heating function of the heater when the time of the disconnected state is maintained for a predetermined time; wherein the first battery has a first discharge rate, and the second battery has a second discharge rate higher than the first discharge rate.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can protect the system of the aerosol generating device from abnormal separation of a removable battery mounted on the aerosol generating device.

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIGS. 2 to 6 are drawings for explaining an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining history information regarding a first battery generated in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for protecting an aerosol generating device based on a discharge rate of a power source according to one embodiment.

[0016] The terms used in the examples have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present disclosure. 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, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names, but rather based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0017] 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.

[0018] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0020] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0021] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] 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 the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0023] Regardless of the drawing symbol, identical or similar components are given the same reference number and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0025] The aerosol generating device (1) can generate and provide an aerosol.

[0026] An aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (10). The main body (10) forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1) and may include a space inside. At least one of a product receiving portion (10h), a heater (not shown), a control portion (not shown), and a battery (not shown) may be placed inside the main body (10).

[0027] The article receiving portion (10h) may provide a space into which an aerosol-generating article (2) may be detachably coupled (inserted). The aerosol-generating article (2) may include an aerosol-generating material that is heated by a heater to generate an aerosol. The article receiving portion (10h) may provide a space open toward the outside of the main body (10) so that the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted.

[0028] The article receiving portion (10h) may be sunken toward the inside of the main body (10) so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth to which the article receiving portion (10h) is sunken may correspond to the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. A portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the inside of the main body (10), and another portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude toward the outside of the main body (10). A user may hold a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed toward the outside of the main body (10) in his / her mouth and inhale air containing the aerosol.

[0029] The main body (10) may further include a cover (11) that opens or closes the article receiving portion (10h). The cover (11) may be movably arranged on the main body (10) to expose the article receiving portion (10h) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), or may cover the article receiving portion (10h) so that the article receiving portion (10h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cover (11) may open the article receiving portion (10h) at a first position so that the article receiving portion (10h) is exposed to the outside, thereby allowing an aerosol generating article (2) to be inserted into the article receiving portion (10h). In addition, the cover (11) may move from the first position to a second position and close the article receiving portion (10h) so that the article receiving portion (10h) is not exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the article receiving portion (10h) from external impact or the inflow of external foreign substances.

[0030] A heater (not shown) disposed inside the body (10) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0031] For example, the heater may be a resistive heater. The heater may include electrically conductive tracks, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive tracks. The heater may be electrically connected to a power source. The heater may receive power from the power source and generate heat.

[0032] For example, the heater may be a multi-heater. The heater may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0033] An aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil. The induction coil may heat a heater. The heater may include a susceptor. The susceptor may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the susceptor and generate an eddy current inside the susceptor. The eddy current may heat the susceptor.

[0034] As another example, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol-generating article (2). The susceptor inside the aerosol-generating article (2) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through an induction coil. The susceptor may be disposed inside the aerosol-generating article (2) and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol-generating device. The susceptor may be inserted into the article receiving portion (10h) together with the aerosol-generating article (2) and removed from the article receiving portion (10h) together with the aerosol-generating article (2). When an alternating current flows through the induction coil, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be heated by the susceptor inside the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0035] The power source can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source can be a battery capable of storing electrical energy. The power source can supply power to components such as a heater, an induction coil, and a control unit. The power source can be configured by connecting two or more batteries in parallel. The two or more batteries can have different discharge rates. The two or more batteries can have different capacities.

[0036] Among the two or more batteries, the first battery may be a detachable power source for the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the first battery may be detachably connected to a battery receiving space (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) and may be electrically connected to terminals of the battery receiving space to supply power to components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0037] Among the two or more batteries, the second battery may be a power source built into the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the second battery may be a power source mounted on a printed circuit board that connects various electronic components constituting the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The control unit can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit can control the operation of components such as a heater, an induction coil, and a power source. The control unit can control the operation of a display, an actuator (motor), and the like installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is operable.

[0039] FIGS. 2 to 6 are drawings for explaining an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0040] The aerosol generating device (100) can be implemented as various types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e), such as those using an electric resistance heating method or an induction heating method, those additionally equipped with a vaporizer, and those using a cartridge method. Only some elements for explaining the types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) are illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6, and other general-purpose elements may be further included in the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) in addition to the elements illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6.

[0041] Fig. 2 is a drawing for explaining an electrical resistance type aerosol generating device (200a) according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating device (200a) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (200a) may include a removable battery (110), a heater (120a), and a processor (130).

[0043] A cigarette (20a) can be inserted into the receiving space inside the aerosol generating device (200a). When the cigarette (20a) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (200a), the aerosol generating device (200a) can generate an aerosol from the cigarette (20a) by heating the cigarette (20a) using a heater (120a). The generated aerosol passes through the cigarette (20a) and is delivered to the user, so the user can smoke the cigarette (20a).

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

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

[0046] The internal resistance of an electrically conductive track may increase as the temperature increases, depending on its temperature coefficient of resistance characteristics. For example, the temperature and resistance of the electrically conductive track may be proportional within a given temperature range. Using this principle, a heater (120a) made of an electrically conductive track can heat a cigarette (20a) using electrical resistance.

[0047] The electrically conductive tracks can be made of tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the electrically conductive tracks can be doped with a suitable doping agent and include an alloy.

[0048] The shape of the heater (120a) can be manufactured in various ways, such as a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, or a rod shape. In addition, a plurality of heaters (120a) can be arranged. The heater (120a) can be inserted into the interior of the cigarette (20a) and used as an internal heating method to heat the interior of the cigarette (20a).

[0049] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200a), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (200a), power can be supplied from the removable battery (110) to the heater (120a) for heating operation of the heater (120d), thereby controlling the temperature of the electrically conductive track.

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

[0051] Figures 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) additionally equipped with vaporizers (125b, 125c) according to exemplary embodiments. Each of the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c) further includes a vaporizer (125b, 125c). A cigarette (20b, 20c) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c).

[0053] In Fig. 3, the vaporizer (125b) and the heater (120b) are depicted as being arranged in a row. However, in Fig. 4, the vaporizer (125c) and the heater (120c) are depicted as being arranged in parallel. That is, the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) can be distinguished depending on the arrangement of the vaporizer (125b).

[0054] The heater (120b, 120c) can be heated by power supplied from a removable battery (110). The heater (120b, 120c) is an electrical resistive heater and may include, for example, an electrically conductive track.

[0055] Unlike the heater (120a) described in FIG. 2, the heaters (120b, 120c) of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be implemented in an external heating manner by being placed around the outer periphery of the cigarette (20b, 20c) to heat the outer surface of the cigarette (20b, 20c).

[0056] The vaporizer (125b, 125c) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (20b, 20c). That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (125b, 125c) can be transported along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (125b, 125c) can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (20b, 20c).

[0057] The vaporizer (125b, 125c) may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element (or vaporization element). However, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may each be positioned as independent modules in a different location within the aerosol generating device (100) rather than within the vaporizer (125b, 125c).

[0058] The liquid reservoir can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid reservoir can be designed to be detachable from / attached to the vaporizer (125b, 125c), or can be designed as an integral part of the vaporizer (125b, 125c). For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring agent, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. Additionally, the liquid composition can include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0059] The liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition from the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means can be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0060] The heating element provided in the vaporizer (125b, 125c) is an element for heating (vaporizing) the liquid composition delivered by the 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 the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated. Accordingly, the vaporizer (125b, 125c) may also be referred to by other terms such as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0061] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c), power can be supplied from the removable battery (110) to the heater (120b, 120c) and the vaporizer (125b, 125c) for heating operation of the heater (120b, 120c) and the vaporizer (125b, 125c).

[0062] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) by controlling the power supplied to the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the cigarettes (20b, 20c) are heated by the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) according to a temperature profile.

[0063] Fig. 5 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device (200d) of an induction heating method according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating device (200d) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device (200d) may include a heater (120d) including a coil (121d) and a susceptor (125), a removable battery (110), and a processor (130).

[0065] The aerosol generating device (200d) can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette (20d) accommodated in the aerosol generating device (200d) using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body that generates heat by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to the magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (200d) can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can heat the cigarette (20d) by transferring the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the cigarette. Here, the magnetic body that generates heat due to the external magnetic field may be a susceptor (125). The susceptor (125) may be provided in the aerosol generating device (200d). Alternatively, the susceptor (125) may be provided inside the cigarette (20d) in the shape of a piece, flake, strip, etc. instead of being provided in the aerosol generating device (200d).

[0066] The susceptor (125) may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the material of the susceptor (125) may include a metal or carbon. The material of the susceptor (125) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of the susceptor (125) may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite or zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0067] The aerosol generating device (200d) can accommodate a cigarette (20d). A space for accommodating the cigarette (20d) can be formed in the aerosol generating device (200d). A susceptor (125) can be arranged around the periphery of the space for accommodating the cigarette (20d). For example, the susceptor (125) can have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the exterior of the cigarette (20d). Accordingly, when the cigarette (20d) is accommodated in the aerosol generating device (200d), the cigarette (20d) can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the susceptor (125), and the susceptor (125) can be arranged at a position that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette (20d). However, the shape of the susceptor (125) is not limited thereto and may vary.

[0068] The heater (120d) is an induction heating method, and the heater (120d) can heat a cigarette (20d) accommodated in an aerosol generating device (200d) by using a susceptor (125) that generates heat by an external magnetic field generated by a coil (121d).

[0069] The coil (121d) is arranged to be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor (125), so that an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the susceptor (125). When power is supplied to the coil (121d) from the aerosol generating device (200d), a magnetic field can be formed in an internal region of the coil (121d). When an alternating current is applied to the coil (121d), the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil (121d) can be continuously changed. When the susceptor (125) is positioned inside the coil (121d) and exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the susceptor (125) can generate heat, and a cigarette accommodated in the susceptor (125) can be heated. The shape of the coil (121d) may be a cylindrical shape wound along the length direction of the cigarette (20d), but is not limited thereto, and the coil (121d) may be implemented in various types such as a flat coil.

[0070] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200d), and when the aerosol generating device (200d) is equipped with the removable battery (110), it can supply power to the coil (121d) for heating operation of the heater (120d), for example.

[0071] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120d) by controlling the power supplied to the coil (121d). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the cigarette (20d) is heated by induction heating of the susceptor (125) by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field induced by the coil (121d) according to the temperature profile.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device (200e) having a replaceable cartridge (210e) containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0073] The aerosol generating device (200e) of FIG. 6 includes a cartridge (210e) containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) and a main body (220e) supporting the cartridge (210e). The aerosol generating device (200e) may correspond to a type of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1. At this time, the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1 may be divided and positioned in the main body (220e) and the cartridge (210e).

[0074] The cartridge (210e) can be coupled to the main body (220e) while containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) therein. The cartridge (210e) can be mounted on the main body (210) by inserting a portion of the cartridge (210e) into a receptacle of the main body (210).

[0075] The cartridge (210e) may contain an aerosol generating substance (20e) of a liquid composition, but is not limited thereto, and may also contain an aerosol generating substance (20e) in any one of a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[0076] The heater (120e) provided within the cartridge (210e) performs a heating operation by an electric signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body (220e). Accordingly, an aerosol can be generated by vaporizing the aerosol generating material (20e) within the cartridge (210e) due to heating by the heater (120e).

[0077] The heater (120e) may be implemented with a conductive filament made of a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten, or a ceramic heating element, etc., to heat an aerosol generating substance delivered to a liquid delivery means by generating heat by electrical resistance, and may be wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0078] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200e), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (200e), power can be supplied to the heater (120e) from the removable battery (110) for the heating operation of the heater (120e).

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

[0080] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6, the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) may also be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may store the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) or charge the removable battery (110) of the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e).

[0081] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1 may be implemented as at least one of the types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) of FIGS. 2 to 6, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be implemented as other types as well.

[0082] The aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) of FIGS. 2 to 6 can commonly use a removable battery (110) as a power source. The removable battery (110) is a battery that can be replaced by being mounted or detached from the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e).

[0083] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Although Fig. 7 only illustrates the housing (710), the removable battery (720), and the battery cover (712) of the aerosol generating device (700), the components of the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to the components illustrated in the drawing.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device (700) according to one embodiment may include a housing (710), a battery cover (712), a removable battery (720), and a battery protection circuit (740). The aerosol generating device (700) may be an embodiment of the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 1 to 6, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0085] The housing (710) can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (700), and various components of the aerosol generating device (700), including a processor (e.g., processor (130) of FIGS. 2 to 6), can be placed in the housing (710).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the housing (710) may include a battery receiving space (710h) for receiving a removable battery (720). For example, the battery receiving space (710h) may be formed in an area of ​​the housing (710) (e.g., an area facing the x direction) to receive the removable battery (720), but the location of the battery receiving space (710h) is not limited thereto.

[0087] At least one terminal (711) may be arranged in the battery receiving space (710h), and the at least one terminal (711) may come into contact with an electrode (721) of the removable battery (720) when the removable battery (720) is coupled or accommodated in the battery receiving space (710h). In the drawing, only an embodiment in which two terminals (711) are arranged on a side of the battery receiving space (710h) is illustrated, but the arrangement structure or number of at least one terminal (711) is not limited thereto.

[0088] The removable battery (720) can be detachably coupled to the battery receiving space (710h) of the housing (710) and can supply power for the operation of components of the aerosol generating device (700). For example, when the removable battery (720) is coupled to the battery receiving space (710h), an electrode (721) of the removable battery (720) can come into contact with at least one terminal (711), and thus the removable battery (720) and components of the aerosol generating device (700) (e.g., a heater, a processor) can be electrically connected. The removable battery (720) can supply power to the electrically connected components of the aerosol generating device (700) to operate the components of the aerosol generating device (700).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (700) may further include a battery cover (712) for securing a removable battery (720) to the battery receiving space (710h). The battery cover (712) is detachably coupled to the housing (710) and may open or close the battery receiving space (710h). For example, when the battery cover (712) is detached from the housing (710), the battery receiving space (710h) is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (700), so that the removable battery (720) may be coupled to the battery receiving space (710h). In another example, when the battery cover (712) is combined with the housing (710), the battery receiving space (710h) may be covered by the battery cover (712) and not exposed to the outside, and the battery (120h) received in the battery receiving space (710h) may be fixed to the inside of the battery receiving space (710h) by the battery cover (712).

[0090] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (700) may further include a fixing member (not shown) for fixing a detachable battery (720) disposed in the battery receiving space (710h) to the battery receiving space (710h). In this case, the aerosol generating device (700) may fix the detachable battery (720) to the battery receiving space (710h) without a battery cover (712), and the detachable battery (720) may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (700) together with the housing (710).

[0091] The battery protection circuit (740) (or 'protection circuit module (PCM)') may be electrically connected to the removable battery (720) when the removable battery (720) is coupled to the battery receiving space (710h) to protect and / or manage the removable battery (720). For example, the battery protection circuit (740) may be arranged to be electrically connected to at least one terminal (711), and thus may be electrically connected to the removable battery (720) that is in contact with at least one terminal (711).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (740) may be disposed on a printed circuit board (730) that is disposed in an area of ​​the housing (710) adjacent to the battery receiving space (710h). The printed circuit board (730) may be disposed in an area of ​​the housing (710) that is spaced apart from a heater (not shown), and accordingly, the battery protection circuit (740) may also be disposed a predetermined distance apart from the heater.

[0093] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment has the advantage of being able to reuse and recycle the battery when the user wants to replace the battery with a new one due to the end of the battery's lifespan, the desire to use a battery with a different battery capacity, or other reasons, by using a detachable battery as a power source.

[0094] However, if the aerosol generator is equipped with a removable battery, the removable battery may be unintentionally separated due to external impact or vibration. In this case, the aerosol generator may suddenly power off, resulting in fatal damage, such as data loss. Therefore, a method is needed to protect the aerosol generator system when the removable battery is abnormally separated due to impact or other causes.

[0095] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a power source (105), a heater (120), a processor (130), a user interface (140), a memory (150), a sensor (160), a current detector (170), and a voltage detector (180). However, the hardware components inside the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 8. Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100), some of the hardware components illustrated in FIG. 8 may be omitted or new components (e.g., a communication module, etc.) may be added.

[0097] Below, the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device (100) will be described without limiting the space in which the components are located.

[0098] The power source (105) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the power source (105) may supply power so that the heater (120) may be heated. That is, the power source (105) may supply power required for the operation of other hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device (100), such as the heater (120), the processor (130), the user interface (140), the memory (150), the sensor (160), or the current detection unit (170).

[0099] The power source (105) may include a first battery (110) and a second battery (115) connected in parallel with the first battery (110). The first battery (110) may have a first discharge rate, and the second battery (115) may have a second discharge rate higher than the first discharge rate. In the present disclosure, the term "discharge rate" may refer to a rate of change in the voltage of the battery over a specified time interval when the battery is discharged. The first battery (110) may have a first capacity as a main power source, and the second battery (115) may have a second capacity smaller than the first capacity as an auxiliary power source.

[0100] The first battery (110) described in FIG. 8 is a replaceable type (separate) power source and may have the same configuration as the removable battery (110) described in FIGS. 2 to 6 or the removable battery (720) described in FIG. 7. When the first battery (110) is separated from the aerosol generating device (100), the power source (105) may have a second discharge rate. On the other hand, when the first battery (110) is mounted, the power source (105) may have a third discharge rate, which is a lower value than the first discharge rate and the second discharge rate, due to the parallel connection of the first battery (110) and the second battery (115).

[0101] When the first battery (110) is installed, the third discharge rate of the power source (105) can be calculated as shown in the following formula.

[0102] 3rd discharge rate = (1st discharge rate × 2nd discharge rate) / (1st discharge rate + 2nd discharge rate)

[0103] The first battery (110) is a replaceable type (separable) power source, and can be installed in a battery receiving space provided in the aerosol generating device (100) or removed from the battery receiving space (710h). The first battery (110) may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery or a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] When the first battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), the electrical contact of the first battery (110) will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The electrode (721) of the removable battery (720) can be in contact with at least one terminal (711), and thus the components (e.g., heater, processor) of the removable battery (720) and the aerosol generating device (700) can be electrically connected.

[0105] As another example, the first battery (110) may be equipped with a charging coil (transmitting / receiving coil) for supplying power to the aerosol generating device (100) in a wireless charging manner instead of a separate electrical contact. That is, the power supply method of the first battery (110) may vary, and the electrical connection method between the first battery (110) and the aerosol generating device (100) may vary depending on the power supply method supported by the first battery (110).

[0106] The first battery (110) may be equipped with a charger interface (not shown) that can be connected to an external charger. Power for charging the first battery (110) may be supplied to the first battery (110) through the charger interface. The first battery (110) may be charged by an external charger while connected to the aerosol generating device (100) or while removed from the aerosol generating device (100).

[0107] The second battery (115) is a built-in type power source and can be placed inside the housing. The first battery (110) is a detachable type power source and can be abnormally separated due to impact, etc. The second battery (115) connected in parallel with the first battery (110) is a built-in type power source and has a lower possibility of being abnormally separated due to impact, etc. than the first battery (110). In the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment, power can be supplied through the second battery (115) even if the first battery (110) is abnormally separated, so that fatal damage such as data loss due to sudden power-off can be prevented. It is preferable that the second battery (115) have a relatively high discharge rate in order to quickly supply power in response to the abnormal separation of the first battery (110). For example, the second battery (115) can be configured as a supercapacitor having a high discharge rate. Since a supercapacitor with a high discharge rate is relatively expensive compared to the first battery (110), the capacity of the second battery (115) cannot be configured to be as high as that of the first battery (110) in terms of cost. In other words, although the second battery (115) has a higher discharge rate than the first battery (110), it is desirable to configure the battery capacity to be relatively small. Therefore, the second battery (115) has a limitation in that it can supply power for a relatively short period of time in response to an abnormal disconnection of the first battery (110), which is the main power source, as an auxiliary power source.

[0108] The heater (120) receives power from the power source (105) under the control of the processor (130). The heater (120) can perform a heating function of heating a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device (100) or heating a cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device (100) using the power supplied from the power source (105). That is, the heater (120) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material provided in the cigarette or cartridge.

[0109] The heater (120) may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, if the aerosol generating device (100) is composed of a body and a cartridge, the heater (120) may be located in the cartridge. If the heater (120) is located in the cartridge, the heater (120) may be supplied with power from a power source (105) located in the body.

[0110] The heater (120) may be implemented as an electrically resistive heating type heater formed of an electrically resistive material. For example, the electrically resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater (120) 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, etc.

[0111] The heater (120) may be implemented as an induction heating heater. The heater (120) may correspond to a heater assembly implemented as a set of an electrically conductive coil and a susceptor for heating a cigarette or cartridge by induction heating.

[0112] The heater (120) can heat a cigarette inserted into a receiving space provided within the aerosol generating device (100). As the cigarette is received in the receiving space of the aerosol generating device (100), the heater (120) can be positioned inside and / or outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heater (120) can heat an aerosol generating substance within the cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0113] Meanwhile, the heater (120) may be implemented as a coil heater provided only within the cartridge. The cartridge includes a coil heater, a liquid delivery means, and a liquid storage unit, and can transfer an aerosol generating substance contained in the liquid storage unit through the liquid delivery means, and the coil heater can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the liquid delivery means. For example, if the heater (120) is a coil heater, it can be manufactured from a material such as nickel-chromium and wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0114] The processor (130) is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). The processor (130) may include at least one processing unit, such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The processor (130) 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 that can be executed on the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor (130) may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0115] The processor (130) can analyze the results sensed by the sensor (160) and control subsequent processing based on the analyzed results. For example, the processor (130) can control the power supplied to the heater (120) so that the operation of the heater (120) can be started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensor (160). In addition, the processor (130) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (120) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (120) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensor (160).

[0116] The processor (130) can control the operation of the heater (120) based on a pre-stored temperature profile. In addition, the processor (130) can sense the user's puff using the puff sensor in the sensor (160) and then control the temperature of the heater (120). In addition, the processor (130) can count the number of puffs using the puff sensor and then stop supplying power to the heater (120) when the number of puffs reaches a preset number.

[0117] The processor (130) may also control the user interface (140) based on the sensing results. For example, if the number of puffs is counted using a puff sensor and the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the processor (130) may use a lamp, motor, or speaker to notify the user that the aerosol generating device (100) will soon be shut down.

[0118] The processor (130) can calculate the discharge rate of the power source (105) based on the current detected by the current detection unit (170) or the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit (180). For example, the processor (130) can calculate the discharge rate of the power source (105) based on the average current output by the power source (105) during a specified time interval based on the output current of the power source (105) detected by the current detection unit (170). In addition, the processor (130) can calculate the discharge rate of the power source (105) based on the amount of voltage change output by the power source (105) during a specified time interval based on the output voltage of the power source (105) detected by the voltage detection unit (180).

[0119] The processor (130) may also monitor whether the first battery (110) is normally connected or disconnected by comparing the calculated discharge rate with a predetermined reference value. Specifically, the processor (130) may compare the discharge rate of the power source (105) with the reference value, and if the discharge rate of the power source (105) is greater than the reference value, the processor may determine that the first battery (110) is in a disconnected state in which the electrical connection with the second battery (115) is disconnected. For example, the processor may determine that the electrode of the first battery (110) is electrically disconnected from the terminal of the battery receiving space.

[0120] Here, the reference value can be determined based on the first discharge rate and the second discharge rate. The first battery (110) is a replaceable type (separable) power source, and when the first battery (110) is separated, the power source (105) can have the second discharge rate. On the other hand, when the first battery (110) is installed, the power source (105) can have a third discharge rate that is a lower value than the first discharge rate and the second discharge rate due to the parallel connection of the first battery (110) and the second battery (115). Specifically, the third discharge rate can be calculated as shown in the following formula.

[0121] 3rd discharge rate = (1st discharge rate × 2nd discharge rate) / (1st discharge rate + 2nd discharge rate)

[0122] The reference value may be determined as a value greater than the third discharge rate and less than the second discharge rate. The predetermined reference value may be stored in the memory (150).

[0123] Additionally, the processor (130) may monitor whether the first battery (110) is normally connected or disconnected by comparing the calculated discharge rate with data on pre-stored discharge rates. For example, the processor (130) may compare data on the discharge rates of batteries stored in the memory (150) with the calculated discharge rate of the power source (105) to determine whether the first battery (110) is disconnected.

[0124] In one embodiment, the processor (130) counts the time of the disconnected state of the first battery (110), and if the disconnected state time of the first battery (110) is maintained for a predetermined time, the processor (130) may execute a protection process for preserving system data of the aerosol generating device (100). Here, the system data to be preserved includes data for controlling the heating function of the heater (120). In addition, the system data may further include usage data stored while the aerosol generating device (100) is in use.

[0125] A protection process may include one or more different processes.

[0126] Specifically, 'protection process A' may be a process for resetting a system currently being operated in the aerosol generating device (100). For example, 'protection process A' may mean a reset operation for initializing the operation of the heater (120) by stopping control of the heating operation of the heater (120) when the heater (120) is currently being heated. Alternatively, 'protection process A' may mean a reset operation for initializing the sensing operation of various sensors provided in the aerosol generating device (100), the display operation of the user interface, etc. That is, 'protection process A' may correspond to a process for initializing the system of the aerosol generating device (100) so that the functions currently being operated in the aerosol generating device (100) do not cause errors due to a sudden power cut.

[0127] Next, 'protection process B' may include a process of suspending processes currently running in the aerosol generating device (100) and backing up system data while the currently running processes are suspended.

[0128] Specifically, 'protection process B' may be a process for storing the current system state and data state of the aerosol generating device (100) as is. For example, 'protection process B' may correspond to a process for instantaneously backing up system data regarding what functions were being executed in the aerosol generating device (100) and usage data, log data, etc. accumulated according to the use of the aerosol generating device (100) to the memory (150). That is, 'protection process B' may be a process for backing up data stored in the aerosol generating device (100) so that the system data in the aerosol generating device (100) is not lost due to a sudden power cut. Meanwhile, when 'protection process B' is executed, the processor (130) may execute a restoration process for restoring the aerosol generating device (100) to a previous system state based on the backup data when the occurrence of an impact to the aerosol generating device (100) is terminated.

[0129] 'Protection process C' may be a process of performing a system shutdown of the aerosol generating device (100) to turn off the power. 'Protection process C' may mean performing a normal power-off process in advance to prevent the aerosol generating device from being abnormally powered off due to the first battery (110) being separated for a predetermined period of time and all of the electrical energy stored in the second battery (115) being consumed.

[0130] Execution of the protection process according to the present embodiment may mean performing only one process among the protection processes A, B, and C mentioned as examples, or may mean performing a combination of two or more processes among the protection processes A, B, and C. Alternatively, execution of the protection process according to the present embodiment may include performing, in addition to the protection processes A, B, and C mentioned as examples, another process for protecting the system of the aerosol generating device (100) while preventing an abnormal power-off of the aerosol generating device.

[0131] The user interface (140) can provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100). The user interface (140) can include various interfacing means, such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information (UI screen), a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, input / output (I / O) interfacing means (e.g., buttons or touch screens) that receive information input from the user or output information to the user, and terminals for supplying charging power.

[0132] The memory (150) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (100), and the memory (150) can store data processed by the processor (130) and data to be processed. The memory (150) can be implemented in various types, such as random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0133] The memory (150) may store data necessary for controlling the heating operation of the heater (120), such as the operating time, maximum number of puffs, temperature profile, etc. of the aerosol generating device (100), and various usage data, such as the user's smoking information and information for battery authentication, stored while the aerosol generating device (100) is in use.

[0134] Meanwhile, the memory (150) can also store backup and restoration data for performing a backup process and restoration process to maintain various data within the aerosol generating device (100) before and after battery replacement during the replacement process of the first battery (110). In addition, the memory (150) can store backup and restoration data for preventing data loss due to abnormal separation of the first battery (110).

[0135] Meanwhile, the memory (150) may store data regarding the discharge rate of the battery. Specifically, the memory (150) may store a reference value that can determine whether the first battery (110) is normally connected or whether the first battery (110) is disconnected.

[0136] The sensor (160) may include a puff sensor. The puff sensor may detect the user's puff based on at least one of a change in the flow rate of air flowing in from the outside, a change in pressure, and detection of sound. The processor (130) may count the number of puffs by detecting the start and end timings of the user's puff using the puff sensor.

[0137] The sensor (160) may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor may be a sensor capable of receiving user input, such as a switch, a physical button, a touch sensor, etc.

[0138] The sensor (160) may include a cigarette detection sensor capable of detecting whether a cigarette has been inserted or removed. The cigarette detection sensor may refer to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a cigarette without mechanical contact by measuring changes in electrical signals resulting from interaction with the cigarette, such as an inductance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an infrared sensor, or a color sensor.

[0139] The sensor (160) may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the sensor (160) may include a temperature sensor that can measure the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the surrounding environment, a moisture sensor that detects leakage or submersion of the aerosol generating device (100), an atmospheric pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the surrounding environment, etc.

[0140] The sensors (160) that can be equipped in the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to the types described above, and may further include various sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a fingerprint sensor that can obtain fingerprint information from a user's finger for user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor that analyzes the iris pattern of the pupil, a vein recognition sensor that detects the amount of infrared absorption of reduced hemoglobin in the vein from an image of the palm, a facial recognition sensor that recognizes features such as eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contours in a 2D or 3D manner, and an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) sensor.

[0141] The aerosol generating device (100) may be implemented with only some of the various sensors (160) exemplified above. In other words, the aerosol generating device (100) may utilize a combination of information sensed by at least one of the aforementioned sensors.

[0142] The current detection unit (170) can detect the current output from the power source (105) based on the electrical coupling formed through the connector connected to the power source (105).

[0143] The voltage detection unit (180) can detect the voltage output from the power source (105) based on the electrical coupling formed through the connector connected to the power source (105).

[0144] The aerosol generating device (100) can be powered from the first battery (110) or access the protection circuit module of the first battery (110) through connector contact (or connector engagement) with the first battery (110).

[0145] The first battery (110) may be coupled to the aerosol generating device (100) by being fixed to a battery receiving space (710h) having, for example, a hook structure. In another example, the first battery (110) may be implemented in an electromagnet manner in which a magnetic body provided in a portion of the first battery (110) is magnetically coupled to a portion of an electromagnet area of ​​the battery receiving space (710h). That is, the method by which the first battery (110) according to the present embodiment is mounted to the aerosol generating device (100) is not limited to any one method, and may be implemented in various ways.

[0146] The first battery (110) may be unintentionally separated from the aerosol generating device (100) due to an impact. If such an abnormal separation occurs, the power supply to the first battery (110) may be momentarily cut off, thereby interrupting the power supply to the hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device (100), which may result in a software or hardware failure. In order to prevent such a phenomenon, the aerosol generating device (100) according to the present embodiment configures the power supply (105) by connecting the second battery (115) built into the aerosol generating device (100) in parallel with the first battery (110) as an auxiliary power source, thereby preventing the aerosol generating device (100) from being immediately powered off even if the first battery (110) is separated due to an impact.

[0147] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (100) may also form an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to store the aerosol generating device (100) while charging the first battery (110) of the aerosol generating device (100). That is, the cradle may be a dedicated device for the aerosol generating device (100) that receives power from the battery of the cradle and charges the first battery (110) of the aerosol generating device (100) while the aerosol generating device (100) of the cradle is accommodated in the accommodation space within the cradle.

[0148] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining history information regarding a first battery generated in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the history information (900) may include information on the number of times the first battery (110) has been separated, the time and date of separation, whether a protection process is being executed, etc. The history information (900) may be updated while being stored in the memory (150).

[0150] If the first battery (110) is repeatedly disconnected while the aerosol generating device (100) is in use, this may be due to a defect in the first battery (110) itself or a defect in the terminal of the battery receiving space electrically connected to the first battery (110) (e.g., terminal (711) of FIG. 7). For example, the terminal of the battery receiving space itself may be damaged, or the electrical connection between the first battery (110) and the terminal of the battery receiving space may be repeatedly disconnected due to external foreign substances, etc.

[0151] Accordingly, the processor (130) can manage the history information (900) and, when the number of disconnections reaches a certain number of times (e.g., n times), control to notify the user of the risk of connection of the first battery (110). For example, the processor (130) can control to provide a notification of a first battery (110) failure through the user interface (140).

[0152] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for protecting an aerosol generating device based on the discharge rate of a power source, according to one embodiment. The method of Figure 10 corresponds to the steps performed sequentially in the previously described drawings. Therefore, even if omitted below, the contents described in the previously described drawings can also be applied to the method of Figure 10.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, in step 1010, based on the current detected by the current detection unit (170) or the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit (180), the discharge rate of the power source (105) is calculated, and based on the calculated discharge rate of the power source (105), the electrical connection state of the first battery (110) is determined.

[0154] At step 1020, a protection process is executed based on the disconnected state time of the first battery (110). That is, the processor (130) executes a protection process to preserve system data when the disconnected state time of the first battery (110) is maintained for a predetermined period of time.

[0155] The above-described method can be written as a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented on a general-purpose digital computer that executes the program using a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of the data used in the above-described method can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0156] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A housing including a battery compartment; A heater located inside the housing for heating the aerosol generating material; and A power source for supplying power to the above heater; The above power is A first battery detachably coupled to the battery receiving space and for supplying power to the heater; and A second battery disposed inside the housing and connected in parallel with the first battery when the first battery is combined in the battery receiving space, and for supplying power to the heater; Aerosol generating device.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a processor electrically connected to the power source; The above processor, Calculate the discharge rate of the above power, Comparing the calculated discharge rate of the power source with a preset reference value, if the discharge rate of the power source is greater than the reference value, the first battery is determined to be in a disconnected state where the electrical connection with the second battery is severed. Aerosol generating device.

3. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device comprising at least one terminal disposed in the battery receiving space and connected to an electrode of the first battery when the first battery is coupled to the battery receiving space.

4. In paragraph 1, The above first battery has a first capacity, The second battery has a second capacity smaller than the first capacity, Aerosol generating device.

5. In paragraph 2, The above first battery has a first discharge rate, The second battery has a second discharge rate higher than the first discharge rate, The above reference value is determined based on the first discharge rate and the second discharge rate. Aerosol generating device.

6. In paragraph 2, The above processor Managing the history information of the first battery including the above separation status, Aerosol generating device.

7. In paragraph 5, The above processor Counting the time of the above separation state, and executing a protection process to preserve system data for controlling the heating function of the heater when the time of the above separation state is maintained for a predetermined time. Aerosol generating device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above protection process A process for resetting a currently operating system in the aerosol generating device, Aerosol generating device.

9. In paragraph 7, The above protection process A process for suspending currently running processes in the aerosol generating device and backing up system data while the currently running processes are suspended. Aerosol generating device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above system data is Including data necessary for controlling the heating operation of the heater provided in the aerosol generating device and usage data stored while the aerosol generating device is in use. Aerosol generating device.

11. In a method for protecting an aerosol generating device, A step of calculating a discharge rate of a power source, comprising a first battery detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device, and a second battery disposed inside the aerosol generating device and connected in parallel with the first battery when the first battery is coupled; A step of comparing the calculated discharge rate of the power source with a preset reference value, and determining that the first battery is in a disconnected state in which the electrical connection with the second battery is severed if the discharge rate of the power source is greater than the reference value; A step of counting the time of the above separation state and executing a protection process for preserving system data for controlling the heating function of the heater when the time of the above separation state is maintained for a predetermined time; The first battery has a first discharge rate, and the second battery has a second discharge rate higher than the first discharge rate. The above reference value is determined based on the first discharge rate and the second discharge rate. Method for protecting an aerosol generating device.

12. In paragraph 11, A step of managing the history of the first battery including the separation state; further comprising; Method for protecting an aerosol generating device.

13. In paragraph 11, The above protection process A process for resetting a currently operating system in the aerosol generating device, Method for protecting an aerosol generating device.

14. In paragraph 11, The above protection process A process for suspending currently running processes in the aerosol generating device and backing up system data while the currently running processes are suspended. Method for protecting an aerosol generating device.

15. In paragraph 14, The above system data is Including data necessary for controlling the heating operation of the heater provided in the aerosol generating device and usage data stored while the aerosol generating device is in use. Method for protecting an aerosol generating device.

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